Austria and Germany push for EU customs changes in Brussels
- Austria's Economics Minister Martin Kocher advocates for lowering or abolishing the EU customs exemption limit of 150 euros to protect European retail from external competition.
- Germany's Economic State Secretary emphasizes the importance of compliance with European laws for products sold in the EU, particularly regarding environmental and intellectual property regulations.
- The discussions at the EU Competition Council highlight the need for measures to enhance the competitiveness of European retail against companies from China.
On September 26, 2024, ministers from the 27 EU member states gathered in Brussels for the EU Competition Council. A key focus of the meeting was the customs exemption limit of 150 euros for products imported into the EU. Austria's Economics Minister Martin Kocher argued that this limit should be lowered or abolished to prevent distortion of competition between European online platforms and those from outside the EU, particularly from China. Germany's Economic State Secretary, Sven Giegold, shifted the focus from customs limits to ensuring that products sold in Europe adhere to EU regulations. He highlighted the importance of compliance with laws related to environmental standards and intellectual property, indicating a broader concern for maintaining the integrity of the European market. The council also discussed the Draghi report, which was presented in mid-September and contains various proposals aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the EU. Kocher noted that the report includes many valuable ideas that could benefit European retail. Additionally, the meeting touched on the automotive industry, with discussions centered on achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals while maintaining technological flexibility. The ministers emphasized the need for an evaluation of the planned ban on combustion engines by 2035, indicating a desire for a balanced approach to environmental goals and industry needs.