This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#17, 2026)
Package travel Directive (EU) 2026/1024 adopted; Commission recommends EU-wide age verification framework; exemption set for pallet wrapping reuse targets; overtourism, housing, tourism data discussed.
May 03, 2026 to May 09, 2026
Package travel Directive (EU) 2026/1024 adopted; Commission recommends EU-wide age verification framework; exemption set for pallet wrapping reuse targets; overtourism, housing, tourism data discussed.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
NextGenerationEU Recovery Facility reaches €400 billion in disbursements
On 4 May 2026, the European Commission announced that cumulative payments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU, have surpassed €400 billion. The latest disbursements include €4.6 billion to Germany, representing its third payment and supporting digital public administration, energy-efficient buildings, electric vehicle deployment, and hydrogen research. Slovakia received €1.25 billion covering its sixth and seventh payments, funding pre-primary education reforms, hospital management systems, energy reforms for renewables, and innovation in healthcare and education. With the RRF set to conclude at end-2026, Member States are required to complete remaining milestones by August 2026 and submit final payment requests by September 2026.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Directive (EU) 2026/1024 amending package travel rules adopted
Directive (EU) 2026/1024, adopted on 29 April 2026 and published in the Official Journal (OJ L 2026/1024, 8 May 2026, CELEX: 32026L1024), amends Directive (EU) 2015/2302 on package travel. The new Directive clarifies package definitions, removes the 'linked travel arrangements' category, and strengthens refund and insolvency protection rules. It introduces specific requirements for vouchers, complaint handling, and pre-contractual information. Member States are required to transpose these changes by 29 September 2028, with application from 29 March 2029.
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1035 on EU-wide age verification framework
On 29 April 2026, the Commission issued Recommendation (EU) 2026/1035 (OJ L 2026/1035, 8 May 2026, CELEX: 32026X1035) establishing a common reference framework for age verification across the EU. The Recommendation sets out actions for Member States to deploy privacy-preserving, interoperable age verification solutions by the end of 2026, aligned with the EU Digital Identity Wallet. It aims to harmonise technical standards, ensure child protection online, and prevent market fragmentation.
Exemption for pallet wrappings and straps from reuse targets under packaging rules
Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2026/429 of 25 February 2026 (OJ L 2026/429, 6 May 2026, CELEX: 32026D0429) exempts economic operators using pallet wrappings and straps for transport from the 100% reuse requirements set under Article 29(2) and (3) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40. The measure addresses evidence of disproportionate costs and supply chain disruptions associated with full reuse obligations for these packaging formats.
Denizli Tandır Kebabı (TSG) application rejected under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/999 of 5 May 2026 (OJ L 2026/999, 7 May 2026, CELEX: 32026D0999) rejects the application for traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG) protection for 'Denizli Tandır Kebabı' under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The application was found not to meet requirements concerning product specification, group eligibility, and demonstration of traditional use in the Union.
EFTA Surveillance Authority issues Safety Gate Rapid Alert System Guidelines
On 9 September 2025, the EFTA Surveillance Authority adopted revised Guidelines for the Safety Gate Rapid Alert System as established under Directive 2001/95/EC (OJ L 2026/1039, 7 May 2026, CELEX: 32026D1039). The Guidelines align EFTA States' practices with the updated EU approach, replacing the previous RAPEX name with 'Safety Gate' and setting procedures for notification and validation of dangerous product alerts.
EU Council
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council discusses EU culture and sport strategy
On 12 May 2026, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council met to discuss AgoraEU, the EU Work Plan for Culture 2027–2030, sport tourism, sustainable development, and mental health in sport.
Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) scheduled for 28 May 2026
The Competitiveness Council will next meet on 28 May 2026 to address internal market and industry matters.
EP Committee Work
PETI hearing examines overtourism, housing affordability, and tourism data
On 6 May 2026, the Committee on Petitions (PETI) held a public hearing on excessive price increases in EU tourist areas and overtourism. Experts and Commission officials discussed impacts on the housing market, consumer prices, and local services, with contributions from Marian Muro (Apartur), Antoni Riera Font (Fundació Impulsa Balears), and Erika Guerri (Italian Ministry of Tourism). Presentations covered the role of short-term rentals, the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, and the implementation of the Short-Term Rental Regulation.
TRAN hearing explores 'Book and Claim' for sustainable aviation fuels
The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) held a public hearing on 5 May 2026 regarding the 'Book and Claim' system for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Stakeholders from IATA, DHL Express, Munich Airport, and NGOs discussed registry systems, SAF pricing, and the challenges of scaling up production and ensuring traceability. The hearing addressed regulatory developments under ReFuelEU Aviation and the role of market-based mechanisms in decarbonising aviation.
IMCO discusses AI regulation, market surveillance, and e-commerce platform risks
At its 6–7 May 2026 meeting, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) addressed several agenda items: simplifying harmonised AI rules (rapporteurs Arba Kokalari, Michael McNamara), the Single Market and Customs Programme (rapporteur Adnan Dibrani), and the institutional aspects of AI (opinion by Gheorghe Piperea). The committee also exchanged views on e-commerce platform risks, market surveillance, and the consequences of the energy crisis for businesses and consumers.
What We're Reading This Week
- Romano’s and Simpson’s-in-the-Strand: A legendary building restored to its prime — restaurant review: Romano’s and Simpson’s-in-the-Strand reopens after restoration, reclaiming its historic charm and culinary reputation in London.
- Short-stay accommodation offered via online collaborative economy: Online platforms are enabling travelers to book short-term stays directly from local hosts, reshaping the traditional lodging industry.
- Εuronews report in Ayia Napa: Tourist traffic in Cyprus down 30-40% but with signs of recovery: Cyprus tourism faces a significant downturn yet recent trends indicate a gradual rebound in visitor numbers.
- Aman’s Sveti Stefan resort to reopen five years after beach access row: Aman's iconic Montenegro resort is set to welcome guests again following a prolonged dispute over public beach access.
