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REPORT (COM(2024)0576 – C100208/2024– 2024/0318(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on cooperation among enforcement authorities responsible for the enforcement of Directive (EU) 2019/633 on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain

A-10-2025-0153

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development · Rapporteur: Stefano Bonaccini

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Parliament's amended version of the proposed regulation on cooperation among enforcement authorities for Directive (EU) 2019/633 on unfair trading practices in the agri-food chain. It sets rules for mutual assistance, alerts, coordinated actions, and introduces an EU Responsible Person for buyers outside the Union. It requires authorities to provide information within 45 days, allows refusal only in specific cases, and establishes a mediation mechanism led by the Commission. It also covers costs, reporting, and evaluation.

Committee position. The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development proposes amendments to the Commission proposal, strengthening cooperation, adding an EU Responsible Person, and refining procedures.

Key points

  1. The regulation applies to cross-border unfair trading practices, including those by retail alliances and involving parties outside the EU, and to stricter national rules if member states decide.
  2. Member states must ensure authorities have resources and expertise, provide free complaint submission, and protect confidential information.
  3. Buyers outside the EU must designate an EU Responsible Person with legal and financial liability, contact point duties, and record-keeping.
  4. Requests for information must be answered within 45 days, extendable by another 45 days; urgent requests can be prioritised via implementing acts.
  5. Authorities may exercise investigative powers on behalf of others, and fines can be enforced against EU Responsible Persons if the buyer lacks assets.
  6. An alert system network is established, with notifications within 30 days, and the Commission manages it to aggregate complaints.
  7. Refusal of mutual assistance is limited to specific grounds, and refusals must be justified and communicated to the Commission.
  8. For widespread practices, authorities designate a coordinator by common agreement; if none, the alerting authority coordinates, with Commission assistance.
  9. Coordinated actions require joint statements, publication, and enforcement measures against responsible buyers.
  10. The Commission acts as a mediation mechanism to resolve disagreements and prevent blockages.
  11. Special rules apply when suppliers or buyers are outside the EU, allowing information requests and alerts.
  12. Authorities must report annually on activities, and the Commission evaluates the regulation after three years.

Who is affected

  • Enforcement authorities in EU member states: must cooperate, share information, and handle requests within deadlines.
  • Buyers outside the EU: must appoint an EU Responsible Person and face enforcement of fines against that person.
  • Suppliers in the agri-food chain: benefit from free complaints and stronger cross-border enforcement.
  • Retail alliances: their cross-border purchasing strategies are explicitly covered.

Figures and deadlines

  • 45 days from receiving a request to provide information, extendable by another 45 days.
  • 30 days to notify alerts of suspected unfair trading practices.
  • 3 years from adoption for the first evaluation.

Legal basis: Article 294(2) and Article 43(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union