EU launches the 2030 Consumer Agenda
For the next five years, the European Commission will implement the 2030 Consumer Agenda: a strategic plan to strengthen consumer protection, enhance competitiveness, and promote sustainable growth. Here´s how.
A new direction for European consumers
The European Union Europe offers some of the strongest consumer protections worldwide, yet changing market dynamics, such as rising living costs, digital transformation, and rapid e-commerce growth,create new challenges that requiers action. With 450 million consumers accounting for more than 51% of the EU’s GDP through household spending, maintaining trust and protection is essential for economic growth. The 2030 Consumer Agenda addresses these challenges through four key priority areas:
- An Action Plan for consumers in the Single Market.
- Digital fairness and consumer protection online.
- Promoting sustainable consumption.
- Stronger enforcement against unfair commercial practices.
The following will dive deeper into why each priority matters, and how it will benefit and impact both consumers and businesses across Europe.
Four priorities driving the 2030 Consumer Agenda
An Action Plan for consumers in the Single Market
The Action Plan aims to remove the barriers that are currently preventing consumers from enjoying the full benefits of the Single Market. Measures include eliminating discrimination based on nationality, residence, or establishment, facilitating travel, as well as improving access to cross-border financial services. Key points are : evaluating geo-blocking measures eliminating unjustified and other forms of discrimination based on nationality or residence, and encouraging mobility for consumers by enabling fare comparisons and helping them find the best travel and booking options across borders.
Digital fairness and consumer protection online
The Commission will propose a Digital Fairness Act in 2026 to protect consumers online, with a special focus on minors . This legislation will tackle harmful practices such as dark patterns, addictive design features, and unfair personalisation that exploits consumer vulnerabilities. It will make up for a fair digital environment for consumers where rules are clear, simple and effectively enforced.
Promoting sustainable consumption
The Commission will support Member States in applying EU rules that protect consumers from misleading environmental claims, and ensuring access to more sustainable products. This involves promoting products that last longerand supporting the right to repair. Additionally, the Commission will support the circular economy by promoting the return of goods that are no longer used, second-hand markets or innovative circular start-ups.
Effective enforcement and redress
As there is an increase in unfair commercial practices and unsafe products are sold online, the Commission is proposing to reform the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation. Strengthening the enforcement of EU rules will protect consumers from unsafe products while also protecting compliant businesses from unfair competition.
Next steps
The measures aim to create a fairer, safer, and more sustainable market for consumers, where both consumers and businesses will benefit with stronger rights, clearer information, and better protection.
Going forward, the implementation of the agenda will be reviewed and discussed regularly at the Annual Consumer Summit. Additionally, the Commission will bring ministers together in forums on consumer protection to provide high-level political guidance ensuring to turn goals into tangible results.
Read more in the press release from the European Commission. If you are curious about ECC-Net's recommendations, see the policy paper Advancing Consumer Protection for the New EU Consumer Agenda | European Consumer Centers Network.