Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

On 15 July 2025, the Commission presented its legislative proposal which aims to tackle shortages of critical medical products on EU level, and to strengthen supply chains, improve supply security, as well support innovation. It complements and builds on other pieces of legislation, such as pharmaceutical reform, as well builds on industrial policy measures. The proposal foresees using public procurement as a tool, inter alia to support resilient products via award criteria.

On 15 July 2025, Commission officials gave an update on the ongoing trade negotiations between the EU and the US, focusing on the most recent round, which was abruptly interrupted over the weekend of 12–13 July 2025, following President Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on all EU imports. They emphasized the serious impact such a measure would have on the EU Single Market, given the high level of economic integration between the two regions.

IMCO Members held an exchange of views with Ministers Morten Bødskov (Industry, Business and Financial Affairs) and Caroline Stage Olsen (Digital Affairs) on how the Presidency’s priorities align with the IMCO agenda. The discussion centered on the Presidency’s plans to strengthen the Single Market, particularly by reducing barriers to cross-border services, simplifying regulatory frameworks with a focus on SMEs.

IMCO approved the own-initiative report on public procurement. This report addresses the upcoming reform of the EU public procurement framework. While the 2014 reforms aimed to simplify procedures and enhance SMEs participation, significant challenges remain, including complexity, lack of transparency, and uneven implementation across Member States. Rapporteur: Mr Piotr Müller (ECR)

On 25 June 2025, IMCO discussed its own-initiative report on the protection of minors online. The Rapporteur, Christel Schaldemose (S&D), emphasised the urgent need to strengthen online protections for minors. While the Digital Services Act (DSA) offers a strong foundation, she stressed that enforcement and additional measures are still needed, in view of growing exposure of minors to harmful content online. In particular she called for clearer implementation of Article 28 of the DSA.

On 26 June 2025, the European Commission presented its newly adopted Industrial Action Plan for the European Automotive Sector, outlining a comprehensive strategy to support the industry’s transition towards clean, connected, and automated mobility while preserving its competitiveness and resilience. The Action Plan seeks to deliver targeted support to one of Europe’s most strategic sectors.

On 25 June 2025, IMCO held an exchange of views with representatives from the European Commission on the ongoing investigations regarding the compliance of e-commerce platforms with EU consumer and digital laws. The Commission updated Members about the state of play regarding the ongoing enforcement actions against Aliexpress, Temu and Shein designated as a Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

On 26 June 2025, IMCO approved an own initiative report on product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports. This report includes the digitalisation of market surveillance and customs processes through technologies such as AI and block chain. It also delves into improved consumer transparency on product safety and sustainability.