Spain’s Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, announced that the government is considering regulatory measures on online book sales to protect independent bookstores across the country. Speaking on World Book Day, April 23, during an interview with Cadena SER radio, Urtasun said one proposal involves requiring large online platforms to impose a minimum delivery charge on book purchases, effectively ending free shipping. The minister noted that similar rules already exist in France, where a minimum delivery fee applies to low-cost online book orders.
Urtasun emphasized that thousands of small bookstores in Spain are at risk and described them as not only retail spaces but also cultural centers. He said the government already provides direct support to these independent shops. Comparing the experience of buying books online and in-store, he highlighted the personal interaction and advice available in physical bookstores.
He added that reading habits in Spain have grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching record levels, particularly among women and young readers. Urtasun also underscored the cultural importance of World Book Day, celebrated in Catalonia as “Sant Jordi,” which promotes reading and strengthens the publishing industry.
আমার দেশ অনলাইন প্রকাশ : ২৩ এপ্রিল ২০২৬, ২২: ০০ স্পেন সরকার স্বাধীন বইয়ের দোকানগুলোকে সুরক্ষা দিতে অনলাইন বই বিক্রির ওপর কিছু নিয়ন্ত্রণমূলক ব্যবস্থা নেওয়ার কথা বিবেচনা করছে বলে জানিয়েছেন দেশটির সংস্কৃতিমন্ত্রী আর্নেস্ট উর্তাসুন। তিনি এক্ষেত্রে জরিমান
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