The VAT rate applied to specific artist services in Luxembourg is to be dropped to 3% starting 1 January 2020, the culture minister has announced.

Sam Tanson (déi gréng) said on Thursday the super-reduced rate would be introduced for the services of writers, composers and performers.

During discussions with the culture parliamentary committee, Tanson explained the list of artistic activities covered was limited because of a 2006 European directive.

A reform on self-employed artists and occasional performing artists is also being considered, Tanson said.

The discussion arose during a presentation of the culture ministry’s budget for 2020. The budget was increased by 4% on 2019 bringing the total amount to €150m.