Consumer Policy in the EU

Latest news on the consumer policies of the European Union.

EU Parliament endorses more sustainable batteries — 12 March 2022, 17:06 CET

The EU Parliament overwhelmingly adopted a report Thursday to make batteries more sustainable, from the sourcing of materials and durable and reparable design to improved consumer information.

Brussels mulls upgrade to toy safety directive — 03 March 2022, 22:39 CET

The EU Commission published a public consultation Thursday on the revision of the EU Toy Safety Directive, with the aim of addressing chemical risks that could compromise children's health and safety.

New Data Act to boost Europe's digital economy — 25 February 2022, 17:09 CET

A new EU Data Act with rules on who can use and access data generated in the EU across all economic sectors will unlock a wealth of industrial data in Europe, the European Commission said Wednesday.

Data Act - guide — 11 January 2024, 22:17 CET

Today, the European Data Act entered into force on 11 January 2024. The new rules define the rights to access and use data generated in the EU across all economic sectors and will make it easier to share data, in particular industrial data.

MEPs look to strengthen new EU rules for batteries — 11 February 2022, 16:59 CET

MEPs in committee called Thursday for stronger sustainability, performance and labelling requirements for batteries, as well as more stringent targets for waste collection and recycling efficiency.

EU implementing decisions ready radio spectrum for 5G — 09 February 2022, 23:39 CET

The EU Commission adopted Wednesday a number of implementing decisions to ensure that the EU's radio spectrum policy meets the growing demand for broadband and for innovative digital applications.

'EU Business Register' scam returns to threaten firms' wallets — 01 February 2022, 01:05 CET

Fraudsters behind the 'EU Business Register' scam are causing havoc once again, cybersecurity technology company Bitdefender warned Thursday, targeting businesses and organisations across the globe.

EU Council adopts position on common charger for electronic devices — 27 January 2022, 23:08 CET

EU states agreed Wednesday on a negotiating mandate for the common Europe-wide charger proposal, which would mean buying a new mobile phone does not imply purchase of a new charger as well.

EU proposes 'European declaration on digital rights' — 27 January 2022, 18:56 CET

The EU proposed Wednesday a Declaration on digital rights, to act as a guide for the EU's 'digital transformation' and a reference framework for people and a guide for businesses and policy-makers.

5G in Europe in need of booster: EU auditors — 25 January 2022, 00:24 CET

In a special report published Monday, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) called for new impetus to boost the roll-out of 5G, the new global wireless standard for mobile networks, in the EU.

EU mulls moves towards sustainable chemicals strategy — 20 January 2022, 22:48 CET

The EU Commission launched a public consultation Thursday on the transition of EU chemicals regulation (REACH) to a more sustainable chemicals strategy and more toxic-free environment.

Reviews on most websites 'misleading and unreliable' — 25 January 2022, 00:25 CET

Almost two thirds of online shops, booking websites, search engines and comparison sites triggered doubts about the reliability of the reviews, an EU-wide website 'sweep' found on Thursday.

Agreement reached to extend free mobile roaming in Europe — 13 December 2021, 23:43 CET

The 'Roam like at Home' mobile roaming scheme will be renewed for another ten years, after plans were informally agreed Thursday between Euro-MPs and the EU's Slovenian Presidency.

EU VAT rules upgraded to be more flexible and green — 14 December 2021, 23:55 CET

EU finance ministers agreed Tuesday to update current rules governing value-added tax (VAT) rates for goods and services, giving them more flexibility to apply reduced and zero VAT rates.

Agreement on new rules governing VAT rates — 07 December 2021, 17:15 CET

EU finance ministers reached agreement on 7 December to update the current rules governing value-added tax (VAT) rates for goods and services.

What's illegal offline should be illegal online: EU — 01 December 2021, 22:41 CET

EU ministers agreed their position on a Digital Services Act Thursday, which would regulate large online platforms with the aim of creating a digital level playing field with clear rights and obligations.

Brussels mulls upgrade for chemical labelling — 24 November 2021, 22:15 CET

The EU Commission launched a public consultation Wednesday on the simplification and digitalisation of labelling of chemical products such as glues, laundry and dishwashing detergents, fertilising products.

EU mulls update for mortgage credit directive — 23 November 2021, 18:35 CET

The European Commission launched a public consultation on the Mortgage Credit Directive review Monday, seeking views on the functioning of, and possible improvements to the existing framework.

EU digital rules can be global 'game changer': Facebook whistleblower — 11 November 2021, 19:00 CET

The EU’s future Digital Services Act can set the global standards in transparency, oversight and enforcement, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen told MEPs at a public hearing Monday.

MEPs back plans for healthier and more sustainable food — 23 October 2021, 23:23 CET

MEPs presented plans Wednesday for a revamp of the EU's food systems to produce healthier food, ensure food security, a fair income for farmers and reduce agriculture's environmental footprint.

EU 'toolbox' to tackle rising energy prices — 14 October 2021, 22:28 CET

The EU Commission presented Wednesday a 'toolbox' of measures to help Europe's people and businesses tackle the exceptional rise in global energy prices, projected to last through the winter.

Communication on Energy Prices - guide — 13 October 2021, 22:19 CET

The European Commission adopted on 13 October a Communication on Energy Prices, to tackle the exceptional rise in global energy prices, which is projected to last through the winter, and help Europe's people and businesses.

European airlines agree to speedier cancellation refunds — 05 October 2021, 18:59 CET

16 major airlines committed Thursday to better information and timely refunds for passengers whose flights are cancelled, following dialogue with the EU Commission and national consumer authorities.

EU calls on VW to fully compensate consumers over 'Dieselgate' — 30 September 2021, 21:23 CET

Six years after the 'Dieselgate' scandal broke, the EU Commission called on German car manufacturer Volkswagen to compensate EU consumers for misleading them over vehicles' emission standards.

Brussels proposes common USB-C charger for electronic devices — 29 September 2021, 00:25 CET

The Commission put forward legislation Thursday to establish a common charging solution for mobile phones, hailing it as an important step against e-waste and consumer inconvenience.