German retail leaders are calling on Chancellor Friedrich Merz for stronger government action to protect German and European retailers from unfair competition. They highlight concerns about regulatory burdens and market distortions that disadvantage EU firms and urge for fair competition and reduced excessive regulation to support the retail sector.

The German Retail Federation (HDE) warns that platforms and retailers from third countries often escape compliance with EU rules, undercutting domestic competitors. HDE emphasizes the need for a level playing field in European markets to maintain long-term competitiveness and criticizes new European rules that could further undermine business conditions for EU retailers.

Industry groups across Europe have raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement of standards and complex regulations disadvantaging companies operating within EU law. Advocacy organizations call for better coordination on enforcement and more effective implementation of EU competition policy to protect European firms amidst wider debate on balancing open markets with robust enforcement of competition and consumer protection laws.

Regulators and industry associations stress the importance of maintaining high standards while addressing rapid changes in digital retail and e-commerce. Recent regulatory actions in Germany and the EU aim to ensure fair market conditions, including competition reviews targeting online marketplaces, prompting responses from global companies reflecting tension between national competition law and broader EU policy goals.

The HDE’s appeal highlights European retailers’ ongoing interest in shaping policies that support competitiveness, market fairness, and balance between regulation and growth.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: German retailers urge Berlin to shield EU firms from unfair competition