Latest news with #MichaelMcGrath
Euronews
2 days ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Hungary's LGBTQ+ law breaches EU regulation, top court advocate says
Hungary infringed EU law by prohibiting or restricting access to LGBTI content when it adopted legislation designed to protect children and counter paedophilia, the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice has said in an opinion. Advocate General Ćapeta also suggested that Hungary breaches fundamental EU values, enshrined in Article 2 of the EU's Treaty. Advocates General's opinions are non-binding, though judges consider them and in most though not all cases tend to follow them. If the judges of the Court agree with the opinion of the Advocate General, they could demand that Hungary revoke or amend the law and could also fine Budapest. The case is considered a landmark for human rights suits within the European Union, and the European Parliament and 16 EU member states have joined themselves to the action, demanding that Hungary annuls the law. The law created tensions in Hungarian society The law was adopted back in 2021 by the Hungarian parliament in a push for what the government called child protection and the fight against paedophilia. But opponents and the LGBTI community saw it as a Russian style anti-LGBTI campaign that poses a threat to fundamental rights. The law prohibits the portrayal of LGBTI people or sex relationships involving underage people in education and media. For example, the law stipulated that books containing photos of same sex relationships had to be wrapped in foil in bookshops, and meant that several TV-programs with similar content were moved to overnight slots. The adoption of the law led to protests against the government, and the European Commission opened an infringement procedure against Hungary in the same year, saying the law is in breach of EU law and values. This year, Hungary issued a ban on gay pride events held in public spaces, based on the child protection law. The European Commission is currently investigating whether this legislation is in line with EU law. But Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said at a debate at the European Parliament that the Budapest Pride poses no danger for children. The UK's secretary of state for business and trade has told Euronews he is hoping that British holidaymakers will be able to use e-gates in Europe 'as soon as possible' following the agreement struck with the EU in May. The European Union and the UK announced an agreement on 19 May to strengthen cooperation, the first such deal reached since the UK left the bloc in 2020. Jonathan Reynolds, the UK , delivers a keynote address during the Brussels Economic Security Forum on Thursday. As well as outlining new arrangements linked to travel, defence and fishing, the 'reset' focuses on farming, an industry heavily impacted by Brexit. Under the terms of the new deal, British animal and plant products are expected to face fewer checks when exported to the EU. For example, the UK could once again be allowed to export raw sausages and burgers to the EU for the first time since Brexit — thanks to the proposed SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) agreement. However, the implementation details are still pending. Under the new deal, British travellers will be able to take advantage of the faster e-gate passport checks at many EU airports, but full details have yet been released on when this will be introduced. 'We hope it is as soon as possible because part of the agreement is the Commission saying there's no legal impediment to the use of e-gates,' Reynolds told Euronews. Reynolds said that the e-gates carried 'huge efficiency advantages', adding: 'I want people who are going on their summer holiday from the UK to have the ease and use of that.' Reynolds said his focus now is on implementing the May agreement, and dismissed opposition arguments against the agreement from the UK's Conservative and Reform parties. 'I think there is a coalition [in the UK] we can build that doesn't want to look to the past,' he said, saying such a coalition recognised the relationship as valuable in terms of trade, rather than revolving around issues of EU membership and constitutional issues. 'Let's not forget on fishing, there is no less access, no diminishing of the UK position from what is already the case and actually what is already the case is better than it had been in some previous years,' Reynolds said. There will 'always be people who want to not move on. That's politics. And my political opponents in the UK have stated that', Reynolds said, but he said he was confident that such arguments would not prevail in a future election.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU Watchdog Says Shein Violated Bloc's Consumer Laws
The European Union's Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network has determined that Shein has broken EU law by offering fake discounts, using pressure selling tactics, using deceptive labels, hiding its contact details and providing misleading information and sustainability claims. The watchdog announced this week that it had notified Shein of its infractions and has mandated that it take measures to reform its business on the matters found to be noncompliant with EU consumer laws. The CPC Network has granted Shein one month to respond to its findings and offer up commitments for how it will rectify the issues identified by the investigation. More from Sourcing Journal Shein's Climate Ambitions Have Been Validated. Now What? Bio-Inspired Sparxell Ready to Glitter Bomb the Market Who Benefited From Shein, Temu Troubles? From there, the CPC Network may go back and forth with the company to come to a satisfactory resolution. If Shein does not address the concerns brought forth in the action, it could face fines or other penalties, according to the announcement. Michael McGrath, commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection, said the action shows that the CPC Network is committed to a level playing field for all companies doing business in the bloc. 'All companies reaching out to EU consumers must play by our rules. [This] action sends a clear message: we will not shy away from holding e-commerce platforms to account, regardless of where they are based,' McGrath said in a statement. 'EU consumer protection laws are not optional—they must be applied in all cases. I strongly welcome the decisive action taken by the CPC network. It's now time for Shein to step up, respect the rules and bring its practices fully in line with EU consumer standards.' Shein did not immediately respond to Sourcing Journal's request for comment, but reportedly told the BBC that it has been 'working constructively with national consumers authorities and the EU Commission to demonstrate our commitment to complying with EU laws and regulations,' further noting that it is 'continuing to engage in this process to address any concerns.' The CPC Network noted that it will continue to investigate Shein on other issues, and it has requested further information from the company related to product reviews and third-party involvement with Shein's site experience. The EU Commission is, separately, looking into Shein's compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), under which it is classified as a Very Large Online Provider (VLOP), and, as such, is subject to the most stringent regulations outlined in the legislation. The DSA aims to mitigate the sale of illegal products and to guide providers toward further transparency. Competitor Temu faces similar scrutiny. Shein and Temu—whose parent company, PDD Holdings, announced Tuesday that it had missed its Q1 earnings—may also be subject to trade changes in the EU. This month, Marcos Sefcovic, EU trade commissioner, proposed a 2 euro ($2.27) flat tax on low-value parcels sent directly to consumers from outside the EU—primarily from China. The proposition comes after President Donald Trump, and subsequently, Congress, have targeted the U.S.'s de minimis exemption, causing potential issues for both Shein and Temu's value propositions. The change is already taking its toll; PDD Holdings, Temu's parent company, announced Tuesday that it had missed earnings amidst an unstable global trade environment. Lei Chen, PDD's chairman and co-CEO, said the company will continue to take a hyperlocal approach as it navigates changing regulations. 'Amid the rapidly changing external environment, our global business is working with merchants across regions to bring stable prices and abundant supply to consumers around the world. No matter how policies shift, we'll continue to strengthen our operations in the markets we serve, helping more local merchants grow on our platform and enabling more orders to be fulfilled from local warehouses,' he said. 'Right now, we are seeing these merchants becoming more proactive, with better-stocked inventory and more value passed on to consumers through differentiated products and services.' If Sefovic's proposal goes through, Temu may benefit—the tax would be lower on low-cost parcels inbound to warehouses than it would be on parcels sent from China to consumers; that is to say, if Temu sellers use the local warehousing structure the company has partnered with DHL to stand up in Europe, they would pay lower taxes on imports, allowing low prices to continue. Shein, meanwhile, uses on-demand manufacturing to create styles at a rapid clip for consumers, and thus ships much of its inventory straight to consumers from China. That approach would see the fast-fashion player, and other companies using the same model, paying the higher tax. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
EU gives China's Shein 30-day deadline with a warning: It is time for Shein to …
The European Union has given Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein one month to fix what regulators call widespread violations of consumer protection laws, including misleading price reductions and deceptive sales tactics that could result in fines worth up to 6% of the company's global revenue. The EU's Consumer Protection Cooperation Network found that Shein regularly displays "fake discounts" by showing price cuts that don't reflect actual previous prices, alongside phony purchase deadlines designed to pressure customers into buying. Investigators also discovered deceptive product labels that falsely suggest items have special features when those characteristics are legally required, and misleading sustainability claims that don't match reality. Additional violations include hiding company contact information from customers, providing incomplete refund policies, and making it difficult for consumers to reach customer service representatives when problems arise. One month deadline for Shein to address violations The investigation comes as Shein faces increasing scrutiny in both Europe and the United States. Last year, the EU designated Shein as a "very large online platform" under the Digital Services Act, subjecting it to stricter rules requiring the removal of illegal goods and content. Companies that violate these regulations can face fines reaching 6% of their worldwide turnover. Meanwhile, Shein has already raised prices in response to new U.S. tariffs imposed by President Trump and the elimination of duty-free shipping rules for low-cost Chinese packages. The retailer, which manufactures most products in China, has previously faced criticism for labor practices, with a BBC investigation revealing workers putting in 75-hour weeks in violation of Chinese labor laws. "We will not shy away from holding e-commerce platforms to account, regardless of where they are based," said EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath. Shein must respond to the EU's findings by late June or face penalties based on its sales in affected member countries. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shein to face fines if it fails to fix EU consumer law issues
Ultra-fast fashion online retailer Shein has been told to resolve the consumer law issues raised by the European Commission (EC) and the network of national consumer authorities, known as the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, or face fines. This follows a comprehensive European-level investigation into practices that consumers encounter on the Singapore-headquartered retailer's platform, which violate EU law. The alleged infringements identified include presenting false discounts, employing pressure selling tactics, providing missing or incorrect information that is also misleading, using deceptive product labels, making unfounded sustainability claims and concealing contact details. The CPC Network has mandated that Shein align these practices with EU consumer laws. The current scrutiny includes requests for additional information to be submitted to the CPC Network. Coordinated by the EC, the action against Shein involves authorities from Belgium, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The CPC Network seeks further details from Shein to evaluate its adherence to additional EU consumer law requirements. These include ensuring that rankings, reviews and ratings are not misleadingly presented to consumers. The network is also examining whether Shein properly informs consumers about contractual obligations between third-party sellers and Shein where relevant, and clarifies when consumer rights are not applicable in transactions involving third-party sellers who are not traders. EC tech sovereignty, security and democracy executive vice-president Henna Virkkunen stated: 'I welcome this coordinated action with consumer authorities - complementary to the commission's ongoing request for information sent to Shein under the Digital Services Act. 'In line with the commission's recent communication on e-commerce, the action demonstrates our resolve to deliver a coordinated and effective enforcement response when e-commerce platforms and e-retailers don't respect our laws. We come together to keep consumers safe and the e-commerce sector competitive.' Shein has been given a one-month period to respond to the CPC Network's findings and to suggest how it plans to resolve the issues related to consumer law. Should Shein fail to do so, national authorities may enforce measures to ensure compliance, including potential fines based on Shein's annual turnover within the EU member states involved. EC democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection commissioner Michael McGrath stated: 'EU consumer protection laws are not optional — they must be applied in all cases. It's now for Shein to step up, respect the rules and bring its practices fully in line with EU consumer standards.' In April 2025, Shein was designated as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA) regulation in EU law. "Shein to face fines if it fails to fix EU consumer law issues" 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. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
RTÉ News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Hungarian anti-LGBTQ+ measures 'breach of EU law', says McGrath
The European Commission has serious concerns about the rule of law situation in Hungary, EU Commissioner for Democracy Michael McGrath said in Brussels, ahead of a meeting with European foreign affairs ministers. Referring to a Hungarian draft law that would ban the Pride march by LGBTQ+ communities, Mr McGrath said: "We believe it is a breach of EU law... And we have asked the Hungarian government to withdraw that draft law. "And in the absence of that happening, and should they proceed to legislate and enact this legislation, we stand ready to use the tools at our disposal." A majority of EU countries, including Ireland, France and Germany, have called on Brussels to take action against Hungary unless it rows back on anti-LGBTQ+ measures aimed at banning Pride events. 17 of the bloc's 27 members signed a letter expressing alarm at the recent legal steps that "run contrary" to the European Union's fundamental values. "We therefore call upon Hungary to revise these measures," read the text posted online by several signatories. It urged the European Commission "to expeditiously make full use of the rule of law toolbox at its disposal in case these measures are not revised". As Ministers for 🇪🇺Affairs meet in Brussels, joint statement by 🇮🇪 with 🇦🇹🇧🇪🇨🇿🇩🇰🇪🇪🇫🇮🇫🇷🇩🇪🇱🇻🇱🇹🇱🇺🇳🇱🇵🇹🇸🇮🇪🇸🇸🇪 on the infringement of the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ persons in 🇭🇺. — Ireland in Hungary (@irlembbudapest) May 27, 2025 The letter specifically referred to legislation passed in March that aims to prevent LGBTQ+ Pride events - such as the annual celebration planned in Budapest on 28 June. The law allows the use of facial recognition technology to identify organisers and enables authorities to fine those who attend such an event. Widely condemned by rights groups, it was the last in a series of legal changes that have seen Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban gradually roll back LGBTQ+ rights in the name of "child protection". Budapest banned the official registration of sex changes and the legal recognition of the gender identities of transgender people in 2020. And under a 2021 law, which was disputed by the commission at the European Court of Justice, it is also no longer possible to talk to minors about gender reassignment and LGBTQ+ issues. Under Mr Orban, Budapest has regularly found itself at loggerheads with the EU, which has already frozen billions of euros in funds over issues including the treatment of asylum seekers and alleged corruption.
