Urges Co-legislators to Preserve Unified Market Across Europe!
The European Parliament has taken a significant step by voting to open negotiations on cross-border enforcement of rules against unfair trading practices (UTPs). This decision, based on the Agriculture Committee's report, could have far-reaching implications for the Single Market and consumers alike.
According to Christel Delberghe, Director General of EuroCommerce, the negotiations pose a potential risk to the Single Market. The benefits of the Single Market, which extend to farmers, suppliers, consumers, retailers, and wholesalers, could be compromised.
The European Parliament's negotiating mandate allows Member States to enforce their own national rules on UTPs outside of national borders. This could lead to a more complex and challenging business environment within the Single Market, as businesses could see contracts they enter legally under national and EU law being investigated by other authorities in other countries.
EuroCommerce, an organisation representing retail, wholesale, and international trade sectors, is particularly concerned about the weakening of the Single Market due to this vote. They believe that consumers will be negatively affected, with potential increases in prices for goods as a result of strengthening territorial supply constraints and the risk of higher prices due to the negotiations' outcome.
The proposal makes it more difficult to source from another Member State within the Single Market, according to EuroCommerce. This could push all agri-food chain operators to only buy nationally, removing the benefits of economies of scale.
The European Commission will initiate the negotiations on the cross-border enforcement of rules against unfair trading practices after the European Parliament approved the opening of negotiations based on the report of the Agriculture Committee. Christel Delberghe concluded that it is time to stand up and fight for the Single Market, especially in light of her recent mention of a new Single Market Roadmap to 2028 in her State of the European Union speech.
President Von der Leyen has hailed the Single Market as 'our anchor of stability and resilience', emphasising its importance in times of global trade tensions, such as the tariff-war instigated by US president Trump. However, the European Parliament's decision may lead to a more complex and challenging business environment within the Single Market, potentially undermining its stability and resilience.
In conclusion, the European Parliament's decision to open negotiations on cross-border enforcement of UTPs could have significant implications for the Single Market and consumers. It is crucial to ensure that any negotiations maintain the benefits of the Single Market while addressing concerns about unfair trading practices.
