Clearing Hurdles for Cross-Border E-Shoppers
Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné has laid out the European Commission's stance on tackling technical barriers that frustrate EU consumers trying to make online purchases outside their home country. These hurdles, such as needing a domestic address format or local phone number for checkout, mainly affect consumers in border regions or those temporarily living abroad—like students—and complicate their ability to shop online across borders. This move puts EU consumers, national authorities, and online retailers in the spotlight, as these groups will feel the push and pull of enforcing fair access versus operational challenges.
Answering Jan Farský's Inquiry
This response addresses a parliamentary question from Jan Farský, a member of the European People's Party (PPE), concerning compliance issues with Regulation (EU) 2018/302. The regulation aims to prevent unjustified discrimination based on nationality or residence in accessing goods and services online.
More Enforcement, Ongoing Evaluation, No New Rules Yet
Séjourné points out that the Commission does not directly enforce rules against discriminatory checkout practices or payment account location-based restrictions; instead, national authorities have that remit. While the Commission is enhancing efforts against International Bank Account Number (IBAN) discrimination through infringement proceedings and outreach, it primarily focuses on coordinating information-sharing and complaint handling within the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network. The Commission is also conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Geo-blocking Regulation with results expected in 2026, potentially shaping future guidance.
Strengthening National Enforcement Without New Legislation
The Commission's approach signals a preference for reinforcing existing frameworks and cooperation among national bodies rather than proposing sweeping legislative changes. This reflects a balancing act between protecting consumer rights by reducing cross-border discrimination and respecting national enforcement competences without expanding EU centralized powers.
Who Gains and Who Must Adapt?
Consumers stand to benefit from clearer enforcement and potentially fewer artificial barriers to cross-border shopping. Online traders face moderate adjustments, especially in ensuring their payment and checkout systems accommodate non-domestic requirements, possibly raising operational complexity. National authorities are tasked with ramping up enforcement efforts, which could demand more resources. Meanwhile, EU institutions maintain a coordinating and evaluative role without expanding direct regulatory actions.
Looking Ahead
The Commission's pledge to publish its Geo-blocking Regulation evaluation within the year signals forthcoming insights that may influence policy adjustments. National authorities and stakeholders alike will watch closely how these findings translate into regulatory or enforcement shifts affecting the digital Single Market.
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