Amendments target online book sales

Two amendments submitted on October 9 as part of the 2027 budget bill propose introducing a contribution on new and used book sales made by large online marketplaces. The proposals, developed with the National Book Center (CNL), could provide it with an additional 20 to 30 million euros in revenue.

Proposals vary by political group

The amendments are carried by Laure Miller (Together for the Republic, Marne) and Dorine Bregman (Socialists and Allies, Paris), and suggest a contribution rate of 2.25% or 3.75% of the value of sales made in France, depending on the text adopted. The sites of publishers and bookstores would be excluded, as would online marketplaces generating less than 10 million euros in annual revenue.

Model inspired by media funding

The mechanism is inspired by contributions applied to online platforms for the benefit of the National Center for Cinema and Animated Image (CNC) and the National Center for Music (CNM). These contributions help fund cultural institutions by collecting a percentage of revenue from digital platforms.

CNL faces declining resources

The new funding avenue comes at a time when the CNL's resources have significantly declined. Between 2024 and 2026, the public service charge grant for the organization decreased by about 22%, going from 26.7 million euros in 2025 to 22.39 million euros in 2026.

Deficit and financial strain

Although the total budget of the institution is expected to increase by 1.5 million euros over a year, reaching 23.875 million euros, it remains well below the 28.6 million euros requested to return to the 2024 level. The CNL confirms a deficit of 5.3 million euros for 2026, despite reducing operating and investment expenses.

Financial reserves at risk

To maintain its level of intervention in the industry, the CNL has had to draw on its working capital, which should reach about 15 million euros by the end of the year. The organization plans to request these reserves again in 2027, before reaching the limits of this funding lever.

Proposal to abolish the CNL

The search for new funding comes at a time when the CNL is also the subject of a proposal for abolition. In April, Senators Pauline Martin and Mathieu Darnaud of Les Républicains proposed transferring its missions and funds to the central administration of the Ministry of Culture as of January 1, 2027.

CNL opposes abolition

During their hearing before the Senate on September 15, CNL President Régine Hatchondo and her general director Olivier Lombardie strongly contested this prospect. The rapporteur of the special committee, Christine Lavarde (Les Républicains), questioned the weight of the management costs of the institution, estimated at 31%, compared to 5% for the CNC and 14% for the CNM.