Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

On 16 October 2025, IMCO held a scrutiny session on the Political Advertising Regulation, focusing on compliance with the new rules and an exchange with Meta. Rapporteur Sandro Gozi (Renew) stressed the Regulation’s role in preventing scandals like Cambridge Analytica, enhancing transparency, and protecting sensitive data, while raising concerns over Meta’s decision to suspend political advertising in the EU.

On 16 October 2025, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection approved the report about third-country interest representation, led by Rapporteur Adina Vălean (EPP). The report aims to strengthen transparency and accountability in lobbying activities conducted on behalf of third countries. It seeks to clarify the scope of covered activities and harmonise rules across Member States to address a fragmented regulatory framework.

On 25 September 2025, the Commission presented a proposal to simplify product compliance while maintaining consumer protection, built on two pillars: digitalisation (e.g. QR codes for instructions, with paper versions still available) and the use of common specifications where harmonised standards are missing, to give manufacturers legal certainty. Rapporteur Van Lanschot welcomed the initiative as a practical simplification that reduces burdens and strengthens enforcement.

On 25 September 2025, Members approved an opinion about phasing out Russian gas imports. Most Members are aligned and focused on shortening the transition deadlines, eliminating possible loopholes and providing further evidence of Russian circumvention of the currently existing legislation. Additionally, they proposed to include oil in the spectrum of banned substances.

On 25 September 2025, Members approved the mandate to begin negotiations with the Council of Ministers on new rules for measuring instruments, covering electric vehicle charging equipment, compressed gas dispensers, and the measurement of electricity, gas, and thermal energy. The IMCO mandate seeks to modernise the essential requirements for these metrology devices, with a focus on digitalisation and technological neutrality.

On 24 September, the Commission gave a presentation on the interim evaluation of the first three years of the Single Market Programme. Moreover, the Commission presented its proposal on the Single Market and Customs Programme for 2028-2034. The proposal aims to help citizens and companies by driving the completion of the EU Single Market, breaking down cross-border and cross-country barriers and fostering cooperation between national administrations.