President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, chaired a Cabinet meeting today (6/3) at the Presidential Palace.

Following the meeting, Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letympiotes, stated to journalists that "based on the flexibility provided by the community Directive governing VAT at the European level, the Cabinet in its session today has approved a decree to amend the VAT legislation. This amendment exempts Theatre Schools and Workshops that provide services related to all levels of education: vocational training, continuing education, training, as well as services and goods closely related to these, from VAT."

The Government, he added, "recognizing the beneficial impact of theatre on youth and children in fostering teamwork, developing skills, and critical thinking, has exempted the services provided by Theatre Schools and Workshops from VAT. This makes access to these facilities unhindered," noting that "citizens will benefit significantly with a reduction in their tuition fees, corresponding to the decrease in the VAT rate, i.e., by 19 percent."

"The reduction," he explained, "will take effect from the date of publication of the relevant decree in the Republic's Official Gazette."