Finance ministers on Tuesday (December 6) failed to extend deadlines on reduced value-added tax (VAT) rates in services like house renovation or bikes repairs after a German-led move against the proposals.
"There has to be unanimity [on VAT]," commented British finance minister Gordon Brown after the meeting, adding that the new German government wants more time to examine the issue.
According to diplomats, the German finance minister Peer Steinbrueck made clear at the meeting th...