Independent Retail Europe

The European association for the independent retail sector.

Retweets are not endorsements

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

DYK large manufacturers fragment the #EUSingleMarket to boost their margins?

Through TSCs, they:
❌Block cross-border sourcing
❌Set different prices for identical products
❌Force retailers to buy nationally
➡️Result: higher consumer prices

⚖️Time for EU action to end TSCs

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

➡️This creates unnecessary costs, legal uncertainty and administrative burdens.

Together with @EuroCoop and @HOTREC_EUROPE, we urge the @EU_Commission to clarify the rules.

📄 Joint statement: https://t.co/U2ejDGn7XI

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

🚨 Retailers and hospitality operators are not packaging manufacturers.
Under the current interpretation of the #PPWR, businesses could be considered manufacturers just because their logo appears on packaging, even when they have no control over its design or composition. ⬇️

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

Are you ready to shape the future of independent retail in Europe?

You have the opportunity to make real impact at EU level as our next Competitiveness Policy Manager.
📅 Start Sept 2026
⏳ Apply by 18 April
Find more ➡️ https://t.co/6FPwC7kwbD

#BrusselsJobs #PublicAffairs

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

Independent retail is the foundation of Europe’s communities #IREConference2026
At our Annual Conference in Barcelona, President Tobias Wasmuht highlighted:
💬 local retail = jobs, local growth & vibrant neighbourhoods
When independent retail thrives, communities thrive.

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

At #IREConference2026, Nadia Quevedo (Barcelona City Council) underlined how integrating retail into urban strategy planning, sustainability & partnerships supports vibrant, liveable cities 🇪🇺

💬 Independent retail = economic + social value

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

At #IREConference2026, @FagesGeraldine (@EU_Commission) highlighted why independent retail is key to a strong EU Single Market 🇪🇺
💬 An economic pillar connecting ecosystems
📊 Independent groups are embracing digital transition
🤝 Vital social role in communities
@EU_Growth

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

MEP @DirkGotink highlighted the growing influx of non-compliant products into Europe and the resulting strain on fair competition. He stressed the need for stronger and more effective domestic enforcement. #IREConference2026 #CustomsUnion

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

What are the main trends in the retail ecosystem? How do independent retailers navigate the current transition? Lucia Cusmano, from @OECD shares insights of the recent report: https://t.co/Eiwi9wyD8Y

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

Nadia Quevedo Muñoz, Commissioner for the economic promotion, commerce and hospitality of Barcelona spoke about the importance of retail for the city's social fabric, economic vitality and cohesion. #IREConference2026

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

Start of #IREConference2026 in this year's Capital of Small Retail, #Barcelona by our Director General, Else Groen.

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

💶 EU cash acceptance rules must stay balanced & workable for retailers.

Mandatory cash use can’t fit all cases. Unmanned setups, safety risks & high costs need exemptions.

Co-legislators must keep rules pragmatic, protecting both consumers & merchants.
https://t.co/UhaguLXCjM

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

🇨🇾 We welcome the @CY2026EU Presidency of the Council of the EU.
➡️We support its focus on simplification and completing the #SingleMarket, including tackling territorial supply constraints to boost competitiveness, innovation & consumer choice. #EUPresidency #EU2026

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

Great interview with our President Tobias Wasmuht, CEO of SPAR International, in European Supermarket Magazine. Independent retailers are a cornerstone of Europe’s economy & communities and their collective voice at EU level matters more than ever.
⬇️
https://t.co/8ff6P3UX9f

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

The agreement provides protection against the shifting of reporting & due diligence responsibilities on companies with <1.000 employees, offering SMEs legal certainty. It sends a positive signal: Simplification & SME-friendliness can go🤝 with EU’s sustainability objectives.(2/2)

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

@Europarl_EN vote in the endorsing the #Omnibus I agreement is an important step simplifying EU sustainability due diligence & reporting requirements under the #CSRD & the #CSDDD.
We welcome the significant reduction in the scope of companies affected. (1/2)

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

Large FMCG giants hold the strongest power in 🇪🇺 food chain.
🔒Territorial supply constraints, delivery stops & price segmentation keep markets fragmented and prices high.
🤝#Retailalliances rebalance this power by negotiating with global FMCG brands not SMEs or farmers.

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

Great news for retailers & consumers!🎉
Last week, EU negotiators agreed on #PSD3 & #PSR, including transparency on card scheme fees.
This means:
💳 Clearer info for merchants.
💶 Fairer rules on surcharging & refunds.
✔️ A more competitive, consumer-friendly payments ecosystem.

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

In #retail, MITs include subscriptions, pre-payments (e.g. fresh produce sold per kilo) & delayed payments.
A blanket refund right would let consumers claim refunds for goods already consumed, leaving merchants unable to contest. (2/2)
Find more 👉 https://t.co/to2outMYj2

[Independent Retail Europe @IndeRetailEU]

Independent Retail Europe joins a broad coalition urging EU lawmakers to ensure balance in the #PaymentServicesRegulation.
An unconditional refund right for merchant-initiated transactions (MITs) would harm small retailers & undermine trust in payments. (1/2)