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The CAP affects almost every aspect of the European food system and represents almost a third of the EU budget. Its design influences what is economically viable for farmers, how markets respond to shocks, what foods are available to consumers, and at what price. It can and should become a central instrument to deliver healthy, sustainable, and affordable food by prioritising consumers’ expectations.
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EU energy and climate legislation sets the pace for decarbonising our economy. Some of these laws contain EU targets. The governance law helps Member States deliver these targets and defines reporting obligations. This should result in consumers benefitting from lower bills, a better quality of life, and a future for our planet. Practically this means more renewable energy, less imports of volatile fossil fuels, continuous efforts to use energy more efficiently, the availability of sustainable products that can be recognised via clear labels, a variety of green mobility choices, and a future where healthy and sustainable foods are accessible and affordable.
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EU institutions agreed to ban meat-related names for vegetarian and vegan products arguing they create confusion for consumers. This makes little sense and consumers say otherwise.
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The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) affects almost every aspect of the European food system. Its design influences what is economically viable for farmers, how markets respond to shocks, what foods are available to consumers and at what price. Consumers recognise the importance of income support for farmers, but they want the CAP to go beyond agricultural policies.
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BEUC key points for consumers on the Common Market Organisation Regulation Revision
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Evidence from posts of social media influencers gathered by consumer groups around Europe confirms widespread hidden advertising and appeal to emotions to shape consumers’ preferences and behaviour, in particular among the youngest ones. The European Consumer Organisation BEUC and its members call on the EU to urgently rein in influencer marketing by updating EU law. The EU must prevent influencers from promoting unhealthy foods to protect the health of young generations. This is particularly worrying at a time when one in three children in Europe live with overweight or obesity.
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Influencer marketing is everywhere and unavoidable for anyone on social media due to the high volume of content and boundless creativity of social media influencers. Between March and September 2025, 14 BEUC consumer organisations from 12 countries monitored about 650 posts and videos of social media influencers on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.
Although influencer marketing is present in nearly all sectors, this evidence-gathering focused on posts and videos promoting unhealthy food advertising and fast fashion as they are sectors where consumers are likely to be particularly at risks. Evidence confirms the widespread use of hidden advertising practices and how influencers appeal to emotions to shape consumers’ preferences. It also shows how brands use influencer marketing to give a positive spin to their reputation in the eyes of consumers, in particular the youngest ones.
As we identified in 2023, current EU law is only partially able to tackle the problems posed by influencer marketing and needs to be updated.1 It must clarify the responsibilities of the different actors operating in the influencer marketing environment - from influencers and their agencies to brands and online platforms. This report provides additional evidence supporting ongoing policy discussions at EU and national level. This is particularly the case for the EU Digital Fairness Act and the evaluation of the Audiovisual Services Media Directive, both expected in 2026.
Although influencer marketing is present in nearly all sectors, this evidence-gathering focused on posts and videos promoting unhealthy food advertising and fast fashion as they are sectors where consumers are likely to be particularly at risks. Evidence confirms the widespread use of hidden advertising practices and how influencers appeal to emotions to shape consumers’ preferences. It also shows how brands use influencer marketing to give a positive spin to their reputation in the eyes of consumers, in particular the youngest ones.
As we identified in 2023, current EU law is only partially able to tackle the problems posed by influencer marketing and needs to be updated.1 It must clarify the responsibilities of the different actors operating in the influencer marketing environment - from influencers and their agencies to brands and online platforms. This report provides additional evidence supporting ongoing policy discussions at EU and national level. This is particularly the case for the EU Digital Fairness Act and the evaluation of the Audiovisual Services Media Directive, both expected in 2026.
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This paper summarises BEUC's recommendation to the European Commission's public consultation on food and feed safety - simplification omnibus.
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest cause of sickness and morbidity in Europe, and a leading cause of death and premature mortality. A healthier diet is essential to maintain low levels of cholesterol, the right blood pressure, and for the overall heart health. European policies should thus make sure that the ‘healthy choice is the easy choice’ for all European consumers.