France awaits court verdict on possible VAT breach

March 18 2010

Advocate General Nilo Jääskinen of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued his opinion in European Commission v France. In his view, France is in breach of articles 96 and 98 of the EU VAT directive for allowing a reduced rate for services provided by lawyers. These services are for legal aid which France argues is in line with article 98 that allows for a reduced rate for works of social welfare.

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