This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#12, 2026)
Commission issues PPWR guidance; new multiannual EU pesticide controls set; crisis distillation for French wine approved; GM maize authorisations revoked.
March 29, 2026 to April 04, 2026
Commission issues PPWR guidance; new multiannual EU pesticide controls set; crisis distillation for French wine approved; GM maize authorisations revoked.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On April 08, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Framework of measures to facilitate the transport of military equipment, goods and personnel across the Union.
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On April 08, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
European Commission
Commission publishes guidance for new EU packaging rules
On 29 March 2026, the European Commission released new guidelines to aid the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which has been in force since 11 February 2025. The document clarifies provisions such as the distinction between manufacturers and producers and definitions of packaging under the PPWR. It addresses the enforcement of restrictions on single-use packaging, PFAS content in food-contact materials, re-use targets, and the application of extended producer responsibility. The guidance also details the setup of deposit and return systems, and includes a comprehensive FAQ document for stakeholders. The Commission is currently translating the guidance into all EU official languages and will continue to update it. Delegated and implementing acts on registration formats, consumer labelling, recycled content, and recyclability are in preparation.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU adopts multiannual control programme for pesticide residues in food, 2027–2029
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/748 of 31 March 2026 establishes the Union's coordinated multiannual control programme for 2027–2029, under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. The Regulation sets out requirements for Member States to monitor compliance with maximum residue levels of pesticides in food of plant and animal origin, including food for infants and young children and organic products. The programme outlines sampling obligations, reporting standards, and harmonised procedures, and repeals Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/854. It takes effect from 1 January 2027.
Temporary crisis distillation measure for French wine sector approved
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/744 of 31 March 2026 introduces a temporary crisis distillation scheme for French red and rosé wines in marketing year 2025/2026, under Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. This measure responds to ongoing market imbalances and declining prices, allocating EUR 40 million in EU support for the distillation of excess wine stocks. Distilled alcohol is restricted to industrial or energy uses. The support is capped at EUR 33 per hectolitre and payments must be made by 31 December 2026.
Maximum residue levels updated for selected substances in food and feed
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/752, adopted on 31 March 2026, amends Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 to include Allium fistulosum (processed), lysate of Willaertia magna, magnesium hydroxide E528, Onobrychis viciifolia (sainfoin) dried pellets, and Vitis vinifera L. seed extract (grape seed extract). Following EFSA assessments, these substances require no specific maximum residue levels due to their low-risk profiles. The Regulation enters into force twenty days after publication.
Authorisations for GM maize MON 87403 and MON 87419 revoked
Commission Implementing Decisions (EU) 2026/738 and 2026/739, both dated 27 March 2026, revoke the EU authorisations for the marketing of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87403 and MON 87419 respectively. The decisions follow requests from Bayer Agriculture BV, based on the absence of commercialisation plans for these varieties. The original authorisations, granted in 2019 and 2023, are now repealed.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
Sampling and transitional provisions amended for official controls on food residues
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/731, adopted 27 March 2026, revises Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808 concerning sampling methods and transitional provisions for official controls on residues of pharmacologically active substances in food-producing animals and feed. The transitional period for validation of analytical methods is extended to 31 December 2027. The Regulation clarifies minimum sample sizes, including for ostrich eggs, and aligns feed sampling with Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009.
Geographical indication 'Sapin de Noël du Morvan' (PGI) registered
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/756 of 24 March 2026 registers 'Sapin de Noël du Morvan' as a protected geographical indication (PGI) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The registration follows the absence of opposition following publication and will enter into force twenty days after publication in the Official Journal.
EU citizens’ initiative on climate-friendly transport registered
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/770 of 25 March 2026 registers the European citizens’ initiative titled 'Fast, convenient, affordable, and above all climate-friendly transportation for all Europeans', pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/788. The initiative calls for measures including an EU-wide kerosene tax, the removal of VAT exemptions for aviation, and allocation of revenues to a European rail organisation. The registration does not prejudge the Commission’s assessment of any future proposals.
EP Committee Work
JURI draft opinion on European Business Wallets regulation
On 1 April 2026, the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI), with rapporteur Axel Voss, issued a draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing European Business Wallets (COM(2025)0838, 2025/0358(COD)). The draft introduces amendments to clarify digital identity, interoperability with existing EU digital infrastructure (such as the European Digital Identity Wallet and Business Registers Interconnection System), proportionality for SMEs, and data sovereignty. The opinion also addresses the interaction with the Digital Product Passport under Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 and proposes deadlines for technical implementation acts. The draft highlights the need for timely deployment, open source code for transparency, and cross-border harmonisation.
ECON draft opinion on the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security 2028–2034
On 30 March 2026, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), with rapporteur Thomas Bajada, published its draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for 2028–2034 (COM(2025)0565, 2025/0240(COD)). The opinion emphasises a bottom-up approach to the preparation and monitoring of National and Regional Partnership Plans, the role of partnerships and monitoring committees, and the need for transparent methodologies for Country-Specific Recommendations. The draft also addresses technical assistance, the use of financial instruments, and co-financing rates for less developed regions.
ITRE draft report on European Business Wallets regulation
On 1 April 2026, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), rapporteur Eero Heinäluoma, published its draft report on the proposal for a regulation on the establishment of European Business Wallets (COM(2025)0838, 2025/0358(COD)). The report assesses the regulation's potential impact on digital business services in the EU, cross-border administrative procedures, and interoperability with existing digital identity frameworks. It includes considerations for SMEs and the digital single market.
What We're Reading This Week
- Strikes at major Spanish airports set to disrupt Easter travel: Travelers face significant delays and cancellations as airport worker strikes threaten to impact Spain’s busy Easter holiday period.
- This Swedish city has created a brain-boosting ‘IQ tourism’ path: A Swedish city unveils a tourism trail designed to stimulate cognitive skills and attract visitors seeking mental challenges.
