20 Years ECC Latvia
As the ECC Network (ECC-Net) marks its 20th anniversary, each ECC shares unforgettable moments, taking us on a journey through the local initiatives they have undertaken over the years. Here, ECC Latvia presents its highlights over the past 20 years.
ECC Latvia Celebrates 20 Years: Achievements and Future Perspectives!
ECC Latvia has been a proud member of the ECC Network for two decades. Our mission is simple: to help consumers safely enjoy all the opportunities and advantages that the European Single Market offers.
In 2025, we are celebrating twenty years of successfully protecting Latvian consumers in cross-border cases. We chose to mark this important anniversary in April by holding a celebratory high-level seminar: 'ECC Latvia – 20: Achievements and Future Perspectives.' Together with our partners, we not only reflected on our past work but also charted the future direction in the dynamic digital marketplace.
Our operational figures clearly confirm that we are truly needed by consumers. This is evident from the nearly 2,000 cases of assistance provided to consumers in 2024, compared to just 108 cases when we started our activities.
Informing consumers, especially the young generation
Since its inception, ECC Latvia has placed great importance on empowering citizens – especially young people – with knowledge about their consumer rights. Recognising that awareness is the first step towards protection, ECC Latvia has gone beyond traditional communication channels and brought valuable information directly to the public.
For example, ECC Latvia has developed a board game called 'Journey through Consumer Rights', which encourages consumers to learn about many areas of consumer rights through questions and answers. Additionally, the ECC has reached a lot of pupils and students through engaging seminars held in schools, universities, and libraries across Latvia. These events not only shed light on key topics such as cross-border trade, safe shopping, and travel rights, but also highlight the practical support the ECC can provide in real-life situations.
Information campaign 'Don't Believe in Miracles on the Internet! Listen to Common Sense and Think!'
ECC Latvia has traditionally paid a lot of attention to organising consumer information campaigns. Over the course of 20 years, these campaigns have varied in scale. However, the information campaign 'Don't Believe in Miracles on the Internet! Listen to Common Sense and Think!' carried out in 2023 and relaunched in 2024, has been particularly successful.
The campaign aimed to inform consumers about the risks they could face when purchasing online, demonstrate a few essential details they must check before making online purchases, and highlight the advantages of shopping online within the EU.
The main character of the campaign was a fairy, not a traditionally short female with a magic wand, but instead a male (a very well-known Latvian actor) holding a tablet pencil.
The campaign has been listed and received three significant prizes in 2024, both – acknowledgment from advertising industry as well as from consumer rights enforcement professionals:
- 2nd place in nomination Storytelling in the International Advertising Festival Mi:t&Links.
- 1st place in ICPEN 'Consumer Education Awards' competition.
- Grand Prix award in a competition of campaigns carried out by state authorities, organised by State Chancellery of Latvia.
Air Passenger Day initiative in Riga International Airport
For several years, ECC Latvia participated in the ECC-Net-organised European Consumer Centres' Air Passenger Rights Day in Riga International Airport. The main goal of the initiative was to inform travellers on their air passenger rights in the EU and the possibility to solve consumer complaints regarding issues with their flight. The event was featured in the media (TV spots of national TV channels, radio coverage, as well as in press and web articles).
Strengthening cooperation
Every year, ECC Latvia organises seminars and workshops for its partners, thereby strengthening cooperation and discussing current issues and trends in the field of consumer rights. Together, we are not only deepening our understanding but also driving strategic actions that make a difference for consumers throughout Latvia and beyond.
Want to know more about ECC-Net or ECC Latvia?
Are you curious about all ECC-Net activities? Then check out our 20th anniversary page for all activities and highlights.
Want to learn more about ECC Latvia's activities and services? Then check out their local website in Latvian or English.