This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#16, 2026)
Commission refers Hungary to Court over retail tax; DMA review published; new rules for imports under Mercosur agreement; Implementing Regulation for forced labour ban; Parliament votes on tourism management.
April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026
Commission refers Hungary to Court over retail tax; DMA review published; new rules for imports under Mercosur agreement; Implementing Regulation for forced labour ban; Parliament votes on tourism management.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directive 1999/62/EC, Council Directive 1999/37/EC and Directive (EU) 2019/520 as regards the CO2 emission class of heavy-duty vehicles with trailers; Amending Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers and Directive 2014/47/EU on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Union.
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On May 06, 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.
European Commission
Commission refers Hungary to Court of Justice for retail tax regime
On 28 April 2026, the European Commission referred Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union over its retail tax regime. The Commission found that the regime imposes high, steeply progressive tax rates on foreign-controlled retail companies operating as integrated entities, while domestic retailers using franchise structures avoid the highest rates due to non-consolidated turnover. This differential treatment, according to the Commission, restricts the freedom of establishment under Articles 49 and 54 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Previous steps included a letter of formal notice in October 2024 and a reasoned opinion in June 2025. Hungary has denied the infringement and has not taken steps to abolish the regime, despite a commitment in its Recovery and Resilience Plan endorsed by the Council in December 2022. The Commission noted the regime’s continued prolongation and increased rates, concluding infringement procedure INFR(2024)4022.
Commission finds Meta in preliminary breach of Digital Services Act on protection of minors
On 28 April 2026, the Commission issued preliminary findings that Meta's Instagram and Facebook are in breach of the Digital Services Act (Regulation (EU) 2022/2065) due to ineffective measures to prevent minors under 13 from accessing their services. The Commission’s investigation found that Meta’s age controls are insufficient and reporting tools inadequate, with significant numbers of minors accessing the platforms. The findings require Meta to strengthen risk assessment methodology and implement more robust age verification, referencing the 2025 DSA Guidelines on the protection of minors. Meta may face fines up to 6% of global turnover if non-compliance is confirmed. EVP Henna Virkkunen noted the need for platforms to enforce their stated terms for user safety.
Commission presents plan for simpler, clearer and better enforced EU rules
The Commission announced a new strategy on 27 April 2026 to modernise EU lawmaking, aiming for clearer, simpler legislation and better enforcement. President Ursula von der Leyen outlined five pillars: simplicity by design, strengthening the better regulation framework, regulatory deep cleaning in 12 priority areas, addressing gold-plating by Member States, and faster, more robust enforcement. The plan calls for improved impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, and a toolkit to help Member States avoid unnecessary complexity in transposing EU law. The strategy builds on von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines (2024-2029) and earlier commitments, with a focus on supporting competitiveness and the Single Market.
Commission review confirms Digital Markets Act is fit for purpose
On 27 April 2026, the Commission published its first review of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), concluding the regulation remains effective and relevant after two years. The review notes increased user choice, data portability, and opportunities for alternative app stores and messaging services. The document highlights actions on cloud services, AI, and the need for ongoing enforcement and regulatory dialogue. The DMA’s periodic review, required every three years by the regulation, is based on over 450 stakeholder contributions. EVP Teresa Ribera and EVP Henna Virkkunen underlined the DMA’s impact on fairness and contestability in digital markets.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement: New tariff quotas for agricultural imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/996 (OJ L 2026/996, 30 April 2026, CELEX: 32026R0996) amends Implementing Regulations (EU) 2020/761 and 2020/1988 following the Interim Agreement on Trade with Mercosur (Council Decision (EU) 2026/183). The regulation establishes new and amended tariff quotas for products including beef, sugar, poultry, eggs, and ethanol from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Transitional provisions set pro rata quota volumes for 2026, with full application from 1 May 2026. The regulation also introduces new documentation and registration requirements for importers.
Implementing Regulation for forced labour ban enters into force
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/903 (OJ L 2026/903, 27 April 2026, CELEX: 32026R0903) specifies the details and functionalities of the information and communication system to be used for Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market. The regulation establishes a forced labour module within the ICSMS system for communications among the Commission, competent authorities, and customs. It sets out requirements for data retention and user access, and applies directly in all Member States.
New European standards for product safety under Regulation (EU) 2023/988
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/901 (OJ L 2026/901, 27 April 2026, CELEX: 32026D0901) updates the list of European standards supporting Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety. New standards for gymnastic equipment, cigarettes, and high chairs for children are confirmed, and references to replaced standards are scheduled for withdrawal from the Official Journal by 27 October 2027. The decision repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1698.
European Parliament
Parliament adopts resolution on balanced tourism management
On 28 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a sustainable tourism strategy, including improved transport connectivity, new support mechanisms for emerging destinations, and an EU framework for short-term rentals. The text calls for a tourism skills card to document qualifications and urges measures to address overtourism and housing concerns. The rapporteur was Daniel Attard (S&D, MT).
Parliament calls for stronger safeguards against unfair foreign competition
On 29 April 2026, the Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by the Committee on Petitions, addressing the impact of non-EU e-commerce and non-compliant imports on EU businesses and consumers. The resolution supports stricter enforcement of product safety, origin traceability, and the rapid rollout of the digital product passport, especially in high-risk sectors. Rapporteur: Bogdan Rzońca (ECR, Poland).
Parliament urges strong enforcement of Digital Markets Act
On 30 April 2026, Parliament adopted a resolution urging the Commission to quickly and consistently enforce the DMA, especially concerning cloud services and AI-driven search tools. MEPs express concern over modest fines and call for action on self-preferencing and discriminatory practices by gatekeepers in digital markets. The resolution references recent non-compliance proceedings against major platforms.
Parliament adopts new rules for greenhouse gas emissions accounting in transport
On 28 April 2026, Parliament adopted new rules for the common EU methodology to calculate greenhouse gas emissions of transport services. The regulation, developed by rapporteurs Norbert Lins (EPP, DE) and Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D, IT), introduces a free calculation tool for SMEs and focuses on transparent, harmonised emissions reporting. The rules will apply four and a half years after entry into force.
EU Council
Upcoming Competitiveness Council to address internal market and industry
The Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) is scheduled to meet on 28 May 2026.
EP Committee Work
ENVI Committee opinion on amendment to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252
On 29 April 2026, the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted an opinion on the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. The rapporteur was Jacek OzdoBA. The opinion addresses environmental and health-related considerations for the amendment.
INTA Committee report on AI strategy in EU trade
On 27 April 2026, the Committee on International Trade (INTA) published a report on the opportunities and challenges of a comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy for EU trade. The rapporteur was Brando Benifei, focusing on the implications of AI for trade competitiveness and regulatory alignment.
What We're Reading This Week
- Spain’s outdoor terraces might close during heatwaves under new rules: Spain considers shutting outdoor terraces during extreme heat to protect public health amid rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves.
- Geographer Rémy Knafou: 'Tourism tends to subject entire regions to its imperatives': Tourism's growing influence is reshaping regional priorities, often subordinating local needs to the demands of visitors.
