"This year is rather special as we celebrate both 30 years of EuroCommerce and 30 years of the Single Market," states a press release issued by the European association of retailers, which includes AMRCR, the association of major retailers in Romania. The press release further states:

"We look forward to an exciting year, commemorating these anniversaries during festivities together with decision-makers, stakeholders, and members, while also reflecting on the essential role played by the Single Market in maintaining the competitiveness of our sector, for citizens and for the EU economy as a whole.

On 29 January 1993, three associations merged to form EuroCommerce: CECD (European Retail Confederation), GEDIS (Groupement Européen des Distributeurs Intégrés or European Group of Integrated Distributors), and Fewita (Federation of Wholesale and International Trade Associations), which means our shared history goes even further back.

In the same year, the EU Single Market was established, uniting Europe like never before by opening borders and establishing the "Four Freedoms," enabling the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across the continent and paving the way for the introduction of the euro as a single currency.

30 years ago, Europe faced the devastating conflict of the Yugoslav Wars but also witnessed hope with the signing of the second Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in Moscow between US President George H.W. Bush and Russia's Boris Yeltsin.

Nelson Mandela of South Africa won the Nobel Peace Prize, and while Pet Shop Boys urged us all to "Go West," Phil Collins pleaded for us to hear "Both Sides of the Story." Jacques Delors was still in his second term as the eighth President of the European Commission, and in the next 30 years, EuroCommerce would engage with seven more.

EuroCommerce now represents associations from 27 European countries, representing 5 million (1 in 4) companies, providing jobs for 26 million people, and contributing 10% to the EU's GDP.

We are at the heart of vibrant local communities throughout the EU and are proud and grateful to all those in the sector who have played a vital role in helping consumers cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, uniting under unprecedented circumstances.

We are a significant force and intend to highlight the essential services our sector provides in meeting customer needs and offering innovative solutions to EU objectives.

Our focus this year will be engaging with decision-makers on growing inflation issues, high energy prices, the severe cost-of-living crisis, the disrupted global environment, and the cumulative regulatory burden increasingly faced by our members.

We look forward to collaborating with the European Commission to find ways to assist our sector in the post-COVID-19 recovery and energy crisis, while also calling for policies and support mechanisms that stimulate long-term competitiveness.

In simpler terms, a robust Single Market is the most critical element in ensuring Europe's long-term competitiveness and its ability to innovate and compete with other global regions. Therefore, we seek renewed partnership with EU and national decision-makers and stakeholders, along with an alliance of European business associations, to collectively promote a stronger Single Market.

As we look forward to the next 30 years, our sector is in the midst of significant transformation, creating, innovating, and adapting to meet the EU's needs for digitalization, sustainability, and skills.

Our recent joint study with McKinsey shows that from now until 2030, retail and wholesale trade will need to invest over 600 billion euros in this triple challenge. We will not be able to do this alone and will need the support of EU, national, and local authorities.

If we can secure the necessary support for this transformation, our sector has immense potential to contribute to the EU's own digital, sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience goals.

Our events marking the 30th anniversary will provide ample opportunities to showcase this potential throughout 2023, including our annual dinner and special 30-year exhibition in June and through our inaugural EuroCommerce Awards in November this year.

Together, with the EuroCommerce team, we eagerly look forward to celebrating past achievements, current accomplishments, and shaping the future successes of the retail and wholesale sector for the next 30 years!"