This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#29, 2026)
New EU air passenger rights regulation enters into force; consumer authorities act on gamers’ rights; Bulgaria referred to Court over electricity rules; G7 addresses energy volatility.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
New EU air passenger rights regulation enters into force; consumer authorities act on gamers’ rights; Bulgaria referred to Court over electricity rules; G7 addresses energy volatility.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On October 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Connecting Europe through high-speed rail.
European Commission
G7 Leaders Address Global Energy Security and Market Stability
On 1 October, the European Commission published the G7 Leaders' Statement following a virtual meeting on energy security. The statement outlines coordinated measures to stabilise oil markets amid ongoing volatility and high prices. Member countries agreed to synchronise refinery maintenance schedules and temporarily raise utilisation rates. The G7 also committed to a coordinated release of 100 million barrels of oil, including a significant diesel release within the first 20 days, in collaboration with the International Energy Agency (IEA). The statement condemns continued disruptions to trade in the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirms ongoing sanctions against Russia. The IEA is tasked with monitoring the implementation and impact of these measures and will deliver a follow-up report within 20 days.
Commission Refers Bulgaria to Court over Electricity Market Directive
On 30 September, the Commission referred Bulgaria (INFR(2021)0015) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fully transpose Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity. The Directive, required to be transposed by 31 December 2020, is central to establishing competitive, consumer-centred electricity markets in the EU. The Commission identified gaps in Bulgaria’s transposition, notably concerning network access, collective switching, flexibility requirements, and regulatory oversight. The Commission is seeking financial sanctions under Article 260(3) TFEU.
EU Consumer Protection Authorities Target In-Game Virtual Currencies
On 29 September, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, coordinated by the Commission, announced coordinated enforcement actions concerning nine video game companies. The actions follow the Key Principles on in-game virtual currencies, focusing on transparency, pricing, and the rights of gamers, including vulnerable consumers. Investigations target companies such as Crytek GmbH, InnoGames GmbH, King.com Operations (Malta) Limited, Mojang AB, Plarium Europe S.à.r.l., PLR Worldwide Sales Limited, Riot Games Limited, Supercell Oy, and Ubisoft EMEA SAS. In parallel, the CPC is reviewing compliance by Activision Blizzard UK Limited with EU consumer law in "Diablo Immortal" and "Call of Duty Mobile." Commissioner Michael McGrath underlined the sector’s responsibilities towards fair play and consumer rights.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Revision of EU Air Passenger Rights – Regulation (EU) 2026/2202
Regulation (EU) 2026/2202, amending Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, was published in the Official Journal on 2 October. The new rules, applicable from 23 October 2027, strengthen air passenger rights regarding denied boarding, long delays, cancellations, and baggage issues. The revision introduces a clearer definition of 'extraordinary circumstances,' harmonises compensation mechanisms, and enhances consumer transparency. It also amends Council Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 on carrier liability.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2211 – Harmonised Standards for Pressure Equipment
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2211, adopted 1 October, updates harmonised standards supporting Directive 2014/68/EU on pressure equipment. The Decision incorporates new and revised standards for refrigerating systems, heat pumps, LPG equipment, cryogenic vessels, and welding, aligning with CEN/Cenelec developments.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2168 – Flanders Red Ale PGI Registration
On 1 October, the Commission registered 'Vlaams roodbruin bier / Flanders Red Ale' as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The registration followed the absence of opposition and covers traditional Belgian beer.
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2194 – Spain Excise Duty Derogation
On 30 September, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2026/2194 authorising Spain to temporarily apply reduced excise duty rates to gas oil and unleaded petrol, below the minimum levels under Directive 2003/96/EC. The measure responds to recent energy price shocks and is valid until 30 September 2026.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2167 – Aceite Valle del Tiétar PDO Registration
The Commission registered 'Aceite Valle del Tiétar' as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) on 29 September, under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. No opposition was recorded during the procedure.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2140 – Extension of Slovenian Derogation for Pyblast EW
On 29 September, the Commission extended Slovenia’s authorisation for the biocidal product Pyblast EW for use against invasive red swamp crayfish, under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. The extension allows continued use for 180 days.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2141 – Extension of Belgian Derogation for Biocidal Products
The Commission, on 29 September, permitted Belgium to extend use of the biocidal products Recrute Pro and Recrute HD for termite eradication in Pairi Daiza animal park until 28 August 2027. The extension is granted under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2187 – Avian Influenza Emergency Measures
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2187, published 28 September, amends emergency measures in response to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks. The Decision updates protection and surveillance zones in Bulgaria as required by Regulation (EU) 2016/429.
What We're Reading This Week
- From food-led escapes to trip of a lifetime hotels: How luxury travel has evolved and ‘doesn’t look one way’: Luxury travel now caters to diverse tastes, offering personalized experiences beyond traditional opulence, from culinary adventures to unique accommodations.
