This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes Affordable Housing Act; new Public Procurement regulation tabled; Council to review EU-India trade deal.
September 07, 2026 to September 13, 2026
Commission proposes Affordable Housing Act; new Public Procurement regulation tabled; Council to review EU-India trade deal.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission proposes Affordable Housing Act to address housing crisis
On 8 September 2026, the European Commission presented the Affordable Housing Act, aimed at supporting Member States and cities in tackling housing affordability and availability, particularly in areas facing the greatest pressures. The proposal introduces a common European framework for assessing housing-related measures affecting the single market, while retaining national, regional, and local competence over housing policy. Legal certainty is provided to authorities acting to restrict non-primary housing uses, such as short-term rentals or prolonged vacancy, requiring evidence-based justification and ensuring measures are targeted, necessary, and proportionate. The Act is accompanied by a Recommendation to accelerate housing supply, including Housing Acceleration Plans and faster planning and permitting. The legislative proposal will proceed under the ordinary legislative procedure, with the Commission continuing stakeholder engagement as part of the European Affordable Housing Plan.
Commission proposes simpler, strategic Public Procurement rules
On 8 September 2026, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new Regulation to modernise and simplify the EU's public procurement framework. The draft legislation consolidates existing directives into a single Regulation, reducing complexity and administrative burden. Key measures include a digital procurement marketplace, a standardised Best Price-Quality Ratio award method with quality criteria accounting for at least 30% (and 50% for labour-intensive contracts), and new provisions on security, resilience, and European preference in procurement. The proposal responds to recommendations from the Draghi and Letta reports and will now be negotiated by the European Parliament and Council.
Commission presents landmark India trade deal to Council for signature
On 10 September 2026, the European Commission submitted proposals to the Council for the signature and conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and India. The agreement, if authorised and ratified, is expected to remove or reduce tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India, saving approximately €4 billion per year in duties. The FTA aims to improve market access, reduce trade barriers, and provide predictable rules for EU-India trade and investment. This step follows the fast-track procedure led by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and requires Council approval and European Parliament consent before entry into force.
EU Council
Upcoming ECOFIN to consider India trade agreement
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will hold an informal meeting on 18 September 2026, with the EU-India Free Trade Agreement among the items expected to be reviewed.
What We're Reading This Week
- Formula 1 sends Madrid holiday rents soaring: Up to €20,000 near circuit: Short-term rental prices in Madrid are skyrocketing as Formula 1 fans pay record sums to stay near the city’s new circuit.
