European Commission Under Fire: Payment Terms Threaten Independent Retail
Parijs, zaterdag, 14 juni 2025.
The European Commission is considering a drastic reduction of payment terms from 60 to 30 days, which could have a devastating impact on small, independent shops. This measure threatens to seriously undermine the financial stability of local retailers. According to the Confédération des Commerçants de France, the shortened terms would cause cash flow problems, harm local employment, and potentially even unintentionally increase the ecological footprint through increased logistical movements. The trade association calls for a nuanced approach that takes into account the vulnerability of small businesses and the broader economic impact of such regulation.
Critical Threat to Independent Retailers
The European Commission is considering a dramatic reduction of payment terms from 60 to 30 days, which could have a potentially devastating impact on small, independent shops [1]. This measure threatens to fundamentally undermine the financial stability of local retailers, with far-reaching economic consequences.
Financial Challenges for Small Businesses
According to the Confédération des Commerçants de France, the shortened payment terms would cause significant cash flow problems for small businesses [1]. Currently, the existing 60-day payment terms allow independent shops to manage their financial flows stably, especially for seasonal and slow-rotating inventories [1].
Potential Broader Economic Impact
The proposed measure could unintentionally have serious side effects. Shortening payment terms could lead to an increase in logistical movements, potentially expanding the ecological footprint [1]. Moreover, the measure threatens to harm local employment by increasing financial pressure on small businesses [1].
Call for Nuanced Approach
The trade association calls on the European Commission to adopt a more nuanced approach that takes into account the vulnerability of small businesses [1]. Francis Palombi, president of the Confédération des Commerçants de France, emphasises the need for a dialogue that guarantees both the financial health of businesses and the protection of local manufacturers [1].