EuroCommerce, which represents the retail and wholesale sector in Europe, has re-elected Juan Manuel Morales as its president, with the Spaniard's second term set to last until 2027.
The decision was made at EuroCommerce's general assembly, where the group's members 'recognised his outstanding leadership over the past three years and favoured continuity', EuroCommerce said in a statement.
Managing The Challenges
"I am grateful for the trust that the members of EuroCommerce have placed in me," Morales commented. "I would like to highlight the support I have had over the years from the Board of Directors and the EuroCommerce team, with Christel Delberghe at the helm. Together, we have tackled the management of the pandemic and the serious inflationary and energy crises, on behalf of European retailers and wholesalers."
He added that the group's objective over the next three years will be to "strengthen the unity of European wholesale and retail", as well as to establish a "better and more effective dialogue" with European institutions, given the legislative challenges that lie ahead.
As an organisation, EuroCommerce is dedicated to improving the competitiveness of the European retail and wholesale sectors, supporting the Single Market and advancing the sustainability, digital and skills transition within the sector.
In the immediate term, the group is engaging with EU officials on the challenges posed by the draft Late Payments Regulation – which proposes the capping of payment terms to 30 days and removing the freedom to negotiate terms that benefit companies of all sizes.
'Continuity In Leadership'
Commenting on the re-election of Morales as president, EuroCommerce director general Christel Delberghe said, “I applaud this decision by EuroCommerce members, as it supports the continuity in leadership for the association at a turbulent time.
"It helps us advocate stronger together for the right policy framework to support the sector transformation.”
