A well-functioning Single Market must deliver for retailers, wholesalers, workers and consumers

We, EuroCommerce and UNI Europa, as the European social partners representing employers and workers in the retail and wholesale sector, recognise that a well-functioning Single Market must deliver tangible benefits for workers and consumers in every Member State. At a time of persistent inflation, rising living costs, declining purchasing power, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, it is essential that the Single Market functions fairly and effectively to support affordable prices, consumer choice and quality employment.

We jointly support the European Economic and Social Committee opinion on tackling unjustified territorial supply constraints. We call on the European Commission to launch the public consultation and proceed with the impact assessment without delay, with a view to putting an end to unjustified territorial supply constraints that fragment the Single Market and contribute to higher prices and reduced choice for consumers and businesses in a number of Member States.

The benefits of the Single Market cannot be reserved for a limited number of large multinational brand suppliers. Companies that benefit from access to the scale and opportunities of the Single Market should not be able to restrict cross-border sourcing or partition markets in ways that undermine fair competition and prevent consumers and workers from gaining those benefits.

Addressing unjustified territorial supply constraints would strengthen the Single Market, support consumers’ purchasing power, improve resilience across retail and wholesale supply chains, and contribute to sustainable growth and quality jobs across Europe. Greater competitiveness, full enjoyment of the Single Market, and a stronger retail and wholesale sector should support investment in workers, skills and quality employment.