Sittings · Document
OPINION (2024/2108(INI)) 2025-07-15
On the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection · Rapporteur: Sandro Gozi
AMENDMENTS
The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection submits the following to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on International Trade, as the committees responsible:
Amendment 1
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| A. whereas the EU and the UK, as part of the same continent and bound by shared values, are facing a serious volatile global security situation marked by rising geopolitical tensions; whereas they have demonstrated the political determination to work together and continue to be strong partners in addressing global challenges and security threats, most visibly in supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s aggression; | A. whereas the EU and the UK, bound by geographical proximity, shared values and strategic interests, are facing a serious volatile global security situation marked by rising geopolitical tensions; whereas they have demonstrated the political determination to work together and continue to be strong partners in addressing global challenges and security threats, most visibly in supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s aggression; |
Amendment 2
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| B. whereas multilateralism and free trade are core principles of both the EU and the UK; whereas the TCA provides the necessary legal certainty to foster trade and promote smooth cooperation; | B. whereas multilateralism and free trade are core principles of both the EU and the UK; whereas the TCA provides a framework that could be enhanced over time to meet shared strategic and economic goals; whereas the TCA provides the necessary legal certainty to foster trade and promote smooth cooperation; |
Amendment 3
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| D. whereas the TCA covers areas such as trade, energy, fisheries, transport, judicial and law enforcement cooperation, and social security coordination, providing a comprehensive framework and ensuring a level playing field; | D. whereas the TCA covers areas such as trade, energy, fisheries, transport, judicial and law enforcement cooperation, and social security coordination, providing a comprehensive framework and ensuring a level playing field and fair competition; |
Amendment 4
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| Da. whereas the TCA also includes a non-regression clause ensuring that neither the EU nor the UK lower their standards on social, labour, environmental or climate protection below the levels in force at the end of 2020, in order to maintain a level playing field and fair competition; |
Amendment 5
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| H. whereas the Windsor Framework, concluded in 2023, addresses the practical challenges that have arisen in the operation of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland over the first years of its implementation and creates legal certainty, therefore, paving the way for full implementation; whereas the Windsor Framework covers a wide range of areas, such as customs, agri-food, medicines, State aid, VAT and excise duties; | H. whereas the Windsor Framework, concluded in 2023, addresses the practical challenges that have arisen in the operation of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland over the first years of its implementation and creates legal certainty, therefore, paving the way for full implementation; whereas the Windsor Framework covers a wide range of areas related to democratic governance and trading rules, such as customs, agri-food, medicines, State aid, VAT and excise duties; |
Amendment 6
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| I. whereas the conclusion of the Windsor Framework as well as the UK Prime Minister’s pledge to ‘reset’ the UK’s relationship with the EU in July 2024 opened a new chapter in relations between the EU and the UK; | I. whereas the conclusion of the Windsor Framework as well as the UK Prime Minister’s pledge to ‘reset’ the UK’s relationship with the EU in July 2024 opened a new and ambitious chapter in relations between the EU and the UK; |
Amendment 7
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| Qa. whereas both EU and UK consumers would benefit from strengthened cooperation between the EU Consumer Protection Cooperation Network and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority; whereas, in line with Article 211(1) of the TCA, the EU and the UK have agreed to cooperate on various aspects of digital trade regulation; whereas addressing the challenges arising from the existence of two separate customs markets requires constructive engagement and timely information sharing between EU and UK customs authorities, particularly in the implementation of new obligations; |
Amendment 8
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q b (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| Qb. whereas the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) has a key role in monitoring the implementation of the TCA; whereas the Civil Society Forum, established under Article 14 of the TCA, serves as a vital platform for civil society organisations, EU businesses, trade unions and other workers’ organisations to express their views on the implementation of the TCA and plays an essential role in supporting the Commission’s dialogue with the UK; |
Amendment 9
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 1. Highlights that the EU and the UK are close like-minded partners and allies, sharing common values and facing a common volatile security situation in Europe and its neighbourhood; | 1. Highlights that the EU and the UK remain close like-minded partners and allies, sharing common values and facing a common volatile security situation in Europe and its neighbourhood; stresses that strengthening the EU-UK relationship enhances Europe’s overall competitiveness and strategic autonomy; |
Amendment 10
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 3. Recalls that the EU-UK relationship is based on full respect for, and the faithful and timely implementation of, the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the TCA; | 3. Recalls that the EU-UK relationship is based on full respect for, and the full, timely and faithful implementation of, the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the TCA; |
Amendment 11
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 4. Underlines that the TCA is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive trade agreements which the EU has concluded with a non-EU country; stresses, however, that while it does not and cannot be a substitute for EU membership and the corresponding access to the single market and the Customs Union, it nonetheless holds significant potential for future cooperation; | 4. Underlines that the TCA is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive trade and cooperation agreements which the EU has concluded with a non-EU country; stresses, however, that while it does not and cannot be a substitute for EU membership and the corresponding access to the single market and the Customs Union, it nonetheless holds significant potential for future cooperation; |
Amendment 12
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 5a. Stresses that both the EU and the UK are bound by their obligations under the WTO agreements; regrets unilateral UK measures affecting trade that raise concerns over compliance with WTO principles of non-discrimination, transparency and proportionality; calls on the Commission to ensure that TCA implementation fully respects WTO obligations and to initiate dispute settlement procedures where appropriate; |
Amendment 13
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 6. Welcomes that the implementation of the TCA continues to progress smoothly with all commitments due in 2023 and in 2024 either completed or on track; calls on the Commission to continue closely monitoring the correct application of the TCA; | 6. Welcomes that the implementation of the TCA continues to progress smoothly with all commitments due in 2023 and in 2024 either completed or on track; calls on the Commission to continue closely monitoring the correct application of the TCA and address identified cases of divergence, which can lead to lower social, labour, and environmental protection standards for both EU and UK citizens and consumers; |
Amendment 14
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 7. Underlines the specific situation of Northern Ireland, due to its unique position with access to both the EU and UK internal markets, as a result of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, which was concluded in order to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement despite the UK’s withdrawal from the EU; calls for the full, timely and faithful implementation of all the elements of the Windsor Framework in order to ensure lasting benefits as well as certainty and predictability for businesses and people in Northern Ireland, protect the all-island economy, safeguard the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, and ensure smooth trade and cooperation, as well as protecting the integrity of the single market and the Customs Union; recalls that the EU has reacted quickly to implement the Windsor Framework and now expects the UK to promptly fully and faithfully implement its part thereof; | 7. Underlines the specific situation of Northern Ireland, due to its unique position with access to both the EU and UK internal markets, as a result of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, which was concluded in order to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement despite the UK’s withdrawal from the EU; calls for the full, timely and faithful implementation of all the elements of the Windsor Framework in order to ensure lasting benefits as well as certainty, long-term stability, practical support and predictability for businesses and people in Northern Ireland, protect the all-island economy, safeguard the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, and ensure smooth trade and cooperation, as well as protecting the integrity of the single market and the Customs Union; recalls that the EU implemented the Windsor Framework swiftly and now expects the UK to promptly fully and faithfully implement its part thereof; |
Amendment 15
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 8. Calls for deepening the EU-UK partnership and fully exploiting the potential of the TCA in areas of mutual interest; | 8. Calls for deepening the EU-UK partnership and fully exploiting the potential of the TCA in areas of mutual interest, including through voluntary sectoral alignment, mutual recognition mechanisms and dialogue on regulatory innovation; |
Amendment 16
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 10a. Welcomes the announcement of a new Strategic Partnership at the EU-UK Summit on 19 May 2025; stresses that this new agenda must remain flexible and responsive to future challenges in order to maximise opportunities for cooperation and competitiveness, enhance consumer protection, improve cross-border trade and access to goods and services, and promote a safe and healthy digital environment for all; |
Amendment 17
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 12. Highlights the resumption of the EU-UK PPA in March 2025 after the 2024 European and UK elections; stresses its role in providing parliamentary oversight and scrutiny of the TCA implementation; calls on the Partnership Council to consider PPA recommendations; emphasises the importance of the continued participation of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as observers; | 12. Highlights the resumption of the EU-UK PPA in March 2025 after the 2024 European and UK elections; stresses its role in providing parliamentary oversight and scrutiny of the TCA implementation; calls on the Partnership Council to consider PPA recommendations; emphasises the importance of the continued participation of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as observers; highlights the importance of the recommendation of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly of 17 March 2025 on strengthening the EU-UK partnership, which reaffirmed the centrality of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor Framework and the TCA as the cornerstones of the relationship, emphasised the need for strengthened cooperation and set out clear priorities for enhancing the partnership; |
Amendment 18
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 13. Welcomes civil society engagement in TCA implementation; highlights the well-balanced representation in the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) and its valuable recommendations; calls on the Partnership Council to continue considering the diverse views of civil society; | 13. Welcomes civil society engagement in TCA implementation; highlights the well-balanced representation in the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) and its valuable recommendations; calls on the Partnership Council to continue considering the diverse views of civil society; calls on all specialised committees to strengthen the dialogue with the EU DAG to ensure better oversight and transparency; |
Amendment 19
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 14. Recalls that the TCA provides a comprehensive and ambitious basis for the relationship between the parties, in particular for EU-UK trade, while ensuring a level playing field for fair competition and sustainable development; recalls that the TCA is the most unique free trade agreement in the history of the EU, as it focuses on limiting divergence rather than promoting convergence between trading partners; recalls that the TCA is also unique as it provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas for EU-UK trade; | 14. Recalls that the TCA provides a comprehensive and ambitious basis for the relationship between the parties, in particular for EU-UK trade, while ensuring a level playing field for fair competition and sustainable development; recalls that the TCA is the most unique free trade agreement in the history of the EU, as it focuses on eliminating divergence while preserving high standards and open markets rather than promoting convergence between trading partners; recalls that the TCA is also unique as it provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas for EU-UK trade, but highlights that it does not offer the same level of market access or regulatory alignment as EU membership; stresses, however, that persistent non-tariff barriers continue to hamper market access and calls for pragmatic solutions to reduce technical barriers to trade, particularly through mutual recognition of conformity assessments and enhanced customs cooperation; recalls the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly’s recommendation on strengthening the EU-UK partnership, adopted ahead of the 19 May 2025 EU-UK Summit, which underlines the importance of reducing trade barriers, enhancing cooperation, addressing regulatory divergence and promoting sustainable economic growth through closer ties, including in the digital and green sectors; |
Amendment 20
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 16a. Welcomes the UK’s plans to legislate for the indefinite recognition of the CE marking across additional product regulations, which would further ease compliance challenges for EU manufacturers and facilitate the export of products that require such marking from the UK to the EU; |
Amendment 21
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 17. Reiterates that the EU and the UK should cooperate closely on the subject of customs, including by ensuring an effective exchange of information, constructive dialogue and effective methods of cooperation between customs administrations, with the aim of simplifying clearance processes in order to minimise administrative and financial costs for all stakeholders; | 17. Reiterates that the EU and the UK should cooperate closely on customs matters, including by ensuring an effective exchange of information and data through the creation of a joint database on e-commerce irregularities and fraud, and on non-EU and non-UK traders, in respect of goods coming from outside the EU and the UK, constructive dialogue and effective methods of cooperation between customs authorities, with the aim of simplifying clearance processes in order to minimise administrative and financial costs for stakeholders, in particular businesses and consumers; supports the mutual recognition of conformity assessments and digital customs procedures to streamline trade; |
Amendment 22
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 17a. Stresses that the implementation of the UK’s border target operating model, the new import regime, has been causing some difficulties as a result of frequent changes in risk categorisation without proper notification, inconsistent interpretation of import requirements, waiting times in carrying out controls and failure to recognise the EU as a single sanitary and phytosanitary entity; is concerned that the UK’s responses have not yet fully addressed the related problems; |
Amendment 23
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 17b. Emphasises the need for simplified customs procedures tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including wider access to trusted trader schemes and the deployment of smart digital solutions to streamline processes; urges the Commission to actively engage with the UK to simplify customs procedures through the development of trusted trader schemes and the introduction of ‘green lanes’ for low-risk goods; |
Amendment 24
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 18. Takes note that the UK Government could reduce barriers to trade with the EU by committing to voluntary and dynamic alignment across key sectors; welcomes the UK Government’s commitment to negotiate a comprehensive Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU, as such an agreement would reduce the administrative and financial burdens on both sides and facilitate EU-UK agri-food trade, including trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; | 18. Takes note that the UK Government could reduce barriers to trade with the EU by committing to voluntary and dynamic alignment across key sectors; calls on the Commission to support this through incentives and enhanced cooperation with the UK; welcomes the UK Government’s commitment to negotiate a comprehensive Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU, as such an agreement would reduce the administrative and financial burdens on both sides and facilitate EU-UK agri-food trade, including trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, thereby ensuring fair competition and consumer protection; calls on the Commission to work towards the conclusion of such an agreement; |
Amendment 25
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 18a. Urges the Commission to swiftly launch negotiations with the UK to ensure strong alignment of conformity assessments for products, particularly in highly integrated sectors, in order to remove redundant testing, reduce business costs and strengthen the internal market; |
Amendment 26
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 18b. Encourages the Commission to build on this development by seeking sector-specific mutual recognition arrangements where regulatory convergence already exists, thereby eliminating unnecessary duplication of certification procedures, where appropriate; |
Amendment 27
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 19. Reiterates the need for enhanced cooperation between the EU and the UK to maintain the current, fair and rules-based international trade order; calls, in this regard, for additional joint efforts in working towards an inclusive and comprehensive reform of the WTO, answering current and future challenges in a deeply interlinked world, and actively working against any new danger of divisions in the global political and economic order, as well as unilateral and unjustified trade measures and tariffs that have hit both the EU and the UK recently; | 19. Reiterates the need for enhanced cooperation between the EU and the UK to maintain the current, fair and rules-based international trade order; calls, in this regard, for additional joint efforts in working towards an inclusive and comprehensive reform of the WTO, answering current and future challenges in a deeply interlinked world, and actively working against any new danger of divisions in the global political and economic order, as well as unilateral and unjustified trade measures and tariffs that have hit both the EU and the UK recently; calls, therefore, on both sides to support consumers facing strains linked to the cost of living; |
Amendment 28
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 19a. Encourages the EU and the UK to explore possibilities for deeper cooperation on regional supply chains, including the UK’s potential re-engagement with the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention; stresses that such steps would support more flexible and resilient supply chains and help address tariff and non-tariff barriers linked to complex rules-of-origin requirements; |
Amendment 29
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 19b. Highlights that despite the introduction of the Windsor Framework, challenges remain in the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland; notes that stronger cooperation between the authorities and the exchange of information on the future EU Data Hub would improve border crossing by providing the necessary data and documentation; |
Amendment 30
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 20. Takes note of the Commission’s assessment that the implementation of the TCA in the areas of services and investment, digital trade, intellectual property, public procurement and small and medium-sized enterprises has generally proceeded smoothly, with no major issues except for the question of the application of the UK’s sponsorship system for work visas to EU service providers; | 20. Takes note of the Commission’s assessment that the implementation of the TCA in services, investment, digital trade, intellectual property, public procurement and SMEs has generally proceeded smoothly, with the exception of the UK’s sponsorship system for work visas to EU service providers, which remains an obstacle; calls for the acceleration of negotiations on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, including those of architects, and encourages similar sectoral agreements, alongside solutions to facilitate smoother short-term mobility and cross-border service provision across the EU and the UK markets; |
Amendment 31
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 20a. Calls on both parties to explore options for easing short-term mobility for service providers and entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs and liberal professions, through streamlined visa processes and mutual recognition of professional qualifications, with full respect for their respective regulatory autonomy; |
Amendment 32
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 20b. Encourages close cooperation between the EU and the UK on various aspects of digital trade regulation; appreciates, therefore, the administrative arrangement on the supervision of risk assessment and mitigation efforts by providers of large online platforms, signed by the EU and the UK on 30 April 2024; believes that regulatory convergence and dialogue on digital legislation should be promoted, in particular with regard to online platforms and AI; calls for the establishment of an EU-UK AI forum to promote structured dialogue, regulatory cooperation and joint initiatives in the field of AI, in order to foster innovation, ensure high standards of safety and ethics, and strengthen mutual competitiveness; |
Amendment 33
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 20c. Calls for the urgent extension and long-term stabilisation of the EU-UK data adequacy decision beyond 2025 to prevent unnecessary compliance costs and ensure the stability of cross-border digital trade; encourages the exploration of a permanent data adequacy arrangement to provide long-term regulatory certainty for businesses; underlines that such an arrangement must remain conditional on the UK’s continued alignment with EU data protection standards and its upholding a high level of protection for personal data, as required under EU law; |
Amendment 34
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 20d. Calls for the EU and the UK to negotiate an ambitious agreement on business mobility to accompany the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, recognising that the effectiveness of arrangements for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications is intrinsically linked to simplified short-term entry and temporary stay provisions; |
Amendment 35
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 21a. Stresses the importance of proactive regulatory dialogue to avoid unnecessary divergence in product standards, labelling, packaging and sustainability-related product requirements, which risk fragmenting the internal market and creating new non-tariff barriers in EU-UK trade; |
Amendment 36
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 22. Calls on the Commission to continue to closely monitor regulatory divergences in the UK that could pose a risk of non-compliance with the TCA, notably in areas relevant to the level playing field such as subsidy control, taxation, labour and social standards, the environment and the climate; calls on the Commission to provide Parliament with access to the data obtained by publishing annual reports; highlights the particular challenge that regulatory divergence poses for Northern Ireland including in the area of trade, and underscores the need to ensure adequate early warning mechanisms; | 22. Calls on the Commission to continue to closely monitor regulatory divergences in the UK that could pose a risk of non-compliance with the TCA, notably in areas relevant to the level playing field such as subsidy control, taxation, labour and social standards, the environment and the climate; calls on the Commission to provide Parliament with access to the data obtained by publishing annual reports; highlights the particular challenge that regulatory divergence poses for Northern Ireland including in the area of trade, and underscores the need to ensure adequate early warning mechanisms; stresses the need to minimise the impact of regulatory divergence between the EU and the UK on Northern Ireland to prevent misalignment becoming a trade obstacle; urges both parties, therefore, to ensure that new legislation takes into account the potential implications for Northern Ireland; |
Amendment 37
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 24. [opinion-giving committees]; | 24. Stresses that expanding the range of sectors covered under the TCA’s public procurement chapter would be a meaningful step toward strengthening the level playing field; welcomes the UK’s Procurement Act 2023, in particular the benefits it offers through the greater standardisation and streamlining of procurement processes, and highlights the need to ensure fair access to public procurement; calls on the UK Government and the Commission to improve market access for SMEs by reducing the bureaucratic burden and thus create economic opportunities and provide incentives for taking them; highlights, in this regard, the importance of reducing barriers to cross-border trade for SMEs and of supporting fair competition and economic opportunity in cross-border cooperation; |
Amendment 38
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 24a. Calls on the Commission to fully implement the SME chapter of the TCA by swiftly establishing the SME Committee, as provided for under the agreement, ensuring the active participation of organisations representing SMEs; considers that the SME Committee should be tasked with identifying barriers to trade, including to investment, that specifically affect SMEs, and proposing targeted solutions to reduce compliance costs and regulatory burdens, including through the exchange of best practices on SME support schemes and digital company registration; stresses the need for increased flexibility regarding business mobility by broadening the list of activities permitted under short-term visa-free arrangements and reducing the costs and complexities of visa processes for SMEs; |
Amendment 39
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 24b. Calls, furthermore, for sustainability criteria to be considered in public procurement procedures for specific sectors, where appropriate and proportionate; highlights that measures should be adopted to promote the participation of SMEs, including by simplifying procedures, cutting red tape and ensuring the transparent publication of notices and criteria; notes that the EU and the UK should ensure reciprocal and non-discriminatory access to their respective public procurement markets; |
Amendment 40
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 28. [opinion-giving committees]; | 28. Stresses that consumers in the EU and the UK face several risks stemming from unsafe and illicit products, and from manipulative selling techniques online; highlights, in this regard, the related challenges arising from e-commerce to which consumers are exposed; considers that closer cooperation and the exchange of important information between the EU’s and the UK’s consumer enforcement bodies are vital to tackling these challenges; |
Amendment 41
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 28a. Stresses that EU-UK cooperation must uphold a high level of consumer protection, with a particular focus on product safety, e-commerce and cross-border digital services; calls for enhanced collaboration to tackle the presence of unsafe products and unfair commercial practices; underlines the need for regulatory convergence on product safety and digital consumer rights to ensure a consistent and high level of consumer protection, thereby supporting consumer confidence and trust in cross-border commerce; demands that EU-UK cooperation commit the two parties to dialogue and information exchange in areas of shared concern, including product safety, digital consumer rights and unfair commercial practices; highlights that the EU and the UK must cooperate to prevent regulatory divergence that would negatively affect consumer confidence or cross-border trade; |
Amendment 42
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 28b. Regrets that the TCA does not include a cooperation arrangement related to the enforcement of consumer protection laws, and calls on the Commission to explore the possibility of establishing an arrangement between the EU Consumer Protection Cooperation Network and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority; stresses that such an arrangement would enable authorities to intervene more efficiently by exchanging information related to investigations and exploring joint actions; highlights that such cooperation should be considered under the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation1a, as this enables cooperation with non-EU countries to protect consumers’ interests; welcomes the agreement to resume discussions on regular information exchange between the EU’s Safety Gate system and the UK’s market surveillance and product safety database, in line with Article 96(4) of the TCA; ________________ 1a Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 (OJ L 345, 27.12.2017, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/2394/oj). |
Amendment 43
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 c (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 28c. Calls on the EU to facilitate the accession of the UK to the Lugano Convention to enable mutual recognition and enforcement of judgments between the UK and EU Member States; |
Amendment 44
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 d (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 28d. Highlights the fact that, despite the introduction of the Windsor Framework, challenges remain in the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland; notes that these issues have contributed to delivery disruptions and reduced product availability for consumers in Northern Ireland; calls for the full implementation of information sharing, and for better monitoring of new parcel processes and systems under the Windsor Framework and their impact on market access for consumers; |
Amendment 45
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 e (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 28e. Encourages both parties to pursue pragmatic arrangements for the mutual recognition of conformity assessment results in clearly low-risk product sectors, with a view to reducing unnecessary compliance costs and administrative burdens, particularly for SMEs, while safeguarding and further strengthening consumer safety and protection; |
Amendment 46
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 39. Urges the EU and the UK to swiftly establish a Security and Defence Partnership through a joint declaration setting out concrete commitments and launching a structured dialogue to address shared security challenges in Europe, using the maximum potential of enhanced cooperation in this field; | 39. Welcomes the fact that the EU and the UK will swiftly establish a Security and Defence Partnership through the joint declaration approved on 19 May 2025, setting out concrete commitments and launching a structured dialogue to address shared security challenges in Europe, using the maximum potential of enhanced cooperation in this field; |
Amendment 47
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 40a. Welcomes the administrative arrangement signed on 30 April 2024 between the Commission and Ofcom, the UK’s regulator for broadcasting, telecommunications and postal services, with the aim of overseeing how large online platforms assess and manage risks, including the protection of minors, age-appropriate design, and platform transparency; expresses the hope that this marks the beginning of closer cooperation in addressing these and other common challenges; |
ANNEX: DECLARATION OF INPUT
The rapporteur for opinion declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his opinion input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.
INFORMATION ON ADOPTION BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION
| Date adopted | 15.7.2025 | |
| Result of final vote | +: –: 0: | 46 2 2 |
| Members present for the final vote | Peter Agius, Alex Agius Saliba, Pablo Arias Echeverría, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Katarina Barley, Arno Bausemer, Biljana Borzan, Anna Cavazzini, Stefano Cavedagna, David Cormand, Henrik Dahl, Dóra Dávid, Adnan Dibrani, Elisabeth Dieringer, Regina Doherty, Christian Doleschal, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Hanna Gedin, Sandro Gozi, Maria Grapini, Elisabeth Grossmann, Maria Guzenina, Svenja Hahn, Anna-Maja Henriksson, Virginie Joron, Arba Kokalari, Pierfrancesco Maran, Nikola Minchev, Piotr Müller, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Reinis Pozņaks, Christel Schaldemose, Andreas Schwab, Tomislav Sokol, Dimitris Tsiodras, Inese Vaidere, Kim Van Sparrentak, Marion Walsmann | |
| Substitutes present for the final vote | Jaroslav Bžoch, Alexandra Geese, Sebastian Kruis, Judita Laššáková, Idoia Mendia, Zala Tomašič, Yvan Verougstraete | |
| Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote | Mireia Borrás Pabón, Bogdan Rzońca, Antonella Sberna, Volker Schnurrbusch, Diego Solier |