BEUC was created on 6 March 1962 by consumer organisations of Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. After working together for a number of years, these organisations decided to create a European association, based in Brussels.

BEUC was a pioneer, one of the first lobbying organisations to set up base in the European capital in a bid to influence the decision-making process. Many others followed, and the number of lobbyists rose exponentially to the present-day figure of over 15,000.

The intense pressure brought to bear on decision-makers from this multitude of lobbyists working on behalf of commercial interests, regional representations, trade unions and many others, highlights the need for BEUC to have a strong presence on the Brussels scene.

To do this, we receive funding from our members, a grant from the European Union and participate in specific projects. This enables BEUC to continue the task we have been pursuing for close to 60 years, of promoting consumers rights.

60 years young, 60 years strong

In 2022 BEUC celebrated its 60 years of history and accomplishments. If you are curious to know how we celebrated, here is a glimpse in this news piece. 

If you want to know more about what BEUC was up to during those six decades and what challenges remain for the future, explore our anniversary booklet available here.

Historical Archives of the European Union

Do you want to know even more about BEUC and its history? Then you are in the right place.

We are proud that, as of 2018, BEUC was provided the opportunity to have its own archives stored and catalogued in the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU). The archives are hosted by the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, and represent over 30 linear metres and 931 files summing up BEUC history between 1962 and 2018. 

They are a unique reference for anyone interested in how current policies were prepared and shaped. It took the entire year of 2019 to archive BEUC’s documentation before opening it to the public in 2020. 

These can now be consulted by visiting the online database on the HAEU website or in the HAEU reading room in Florence. For any questions, you may contact the HAEU at archiv@eui.eu. Enjoy your research!