Positions
Classifieds marketplaces contribute to key EU Public Policy objectives
We contribute to
the Green Transition
By trading on our platforms, European consumers and businesses are given the opportunity to buy or sell used items, extending the lifespan of the product and giving it a new purpose. This is what we mean by empowering consumers participating in the circular economy. Our local dimension enables the transition to circular consumption in local communities throughout Europe.
We contribute to the Digital Transformation
Online classifieds promote economic inclusion, empowering both consumer and (small) business sellers. Our services allow private sellers to easily sell items they no longer need or want and allow buyers to save money by giving them access to millions of second-hand products, finding unique items and great deals. For small businesses and entrepreneurs we provide the opportunity to easily transition online in the way they choose and give them the platform and national reach to become successful, fostering economic growth in local communities.
Our policy priorities
Circular Economy Act (CEA)
The Circular Economy Act will play a central role in accelerating Europe’s transition towards a more resource-efficient, competitive, and sustainable economy. It is for this reason that CME encourages targeted measures that promote reuse and second-hand trade, remove practical barriers to circular transactions, and ensure that online marketplaces are fully recognised as key enablers of the circular economy.
EU Market Surveillance Regulation (MSR)
The Market Surveillance Regulation (MSR) is an essential part of the EU’s consumer protection and single market enforcement framework. But before considering new responsibilities under the MSR, CME puts forward, among other recommendations, that the EU should focus on fully enforcing the Digital Services Act, the General Product Safety Regulation, and the upcoming Customs reforms.
Digital Services Act (DSA)
The Digital Services Act forms a cornerstone of the EU’s digital policy framework and supports stronger consumer protection, safer online environments, and a well-functioning Digital Single Market. In this context, CME calls for targeted refinements to ensure the framework appropriately captures the operational realities of different types of online services, including locally focused, second-hand online classifieds marketplaces.
General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
The General Product Safety Regulation strengthens the EU framework for consumer protection by modernising product safety rules and adapting them to digital sales channels. In this context, CME supports the objective of improving consumer safety while ensuring that rules remain proportionate and adapted to the diversity of marketplace business models, including online classifieds platforms facilitating local second-hand trade.
EU Consumer Agenda 2025-2030
The EU Consumer Agenda 2025–2030 sets the direction for Europe’s consumer policy in the coming years, aiming to reinforce consumer trust, support both the green and digital transitions, and ensure a well-functioning Single Market. In this context, CME advocates for a forward-looking, balanced approach that consolidates existing protections, promotes sustainable consumption, and recognises the contribution of second-hand marketplaces to Europe’s circular economy.
Directive on Administrative Cooperation 7 (DAC7)
The Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC7) and its recast form a key part of the EU’s tax transparency and administrative cooperation framework, supporting fair taxation, stronger cooperation between tax authorities, and a well-functioning Single Market. In this context, CME calls for targeted refinements to ensure both the framework and its evolution appropriately reflect the operational realities of second-hand online marketplaces and the behaviour of predominantly private, occasional sellers.
EU Taxonomy Environmental Delegated Act
The EU Taxonomy framework is a key component of the EU’s sustainable finance architecture, playing a crucial role in delivering the European Union’s environmental ambitions, including climate neutrality and circular economy objectives. In this context, Classifieds Marketplaces Europe supports further refinement of the framework to ensure that the complete scope of services delivered by second-hand online marketplaces is properly reflected within taxonomy.
Right to Repair
The Right to Repair is a cornerstone for circular consumption and extending the lifespan of products. In this context, CME supports the promotion of sustainable consumption of goods and the opportunity to increase the take-up of second-hand goods and repaired products. At the same time, we call for the European Commission to incorporate repair requirements into upcoming regulations governing product design and consumer rights, such as the Sustainable Products Initiative and the Right to Repair.
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) represents a cornerstone of the EU’s circular economy agenda and sustainable product policy, helping advance climate neutrality, resource efficiency, and sustainable consumption objectives. In this context, Classifieds Marketplaces Europe calls for targeted clarifications to ensure that online classifieds marketplaces can continue to facilitate the green transition by promoting second-hand trade and extending product lifecycles.
Digital Product Passport (DPP)
The Digital Product Passport (DPP), introduced under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), is a key tool to improve product transparency, traceability and sustainability across the EU Single Market. It has the potential to support the EU’s circular economy objectives and strengthen consumer trust in sustainable products. It is for this reason that CME members call for further refinements of DPP to ensure that the realities of second-hand markets and the full range of circular transactions are adequately reflected in the implementation of this tool.
Digital Fairness Act (DFA)
The Digital Fairness Act forms part of the EU’s broader agenda to ensure a trustworthy, transparent, and equitable digital ecosystem across the Single Market, reinforcing consumer confidence and enabling Europe’s digital transition. In this context, CME advocates for a measured, evidence-based approach that recognises the diversity of digital services and business models, including locally focused, second-hand classifieds marketplaces.
Regulation on circularity requirements for vehicle design and on management of end-of-life vehicles (ELV)
The proposed Regulation on circularity requirements for vehicle design and end-of-life vehicles represents an important step towards enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency in Europe’s mobility ecosystem. CME, as the coalition of leading EU-based classifieds, calls for a facilitated, safe, convenient, and local transactions framework for vehicles, spare parts, and other products.
Waste Framework Directive (WFD)
The Waste Framework Directive (WFD) is a cornerstone of the EU’s circular economy and sustainable product policy, supporting the reduction of waste, the promotion of reuse, and the responsible management of resources. In this context, Classifieds Marketplaces Europe calls for careful implementation that preserves the Directive’s objectives while reflecting the operational realities of second-hand marketplaces.
