EuroCommerce is set to finalise a multi-sectoral initiative, financed by the Commission, on how to deal with third-party violence in commerce. Last year, EuroCommerce and its social partners signed multi-sectoral guidelines aimed at the prevention and mitigation of violence at national, regional and workplace level. Following three regional workshops, the final conference will take place in Warsaw on 27 October, which will include an impact assessment of the guidelines.
Commerce presses for a Retail Action Plan
EuroCommerce, ERRT, Euro-Coop and UGAL adopted proposals for a Retail Action Plan. Proposals focus on the need for a smooth functioning internal market for goods, services and capital, the potential of the digital retail agenda, the need to develop skills and retail activities supporting green growth. The action plan would rest on a structure involving retail organisations, the European Commission and the European Parliament. The recent approval by UGAL's Board paves the way for a common advocacy for such a plan.
Food waste on the political agenda
On 12 October, the Food Policy & Environment committees of EuroCommerce organised a joint working group on food waste, an issue that is becoming increasingly visible on the political agenda. Patrice Gruszkowski (DG Environment) gave an update on the Commission's initiatives. It was agreed at the meeting that awareness campaigns are the best approach to reduce food waste by consumers. EuroCommerce is currently collecting information on existing initiatives in member states to monitor the issue.