Publications
Want to know more about EU consumer rights, current and future challenges consumers face or about ECC-Net? This page provides an overview of position papers, research reports, information resources and anniversary reports.
ECC-Net Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Since 2005, the ECC Network (ECC-Net) has been dedicated to protecting consumer rights across the EU, Norway, and Iceland. Visit our anniversary page to discover various initiatives undertaken by ECC-Net and local ECCs over the years.
Car rental is vital for millions of EU consumers, especially when traveling abroad or in areas with limited public transport. Consumers often encounter rental options when booking flights or accommodations, with follow-up emails reinforcing these offers. However, ECC-Net complaint data reveals ongoing issues with unfair practices, unclear responsibilities, and weak enforcement. This paper addresses systemic problems in the sector and suggests reforms to enhance fairness, transparency, and consumer trust.
This policy paper seeks to inspire a 2025-2030 Consumer Agenda and a Digital Fairness Act to tackle issues like unfair airline refund practices, e-commerce challenges, and manipulative online design. Leveraging the European Consumer Centres Network’s expertise and data from across the EU, it highlights consumer protection challenges and proposes practical solutions.
The European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP) aims to simplify low-value cross-border dispute resolution, benefiting consumers and small businesses in the EU. However, barriers limit its usage, highlighting the need for better awareness and support.
IBAN discrimination still fragments Europe’s Single Market. Despite clear rules in the SEPA and Geo-blocking Regulations and the Payment Accounts Directive guaranteeing equal treatment of all EU bank accounts, many businesses and administrations continue to refuse non-domestic IBANs. ECC-Net calls for swift, consistent enforcement to uphold consumers’ rights and unlock the full potential of Europe’s payments market.
Since 2005, the ECC Network has worked to protect consumer rights across the EU, Norway, and Iceland. With independent centres in 29 countries, we provide free assistance to resolve disputes related to cross-border purchases. This year, we celebrate 20 years of empowering consumers in the Single Market. We invite you to travel through time with us and explore the initiatives that ECCs have taken throughout the years.
The European Commission and the Polish EU presidency are advancing efforts to enhance passenger rights in air transport, a move welcomed by the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net). However, concerns persist about the adequacy of proposed revisions to Regulation 261/2004, especially in light of past crises like COVID-19. Insights from the Court of Justice of the European Union are crucial for guiding these updates. As discussions within the Passenger Mobility Package continue, many key issues remain unresolved. ECC-Net stresses the need for a comprehensive revision that prioritizes transparency and care, addressing challenges like flight disruptions and airline bankruptcies.