This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#24, 2026)
Commission proposes streamlined energy and tyre labelling; passenger rights deal for multimodal travellers; new protections for geographic indications and organic imports.
June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026
Commission proposes streamlined energy and tyre labelling; passenger rights deal for multimodal travellers; new protections for geographic indications and organic imports.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission advances €846 million to Spain for flood recovery in Valencia region
On 23 June 2026, the European Commission approved a payment of €846 million to Spain under the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to facilitate recovery following severe floods in the Valencia Region in October 2024. This support follows a prior €100 million advance issued in March 2025 and brings total assistance for the disaster close to €1 billion, making it one of the largest EUSF allocations. EUSF funding will retroactively cover emergency operations, infrastructure repair, temporary shelter, and cultural heritage preservation. The Commission’s decision enables funds to be transferred to Spain in one instalment in the coming days. The EUSF, established in 2002, has mobilised over €11 billion for post-disaster recovery in the EU and accession countries.
Commission proposes simplification of energy and tyre labelling for EU consumers
On 23 June 2026, the European Commission proposed new rules to simplify energy and tyre labelling requirements for suppliers and retailers. The proposal, developed following extensive consultations and implementation reviews, seeks to clarify obligations, encourage digital options for label display, and reduce administrative burdens. Updates are expected to save businesses and market surveillance authorities up to €125 million annually over ten years, helping advance the Commission’s red tape reduction goals. New electronic display options, flexible labelling based on product distribution model, and improved support for market surveillance authorities are planned. The proposal maintains the current purpose of providing consumers with clear, comparable information to make informed choices at point of sale and online.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Brhlovské podlievané buchty (PGI) gains Union-wide protection
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1418 of 22 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1418) registers the Slovak pastry 'Brhlovské podlievané buchty' as a protected geographical indication, following Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. No opposition was received during the publication phase. The new PGI enters the Union register twenty days after publication.
Amendment to recognition of organic control bodies for imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1398 of 25 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1398) updates the list of control bodies recognised under Article 46 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 for certifying organic imports. The amending act includes new recognitions and updates, with certain control bodies added or removed from the approved list for imports from specific third countries.
Decision amending EU–Iceland geographical indications agreement
Decision No 1/2026 of the Joint Committee of 2 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1370) updates the Annexes of the EU–Iceland agreement on protection of geographical indications for agricultural products. This measure revises references to relevant Union law and updates the list of protected names.
New model certificate for fresh meat of domestic porcine animals from Canada
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1375 of 23 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1375) amends the certification rules and template for imports of fresh domestic pig meat from Canada into the Union. The Decision ensures compliance with updated animal and public health and antimicrobials rules, and establishes a transition period until December 2026 for use of legacy certificates.
Jatropha curcas L. novel food authorisation amended for flour and paste forms
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1378 of 23 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1378) amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470, permitting new food forms (flour and paste) and higher use levels for Jatropha curcas L. (edible variety) kernels. The authorisation, exclusive for Chuta Nut GmbH for five years, follows a safety assessment by EFSA.
Amendment to product specification for Moules de bouchot (TSG)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1391 of 16 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1391) approves an amendment to the product specification for the traditional speciality guaranteed 'Moules de bouchot'. The change follows a request from France and is effective twenty days after publication.
EP Committee Work
IMCO Committee examines protection of minors online across the Single Market
On 24 June 2026, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) held a hearing on safeguarding children in digital environments, following Parliament's 2025 own-initiative report. The session featured panels on effective enforcement of the Digital Services Act and related legislation, identified gaps in protection, and explored potential improvements to consumer and market law affecting minors online. Contributions came from the European Commission, META, BEUC, and NGOs focused on digital rights.
ENVI Committee public hearing explores circular economy legislative proposals
The Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) convened a public hearing on 23 June 2026 titled 'Less waste, more value: Towards an EU Circular Economy Act'. Expert speakers addressed lessons learned under the current legislative framework and discussed innovative policy and implementation approaches to support the Union's shift toward a circular economy.
TRAN Committee reviews passenger rights agreement for multimodal travel
On 25 June 2026, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) announced a preliminary agreement with the Council to update and unify passenger rights across transport modes, including air, rail, sea, inland waterway, and bus travel. The agreed text standardises reimbursements, improves protection for persons with reduced mobility, and enhances national enforcement powers, pending formal approval.
What We're Reading This Week
- Video. Portugal's €1.5bn push for vocational training: Portugal invests €1.5 billion to expand vocational training, aiming to boost workforce skills and address labor market needs.
- Pay transparency isn't only about women. It exposes more inequalities: Increased pay transparency reveals wage disparities affecting various groups beyond gender, highlighting broader workplace inequality issues.
- Why Alentejo is Portugal’s hotel hotspot right now: Rising demand and new luxury openings are turning Alentejo into Portugal’s premier destination for stylish accommodations.
- Short breaks and family holidays drive Europe summer travel demand: Europe sees a surge in summer travel bookings as families and short getaway seekers become key drivers of demand.
