20 Years ECC Belgium

ECC Belgium: 20 Years of Empowering Consumers Across Borders

ECC Belgium has existed since 2001, when it took on the role of Euroguichet. In 2005, the network of Euroguichets merged with the European Extrajudicial Network (EEJ-net) to the European Consumer Centres Network as it exists today, and which celebrates 20 years of existence. The least we can say is that times have changed in the meantime. 

Since its inception in 2005, the European Consumer Centre (ECC) Belgium has been a steadfast advocate for consumer rights, assisting thousands of Belgians in navigating the complexities of cross-border transactions within the EU. As we commemorate two decades of dedicated service, we reflect on the milestones and initiatives that have defined our journey.

Constantly adapting to new consumer trends and fast-paced digital world

ECC Belgium has staff that was there in the beginning years. The paper files needed to be faxed or posted to the other Euroguichets. Statistics were kept on paper and put in Excel once a month. Consumers mainly called the centre or visited to discuss the case file with the lawyer. 

Now the amount of cases that we can handle is multiplied by 10 times, we have adapted to a completely new consumer landscape, a new European consumer legal framework, digital tools to handle cases and communicate with consumers and colleagues, and a bigger ECC-Net.  

The challenges we face now are different. Consumers have high expectations of what we as ECC should be able to undertake and with a high speed.  While the ECC is under workload pressure, many cases arise from complex business systems and although we collaborate closely with enforcement authorities, we cannot take enforcement actions.

Engaging students through creative campaigns

In 2015, ECC Belgium launched a unique awareness campaign targeting university students by distributing nearly 20,000 coasters in student restaurants across Flanders. These coasters featured humorous and educational messages about EU consumer law, hopefully sparking conversations and increasing awareness in a casual setting. To amplify the campaign's reach, digital versions of the coasters were displayed on screens in the student restaurants.

Collaborating to combat counterfeiting

Building on insights from the ECC-Net's joint project on counterfeiting, ECC Belgium partnered with the National Anti-Counterfeit Organization (Nanac) in 2018. This collaboration led to the 'Federal Truck' initiative, where a mobile classroom visited schools across Belgium. Inside the truck, ECC Belgium staff and customs officials conducted interactive sessions, highlighting the dangers of counterfeit products and how to identify them. Notably, one session was attended by a politician, Alexander Decroo, who would become Belgium's Prime Minister two years later.

Empowering consumers: launching webshopcheck.be

Recognising the increasing prevalence of fraudulent online shops, ECC Belgium developed Webshopcheck.be — a tool designed to help consumers verify the reliability of online retailers before making purchases. While it does not offer the possibility to enter a webshops url, sit back and wait for a green or red light, it encourages consumers to become website inspectors. With the various tips, they can be more conscious of what and from whom they buy. As the website is frequently referenced by the media, it reinforces ECC Belgium's commitment to proactive consumer protection in the digital age and avoid claims.
 

Image

Strengthening global consumer dialogue

Beyond our work within the EU, ECC Belgium has actively engaged with international partners to share insights and best practices in consumer protection. Over the years, our office has welcomed several third-country delegations interested in understanding the role and functioning of the ECC-Net. These visits have provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, discuss consumer rights frameworks, and explore collaborative approaches to consumer protection on a global scale.

Building connections for strong consumer protection

As we celebrate 20 years of service, ECC Belgium remains dedicated to inform consumers about their consumer rights, help them where needed to obtain what they are entitled to, and collaborate with different stakeholders all over the EU. ECC Belgium wants to continue playing a leading role within the network of European Consumer Centres, as we can only be strong as a centre when the network is strong. 

Want to know more about the ECC-Net or ECC Belgium?