The European Parliament’s ViDA package introduces mandatory e‑invoicing and near real‑time digital reporting for cross‑border EU transactions from 1 July 2030, requiring the EU electronic invoicing format. Businesses must report transaction data within 10 days of the taxable event, and member states may extend domestic e‑invoicing to before, on, or after that date with transitional periods up to 2035. The initiative aims to harmonise VAT rules, reduce fraud, and lower compliance costs across the EU.

Slovakia’s Financial Administration has released accreditation requirements for digital postmen and announced a mandatory e‑invoicing mandate for domestic taxpayers from 1 January 2027, expanding to cross‑border transactions on 1 July 2030. The draft law requires e‑invoices in the EN16931 format and allows voluntary testing with certified providers starting spring 2026.

Egypt's tax authority announced a new facilitation package that reduces the VAT rate on medical devices to 5%, fully exempts inputs for kidney dialysis equipment, extends VAT payment suspension up to four years for industrial machinery, and exempts transit services under customs supervision. It also standardizes the 14% VAT rate on soap and industrial detergents for household use, allowing input deductions. These measures aim to support healthcare, manufacturing, and transit trade.

Finland’s Parliament approved a bill on 28 November 2025 that introduces a 13.5% VAT rate on specified services, goods, and imports of collectibles and antiques. The new rate and related provisions take effect on 20 December 2025, covering all tax obligations from that date, including intra‑community acquisitions. The legislation will enter into force on the same day.

The Dutch Ministry of Finance has suspended its plan to impose a €2 customs handling fee on non‑EU parcel imports under €150, pending further EU action. An interim €3 customs levy will take effect from 1 July 2026, and the EU will remove the €150 de‑minimis exemption in 2028. The Dutch motion has passed the House but awaits Senate approval, with a final decision expected soon.

The European Court of Justice ruled in Case T-363/25 that VAT deductions cannot be claimed on re-invoiced supplies when the underlying transaction structure is deemed fictitious. A Hungarian automotive parts trader was denied input VAT deduction on purchases from German suppliers re-invoiced through a domestic intermediary.

Germany introduces Section 21b to the VAT Act from 1 January 2026, addressing import VAT treatment when customs declarations are filed in one EU Member State but goods are cleared in another. The new rules clarify that import VAT liability arises domestically when goods are presented domestically, with specific provisions for AEO C holders using centralised clearance.

The EU has agreed an interim €3 customs levy for parcels that will take effect on 1 July 2026. Romania and Italy have already implemented national levies of 25 RON (~€5) and €2 respectively for low‑value parcels, while the Netherlands and France remain in proposal stages. The move aims to curb VAT and customs fraud on low‑value e‑commerce shipments.