Consumer Policy in the EU

Latest news on the consumer policies of the European Union.

43 pct websites broke EU rules during Black Friday — 19 December 2022, 23:25 CET

The Commission and national consumer protection authorities released Monday results of a website screening (sweep), aimed at verifying how price reductions were presented on Black Friday 2022.

New EU rules to protect consumers from taking on too much debt — 06 December 2022, 22:13 CET

MEPs reached a provisional deal with the EU Council Friday on a set of new measures to protect consumers from credit card debt, overdrafts and loans unsuitable for their financial situation.

EU looks to end wasteful packaging, boost reuse and recycling — 02 December 2022, 21:07 CET

The European Commission proposed Wednesday new EU-wide rules to reduce packaging waste, promote reuse and refill, increase the use of recycled plastics, and make it easier to recycle packaging.

EU reaches deal on rules to protect online shoppers — 30 November 2022, 18:15 CET

EU institutions reached provisional agreement Tuesday on new general product safety rules which ensure that products sold both offline and online are safe and live up to European standards.

Landmark EU rules for online platforms enter into force — 16 November 2022, 18:26 CET

The world's largest and most influential tech companies must follow new EU rules for a safer and more accountable online environment from Wednesday, when the landmark Digital Services Act entered into force.

New Euro 7 standards to reduce pollutant emissions from vehicles — 14 November 2022, 17:50 CET

The European Commission presented a proposal Thursday to reduce air pollution from new motor vehicles sold in the EU to meet the European Green Deal's zero-pollution ambition.

Commission proposal to promote euro instant payments — 26 October 2022, 22:39 CET

The European Commission adopted on 26 October a legislative proposal to make instant payments in euro, available to all citizens and businesses holding a bank account in the EU and in EEA countries. The proposal aims to ensure that instant payments in euro are affordable, secure, and processed without hindrance across the EU.

Brussels signals safer, more convenient instant payments — 27 October 2022, 18:57 CET

The EU Commission published plans Wednesday to make instant payments in euro a safer, more affordable, and convenient payment option for consumers.

Final approval for EU's one-size-fits-all charging port — 26 October 2022, 18:26 CET

A USB-C port will become mandatory in 2024 for electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and headphones, following final approval by EU ministers Tuesday of the common charger directive.

EU adopts emergency measures to reduce energy prices — 06 October 2022, 23:37 CET

EU states formally adopted a regulation Thursday on an emergency intervention introducing common measures to reduce electricity demand and redistribute the energy sector's surplus revenues.

Common charger for European mobile devices set for 2024 — 06 October 2022, 23:36 CET

European consumers will be able to use a single charging solution for their electronic device, following the EU Parliament's approval Tuesday of the long-awaited Radio Equipment Directive.

New EU product liability rules to cover AI — 28 September 2022, 23:45 CET

The EU Commission proposed Wednesday to modernise product liability rules to cover artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time, making it easier for victims of AI-related damage to get compensation.

AI Liability Directive - guide — 28 September 2022, 18:53 CET

The AI Liability Directive complements and modernises the EU civil liability framework, introducing for the first time rules specific to damages caused by AI systems. The new rules will ensure that victims of harm caused by AI technology can access reparation, in the same manner as if they were harmed under any other circumstances. The Directive introduces two main measures: the so called 'presumption of causality', which will relieve victims from having to explain in detail how the damage was caused by a certain fault or omission; and the access to evidence from companies or suppliers, when dealing with high-risk AI.

Revision of the EU Product Liability Directive - guide — 28 September 2022, 18:44 CET

The European Commission adopted on 28 September two proposals to adapt liability rules to the digital age, circular economy and the impact of global value chains.

New EU rules to allow use of recycled plastics in food packaging — 15 September 2022, 23:19 CET

The EU Commission adopted new rules Thursday on the safety of recycled plastic materials which set clear rules to ensure that recycled plastic can be safely used in food packaging in the EU.

EU plans 5 pct reduction in electricity consumption — 14 September 2022, 22:35 CET

The EU Commission proposed Wednesday to reduce electricity consumption by at least 5 per cent during peak price hours, as Europe responds to dramatic price rises and energy supply shortages.

Emergency intervention to address high energy prices - guide — 14 September 2022, 22:28 CET

The EU is confronted with the effects of a severe mismatch between energy demand and supply, due largely to the continued weaponisation by Russia of its energy resources. The European Commission proposed on 14 September an emergency intervention in Europe's energy markets to tackle recent dramatic price rises.

EU commits to reducing gas demand by 15 pct next winter — 02 August 2022, 22:49 CET

As the EU prepares for possible disruptions of gas supplies from Russia, Member States reached a political agreement Tuesday on a voluntary reduction of natural gas demand by 15 per cent this winter.

EU targets 15 pct reduction in gas use by next spring — 23 July 2022, 00:11 CET

With Europe facing the risk of further gas supply cuts by Russia, the European Commission put forward Wednesday a European Gas Demand Reduction Plan to reduce gas use in Europe.

Final approval for EU rules to curb power of tech giants — 18 July 2022, 23:41 CET

EU ministers gave final approval Tuesday to the Digital Markets Act, a key set of obligations to ensure the tech giant companies do not stifle innovative competitors or use unfair business practices.

EU institutions agree deal for digital transformation of Europe — 14 July 2022, 23:03 CET

The EU Parliament and Council reached political agreement Thursday on the 'Path to the Digital Decade' programme, setting up a cooperation mechanism to achieve targets for Europe's digital transformation.

Brussels looks for more flexible, resilient airline slot regime — 12 July 2022, 23:27 CET

Responding in part to disruption from the war in Ukraine, the EU Commission adopted Tuesday a proposal to allow the airline slot regime to respond more flexibly to unexpected future developments.

Croatia given final approval to join euro — 12 July 2022, 23:15 CET

The EU Council adopted the last three legal acts to enable Croatia to become a member of the euro area Tuesday, paving the way for Croatia to introduce the EU's common currency on 1 January 2023.

Brussels confirms raids in online food delivery sector — 06 July 2022, 22:51 CET

The Commission carried out unannounced inspections Wednesday at the premises of companies in online ordering and delivery of food, groceries and other goods in two EU Member States.

New EU road safety rules to enable driverless cars — 06 July 2022, 22:38 CET

A range of mandatory advanced driver assistant systems came into force Wednesday, establishing a legal framework for the approval of automated and fully driverless vehicles in the EU.