BULGARIA
The National Centre for Books gives a subsidy to some non-profit
books.
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CROATIA
The government applies some direct measures
- subsidies to cultural products, in a selective and automatic way.
Subsidies for the publishing carried out by the Croatian Academy of
Arts and Sciences, Institute for Lexicography and National and University
Library are included in their budgets. Three ministries (culture,
education, science) yearly hold public contests for subsidizing production
and buying of books for libraries. If we add other actors of governance
(tourism, defense, local and county communities) we could easily reach
the figure of two thirds of books published with public subsidy. The
Ministry of Culture also supports presentations of Croatian publishers
at the international book fairs.
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CZECH REPUBLIC
No official state arrangements for the encouragement and support of
book publishing and distribution exist. The State Fund for the Support
and Development of Culture has minimal financial resources. The Czech
Literary Fund Foundation awards some titles, which then have bigger
chance of succeeding on the book market.
GEORGIA
No government assistance exists.
HUNGARY
Each year teachers get a subsidy equalling 50% of the official monthly
minimum wage for the acquisition of books (and related goods).
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MOLDOVA
Annually, the Government of the Republic of Moldova allocates certain
funds from the state budget designed to the acquisition of books
for the schools' and public libraries (on average 20,000 USD). The
National Book Publishing Programme was launched with the financial
support of the state, which includes the publication of the works
of classic authors; the most outstanding works of contemporary local
writers; books entered into the "golden treasury" of the world literature,
including children's books; illustrated books for children; books
required by the state's educational standards. A number of published
books was submitted to the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry
of Education and Sciences in order to be distributed free to subordinate
institutions, the remainder - not exceeding 30% -will be sold on
the market. A specialised bookshop was established for the purpose
of centralised trading of textbooks and other educational literature.
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RUSSIA
The Russian government seems to be the most generous to its book
sector. The lavish tax exemptions are guaranteed by a special law.
In addition a separate government decree was created on the
support of state graphic arts industry and book publishing in Russia
in 1996-2001 with an impressive budget for satet acquisition.
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SLOVAKIA
Culture in general, and therefore book culture, belongs to branches
that are not among the priorities of the government at the present.
There is: limited tax reduction for sponsors; no direct state support
to libraries for the purchase of new books; no reduction in postal
fees for books and journals; no state supports for bookshops which,
especially in small towns, have also to deal with other goods (cosmetics,
stationery, pharmaceuticals, etc.) in order to survive. Publishers,
distributors and booksellers may apply for grants to the Ministry
of Culture. The Ministry also financially participates in the organisation
of book fairs and exhibitions. Publishers may also apply for a contribution
from the state fund Pro Slovakia.
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UKRAINE
Since August 1999 there are no subsidies on educational books. But
there is the possibility of exemption from VAT on textbooks. Since
July 1999 the Government lists publishing houses that have taxation
privileges on a temporary basis.
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YUGOSLAVIA
The federal government and the governments of the federal republics,
according to need and ability, financially support publication of
books which realise, endorse or protect certain public interests
(e.g., major works of national culture or science).
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