Live from Brussels - HOTREC January edition

In this article, we have highlighted some of the articles from HOTREC’s January Newsletter, that could be of value for the catering industry.

FOOD

According to the latest edition of the HOTREC Newsletter, the European Parliament reports calls on fighting against food wastage all along the food chain. On January 19th 2012, the European Parliament adopted in  plenary session an own-initiative report on “how to avoid food wastage: strategies for a more efficient food chain in the EU”. The report considers that food-wastage is becoming a growing problem in the EU in terms of sustainability, as it is estimated at around 179 kg per capita in the EU. The report also links food wastage to hunger in the world. All stakeholders are requested to take greater shared responsibility. The Commission, the Member States and stakeholders should exchange best practices, set up guidelines to address avoidable food waste, implement greater resource efficiency and should create economic incentives for limiting food waste. The report also urges the Commission to designate 2013 as the European year against food-waste.

SOCIAL AFFAIRS

In June 2011 a draft report was released on the Commission proposal for a Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third country nationals for the purposes of seasonal employment. The Rapporteur welcomed the proposal in general and favored the maximum period of stay of six months in any period of twelve months for the seasonal worker. The report also pointed out that the Directive should apply also to third-country national, who are legally staying in the territory of a Member State and who apply for a seasonal work permit in that Member State. Employers shall comply with a list of minimum requirements for the accommodation.

TAXATION

Following a public consultation on the future of VAT, closed in May 2011, the European Commission issued its Communication on the future of VAT, on December 6th, 2011. At the same time the results of the public consultation were made available as well. The Communication aims at setting out the fundamental features of a future EU VAT system, which can perform its function of raising revenue, while increasing competitiveness. It also lists the priority areas for further action. The Communication says that the future VAT system should be efficient and neutral, meaning potentially a broadening of the tax base, as well as implementing the principle of taxation at the standard rate, generating more revenue and possibly allowing the standard rate  to be reduced. According to the Communication, a more efficient VAT system would include the limitation of the use of reduced VAT rates. The Commission proposes the review of the current VAT rates structure. An assessment of the current VAT rates structure will be launched in 2012 and the Commission will make proposals after ample consultation with stakeholders and Member States by the end of 2013.

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