CEV Trade Commission will design a regional strategic plan for the sector. The plan will outline the main pillars and the actions needed to meet future challenges and boost competitiveness. This decision was made at a meeting held at CEV’s headquarters on Wednesday, with attendees from every association within the sector. The objective is a clear, corrected assessment of the current trading landscape and the setting of practical goals and measures that address the real needs of companies and freelancers in the industry, regardless of size or product type.
The proposal will draw on the findings from the ad hoc working groups, which will involve not only commissioners but also representatives from consumer groups AVACU, UCCV, and TYRIUS, with whom CEV maintains a framework of cooperation. Other sector experts will also contribute. Pau Villalba, who chairs the commission, emphasized that the goal is broad participation and consensus, ensuring the diagnosis comes from the industry itself and reflects accurate realities.
Sustainable Commercial Code Draft
In parallel, the commission reviewed issues raised during the morning discussions with Rafael Climent, the Minister of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade, and Labor, regarding the Sustainable Trade Bill. It became evident that there is not yet a broad industry consensus on the draft, as key concerns were not incorporated at the right moments or during sufficient drafting meetings.
There is potential for the declaration or repeal of the Great Tourist Welfare Area, known as the ZGAT, to be promoted by the industry’s most representative bodies if the law’s conditions are satisfied or if its deadlines are incorporated into the legislation itself, without diminishing the authority of each city council. The process required to declare a Major Tourist Flock, or ZGAT, was also reviewed.
Regarding APEUs, the commission concluded that no immediate regulation is necessary since nationwide work is advancing, and any future steps should come through a cross-sector, consensus-based law. The chair of the Trade Commission reminded attendees that several assessments by CES and the Consell Jurídic Consultiu align with the request.
The automatic extension of the ZGAT, which was agreed upon and adjusted last year, drew criticism because a portion of the article has been removed from the draft Sustainable Trade Law. Critics argued this change undermines the intended safeguards. Rafael Torres, vice-president of the commission, remarked that the omission undermines the progress that had been achieved and effectively resets the discussion to square one.
Help Save Energy
Finally, the commission urged extending the government’s energy-saving measures to include more assistance from the Economy ministry. Members highlighted that many businesses outside the current aid packages have already invested in energy efficiency and deserve continued support.