This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#26, 2026)
Commission investigates addictive design in social media; Hungary referred to CJEU over retail price margins; XXXLutz-Porta gun jumping probe; EU-Mexico trade deal advances; passenger rights upgrade.
July 05, 2026 to July 11, 2026
Commission investigates addictive design in social media; Hungary referred to CJEU over retail price margins; XXXLutz-Porta gun jumping probe; EU-Mexico trade deal advances; passenger rights upgrade.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On July 15, 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 Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards CO2 emission performance standards for new light duty vehicles and vehicle labelling and repealing Directive 1999/94/EC.
European Commission
Commission preliminarily finds the addictive design of Instagram and Facebook in breach of the Digital Services Act
On 9 July 2026, the European Commission announced preliminary findings that Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has breached the Digital Services Act (Regulation (EU) 2022/2065) through the use of addictive design elements such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and highly personalised recommender systems. The Commission concluded Meta did not sufficiently assess or mitigate risks posed to users' physical and mental health, particularly among minors and vulnerable individuals. Features such as time management tools and parental controls were found inadequate. Meta has been invited to respond in writing, with the European Board for Digital Services being consulted. If the findings are upheld, the Commission may issue a non-compliance decision, including possible fines of up to 6% of Meta's annual worldwide turnover.
Commission opens formal investigation into possible gun jumping in XXXLutz's acquisition of Porta
The Commission launched a formal investigation on 9 July 2026 into whether XXXLutz's proposed acquisition of Porta breached the standstill obligation under Article 7(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (EU Merger Regulation). The acquisition, publicly announced on 7 January 2025 but not notified to the Commission, is suspected of being implemented before formal clearance. Both companies are major furniture and home goods retailers in several EU member states. The investigation is distinct from the standard competition assessment and could result in fines up to 10% of annual turnover if gun jumping is confirmed.
Commission refers Hungary to Court of Justice over price margin restrictions for food and drugstore products
On 7 July 2026, the Commission referred Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for setting price margin caps on sales of certain food and drugstore items, mainly affecting non-Hungarian retailers. The restrictions, introduced via Government Decrees 42/2025 and 93/2025 and made permanent in May 2026 (Act CLXIV of 2005), limited margins to levels unsustainable for business operations, potentially discriminating against foreign operators. The Commission's infringement cases INFR(2025)2052 and INFR(2025)2102 assert breaches of Directive 2006/123/EC and Article 49 TFEU regarding freedom of establishment.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1546 — Amendment of maximum residue levels for benomyl, carbendazim, and thiophanate-methyl
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1546 of 8 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1546) amends Annexes II, III, and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. The changes reduce maximum residue levels (MRLs) for benomyl, carbendazim, and thiophanate-methyl in specified products to their respective limits of determination. Transitional arrangements apply for products placed on the market before 29 January 2027.
Approval of Union amendment to Drăgăşani protected designation of origin
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1702 of 7 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1702) approves a Union amendment to the product specification of the protected designation of origin 'Drăgăşani', in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. No opposition was received during the specified period.
Approval of Union amendment to Tokaj/Tokaji protected designation of origin
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1556 of 2 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1556) endorses an amendment to the product specification for the protected designation of origin 'Tokaj / Tokaji' under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The amendment entered into force twenty days after publication.
Rhizomucor pusillus mycelium authorised as a novel food
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1507 of 3 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1507) allows the marketing of Rhizomucor pusillus mycelium as a novel food and amends Regulation (EU) 2017/2470. The authorisation is exclusive to The Protein Brewery B.V. for five years after entry into force.
Urban mobility data submission requirements set under Regulation (EU) 2026/1554
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1554 of 9 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1554) details obligations for the collection and transmission of urban mobility data under Regulation (EU) 2024/1679. Member States must begin submitting data through the TENtec system by 31 December 2027, with updates every four years.
EU Council
Informal Competitiveness Council discusses internal market and industry
Competitiveness ministers met informally on 9 July 2026. Discussions focused on internal market and industrial competitiveness.
EP Committee Work
INTRA and AFET endorse EU-Mexico Interim Trade Agreement
The Committee on International Trade (INTA) adopted a recommendation on the draft Council decision to conclude the Interim Agreement on Trade between the EU and Mexico. Rapporteur Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES) presented the report for committee agreement.
ITRE opinion on the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture, and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security (2028–2034)
On 10 July 2026, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) issued its opinion, with Jana NAGYOVÁ (Renew, SK) as rapporteur, on the proposed regulation establishing the European Fund for cohesion and other sectors for 2028–2034, amending Regulations (EU) 2023/955 and (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
Draft opinion on the EU general budget for 2027 – all sections
The Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) released a draft opinion on 6 July 2026 regarding the EU's general budget for the 2027 financial year. Matjaž NEMEC (S&D, SI) serves as rapporteur for the document.
What We're Reading This Week
- The Dean Munich marks Irish hotel brand’s second opening in Germany: Irish hotel brand expands further into Germany with the opening of The Dean Munich, solidifying its European presence.
- Holiday prices in Europe: Which country is cheapest?: Travelers can save money this summer by choosing destinations in Eastern Europe, where holiday costs remain the lowest.
- Former 1910s cinema in San Sebastián transformed into stunning hotel: A historic San Sebastián cinema has been renovated into a boutique hotel, blending architectural heritage with modern luxury.
