Spain considers mandatory shipping fees for online book purchases to protect small bookstores

Spain's Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, announced on Cadena Ser radio on the occasion of World Book Day that the ministry is analyzing policies to make shipping fees mandatory for online book purchases. The measure aims to level the playing field between e-commerce giants and independent bookstores, which Urtasun described as "cultural centers" facing existential threats from the rise of internet sales. The minister expressed concern for the survival of "thousands and thousands of small bookstores throughout the country." The policy would follow similar measures adopted in other countries. Urtasun emphasized the need to preserve these brick-and-mortar stores as vital community hubs. No timeline for implementation was provided.