A new start for Europe, and need for new push for sustainable market solutions

27 November 2019
by eub2 -- last modified 27 November 2019

Retailers and wholesalers in Europe expressed their support for the new Commission under Ursula von der Leyen. Speaking today after the convincing European Parliament vote in favour of the new team, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

"We are pleased to be able to mark the start of a new Commission with a clear set of priorities and bold ambitions. We fully support coherent action to address climate change and sustainability under the Green Deal, but will be stressing the need for this to be pursued in ways which engage all parts of the supply chain, including consumers, in a positive way. We look forward to working with the Commission on making Europe fit for the digital age. Digitalisation is already transforming our sector, and we have to ensure that SMEs and consumers can also benefit directly. Above all, we will be stressing the need for open markets and addressing the rising tide of protectionism both in and outside the EU. We need to remember that the Single Market is the keystone of European integration and our future prosperity."

Earlier this year EuroCommerce issued its Manifesto for the new European Parliament and Commission, and is pleased to see that many of the priorities set out so far by Mrs von der Leyen for the Commission over the next 5 years coincide with our four priorities – on building a successful data economy in Europe, securing fair competition and freedom to do business, safeguarding open markets in and outside the EU, and supporting a sector committed to people and sustainable living.

Verschueren added:

"We face an increasingly unstable and challenging global economic environment, and slowing growth in Europe. A properly-functioning single market and continued commitment in Europe to competition and freedom to trade, will remain the best approach to making Europe a globally competitive force and giving our economy a much needed boost – while ensuring a sustainable future for citizens of Europe and the world."

EuroCommerce is the principal European organisation representing the retail and wholesale sector. It embraces national associations in 31 countries and 5.4 million companies, both leading global players such as Carrefour, Ikea, Metro and Tesco, and many small businesses. Retail and wholesale provide a link between producers and 500 million European consumers over a billion times a day. It generates 1 in 7 jobs, providing a varied career for 29 million Europeans, many of them young people. It also supports millions of further jobs throughout the supply chain, from small local suppliers to international businesses. EuroCommerce is the recognised European social partner for the retail and wholesale sector.

EuroCommerce