The European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) committee on 2 June 2026 debated the Single Market Strategy with Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné, scrutinised Amazon over unsafe products, and discussed suspending the authorised representative requirement for extended producer responsibility (EPR) under batteries and packaging rules. Séjourné defended progress on the 1 Europe, 1 Market roadmap, stressing that Member States must implement EU law.
Pablo Arias Echeverría (EPP) and Nikola Minchev (Renew) agreed that national protectionism is the main barrier to the Single Market, while Brando Benifei (S&D) called for stronger enforcement. On simplification, Alice Kuhnke (Greens-EFA) warned against deregulation, and Klara Dostalova (PfE) argued that suspending the EPR rule would remove a key enforcement link. Leila Chaibi (The Left) pushed for European preference in public procurement, while Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR) criticised industrial policy as Brussels planning.
On Amazon, Commission officials Felicia Stoica (DG GROW) and a DG JUST representative argued that current enforcement tools are too weak for systemic online non-compliance. Amazon’s Amber Bechrouri defended its systems but backed stronger authorised representative rules. Christel Schaldemose (S&D) questioned Amazon’s verification, and Anna Cavazzini (Greens-EFA) cited evidence of unsafe products reappearing.
Consensus emerged that Member State implementation is a central obstacle, public procurement is a key lever, and stronger enforcement tools are needed for online products and EPR. Next steps include further monitoring and work on the suspension file.
The debate exposed a divide between those prioritising enforcement and those warning against over-regulation. The EPP and Renew focused on national protectionism, while S&D and Greens pushed for stronger EU enforcement. The Left advocated for European preference in procurement, contrasting with ECR's scepticism of industrial policy. The suspension of the EPR authorised representative requirement remains contentious, with PfE opposing it as a removal of enforcement links.
EU consumers could benefit from stronger enforcement against unsafe online products, but businesses may face higher compliance costs if rules are tightened. National authorities would bear the burden of improved implementation, while online platforms like Amazon could face increased scrutiny and potential liability.