Celebrate 50 Years of Consumer Protection
A half-century ago the European Union established five core consumer rights, which formed the foundation for all EU consumer policies and rules. Today these standards of consumer protection are at the heart of the European single market. To celebrate this milestone the European Commission has published a festive magazine, with plenty of stories from the people who help shape consumer policy or feel its effects.
Consumer stories
The magazine features stories of consumers who were happy to turn to the European Consumer Centres Network for help in some peculiar situations. Like Claudia from Italy who received a box of fish medicine instead of the phone she had ordered. Or Ivan from Romania, who, according to a car rental company, had been in a car accident he knew nothing about.
Keeping up with the times
Much has changed since 1972 and we now live in a globalised and digitalised world. Therefore the magazine does not only look back on past and present successes, but also explores how regulation can be improved and keep up with the times.
- Director-General Stephen Russell of ANEC, the European consumer voice in standardisation, describes how ANEC welcomes the proposal for a new General Product Safety Regulation. The organisation has calculated that accidents and injuries caused by unsafe products still cost our society €11.5 billion every year.
- Maike Jansen of Ecommerce Europe makes a case for ‘channel-neutral’ retail rules, as both consumers and businesses embrace the blurring lines between online and offline shopping.
- Director-General for Content and Technology Roberto Viola explains how children are actively involved in creating a code for age-appropriate design for the online content they engage with. By creating safe and age-appropriate online experiences, the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Kids ensures the privacy, safety and security of children.
- Marie-Paule Benassi, Head of Unit Consumer enforcement and redress, expounds on a proactive approach to consumer protection in the form of a ‘sweep’. In 2022 the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network conducted a set of checks on car rental intermediaries, following information from ECC-Net and the European Commission. Of the checked websites, only 45% - less than half – met EU standards.
- Can consumers help the EU achieve its Green Deal goals? Member of the European Parliament Biljana Borzan thinks the answer is ‘yes’ and addresses the Right to Repair Campaign. 77% of EU consumers say they would rather repair than buy a new product.