This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#30, 2026)
Commission imposes countervailing duty on Chinese lightweight thermal paper; new PGI registrations—Jabłka krajeńskie, Pernil Cerretà, Kiełbasa pradziada z Dukli; crisis distillation support for German wine sector; temporary protection for Ukrainians extended.
August 02, 2026 to August 08, 2026
Commission imposes countervailing duty on Chinese lightweight thermal paper; new PGI registrations—Jabłka krajeńskie, Pernil Cerretà, Kiełbasa pradziada z Dukli; crisis distillation support for German wine sector; temporary protection for Ukrainians extended.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission imposes provisional countervailing duty on certain lightweight thermal paper from China
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1914 of 5 August 2026 introduces a provisional countervailing duty on lightweight thermal paper (LWTP) originating in the People’s Republic of China, under Regulation (EU) 2016/1037. The investigation found significant subsidisation of Chinese producers, with rates calculated for Guangdong Guanhao High-Tech Co. (28.8%) and all other imports (70.5%). The duty follows a surge in imports at undercutting prices and material injury to the Union industry in the retail receipts supply chain.
Temporary exceptional crisis distillation measure for the German wine sector
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1913 of 31 July 2026 introduces a one-off crisis distillation measure for red and rosé wine PDOs from Württemberg and Rheinhessen. The regulation allocates EUR 14,160,000 in Union support, capping payments at EUR 59 per hectolitre. Distilled alcohol is restricted to industrial purposes, aiming to remedy market imbalances from declining consumption.
Approval of amendment to the product specification for Romagna (PDO)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1920 of 31 July 2026 approves a Union amendment to the product specification for Romagna (protected designation of origin, PDO) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The amendment aligns procedural requirements and product characteristics following Italy’s application and absence of opposition.
Registration of Jabłka krajeńskie as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1899 of 28 July 2026 registers 'Jabłka krajeńskie' (PGI) in the Union register of geographical indications pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, following Poland’s application. No opposition statements were received.
Registration of Pernil Cerretà as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1901 of 28 July 2026 registers 'Pernil Cerretà' (PGI) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Spain’s application, submitted before the entry into force of the new GI Regulation, faced no formal opposition.
Registration of Kiełbasa pradziada z Dukli as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1927 of 31 July 2026 records 'Kiełbasa pradziada z Dukli' (PGI) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, following Poland’s application and the absence of objections.
Adjustment of advance payment rates for wine sector interventions
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1160 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/127, raising the advance payment cap for interventions under Article 58 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 from 80% to 90% of forecasted expenditure. The change aims to address volatile wine market conditions and facilitate CAP Strategic Plans’ execution.
Registration of European citizens’ initiative: 'Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification'
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1921 of 22 July 2026 registers the European citizens’ initiative ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification’ under Regulation (EU) 2019/788. The initiative calls for legislation on voluntary, privacy-preserving digital identity and age assurance systems for online services.
EU Council
Council decision to extend temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912, adopted on 30 July 2026, extends the temporary protection framework for those displaced from Ukraine until 4 March 2028. The extension is made under Directive 2001/55/EC in response to ongoing risks and continued humanitarian need.
