While the Luxembourg retail and craft trades are in direct competition with the Greater Region, it appears that competition may be distorted by the systematic refusal of some producers and/ or their intermediaries, to allow Luxembourg companies free access to supply networks by virtue of territorial supply agreements.
The inability of certain Luxembourg traders and craftsmen to choose the best network in terms of price and suitability of products and services, crates a considerable disadvantage both for the companies and for consumers. This practice constitutes a barrier to market efficiency and cross-border provision of goods and services, and a serious obstacle to the principle of free competition.
Given the losses also sustained, in part by the distribution sector in Belgium and the Netherlands, the Benelux countries signed an agreement to jointly examine territorial restrictions within three countries, on 30 November, 2015. Where possible, they will look to develop possible solutions.
To analyse the extent and consequences of barriers to supply for retail businesses or service providers, the General Secretariat of Benelux launched a coordinated project in the three countries. It involves an online survey of companies. The information provided and the identity of the participating companies will be strictly confidential.
Secretary of State for the Economy, Francine Closener, commented: "I invite all companies, especially those who feel disadvantaged or affected by territorial supply constraints, to participate in this survey. Conducted under the coordination of the General Secretariat Benelux, the study is of fundamental importance, as its results enable us better to make our case and move the file to the European institutions acting on the basis of concrete evidence."
