A new test by consumer organisations in four countries found chemicals of concern in single-use tableware made of popular non-plastic alternatives, such as disposable plant fibre bowls, paper straws, or palm leaf plates. Several products were also found to mislead consumers with unsubstantiated green claims. BEUC and its member organisations urge the EU to ensure that single-use plastic alternatives are safe and do not mislead consumers.

BEUC welcomes the European Commission’s decision to file formal charges against Apple for using its App Store rules to distort competition for music streaming services in the EU’s Single Market. The Commission’s preliminary view is that in doing so, Apple has broken EU antitrust rules, restricting consumers’ choice of services at competitive prices. The charges – filed today – follow an in-depth investigation opened by the Commission in June 2020.

A medium-sized electric car bought today is already the most financially interesting solution over the car’s lifetime, research by BEUC and nine of its national member organisations reveals. We also find that electric cars are the most ‘equitable’ engine on the market: second- and third-hand owners – who bear less of the car’s depreciation and benefit from low maintenance costs – will make savings for each electric car sold today. First owners driving many kilometres can already save money today by choosing electric.

The European Commission unveiled today its proposal for a law on artificial intelligence (AI). The proposal falls short of consumer groups’ expectations and of the EU’s own objective of enabling AI that people can trust. The proposed rules are focused on a very limited range of AI uses and issues. They do not adequately protect consumers, for example from possible economic harm caused by AI products and services. Getting this legislation right is essential so that AI benefits both the individual and society as a whole. The European Parliament and Member States must improve the proposal to ensure this goal can be met.