Anna Maria Corazza Bildt: A fairer retail market

Press release 26 may 2011  

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee of the European Parliament has adopted with a large majority a Report by Anna Maria Corazza Bildt MEP on a more efficient and fairer retail market.

”This Report puts retail on the EU policy-making map as a pillar of the Single Market and a driver for growth and jobs, as never before. I am glad that we took a strong cross-political commitment, by calling on the Commission to draw up an action plan to improve the retail sector in the long-term”, said Mrs Corazza Bildt.

The Report calls for the removal of barriers, borders and burdens to trade in Europe in order for citizens to enjoy the full potential of a more competitive retail market. It gives a clear agenda to Member States to fully implement existing internal market and competition legislation, and to the Commission to take tougher action against breaches.

Free movement, better access to products and services, B2B commercial practices, as well as sustainable consumption are the backbone of the Report.

The Internal Market Committee endorsed the Rapporteur’s non-regulatory approach. ”I am grateful for the confidence in my position, to encourage self-regulation and to press stakeholders to engage in a constructive and direct dialogue to achieve more balanced and fair contractual relations”, said Mrs Corazza Bildt.

The broad and regular consultations that Anna Maria Corazza Bildt has conducted during the last eight months have borne fruit and stakeholders have started to take steps in the right direction, moving from confrontation to dialogue. ”We are seeing signs of progress, and for a start, we should give voluntary initiatives a chance.”

However, all options remain open, as the Report provides the opportunity for the European Parliament to regularly follow up on progress made, verify results and keep stakeholders engaged, in the form of a yearly Retail Roundtable. ”We have voted on an evolving document”, said Corazza Bildt. ”If my vision, based on shared responsibility, is confirmed in the plenary vote in June, it will pave the way towards a more efficient and fairer retail market in Europe.”

For further information:
Anna Maria Corazza Bildt MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845128
Per Heister, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-496-645530

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.