The trade union works on behalf of the merchant

From the reader. Mikko Rekola bring out (KL 15.6.) justified concern for the position of European trade in the midst of tightening regulation and global competition.

A balance is constantly sought between consumer protection, sustainability goals and companies’ competitiveness. Finnish and European trade operates responsibly and follows strict regulations, which is also a competitive advantage: the consumer can trust the safety of the products and the realization of their rights.

At the same time, the regulation overlaps in some places and significantly increases the administrative burden on companies. The problem is not only related to the amount of regulation, but also to its preparation: regulations are drawn up on a fast schedule, impact assessments are not always done carefully, and interpretation instructions are often given at the last stage. A good example of this is the so-called greenwashing directive, the application of which required a national transition period in Finland.

Changed direction in the EU

The Finnish Trade Association makes an active and long-term influence to ensure that the everyday life and operating conditions of trade companies are understood in both domestic and EU decision-making.

Our main goals have long been streamlining regulation and easing the administrative burden on companies. At the same time, we consistently push for all companies operating in the internal market to have the same rules of the game, even in online shopping outside the EU. This is absolutely essential for fair competition, tax revenues and jobs.

Fortunately, there has also been a change of direction in the EU recently, and competitiveness and better regulation are high on the Commission’s agenda. Many problematic regulations, such as the cancellation function for online stores that will come into effect this week, are still leftovers from the previous commission period.

We are also active in European trade networks, such as EuroCommerce and Ecommerce Europe, where the direction of regulation can be influenced already in preparation. A recent example of this is last week’s election of a representative of the Finnish Trade Union as chairman of EuroCommerce’s internal market and consumer policy committee. The role also strengthens the voice of Finnish trade at EU tables.

In addition, the Finnish Trade Union is involved in building the digital competitiveness of commerce through, among other things, Digital Commerce Finland, a peer network of online stores. We consider the international growth potential of domestic specialty and wholesale trade and technical trade companies to be particularly significant and we want to promote that.

Kari Luoto

CEO, Trade Union