This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#18, 2026)
Commission proposes seamless rail booking rules; EU Talent Pool regulation enters into force; Regulation (EU) 2026/1030 on transport emissions published; Salemi PGI cancelled.
May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026
Commission proposes seamless rail booking rules; EU Talent Pool regulation enters into force; Regulation (EU) 2026/1030 on transport emissions published; Salemi PGI cancelled.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission proposes Europe-wide seamless travel booking rules
On 12 May 2026, the European Commission adopted three proposals to simplify planning and booking for regional, long-distance and cross-border travel, with a focus on rail journeys involving multiple operators. The package aims to enable passengers to purchase a single ticket for journeys across different rail companies, improving transparency and access. Platforms will be required to display offers neutrally, including sorting by greenhouse gas emissions where feasible. The Commission also set out new obligations for ticketing platforms and operators to ensure fair access to selling tickets and protection for passengers in case of missed connections. The proposals will now be submitted to the Council and European Parliament under the ordinary legislative procedure.
Commission launches public consultation on revised State aid rules for air transport
On 10 May 2026, the European Commission opened a public consultation on draft revised Guidelines on State aid to the air transport sector, set to replace the 2014 Aviation Guidelines. The new framework proposes block-exempting operating aid for airports with up to 500,000 yearly passengers under the upcoming General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), and transitional operating aid for airports with up to one million yearly passengers. Investment aid would be possible for airports with up to three million yearly passengers, subject to green conditionality. Start-up aid to launch new routes will no longer be allowed. The adoption of revised Guidelines is planned for Q1 2027.
Commission unconditionally approves Suzano's acquisition of Kimberly-Clark IFP
Under the EU Merger Regulation, the Commission on 10 May 2026 cleared Suzano S.A.'s acquisition of Kimberly-Clark IFP NewCo B.V. after concluding that the transaction would not significantly reduce competition in the EEA. Suzano is a major supplier of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP), a key component for tissue products, but the investigation found that competing tissue producers will retain sufficient alternative supply options. The transaction was notified on 31 March 2026 and assigned case number M.12078.
Commission coordinates European response to Hantavirus outbreak affecting cruise passengers
Following Spain's activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on 6 May, the Commission facilitated evacuations from the MV Hondius cruise ship in Tenerife, with six repatriation flights coordinated by multiple Member States. Medical evacuation aircraft and logistics capacities were pre-positioned, and ECDC experts provided support on-site. The Health Security Committee, chaired by the Commission, is aligning safe disembarkation and repatriation measures. The response draws on Regulation on serious cross-border threats to health (2022 revision) and ongoing coordination with international partners.
Commission answers questions on the Passenger Package
The Commission clarified the benefits of the Passenger Package for travellers and businesses on 12 May 2026. The package obliges railway operators to make tickets available to online platforms, requires platforms to display offers neutrally, and guarantees full passenger rights for single-ticket journeys across multiple operators. Minimum connection times and liability rules are specified. The Commission also outlined requirements for commercial agreements between operators and platforms, and the timeline for implementation.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1030 on greenhouse gas emissions accounting of transport services published
Regulation (EU) 2026/1030, adopted on 29 April 2026 and published on 12 May 2026, establishes harmonised rules for greenhouse gas emissions accounting of transport services. It requires entities offering transport services in the EU to calculate and disclose emissions using the EN ISO 14083:2023 methodology. The Regulation provides for Union-wide databases of emission intensities and factors, and a simplified calculation tool for SMEs. It will apply from 2 December 2030.
Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 establishing EU Talent Pool enters into force
Regulation (EU) 2026/1047, adopted on 29 April 2026 and published on 12 May 2026, establishes the EU Talent Pool for recruitment of jobseekers from third countries in shortage occupations. The Talent Pool is a Union-wide platform for matching profiles of jobseekers with vacancies from participating Member States. The regulation sets rules on personal data processing, governance, and fair recruitment standards.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1043 cancels Salemi PGI registration
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1043, issued on 12 May 2026, cancels the registration of the protected geographical indication 'Salemi' (PGI) following a request by Italy and absence of opposition. The regulation takes effect twenty days after publication.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1023 establishes expert exchange programme on official controls
Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1023, adopted on 8 May 2026 and published 11 May 2026, establishes a three-year programme for exchange of staff between competent authorities with expertise in official controls on animals and goods entering the Union. The programme aims to promote mutual learning and best practices, with activities including secondments, collaborative visits, and reporting to the Commission.
EU Council
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council discusses culture and sport tourism
On 12 May 2026, EU ministers for culture, audiovisual, media and sport met to discuss AgoraEU, the EU’s work plan for culture for 2027-2030, sport tourism, sustainable development, and mental health in sport.
EP Committee Work
TRAN Committee draft opinion on CO2 emission standards and vehicle labelling
On 11 May 2026, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) published a draft opinion, rapporteur Jens Gieseke, on the proposal amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 regarding CO2 emission performance standards for new light duty vehicles and vehicle labelling. The opinion covers the repeal of Directive 1999/94/EC.
TRAN Committee draft report on clean corporate vehicles regulation
On 11 May 2026, rapporteur Tiemo Wölken (TRAN Committee) issued a draft report on the proposal for a regulation on clean corporate vehicles. The report addresses standards for vehicle fleets used by companies.
BUDG Committee draft report on the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion
On 11 May 2026, rapporteur Andrey Novakov (BUDG) published a draft report on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture, rural, fisheries and maritime prosperity and security for 2028-2034. The draft report proposes amendments to Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
INTA Committee opinion on EU-Swiss bilateral agreements
On 12 May 2026, rapporteur Željana Zovko (INTA Committee) published an opinion on the draft Council decision to conclude a package of agreements between the EU and Switzerland, amending Decisions 2011/51/EU and 2011/738/EU. The opinion focuses on deepening and expanding bilateral relations.
What We're Reading This Week
- Schengen Agreement - European Commission, official website: The Schengen Agreement enables passport-free travel across 27 European countries, fostering closer cooperation and borderless movement within much of Europe.
- Arsenal fans face 10-fold rise in Champions League final flight and hotel costs: Travel and accommodation prices for Arsenal fans heading to the Champions League final have surged to unprecedented levels.
