ECC Network Marks 20 Years at the 2025 European Consumer Summit
Brussels, 20 May 2025 – The European Consumer Summit, themed 'A Better Future for Consumers and Competitiveness', brought together EU policymakers, consumer advocates, and industry representatives to help shape the next chapter of Europe’s consumer agenda. This year’s edition held special significance for the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net), which celebrated its 20th anniversary throughout the event, marking two decades of dedicated cross-border consumer support.
Consumer protection and competitiveness go hand in hand
The Summit opened with a clear and powerful message: consumer protection and competitiveness are not opposing forces, but mutually reinforcing objectives. Commissioner Michael McGrath and representatives from the European Parliament, BEUC, and BusinessEurope led a high-level panel exploring how Europe can enhance its competitiveness while simultaneously strengthening consumer rights.
Throughout the day, thematic sessions addressed pressing issues, from online safety for young consumers to enforcement challenges posed by the digital and green transitions. One key message emerged across all discussions: a future-proof consumer agenda requires cooperation, innovation, and practical support.
ECC-Net: celebrating 20 years of consumer support
The ECC Network’s presence was strongly felt through words and action during the event. Marking its 20th anniversary, ECC-Net engaged directly with Summit participants via a lively and interactive stand that quickly became a key meeting point.
Visitors connected with ECC Directors, explored the Network’s eye-catching anniversary flyer, and joined conversations sparked by branded giveaways symbolising cross-border collaboration. The stand marked this key milestone while showcasing ECC-Net’s continued importance in today’s consumer protection landscape.
Looking ahead: ECC-Net’s vision
The Summit concluded with closing remarks from Directors Lars Arent (ECC Denmark) and Bianca Schulz (ECC France), speaking on behalf of the entire ECC Network. Far from a routine summary, their address was a compelling call to action.
The time for stronger enforcement, enhanced cooperation, and more innovative implementation is now. With 20 years of proven impact, ECC-Net is not merely supporting the system; it is actively shaping it. Every day, the Network helps consumers understand and apply complex EU consumer laws to real-world situations, resolves cross-border disputes, and equips consumers to navigate the diverse and evolving consumer markets across the EU, Norway and Iceland.
As the EU sets new legislative priorities, ECC-Net stands ready as a trusted partner, bringing experience, unique insight, and unwavering commitment to supporting consumers and contributing to a fairer, more competitive Single Market.
Discover more about ECC-Net’s 20-year journey and future ambitions on our 20th anniversary page.
