Brussels, 2024-05-24 – WhizzBang, the leading European network advocating for consumer and data protection for expatriates, commends the European Commission’s recent initiatives to address territorial supply constraints (TSCs) that hinder cross-border trade within the EU single market. These efforts aim to dismantle unjustified barriers, ensuring consumers can benefit from a more integrated and competitive market across member states.

Territorial supply constraints are practices employed by certain multinational manufacturers to restrict retailers and wholesalers from sourcing products across borders within the EU. Such constraints fragment the single market, leading to significant price disparities and limiting consumer choice. A 2020 study by the European Commission estimated that TSCs cost consumers approximately €14 billion annually. 

In recent developments, the European Commission has taken decisive action against companies engaging in these anti-competitive practices. Notably, in 2024, the Commission fined Mondelēz International €337.5 million for hindering cross-border trade of chocolate, biscuits, and coffee products between member states, in breach of EU competition rules. 

“Addressing territorial supply constraints is crucial for expatriates who often encounter inflated prices and limited product availability due to these unjust practices,” stated Natália Oráviková, Chair of WhizzBang e.V. Meuse-Rhine. “We fully support the European Commission’s commitment to enforcing competition rules that promote a fair and transparent single market, ultimately benefiting all consumers across the EU.”

The WhizzBang network remains dedicated to advocating for policies that eliminate national barriers and enhance consumer rights within the European Union. The organization encourages continued vigilance and enforcement to ensure that the single market operates efficiently, providing equitable opportunities and choices for consumers, regardless of their country of residence.