Subject files - Internal market for retail services - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

The Services Directive, which applies to the retail sector, contains unequivocal obligations for Member States concerning access to, and exercise of, retail activities, including an obligation to eliminate requirements such as economic needs tests. In an effort to address barriers in the retail sector, IMCO prepared two parliamentary resolutions during the 2009-2014 legislature: one a more efficient and fairer retail market, and one on a European Retail Action Plan for the benefit of all actors.

IMCO's engagement with the retail sector continued in the 2014-2019 legislature, notably with the preparation of a report on the functioning of franchising in the retail sector. This report looks at problems with the franchising model in the EU, whose potential remains untapped, and make suggestions for improvement. t also requested that the EC draft non-legislative guidelines reflecting best practices on the functioning of franchising in the retail sector.

The report was supported by extensive preparatory work, including a study and a workshop attended by experts and industry players.

IMCO has, to date, organised 2 editions of the Retail Market Roundtable (26.09.2013 and 15.02.2016). This is a follow up to the EP's resolution of 5.7.2011 on a more efficient and fairer retail market. It's an opportunity for dialogue with stakeholders throughout the supply chain and across different sectors, with the participation of the EC. It underpins IMCO's specific reports on the retail sector.