Germany, Austria, Poland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and France have jointly called for a unified approach to enforcing EU standards in e-commerce. In a letter ahead of a competitiveness ministers meeting in Brussels, the six countries urged the European Commission to take necessary measures to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) against Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPS) like Temu and Shein. The DSA, which came into effect in February 2024, aims to introduce transparency rules and obligations regarding illegal products on online platforms.
The letter emphasized the importance of rigorously enforcing the DSA, including collecting data on infringements and imposing effective sanctions. The countries also called for more market surveillance in EU member states and stronger intervention powers for authorities to act against e-commerce platforms.
The six member states also raised concerns about EU customs, VAT discussions, data protection, and the competitiveness challenges facing industry and businesses in the single market. Germany encouraged Hungary, currently chairing EU minister meetings, and the Commission to prioritize discussions on these proposals.
E-commerce was added as an agenda point by the German delegation at the ministers’ meeting, along with addressing the report by former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi on competitiveness. The countries are advocating for a comprehensive approach to e-commerce regulation across the EU to ensure the safety of consumers, particularly children, and to promote fair competition in the digital market.
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