Latest news with #EuroCommerce
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EuroCommerce urges action against unfair competition from non-EU traders
European retail and wholesale association EuroCommerce has called for urgent measures to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the industry by addressing unfair competition from third-country platforms and traders. In a meeting with European Commission (EC) executive vice-president Stéphane Séjourné, the group highlighted the need for a level playing field against non-EU competitors. EuroCommerce director general Christel Delberghe raised concerns that businesses within the EU are at a competitive disadvantage. She pointed out that their non-EU rivals frequently disregard the standards and regulations enforced by the European Union. Delberghe said: "We need stronger enforcement, a swift customs and Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) regulation reform, and an EU-wide framework for coordination." EuroCommerce president Juan Manuel Morales underscored the sector's importance, citing 26 million direct jobs and five million businesses, mostly small and medium-sized enterprises, as crucial to the daily needs of consumers and businesses. "We are transforming rapidly," Morales said, "but we face mounting challenges - from geopolitical tensions and tariff wars to a flood of parcels containing noncompliant products undermining fair competition." The association praised the Single Market Strategy but called for swifter action in removing regulatory barriers and addressing issues such as territorial supply constraints and national price controls that skew competition. It also advocated for stronger enforcement against infringements that compromise the Single Market and potentially prompt other member states to adopt similar restrictive measures. The association said: 'We ask the EU Commission and member states to take decisive action to make Territorial Supply Constraints history, by making better use of competition enforcement measures and declaring as not acceptable practices that artificially segment the Single Market and prevent the circulation of products across borders.' EuroCommerce said it supports the EC's 'renewed focus on competitiveness and investment' and called for greater acknowledgment of the sector's diversity and specific requirements. The organisation is pushing for regulatory simplification and solutions to tackle market fragmentation, which hinders investment. In conclusion, EuroCommerce conveyed a readiness to back the EU's economic and green goals, emphasising the necessity for smarter regulation, a functional Single Market, and robust enforcement. "EuroCommerce urges action against unfair competition from non-EU traders" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Khaleej Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
IKEA shuts stores across Spain, Portugal amid massive power outage chaos
Retailers including grocery chain Lidl and furniture giant IKEA shut stores across Spain and Portugal as a huge power outage caused chaos across swathes of the two countries on Monday. Businesses were taking the measures "to prevent panic buying and ensure the safety of all," retail industry association EuroCommerce said. Shops were still trying to work out the scale of the problem and working with local authorities, it added. Lidl initially shut its 630 shops in Spain, though it had started reopening some after the recovery of power in the Basque region and other areas, a spokesperson said. IKEA temporarily shut stores and pick-up points across Spain, though it had switched to generators in its larger outlets and was letting customers who were already there stay inside during the crisis, franchisee Ingka Group said. "We are letting our customers and co-workers stay in our stores in case they have no transportation options," a spokesperson said in a statement. The outage has paralysed traffic and grounded flights. All IKEA stores in Portugal were also shut. Spanish clothing retailer Tendam said it closed all its stores in parts of Spain and Portugal that have lost power, and sent all its staff home at its Madrid and Barcelona head offices.
