German retailers urge Berlin to shield EU firms from unfair competition

German retail leaders have written to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling for stronger government action to protect the competitiveness of German and European retailers. In a letter ahead of an informal meeting of the European Council, the German Retail Federation (HDE) said unfair competition from traders and online platforms based outside the EU threatens local companies. The appeal highlights concerns over regulatory burdens and market distortions that HDE says put EU firms at a disadvantage. ...