Government Extends Zero-Rated VAT on Essential Products Through December 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 31, 2025

The government has announced a critical extension of the zero-rated VAT on essential items until the end of December 2026, a move designed to alleviate financial pressures on vulnerable households.

Government Policy Extension

In a decisive cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos confirmed that the zero VAT rate—which was set to expire in December 2025—will now continue to apply for an additional year. The policy covers a range of essential goods, including infant formula, child and adult sanitary products, and fresh or simply chilled fruits and vegetables, ensuring that the most necessary items remain affordable.

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Economic and Social Impact

This measure is a cornerstone of the government’s broader social policies, intended to reduce household expenses and boost disposable income across the nation. Even with inflation projected to remain at zero for 2025, the extension clearly targets support for the country’s most vulnerable citizens. By reducing tax burdens on daily necessities, the initiative is poised to improve living standards and stabilize consumer spending in challenging economic times.

Ongoing Fiscal Commitments and Community Engagement

Alongside the VAT extension, Minister Keravnos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal support for local communities. Highlighting allocations of 27 million euros for 2025, an additional 15 million euros scheduled for November 2026, and another 12 million euros within 2026, the Finance Ministry is upholding its promises to the Union of Municipalities. This proactive allocation emphasizes a collaborative approach, where dialogue and trust between government agencies and local authorities are vital to sustaining effective social support programs.

Ultimately, this policy not only eases financial pressures for households but also reinforces a disciplined fiscal agenda oriented towards long-term social stability. With targeted measures and transparent strategies, the government continues to set a high standard for economic and social policy in an increasingly challenging global environment.

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Bitcoin Surges 23% In A Week As Investor Optimism Returns

by News Editor

August 21, 2026

Bitcoin was on track for a weekly gain of around 23% on Friday as a series of positive macroeconomic and policy developments boosted investor sentiment.

The cryptocurrency was trading about 6% higher at roughly $77,000, up from around $62,800 at the start of the week. Crypto-related stocks also rallied, with Coinbase and Circle gaining more than 9%, while Strategy rose 7%.

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Macro Factors Fuel Rally

Bitcoin’s latest surge began Wednesday after Treasury yields fell sharply following a major intervention by the U.S. Treasury in the bond market. Lower yields eased pressure on risk assets and helped trigger a broader move into cryptocurrencies.

The rally was further amplified by a major short squeeze. Around $2.7 billion in crypto short positions were liquidated, according to CoinGlass.

Max Stuedlein, head of Partnerships at Sygnum APAC, said the move reflected an alignment of macroeconomic and policy catalysts, including the Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of longer-dated government debt.

Clarity Act Boosts Sentiment

Investor confidence improved further on Thursday as the White House and crypto industry leaders made a final push to advance the Clarity Act in the coming weeks.

The legislation is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for the crypto market, although its chances of passing remain relatively limited.

Despite the rally, bitcoin remains well below its 2026 high of $94,820 reached in January and its all-time high of $126,198, set last October.

Analysts See More Volatility Ahead

Lucy Gazmararian, founder and managing partner at Token Bay Capital, said the crypto market may be approaching the end of its bear cycle.

She expects bitcoin could experience one more decline of around 20% before the market turns, pointing to historical cycles and the recent liquidation of heavily leveraged short positions.

Gazmararian also described bitcoin as a long-term hedge against monetary debasement, while warning that its short-term price remains highly volatile and driven by market cycles.

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