EuroCommerce, the organisation representing retailers and wholesalers across Europe, published on 14 October 2024 a position paper calling on EU legislators and national authorities to establish fair and equal competitive conditions for all operators active in the retail market serving EU consumers, regardless of their origin. The document underlines the importance of ensuring a level playing field for European businesses in the face of growing competition from non-EU players.
The European retail and wholesale sector comprises 5 million companies, 99% of which are small and micro enterprises. The sector contributes more than 10% of EU GDP and provides employment for 26 million people. However, it is facing a significant increase in competition from traders and online marketplace platforms from outside the EU that target European consumers. Between 2016 and 2022, the share of EU consumers making online purchases from non-EU sellers increased by 36%. Many of these operators have rapidly gained market share through aggressive marketing practices and, in some cases, by failing to comply with EU regulations.
EuroCommerce stresses that ensuring all products sold to European consumers are safe and compliant with regulations is essential for maintaining consumer trust, a fundamental pillar for growth and innovation in the sector. The organisation therefore calls for the development of a comprehensive compliance strategy making use of all relevant legal instruments, with the aim of ensuring that all market participants abide by EU rules, thereby protecting consumers and promoting fair competition.
The document also emphasises the need for coordinated action among competent authorities, Member States and the European Commission to effectively address these challenges and guarantee a level playing field for all businesses operating within the EU.