Protection of competition in the clock‐ and watch-making sector

29.6.2015

Question for written answer E-010520-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Massimiliano Salini (PPE)

In 2004 the European Confederation of Watch and Clock Repairers' Associations (CEAHR) lodged a complaint with the Commission about a number of Swiss multinationals operating in the watch-making sector, claiming that they were abusing their dominant position by refusing to continue to supply independent watch repairers with spare parts.

After the Commission had rejected the CEAHR’s complaint because it held little interest for the Community, the Court in Luxembourg annulled the Commission’s decision and ordered it to open a new investigation.

Contrary to the Commission’s statement, the work of over 5 000 independent workshops in Italy is threatened, with a repair and replacement market worth an estimated EUR 150 million to EUR 250 million. Although this is not a very large market compared with others, it is important to Italy.

It should be the Commission’s duty to find the right balance between the watch manufacturers/spare parts suppliers and the watch repair craftsmen, with a view to maintaining this service for consumers and protecting the craftsmen themselves, who form a small but important group.

What does the Commission intend to do to ensure compliance with competition rules so as to protect both businesses and consumers?