Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Statement by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Occasion of World Press Freedom Day

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

Headline: Statement by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Occasion of World Press Freedom Day

Sarajevo, 3 May 2025 – A free society depends on a free press.  In recognition of World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) reaffirms its continued commitment to defending the fundamental right to free and independent journalism, as well as the corresponding right of journalists to enjoy the freedom to operate safely and without undue interference.
Around the world, press freedom is increasingly under threat, and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is no exception. BiH dropped 17 places in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, now ranking 81st out of 180 countries. This significant decline reflects a deepening crisis for media freedom in the country, driven by several factors, including attempts at various levels of governance in BiH to introduce harmful legislation restricting freedom of expression, increased political pressure on journalists and media, frequent verbal and physical attacks against journalists and media workers, and growing efforts to silence independent and investigative reporting. The first months of 2025 have further compounded these challenges as independent media struggle to secure sustainable funding in an increasingly challenging international context.
Today, the Mission stands in solidarity with the courageous journalists across BiH who continue their critical work under increasingly difficult circumstances. We are also honoured to have actively contributed to the establishment of the network of contact points in prosecutors’ offices and ministries of interior across BiH working on the safety of journalists.  
In addition, this year we are privileged to support two events marking World Press Freedom Day: the first in Tuzla on 3 May in co-operation with the Association of Journalists of BiH and the second in Zenica on 7 May 2025 with BH Novinari. Later this month in Sarajevo, the Mission will co-host the 10th South East Europe Media Conference, which will focus on supporting media viability for informed, resilience societies, under the leadership of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.
Finally, the Mission calls on BiH leaders and institutions to take further action to protect journalists and media from intimidation and violence, to refrain from legislative measures that restrict freedom of expression, and create conditions that foster independent and professional journalism. A free press is essential for democratic governance, accountability, the protection of human rights, and is a key component of overall security and stability in the country.

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Apotheken-News: Apothekeninhaber müssen ihre Altersvorsorge neu absichern

Source: Deutsche Nachrichten
Versorgungswerke verlieren an Vertrauen, Substanz und Steuerungsfähigkeit. Apothekeninhaber müssen handeln, bevor sich Rentenlücken manifestieren und wirtschaftliche Fehlentscheidungen verfestigen. Die sinkende Kapitalbasis vieler Einrichtungen stellt die langfristige Tragfähigkeit ihrer Versorgungsversprechen infrage. Beitragserhöhungen drohen, Leistungsanpassungen sind unausweichlich, und die politische Begleitung bleibt auffällig passiv. Die betriebliche Altersvorsorge wird damit zur unternehmerischen Kernfrage. Wer weiterhin allein auf das System vertraut, riskiert wirtschaftliche Unsicherheit und gesellschaftliche Schieflagen.

Die wirtschaftliche Stabilität der berufsständischen Versorgungswerke wird zunehmend infrage gestellt. Für viele Apothekeninhaber markiert dies einen tiefgreifenden Einschnitt in ihre finanzielle Planbarkeit. Über Jahrzehnte hinweg galten die Versorgungswerke als verlässliche Institutionen. Ihre Versprechen waren einfach: kontinuierliche Beiträge im aktiven Berufsleben, lebenslange Versorgung im Alter. Doch dieses System gerät ins Wanken. Der massive Druck aus der geldpolitischen Vergangenheit, die abrupt gestiegene Zinsdynamik und die zunehmende Abwertung langlaufender Kapitalanlagen führen zu realen Substanzverlusten in den Rücklagen der Einrichtungen.

Vor allem in Schleswig-Holstein und Hessen wurden in den vergangenen Monaten umfangreiche Abschreibungen öffentlich. Auch in anderen Bundesländern offenbaren sich stille Risiken. Die Marktverwerfungen der letzten Jahre treffen insbesondere solche Versorgungswerke hart, die in illiquide oder renditestarke, aber hochvolatilen Anlageklassen investierten. Immobilienfonds, Private-Equity-Beteiligungen und langfristige Staatsanleihen büßen deutlich an Wert ein. Die Folgen zeigen sich nicht nur auf dem Papier, sondern wirken sich zunehmend auf die Handlungsfähigkeit der Träger aus. Die gesetzlichen Anforderungen zur Marktbewertung führen zu bilanziellen Korrekturen, die keinen unmittelbaren Liquiditätsabfluss bedeuten, aber das Vertrauen untergraben.

Für Apothekenbetreiber ist diese Entwicklung von doppelter Tragweite. Als beitragszahlende Mitglieder sind sie selbst in ihrer Altersvorsorge betroffen. Gleichzeitig stehen sie als Arbeitgeber in der Pflicht, ihren Mitarbeitenden ein verlässliches Versorgungssystem zu bieten. Ein Ausgleich durch höhere Beitragssätze, die der Finanzlage der Versorgungswerke Rechnung tragen sollen, würde jedoch direkt auf die Betriebskosten durchschlagen. In einer Zeit, in der viele Apotheken ohnehin mit wirtschaftlichem Druck, Lieferengpässen und Personalmangel kämpfen, wäre das eine zusätzliche Belastung mit strukturellen Konsequenzen für den gesamten Berufsstand.

Zudem stellt sich die Frage nach der Fairness innerhalb des Systems. Die intergenerationelle Balance ist ins Rutschen geraten. Während ältere Mitglieder von den historischen Renditen profitieren konnten, tragen jüngere Generationen nun die Risiken eines überdehnten Modells. Die faktische Umlage, die in Form steigender Beiträge aufrechterhalten wird, verschärft diese Schieflage. Eine dauerhafte Entsolidarisierung ist nicht ausgeschlossen, wenn die Versorgungswerke es nicht schaffen, das Vertrauen zurückzugewinnen. Dazu braucht es Transparenz, eine ehrliche Kommunikation der Risiken und einen klaren Plan zur Sicherung der Leistungsfähigkeit.

Betriebswirtschaftlich bedeutet dies für Apothekeninhaber, ihre Vorsorgestrategie grundlegend zu überdenken. Wer sich bislang ausschließlich auf das Versorgungswerk verlassen hat, muss umdenken. Die Entwicklung erfordert zusätzliche Vorsorgeschichten – sei es in Form von privater Altersvorsorge, betrieblicher Rücklagenbildung oder sachwertorientierten Investitionen. Die Abhängigkeit von einem einzigen Versorgungsträger ist angesichts der strukturellen Risiken nicht länger tragfähig. Das betrifft nicht nur den Inhaber selbst, sondern auch seine Mitarbeitenden, deren Vertrauen in die Zukunft des Berufsstandes unmittelbar mit der Stabilität der Versorgungseinrichtungen verknüpft ist.

Die Versorgungswerke ihrerseits müssen jetzt zeigen, dass sie reformfähig sind. Das bedeutet nicht nur, Risiken besser zu streuen und passgenauer zu steuern, sondern auch neue Formen der Mitgliederkommunikation zu etablieren. Finanzberichte, die bloß Zahlen nennen, reichen nicht mehr aus. Erforderlich ist eine offene Debatte über Zielrenditen, Risikopuffer und Leistungsanpassungen. Nur so lässt sich verhindern, dass ein zentrales Instrument der berufsständischen Selbstverwaltung zum Sanierungsfall wird.

Die Altersvorsorge der Apothekerschaft steht damit an einem entscheidenden Wendepunkt. Wer jetzt nicht handelt, verliert. Wer nur verwaltet, verspielt Vertrauen. Und wer sich allein auf vergangene Stabilität verlässt, wird von der Realität überrollt.

Kommentar:

Die Versorgungswerke der Freien Berufe stehen vor einer strukturellen Zerreißprobe. Was über Jahrzehnte als verlässliches Versorgungsmodell gepriesen wurde, zeigt nun massive Fehlkonstruktionen. Die Rücklagen erodieren, die Risikopuffer bröckeln, und die Kommunikation gegenüber den Mitgliedern bleibt weit hinter dem zurück, was in dieser Lage erforderlich wäre. Die Institutionen, die einst für Sicherheit standen, versagen aktuell in einer ihrer zentralen Aufgaben: dem Schutz der Altersvorsorge gegen systemische Marktverwerfungen.

Verantwortlich dafür ist nicht ein plötzlicher Schock, sondern ein jahrelanges Verharren in Bequemlichkeit. Die Niedrigzinsphase hätte den Trägern der Versorgungswerke als Alarmsignal dienen müssen. Doch anstatt neue Wege der Kapitalanlage zu erschließen und das Risikomanagement zu modernisieren, wurde zu lange an scheinbar bewährten Strukturen festgehalten. Heute sehen wir die Folgen dieser strategischen Passivität: Abschreibungen in zweistelliger Millionenhöhe, Rücklagenverluste, wachsende Beitragsrisiken und ein fundamentaler Vertrauensschwund unter den Mitgliedern.

Die Politik macht es sich derweil einfach. Berufsständische Versorgung wird gern als Musterbeispiel für funktionierende Selbstverwaltung zitiert, solange keine Probleme öffentlich werden. Doch diese Haltung ist bequem und feige. Denn es handelt sich nicht um ein rein internes Problem. Wenn Apothekenbetreiber ihre Altersvorsorge verlieren, wenn Fachkräfte ihren Berufsstand verlassen, weil sie keine Perspektive sehen, dann ist das ein gesellschaftliches Problem. Dann geht es um soziale Sicherheit, wirtschaftliche Stabilität und generationengerechte Verantwortung.

Die Standesorganisationen haben es versäumt, frühzeitig auf Reformen zu drängen. Stattdessen wurde das System verteidigt, obwohl es längst stotterte. Eine kritische Debatte wurde unterbunden, Hinweise aus der Praxis ignoriert. Heute rächt sich diese Selbstzufriedenheit. Und die Last tragen diejenigen, die am wenigsten Einfluss auf das System haben: junge Mitglieder, selbstständige Apothekenbetreiber, berufliche Einsteiger. Sie zahlen die Beiträge für ein System, das ihnen womöglich nie die versprochenen Leistungen bieten wird.

Es ist Zeit für einen radikalen Neustart. Dazu gehört die Offenlegung aller Risiken, die Anpassung der Anlagestrategien, die Senkung von Verwaltungsaufwand und vor allem eine ehrliche Kommunikation mit den Mitgliedern. Wer die Realität weiter beschönigt, schadet dem System. Wer notwendige Schritte hinauszögert, gefährdet Existenzen. Die Ära der stillen Verwaltung ist vorbei. Jetzt braucht es mutige Entscheidungen, klare Verantwortlichkeiten und strukturelle Konsequenzen.

Die Versorgungswerke müssen sich neu erfinden oder sie werden überflüssig. Für die Apotheken bedeutet das: nicht länger abwarten, sondern selbst handeln. Wer seine finanzielle Zukunft sichern will, darf sich nicht mehr auf Versprechen verlassen, sondern muss selbst aktiv werden. Die Risiken sind bekannt. Die Zeit der Ausreden ist vorbei.

Von Engin Günder, Fachjournalist

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EU Fact Sheets – Communication policy – 02-05-2025

Source: European Parliament 2

The need for effective communication has a legal basis in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the Charter), which guarantees the right to be informed about EU issues for all citizens. The EU institutions have developed several tools and services to stay in contact with and inform the public. Since its formal launch in 2012, the European Citizens’ Initiative has allowed citizens to become more directly involved in new legislation and EU issues.

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Luis de Guindos: Interview with Die Presse

Source: European Central Bank

Interview with Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, conducted by Jakob Zirm on 28 April 2025

3 May 2025

Die Presse: Since June 2024 the ECB has already cut interest rates seven times. How long will this period of interest rate cuts last?

Luis de Guindos: This will depend on how inflation develops. But we can be optimistic because our latest forecasts show that, from the end of this year, inflation will be very close to our target of 2%. Moreover, inflation continues to fall thanks to three additional factors. First, the euro has appreciated. Second, energy and commodity prices are declining. And third, the current economic uncertainty about tariffs could lead to greater wage moderation than that already suggested by the latest survey results. All these elements contribute to bringing inflation further down. And this is the decisive factor in whether we continue to lower interest rates.

Where would you place the neutral interest rate, i.e. the rate which neither stimulates nor restricts economic growth? Is this a target for the ECB?

The discussion about the neutral rate is very interesting from an academic standpoint. However, it is not very helpful for monetary policy decision-making because the neutral rate cannot be directly observed. Our decisions are based on how inflation develops, our projections and how our monetary policy is transmitted to the real economy. And, as I said, we are optimistic that we will sustainably achieve our inflation target.

The US Federal Reserve is lowering interest rates much more slowly than the ECB. Is the large interest rate differential between the United States and the euro area a problem?

The situation in the United States and Europe is different. You should look not only at nominal interest rates, but also at real interest rates. In the United States, inflation and inflation expectations are higher than in Europe, due to a different economic outlook. So the interest rate differential is smaller in real terms. In addition, inflation is more persistent in the United States.

We have policy space to pursue our own monetary policy, but of course we are monitoring what is happening in the United States.

In 2022 the euro depreciated massively after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates half a year sooner. Is there a similar risk again now?

Not necessarily at the moment. Despite all the uncertainties and contrary to expectations, the euro appreciated after the tariff announcements. Exchange rate developments depend on many factors. We do not have any exchange rate objective, but we monitor the exchange rate closely because it is an important macroeconomic variable in our assessment of the risks for price stability.

It is important to moderate exchange rate volatility.

But if the trend reverses and the dollar becomes significantly stronger again, could this fuel inflation in the euro area again?

We are closely monitoring exchange rate developments. But there are currently no signs of a weakening of the euro. Much will depend on how the current dispute over tariffs develops.

The average inflation rate in the euro area is currently 2.2%. However, some eastern European countries still have inflation rates of 3% or 4%. Is inflation really under control everywhere in the euro area?

Differences in inflation developments between countries are normal, it’s the average that is crucial. Our projections show that both headline and core inflation are on track to reach our 2% target. We are paying particular attention to monitoring services inflation, which is strongly influenced by wages. Here, too, we are seeing signs of a slowdown in wage dynamics.

Let’s talk about growth. In March the ECB predicted GDP growth of 0.9% for the euro area in 2025. Is this still realistic given the tariff debate?

You are right – this forecast was made before the announcement of US tariffs. Uncertainty we’ve seen since then has weighed on economic activity and is likely to delay investment and consumption. Uncertainty is always bad for the economy. We already pointed to such downside risks in our March projections. The risks are now materialising.

In Austria, we are in recession for the third year in a row now. Could the entire euro area slide into a recession?

No, our baseline continues to expect very low but positive growth. It’s well below potential growth, but I don’t think that the euro area is heading into a recession.

US tariffs are currently suspended. How bad would the damage be if the trade war were to escalate?

An all-out trade war would have a very serious impact on growth. I really hope it doesn’t come to that. It is also important to take the diversion effects that can occur in trade flows into account, making the consequences difficult to predict.

US President Donald Trump recently launched a mass attack on the Federal Reserve and its Chair Jerome Powell. What are the consequences of such an attempt to exert political pressure on the work of central banks?

The independence of central banks is crucial. It is key to their credibility and thus to combating inflation. Even when inflation was extremely high two years ago, inflation expectations in Europe remained anchored because the central bank was considered independent and credible. This credibility is essential to keep inflation expectations under control and, in particular, to avoid wage-price spirals.

There has been a discussion on whether the euro’s role as a reserve currency could be strengthened if confidence in the US dollar declines. Do you see that as possible?

The dollar is clearly leading as a reserve currency. The international importance of the euro is a lot less in comparison. Its future development depends on us, however. If Europe builds stronger capital markets and establishes itself as a true single market, the role of the euro at international level could be strengthened. Closer integration and a more pro-European approach are crucial.

What would be needed to create a true European capital markets union?

Three central pillars would be needed. First, we need a true single market – barriers and national legislation that impede further integration must be removed. Second, we need to complete the banking union. We already have single supervision and resolution, but we still lack a common deposit guarantee scheme. Third, we need to further develop the capital markets union itself. These three elements are interconnected – progress in one area is difficult without progress in the other two.

Many support the capital markets union but little progress has been made. Who is blocking it?

The problem is that without a true single market for goods and services, the capital markets union is also difficult to implement. The banking union is more advanced but there is still a lot to be done. Capital flows follow the real economy, which is why we need integrated goods and services markets.

In this situation, does it help if national governments block cross-border bank mergers – as is currently the case in Germany, where UniCredit wishes to buy Commerzbank?

I will not comment on any specific mergers. But in general, we support cross-border mergers because they are necessary to create truly European banks and complete the banking union.

Is there too much nationalism in the European financial system?

Sometimes there is too much national focus. But there is a growing awareness that Europe needs to become more independent. And the only way to remain relevant on the world stage is to be more European and a little less nationally focused.

The European Commission is now also pushing ahead with the simplification of European regulation. This also applies to the financial market of course. Where should economic activity be made easier for businesses?

The ECB has set up its own high-level task force, which I coordinate. It’s meant to draw up proposals by the end of the year, which will be passed on to the legislator. This may involve, for example, the implementation of Basel III or reporting, which could be streamlined, or the simplification of bank capital structure, to make it clearer and more understandable for investors. However, simplification does not mean de-regulation, it should not jeopardise banks’ solvency.

When inflation was high, many euro area countries steeply increased their debt and the ECB bought many government bonds, which amounted to some 30% of the outstanding volume in the case of some countries. Is that a problem?

Those measures were necessary in the context of the pandemic. But now we need to increase defence spending and preserve fiscal sustainability at the same time in order to avoid rising market interest rates and thus lower private investment. That won’t be easy.

The Austrian central bank has reported annual losses of more than €2 billion in the past two years. This was due to the purchase of low-yield government bonds. Is that the hidden price of expansionary monetary policy?

Our monetary policy is not determined by the profit and loss accounts of the central banks. Looking back, central banks have made significant gains over the past ten years. The current loss is a consequence of the high liquidity in the market, on which central banks have to pay higher interest rates. However, this liquidity is currently being reduced at a fast pace. The situation will improve in the future.

Are the high debt levels of euro area countries jeopardising future growth?

When markets have doubts about debt sustainability, market interest rates rise, which can reduce private investment. That is why a credible and sustainable fiscal policy is crucial.

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Press release – World Press Freedom Day 3 May: defending media freedom to safeguard democracy

Source: European Parliament

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Vice-President Sabine Verheyen and Culture and Education Committee Chair Nela Riehl stress the vital role of independent journalism.

President Roberta Metsola said: “A free press is the best shield for democracy. Journalists must be free to report without fear of censorship, intimidation, or retaliation. The European Parliament will always defend and stand up for media and press freedom – not only on World Press Freedom Day, but every day.”

Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE), Vice-President of the European Parliament and chair of the Working Group on the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) said:

“On World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm our commitment to one of the fundamental pillars of democracy: media freedom. Free, independent, and diverse journalism is essential to any democratic society. However, it remains under threat – even within some EU member states – and without it, democracy cannot function. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), passed in April 2024, is vital in addressing these challenges. It sends a strong message about the need to protect media diversity and journalistic independence across Europe. Media is more than just an industry – it shapes political discourse, drives cultural development, fosters social inclusion, and safeguards fundamental rights.

“The EMFA represents a historic milestone for the EU: for the first time, a comprehensive European law is in place to uphold press freedom and media pluralism. We have made significant legislative progress in shielding journalists from political interference and economic pressure. But these protections now need to be actively enforced.

“The EMFA is already taking effect. The first provisions have officially entered into force, with the next set to follow this month. By August 2025, the most significant parts of the law will come into effect, marking a major step in strengthening media freedom across the EU. However, the real impact of the EMFA depends on its implementation. That is why we are already monitoring the process closely to ensure that member states do not delay its enforcement. Press freedom cannot wait – we must act upon these commitments.

“On this World Press Freedom Day, we have to remember the importance of standing firm in defending media freedom. Troubling global trends remind us that indifference is not an option. Even in Europe, we must remain vigilant in upholding our democratic values. Press freedom is the backbone of democracy – defending it means protecting our freedoms and the values we hold dear.”

Nela Riehl (Greens, DE), Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, said: “An independent press sector is an essential pillar of our democracy. We need a free press to hold our decision makers accountable, advance social change, and keep citizens informed. I am concerned about the drastic increase in young people’s exposure to news from unverified sources on social media. Quality journalism is competing with algorithms on social media platforms for our attention. To minimise the spread of harmful disinformation, the EU is now starting to regulate digital platforms, but we also need to improve media literacy, make sure people have access to accurate information, and provide education on media consumption.

“This should be a high priority for civic education, with clear targets as we work towards improved democratic resilience across Europe. As a committee, we are pushing these challenges up the European education agenda, and we welcome the first steps in this direction under the Commission’s “Union of Skills” initiative.

“My recent visit to Ukraine reminded me of the power of citizens to counter threats to democracy. When the manipulation of information is weaponised, strengthening and protecting people – namely independent journalists, reporters, media professionals, and volunteers – is a matter of security as well. Accordingly, this World Press Freedom Day, we also emphasise the need to make work environments safe for the independent press, with liveable working conditions, a supportive European infrastructure, and protection from persecution.”

The chairs of the Civil Liberties Committee, the Human Rights Subcommittee and the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield are also issuing a statement to mark the World Press Freedom Day. You can read it here (available soon).


How Parliament strengthens media freedom

In early 2024, Parliament and Council adopted new rules to protect freedom of media and the independence of journalists in the EU. The provisions of the Media Freedom Act (EMFA) will become fully applicable in EU member states as of 8 August 2025.

These provisions should ensure transparency of media outlet ownership and of allocation of state advertising, strengthen public media independence, and secure robust protection for journalists and their sources. To ensure visibility and pluralism, digital platforms will be prevented from arbitrarily deleting or restricting independent media content.

A directive to protect journalists and civil society activists against strategic lawsuits seeking to silence critical voices must be transposed into national law in all EU member states by 7 May 2026.

Every year, the European Parliament rewards outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights. The fifth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be launched later this month.

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AMENDMENTS 002-003 – REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IV – Court of Justice – A10-0050/2025(002-003)

Source: European Parliament

AMENDMENTS 002-003
REPORT
on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IV – Court of Justice
(2024/2022(DEC))
Committee on Budgetary Control
Rapporteur: Cristian Terheş

Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

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AMENDMENTS 002-002 – REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VIII – European Ombudsman – A10-0055/2025(002-002)

Source: European Parliament

AMENDMENTS 002-002
REPORT
on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VIII – European Ombudsman
(2024/2027(DEC))
Committee on Budgetary Control
Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market – B10-0246/2025

Source: European Parliament

Anna Cavazzini
on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

B10‑0246/2025

European Parliament resolution on the old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market

(2025/2542(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its resolution of 18 January 2023 on the 30th anniversary of the single market: celebrating achievements and looking towards future developments[1],

– having regard to the report by Enrico Letta of 17 April 2024 entitled ‘Much more than a Market’ (the Letta report),

– having regard to the report by Mario Draghi of 9 September 2024 entitled ‘The future of European competitiveness’ (the Draghi report),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 29 January 2025 entitled ‘the 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report’ (COM(2025)0026),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 29 January 2025 entitled ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’ (COM(2025)0030),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 11 February 2025 entitled ‘A simpler and faster Europe: Communication on implementation and simplification (COM(2025)0047),

– having regard to the question to the Commission on the old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market (O-000012/2025 – B10‑0264/2025),

– having regard to Rules 142(5) and 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the European Union’s ability to compete and prosper in the global economy is vital, especially amid the current geopolitical challenges and climate and other environmental crises; whereas its current, medium and long-term competitiveness relies on a fully integrated and efficient single market that allows European businesses to innovate and prosper and prioritises the reduction of administrative burdens;

B. whereas the single market, comprising nearly 450 million citizens and 23 million businesses, generates a gross domestic product (GDP) of EUR 17 trillion, positioning the EU among the world’s three largest economies and contributing approximately one-sixth of global economic output;

C. whereas the Draghi report demonstrated that compliance costs resulting from various pieces of legislation remain very high for European companies, therefore hindering European innovation capacity;

D. whereas it remains crucial to improve the functioning of the single market by addressing persisting fragmentation through common, harmonised EU policies, more efficient implementation and enforcement, and the simplification of EU rules; whereas reducing administrative burdens and costs, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can help foster innovation and support European businesses; whereas unlocking the full potential of the single market requires overcoming persistent barriers to the free movement of goods and services;

E. whereas the rapid expansion of digital platforms and e-commerce has introduced new market dynamics and whereas evolving trends in global e-commerce are exerting additional pressure on customs controls, market surveillance and consumer protection authorities;

F. whereas geopolitical shifts and global economic transformations are reshaping supply chains, requiring the EU to adapt its single market policies; whereas the EU has set the highest standards for product safety and consumer protection, both offline and online;

G. whereas attention has been drawn to a growing number of cases reported across the EU in which goods and services offer reduced quantity or quality, despite stable or rising prices;

Old and enduring challenges

1. Reaffirms that the single market has been a cornerstone of European economic integration, enabling the free movement of goods, services, capital and people; stresses, however, that there are long-standing and emerging challenges that necessitate ambitious reforms without harming European competitiveness or imposing unnecessary administrative burdens on companies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to accelerate efforts towards implementing these reforms and to eliminate remaining unjustified obstacles to the free movement of goods and services, while ensuring a high level of consumer protection;

2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to maintain strong consumer protection while also providing for competition rules that are innovation-friendly, future-proof and proportionate; emphasises the need to ensure legal certainty and consistency and minimise regulatory complexity and fragmentation, which could disproportionately affect SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups;

3. Calls on the Commission to ensure that future legislative initiatives are consistently guided by the strategic priorities outlined in its communications and competitiveness strategy;

4. Underscores that, as demonstrated by the Letta and Draghi reports, there is still untapped potential in the services sector; calls for further action in this sector to address the significant obstacles that persist, starting from setting ambitious targets in the upcoming single market strategy; notes that services account for three quarters of EU GDP, represent two thirds of employment and create 9 out of 10 new jobs in the EU economy; notes also, however, that services are still the least developed segment of the EU single market;

5. Welcomes the proposal for a regulation on a public interface connected to the Internal Market Information System for the declaration of posting of workers and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (COM/2024/531), which should lead to simplification and strengthened enforcement; notes also that digitalisation could significantly reduce administrative burdens for cross-border services and ensure better access for businesses and consumers; calls, in this regard, for a single declaration portal and the digitalisation of A1 forms for cross-border services;

6. Stresses the importance of the effective recognition of professional qualifications and the removal of unjustified barriers to the free movement of professionals in order to make EU professional services globally competitive in future decades; encourages the Commission to remain vigilant in pursuing infringement procedures where Member States do not comply with EU legislation on the recognition of qualifications;

7. Stresses that single market rules should safeguard access to public services and preserve consumer rights as well as other overriding reasons of public interest; adds that any assessment to evaluate restrictions in the single market for services should include qualitative criteria;

8. Notes the role that EU public procurement can play in overcoming barriers to market entry, supporting sustainable and resilient industrial ecosystems, high quality jobs and value creation in the EU;

9. Acknowledges that the new legislative framework (NLF) has contributed to consistency in EU product legislation and that since its adoption, the industry sector, supply chains and products have experienced important transformations in the light of the digital and green transition, but also changes in market dynamics; notes that the 2022 evaluation of the NLF identified critical challenges, such as potential foreign influence, illegal practices, inadequacies in addressing digitalisation and the circular economy, and potential updates to obligations and definitions for certain economic operators to reflect new market realities;

10. Stresses that addressing these issues and making the NLF future-proof is essential to ensure coherence, reduce costs and ensure free movement of goods; calls, therefore, for an update to the NLF in order to streamline product rules, promote digitalisation and simplify compliance and market surveillance procedures; considers that the NLF should promote the use of Digital Product Passports as a means of demonstrating product conformity and complying with information requirements;

11. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to simplify EU rules and make them easier to implement, and to significantly reduce administrative burdens, in particular for SMEs, which play a vital role in sustaining local communities and economies; stresses the importance of ensuring legal certainty and consistency for businesses, as well as predictability for long-term investments, which are essential to boost competitiveness, innovation and resilience and to deliver fast and meaningful improvements for consumers and businesses; calls, furthermore, on the Member States to prevent actions that could compromise the level playing field in the internal market;

12. Recognises that inconsistent and fragmented enforcement of EU laws across the Member States continues to distort competition and undermine the single market’s integrity; adds that primary responsibility for enforcement of EU rules lies with the Member States; invites the Commission to make full use of its enforcement powers; calls for improved monitoring and enforcement mechanisms at EU level, such as harmonised rules on minimum levels of checks, harmonised methodologies to conduct these checks and joint inspections, in order to ensure the uniform application of EU law and, where applicable, swift redress for consumers;

13. Stresses the importance of maintaining a competitive and dynamic economic environment by safeguarding consumers’ rights and enforcing digital competition rules to address unfair business practices that distort market conditions; calls, furthermore, on the Member States to increase the capacity of market surveillance authorities and customs authorities to ensure effective enforcement of single market rules, particularly in respect of e-commerce and imports from non-EU countries;

14. Recalls that territorial supply constraints in the retail and wholesale segments fragment the single market, limit consumer choice and contribute to significant price disparities across the Union, particularly affecting the prices of basic consumer goods; highlights that while competition law penalises some of these practices effectively, many fall outside its scope; calls, therefore, on the Commission to propose measures to address the issue, including stronger enforcement against anti-competitive distribution agreements, in order to safeguard fair competition, thereby ensuring the integrity of the single market;

15. Calls on the Commission to investigate the causes for the differentiated levels of the inflation of basic goods and consumer price increases observed in some EU Member States;

16. Considers that the single market is a key tool in times of crisis if the Member States can act in a coordinated way; considers that the recently adopted Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act[2] will be crucial to ensure coordination in order to prevent shortages and ensure the smooth functioning of the single market, including the free movement of essential goods and services throughout the EU;

17. Calls on the Commission to empower consumers to easily exercise their passenger rights by establishing national enforcement bodies, which should be granted harmonised investigation and enforcement powers and which should be able to efficiently process individual complaints and related fines;

18. Highlights that e-commerce measures targeting geo-blocking, notably the Geoblocking Regulation[3], have been successful in creating a framework for a less fragmented single market and enhancing consumer choice for online shopping; notes with concern that the implementation of the regulation has been inadequate;

19. Notes that the European Accessibility Act[4] will become applicable across all EU Member States as of 28 June 2025; stresses the importance of its full and effective implementation by the Member States in order to ensure the harmonisation of accessibility requirements for products and services, thereby guaranteeing their accessibility to persons with disabilities across the EU internal market;

Emerging commercial practices

20. Highlights that the rapid expansion of digital platforms and e-commerce has introduced new market dynamics and has created advanced opportunities and challenges and risks for users; acknowledges that the Digital Markets Act[5] (DMA) and the Digital Services Act[6] (DSA) constitute key legislative instruments ensuring fair competition, contestability and fairness in digital platforms, while also fostering consumer protection and a safer, more trustworthy and more transparent digital environment in the digital economy; calls for proper enforcement of the EU’s new technology legislation to ensure genuine, autonomous and informed consumer choice, protection and fair competition;

21. Considers it essential to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of these two legislative acts and urges the Commission to conclude its ongoing investigations in the framework of the DSA and the DMA;

22. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act[7] maintains a risk-based, innovation-friendly approach, ensuring that compliance requirements are proportionate to the actual risks posed by AI applications while respecting the need to ensure a high level of protection of health, safety and fundamental rights;

23. Welcomes the Commission’s ‘digital fairness’ fitness check of consumer law and the upcoming public consultation; underlines that some issues remain unaddressed concerning the protection of consumers online, leading to an imbalance between consumers and traders within the digital economy; calls on the Commission to address these issues in the upcoming Digital Fairness Act; believes that digital addiction, online gambling, protection of minors online and persuasive technologies used by online actors, such as targeted advertising, influencer advertising and dark patterns, should fall under the Digital Fairness Act, which should close legal loopholes and be consistent with current legal instruments in order to better protect consumers online, taking into account the need to avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens;

24. Notes that evolving trends in global e-commerce and supply chain restructuring are placing greater pressure on customs controls, market surveillance and consumer protection authorities; highlights that the volume of unsafe and illicit products sold on e-commerce platforms, in particular from non-EU countries, has been increasing in recent years; highlights the significance of Digital Product Passports in these processes; calls, therefore, for a reinforced market surveillance framework and a revision of the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation[8] and calls on the Council to swiftly adopt its position in order to enable the adoption of the revised Union Customs Code and the establishment of an EU customs authority in 2026;

25. Calls on the Member States to allocate sufficient technical, human and financial resources to national authorities; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure sufficient funds and expertise to strengthen customs authorities and market surveillance across the Union and to intensify joint activities and EU testing;

26. Emphasises the need to strengthen consumer protection in both online and offline markets, ensuring transparency in advertising and pricing, especially concerning dynamic pricing, ensuring fair business practices and stronger safeguards against fraud to foster consumer trust in cross-border commerce and the highest level of protection;

27. Stresses that attention has increasingly been drawn to instances where goods and services offer less in terms of quantity or quality while prices remain the same or increase; calls on the Commission to assess the scale and underlying causes of such practices and to explore appropriate measures to enhance transparency and consumer awareness;

28. Underlines that environmental sustainability and fair-trade considerations are increasingly shaping commercial practices by playing an important role in consumers’ purchasing decisions and consequently driving businesses towards sustainability; adds that transparency and information for consumers on environmental aspects as well as on socially-responsible and ethical production processes allow consumers to adopt sustainable consumption patterns;

29. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to maintain their level of ambition in this regard and work further on EU-wide labelling schemes; recalls that the objective of the Green Claims Directive is to establish a tool to protect consumers against greenwashing by establishing requirements for substantiation and verification;

30. Highlights the need to further combat misleading advertising and greenwashing and to strengthen the second-hand market; notes, however, that restrictive sustainability rules may have a negative impact on European competitiveness;

31. Highlights that some growing trends in e-commerce raise concerns with regard to goods from non-EU countries not fulfilling EU safety and sustainability requirements, thus negatively impacting SMEs in the EU; welcomes the Commission communication on ‘A comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce’ and asks the Commission to swiftly implement the recommendations contained therein;

32. Emphasises that harmonised technical standards are essential for the free movement of goods within the single market, ensuring product safety, quality and performance across the Member States; highlights that standards must reflect the interests, policy objectives and values of the Union by taking into account the views of all stakeholders; adds that the recent Court of Justice of the European Union ruling[9] acknowledges the added value of harmonised standards that form part of EU law because of their legal effects and establishes that they should be made freely accessible; underlines the need to improve the agility of the standardisation framework, particularly for emerging green and digital value chains, and to help industry to maintain competitive positions in key technology markets;

33. Considers that the EU must increase its efforts to set up a new mechanism with the Member States and national standardisation bodies to share information, coordinate and strengthen the European approach to international standardisation activities; calls for swift action to update the EU standardisation framework in order to speed up the standardisation process to ensure the rapid publication of harmonised standards that grant presumption of conformity and are aligned with international standards to support global trade while encouraging greater industry participation, particularly from SMEs;

34. Stresses the need to reinforce the external dimension of the single market to safeguard the EU’s strategic autonomy and global influence and welcomes the gradual integration of EU candidate countries to the single market with a view to their future EU membership; emphasises that the EU’s high regulatory standards can serve as a global benchmark and must be effectively enforced to ensure a level playing field for European businesses; calls on the Commission to intensify regulatory dialogues and political cooperation with other relevant non-EU countries in order to identify common challenges and try to build joint actions, especially concerning e-commerce, digital rules and consumers;

35. Reiterates its call for innovative, complementary and flexible interaction between the ongoing work on the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement currently in force and the accession negotiation process, thus allowing for Ukraine’s gradual integration into the EU single market and sectoral programmes;

Conclusions

36. Recognises that geopolitical tensions, climate change, challenges to EU competitiveness and economic disparities pose significant risks to the integrity of the single market; calls for a robust, coordinated and strategic policy response to strengthen the single market;

37. Calls for the continued evolution of the single market to address both remaining unjustified barriers and emerging commercial challenges; takes the view that eliminating regulatory fragmentation, promoting simplification, significantly reducing administrative burdens, enhancing enforcement and ensuring resilient supply chains are critical to maintaining the EU’s competitive edge and fair market conditions and enhancing the single market; underlines the importance of consulting all relevant stakeholders in these processes;

38. Emphasises the importance of digital transformation, the circular economy and adaptability to global economic shifts in securing the EU’s long-term economic dynamism;

39. Reiterates that strengthening the internal and external dimensions of the single market is essential for preserving the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness;

40. Urges the Commission, therefore, to reflect the foregoing in the forthcoming new single market strategy, scheduled for June 2025, in the 2030 consumer agenda, scheduled for the end of 2025, and in the Digital Fairness Act, scheduled for 2026;

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41. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

Posted on

AMENDMENTS 003-003 – REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor – A10-0053/2025(003-003)

Source: European Parliament

AMENDMENTS 003-003
REPORT
on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor
(2024/2028(DEC))
Committee on Budgetary Control
Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP