Live from Brussels – Issue 110

Dear readers, 

Welcome to another issue of our ‘Live from Brussels’ newsletter.

The summer season has officially kicked off, and the European tourism and hospitality sector is performing well. Earlier in June, we were glad to hear that both the European Travel Commission (ETC) and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) were optimistic about prospects for the sector, announcing a rise in travel confidence and an increase in worldwide international arrivals

Nonetheless, the future of our industry is still on shaky ground. The impact of rising inflation and soaring energy and food costs is already tangible for businesses. Tackling it will require further guidance and funding from the European Institutions and the Member States.

The same goes for labour and skills shortages. If you had a chance to travel this summer, you probably already noticed the severe effects of this crisis: from airlines having to reschedule or cancel flights to longer waiting times at your favourite restaurant. Hospitality simply cannot run without people. Should this situation continue any further, it risks stalling the long-awaited recovery post-pandemic.

Sustainability also remains a top issue for HOTREC, especially concerning the necessity for a fit-for-purpose Emissions Trading System (ETS) to help European tourism and hospitality go green; and the revision of the European Commission’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). 

HOTREC will keep a close eye on these issues and continue teaming up with members, industry partners, and European Institutions. Collaborating with the newly inaugurated Czech presidency of the EU Council will also be essential to keep up the great work and effectively tackle the most urgent problems. I want to thank Czech Minister Ivan Bartoš for answering our questions on presidency priorities for the next six months.

I want to conclude by celebrating a crucial win for European hospitality: a few days ago, the European Parliament approved the Digital Markets and the Digital Services Acts. We consider this decision a considerable achievement for our industry on the path to guaranteeing hospitality companies a fairer relationship with platforms. If you want to know more about this topic and our position, I invite you to check out our press release and 2022 Hotel Distribution Study.

I wish you all a great summer!


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Interview



Interview with Ivan Bartoš, Minister of Regional Development and Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization of the Czech Republic

The incumbent and long-time chairman of the Czech Pirate Party, who earned his PhD in Information Studies and Librarianship. He gained international experience while studying in the USA at the Department of Computer Science, University of New Orleans, and when he took up professional jobs in several Czech and multinational companies within the IT field.

Digital



One step further towards a fairer digital environment

On 5 July 2022, the European Parliament endorsed the Interinstitutional Agreement on the two texts of the Digital Service Package: the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Live from the network



European Tourism Manifesto event: celebrating the reopening of travel

On 29 June, the European Tourism Manifesto gathered to celebrate its achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social Affairs



EU minimum wages: Parliament and Council reached compromise

On 6 June 2022, the European Parliament and the Council reached a compromise in their negotiations on the proposal for a Minimum Wage Directive.


EU rules on platform work: HOTREC expresses concerns over Parliament report and proposes alternative solutions

In May 2022, MEP Gualmini (S&D/Italy) issued its draft report on Platform work. HOTREC expressed major concerns with regard to the report, as it aims at automatically transforming every self-employed into an employee.

Sustainability



A fit-for-purpose Emissions Trading System essential to help the tourism industry go green

As part of the fit 55 package, the European Commission issued a proposal to revise the Directive on Emission Trading Scheme. The proposal includes a chapter dedicated to buildings and transport (both business and private) as a way to reach less than 55% of carbon emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.


Energy Performance of Buildings directive: pros and cons for European hospitality

As part of the Fit for 55 package, the European Commission released a proposal to revise the “Energy Performance of Buildings Directive”. We welcome the revision of the Directive as an important step to help reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Nevertheless, we are concerned with new infrastructural adjustments that need to be done by companies.

Tourism



EU DCC extension approved

The EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) was extended until 30 June 2023. Both EU Member States in the EU Council and the European Parliament approved the move. It is good news for now until we can make travelling in the EU seamless again.


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Calendar

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20 Jun
20/06/2023    
10:30 - 13:00
List of Participants Draft Agenda for ExCom meeting on 20 June 2023
Events on 20/06/2023
20 Jun