The EU Council's Working Party on Competitiveness and Growth (Internal Market) is scheduled to meet on 15 July 2026 to discuss e-commerce safety measures and the upcoming European Product Act, according to a notice of meeting and provisional agenda published by the Council. The meeting will take place at 09:30 in the Justus Lipsius Building, Brussels, and will focus on Commission updates and exchanges of views, with no decisions expected.
The agenda includes a Commission update on the comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce, a communication first issued in February 2025 (document 6047/25). The Commission will also brief member states on online marketplace responsibilities under the Digital Services Act (Regulation (EU) 2022/2065), which has been in force since 2024 for very large platforms and will apply to all intermediaries from 17 February 2024. The third major item is a presentation and exchange of views on the forthcoming European Product Act, which will revise the Market Surveillance Regulation and the New Legislative Framework. The meeting will conclude with any other business.
The meeting is a preparatory step for member state experts to hear about the Commission's legislative plans and raise questions. No formal decisions are scheduled. The European Product Act, once proposed, will require negotiation between the Council and the European Parliament. The e-commerce toolbox communication from February 2025 outlined measures to enhance product safety and sustainability in online sales, including potential obligations for platforms to verify seller compliance.
EU consumers may benefit from improved product safety and sustainability in e-commerce, but could face higher prices if compliance costs are passed on. Online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms will face new obligations under the Digital Services Act and potentially under the Product Act, increasing compliance costs. EU manufacturers and importers may see a more level playing field if market surveillance is strengthened, but could also face additional administrative burdens. National market surveillance authorities will need to coordinate more closely, requiring investment in enforcement capabilities.