This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Fair Labour Mobility Package proposed; Union Customs Code established; wine sector crisis support rules; new biocidal authorisations; toy safety standards updated; avian influenza emergency zones.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Fair Labour Mobility Package proposed; Union Customs Code established; wine sector crisis support rules; new biocidal authorisations; toy safety standards updated; avian influenza emergency zones.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission proposes Fair Labour Mobility Package
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package, introducing a Regulation establishing the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), a Regulation on digital and comparable qualifications (Skills Portability Act), a Regulation to strengthen the European Labour Authority (ELA), an amending Directive on professional qualifications, and a Directive on qualifications of third-country nationals. The package aims to digitise social security documents and qualifications, enabling their use across borders via the EU Digital Identity Wallet. Processing times for professional qualification recognition are to be shortened, with faster access for regulated professions and simplified procedures for non-EU nationals. The strengthened ELA mandate includes enhanced inspection capacity and expanded coverage for non-EU workers. Digitalisation measures are expected to be phased in between 2028 and 2031 after adoption by the Parliament and Council. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, and Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced the proposals.
Questions and Answers on Fair Labour Mobility Package
The Commission released a Q&A on the Fair Labour Mobility Package on 14 September 2026, clarifying the operational details of ESSPASS, the digitalisation of qualifications, and the expanded role of the European Labour Authority. ESSPASS will facilitate real-time verification of documents such as the European Health Insurance Card and the portable document A1 for posted workers, with digital versions integrated into the EU Digital Identity Wallet by end 2026. The Skills Portability Act mandates issuance of digital qualifications for all relevant levels, accessible via Europass. Revised rules for recognition of third-country qualifications set fixed deadlines and appeal rights. The package is expected to deliver €6 billion in benefits by 2040, including fraud savings and reduced administrative burden for businesses and authorities. The ELA's mandate will cover enforcement for non-EU nationals and support for cross-border dispute resolution and labour inspections.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Union Customs Code established with EU Customs Authority
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 was adopted on 16 September 2026 by the European Parliament and Council, repealing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 and establishing the Union Customs Code and the European Union Customs Authority. The new code introduces the EU Customs Data Hub for integrated electronic services, harmonises customs procedures, and strengthens risk management for both financial and non-financial risks. The EU Customs Authority will be headquartered in Lille, France, and tasked with central governance, coordination, and crisis management. The regulation sets ambitious timelines for implementation, with full application by March 2034.
Technical fixes to deforestation regulation product scope
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 of 13 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, clarifying and adjusting the list of relevant commodities and products subject to deforestation-related due diligence. The changes affect HS codes for cattle, hides, leather, coffee, rubber, and palm oil derivatives, among others, and provide exemptions for medicinal products, retreaded tyres, and certain waste and second-hand goods. The amendments enter into force immediately, with deferred application for some categories.
Rules for national payments in wine sector crisis situations
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2093 of 10 July 2026 supplements Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 regarding national payments for wine distillation, green harvesting, and grubbing up of productive vineyards in crisis cases. Eligibility criteria, calculation methods, and coherence requirements with Common Agricultural Policy support measures are defined. Member States must justify crisis situations with specific market indicators and submit annual notifications to the Commission.
Union authorisation for biocidal product family Hydrogen peroxide
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2050 of 11 September 2026 grants Union authorisation to MELLERUD CHEMIE GMBH for the Hydrogen peroxide biocidal product family (product-types 2 and 4), valid from 4 October 2026 to 31 January 2036 under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.
Union authorisation for biocidal product family Hydrogen peroxides biocides
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2054 of 11 September 2026 grants Union authorisation to ILR GmbH for the Hydrogen peroxides biocides family (product-types 2 and 4), valid from 4 October 2026 to 31 January 2036 under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.
Union authorisation for biocidal product family Glutaraldehyde formulations
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2053 of 10 September 2026 grants Union authorisation to Solenis Switzerland GmbH for Glutaraldehyde formulations (product-types 6, 11, and 12), valid from 4 October 2026 to 30 September 2030 under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.
Union authorisation for biocidal product family SOPUROXID
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2046 of 14 September 2026 amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/964, introducing administrative and minor changes to the Union authorisation for the biocidal product family SOPUROXID, as recommended by the European Chemicals Agency.
Union authorisation for biocidal product family Hydrogen peroxide product family
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2050 of 11 September 2026 grants a Union authorisation for the biocidal product family Hydrogen peroxide product family under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, valid until 31 January 2036.
Registration of 'Olio dei Colli di Bologna' (PGI) as geographical indication
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2078 of 9 September 2026 enters 'Olio dei Colli di Bologna' as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the Union register pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, following Italy's application and absence of opposition.
Approval of Union amendment to Segarcea PDO specification
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2106 of 14 September 2026 approves a Union amendment to the product specification for the Segarcea Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, following Romania's application and absence of opposition.
Amendment to emergency measures for avian influenza outbreaks
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2109 of 17 September 2026 amends the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447, updating protection and surveillance zones for highly pathogenic avian influenza in France, under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687.
Harmonised standards for toy safety updated
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2032 of 11 September 2026 amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/740, publishing references for new harmonised standards EN 71-15:2025 (formamide in foam toy materials), EN 71-16:2025 (chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants), and revising EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025 (experimental sets for chemistry).
Joint Committee adopts Rules of Procedure for Interbus Agreement
Decision No 1/2026 of the Joint Committee established under the Protocol to the Interbus Agreement of 2 June 2026 adopts its Rules of Procedure, facilitating management of international regular and special regular carriage of passengers by coach and bus.
EU Council
ECOFIN informal meeting held
Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) ministers held an informal meeting on 18 September 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- Shakira set to break records with Madrid residency: Hotel rates of $350 and thousands of extra seats on planes and trains: Shakira's Madrid residency sparks soaring hotel prices and increased transportation capacity to accommodate surging fan demand.
