Consumer Policy in the EU

Latest news on the consumer policies of the European Union.

MasterCard: Statement of Objections on cross-border rules and inter-regional interchange fees — 09 July 2015, 13:44 CET

The European Commission sent on 9 July a Statement of Objections to MasterCard. The Statement of Objections outlines the Commission's preliminary view that MasterCard's rules prevent banks from offering lower interchange fees to retailers based in another Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA), where interchange fees may be higher.

Digital Single Market for Europe — 07 May 2015, 15:40 CET

The European Commission unveiled on 6 May detailed plans to create a Digital Single Market, thereby delivering on one of its top priorities.

E-commerce sector inquiry - factsheet — 06 May 2015, 15:57 CET

The European Commission has launched a competition inquiry into the e-commerce sector in the European Union in the context of the Digital Single Market Strategy. The sector inquiry will focus on those goods and services in which e-commerce is most widespread such as electronics, clothing and shoes, as well as digital content. It will cover all EU Member States.

Are EU charges of unfair practices against Google fair? — 16 April 2015, 18:33 CET

Internet giant Google again came under EU fire this week when the European Commission formally charged it with abusing the dominance of its search engine, while at the same time launching a sensitive probe into its omnipresent Android mobile phone operating system.

EU investigation against Google in relation to Android mobile operating system — 15 April 2015, 13:37 CET

The European Commission has opened formal proceedings against Google to investigate in-depth if the company’s conduct in relation to its Android mobile operating system as well as applications and services for smartphones and tablets has breached EU antitrust rules.

EU investigation into Google comparison shopping service — 15 April 2015, 13:39 CET

The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Google outlining the Commission's preliminary view that the company is abusing a dominant position, in breach of EU antitrust rules, by systematically favouring its own comparison shopping product in its general search results pages in the European Economic Area (EEA).

RAPEX 2014 - Rapid Alert System report — 23 March 2015, 16:45 CET

The European Commission has published new figures, showing that in 2014, nearly 2,500 products, ranging from toys to motor vehicles, were either stopped before they entered the EU or removed from markets because they were dangerous for EU consumers.

Caps on inter-bank fees for card payments good for consumers, good for retailers — 05 February 2015, 19:22 CET

It's taken a long time, but the European Parliament and the Council have finally agreed a deal on a regulation to cap interchange fees for card-based payments.

Fees capped for card-based payments — 05 February 2015, 19:52 CET

The European Parliament has agreed a compromise deal with the Council on a regulation capping interchange fees for card-based payments. It is hoped the regulation will also help users make more informed choices about payment instruments.

Allergy sufferers and fussy eaters to benefit from clearer food labelling from this weekend — 11 December 2014, 18:26 CET

The provision of food information to consumers takes a major step forward in the EU this weekend, with a new mandatory food labelling system heading for Europe's supermarket shelves and restaurants.

Food Information to Consumers - new labelling rules — 11 December 2014, 17:07 CET

New EU food labelling rules come into force on 13 December to ensure that consumers receive clearer, more comprehensive and accurate information on food content, and help them make informed choices about what they eat.

VAT — 28 June 2021, 22:09 CET

The application of VAT is decided by national tax authorities but there are some standard EU rules, which are explained on this European Commission website. Check basic VAT rules in each EU country, and consult a Tax information Communication database.

Endocrine Disruptors: Commission Communication — 07 November 2018, 18:21 CET

The European Commission adopted on 7 November a Communication outlining its strategy to address the problem of endocrine disruptors, with the aim of protecting consumers against harmful chemicals which change our hormonal system.

New restrictions on use of preservatives in cosmetic products — 29 September 2014, 21:39 CET

The European Commission on 29 September further strengthened the protection of consumers, in particular babies and young children. It adopted two measures restricting the use of three preservatives in cosmetic products.

EC consults on protection of geographical indications for non-agricultural products — 15 July 2014, 22:49 CET

The European Commission launched on 15 July a Green Paper consultation on a possible extension of geographical indication protection to non-agricultural products.

Gambling in the EU Single Market — 14 July 2014, 17:12 CET

In 2011 annual revenues of the overall EU gambling market were estimated to be around €84.9 billion, with annual growth rates of around 3%. Online gambling is the fastest growing service activity in this sector in the EU, with annual growth rates of almost 15%. Annual revenues in 2015 are expected to be €13 billion, compared to €9.3 billion in 2011. There is a wide offer and take-up of online gambling services in the EU, with 6.8 million consumers currently participating in online gambling. Online technology continues to develop, including through diverse channels like the internet, mobile phone technology or digital TV. The different forms of gambling services can operate across borders and can also operate outside the control of Member States’ competent authorities. Consumers in Europe search beyond national borders for online gambling services that can be more competitive and they can be exposed to prevailing risks such as fraud.

Consumer Programme 2014-2020 — 31 March 2014, 23:27 CET

The Consumer Programme 2014-2020 with a budget of EUR 188.8 million will support EU consumer policy in the years to come. It aims to help the citizens fully enjoy their consumer rights and actively participate in the Single Market, thus supporting growth, innovation and meeting the objectives of Europe 2020.

Rapid alert system on dangerous products - Rapex 2013 — 25 March 2014, 23:45 CET

For 10 years the EU Rapid Information system (RAPEX) has been guarding European consumers against un-safe non-food products. In 2013 a total of 2,364 measures were taken by EU Member States. This figure indicates a 3.8% rise in alerts compared to 2012 and continues the increasing trend which has been apparent since the establishment of RAPEX in 2003.

Broadband is a geographic lottery - new studies — 25 March 2014, 18:52 CET

Europe’s 400 million Internet users face a geographic lottery regarding the price, speed, and range of choice of broadband - according to EU data released today. Four studies published today show there is virtually no pattern or coherence in broadband markets across the EU. Consumers are also baffled by the varying information provided by operators, limiting their ability to make the choice that best suits them.

New rules for tobacco products — 26 February 2014, 18:27 CET

The European Parliament on 26 February approved a revised EU Tobacco Products Directive. This new law strengthens the rules on how tobacco products are manufactured, produced and presented in the EU, and introduces rules for certain tobacco-related products. This Memo seeks to answer questions on what exactly will change once the revised Directive enters into force.

Commission reviews EU's animal welfare strategy — 20 February 2014, 18:31 CET

The European Commission marked the mid-point of the EU's Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-2015 last week at a conference in Brussels which brought together key stakeholders to review achievements to date and identify challenges ahead.

Commission consultation on fragrance allergens — 13 February 2014, 17:55 CET

A report by the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has found allergens in perfume products that have been implicated in problems with skin allergies. The European Commission is now putting the measures to public consultation for three months.

Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) — 29 September 2014, 21:35 CET

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety provides opinions on health and safety risks (chemical, biological, mechanical and other physical risks) of non-food consumer products (e.g. cosmetic products and their ingredients, toys, textiles, clothing, personal care and household products) and services (e.g. tattooing, artificial sun tanning).

EU Strategy for the Welfare of Animals - mid-point review — 12 February 2014, 13:55 CET

The European Commission marks the mid-point of the EU Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-2015 in Brussels on 12 February 2014. The event brought together key stakeholders to review the achievements of the strategy to date, and to identify remaining challenges. Government authorities, non-governmental organisations and those who work with animals every day discussed practical issues related to animal welfare and identify key areas for action to improve animal conditions for the strategy’s remaining term and beyond.

Directive on collective management of copyright and related rights and multi-territorial licensing — 04 February 2014, 13:48 CET

New rules on music copyright approved by the European Parliament on 4 February 2014 aim to make it easier for online providers to get licences to stream music in more than one EU country. The Directive on collective rights management and multi-territorial licensing of musical works for online use, already informally agreed with Council, should stimulate the development of EU-wide online music services for consumers and ensure that artists' rights are better protected and that they receive adequate royalties promptly.