The European Operator

Weekly intelligence for anyone selling to European consumers. VAT, logistics, payments, compliance and growth — everything US newsletters ignore about the EU market. Every Tuesday, free.

Built for EU operators

Whether you are building a brand in Europe, expanding a US business into European markets, or a UK operator navigating post-Brexit complexity — this is the newsletter US publications never bothered to write.

What's inside every issue

Four sections. Five minutes. Every Tuesday.

The Brief — Three curated EU e-commerce news items every week. Regulatory changes, platform updates, policy shifts. Pure signal, no opinion.

The Deep Dive — One tactical long-form piece on a specific EU market challenge. VAT OSS, checkout conversion, GDPR, returns compliance. Always ends with an action plan.

The Stack — One tool reviewed with EU-specific metadata. GDPR compliant, EU data residency, euro pricing, EU support. Honest, never sponsored without disclosure.

The Number — One EU e-commerce data point, always sourced. Often the most shared section.

Free. Every Tuesday. No noise. Join operators, founders and e-commerce teams selling to European consumers.

Latest

Shein and Temu Grew 57% in Germany in a Single Year. Here's Where That Growth Is Actually Coming From

Jul 14, 2026

New retail federation data shows Chinese marketplaces now account for 5% of German ecommerce, over 10% in Austria, and are still climbing in Switzerland. The growth isn't coming from new buyers. It's coming from something more specific.

Your Ads Cost More and Convert Less: The 2026 Squeeze

Jul 7, 2026

European ecommerce advertisers paid 15% more per click this year while return on ad spend fell more than 40%. Here is what the data actually shows, why it is happening, and what it means for how you spend.

When the Rule Breaks the Carrier: DHL Just Suspended EU Shipments

Jun 30, 2026

The EU's new customs duty doesn't take effect until July 1. One of the world's largest carriers has already pulled a shipping service over it, a week early. Here is what happened, why it happened, and what it tells you about whether your own carrier is actually ready.

The €150 Loophole Closes: What July 1 Actually Costs You

Jun 23, 2026

The exemption that let small parcels enter the EU duty free for over a decade ends in eight days. Here is exactly how the new charge is calculated, why it is not what most sellers assume, and what is already happening at the national level on top of it.

After June 19: What Actually Happens Next

Jun 16, 2026

The EU withdrawal button deadline arrives on Friday. Most stores are not ready. Here is what enforcement looks like, which platforms have solutions, and what to do if you receive a cease-and-desist letter.