EU elections 2024: Europe, consumers count on you

Many of the rules agreed in Brussels and Strasbourg impact consumers’ lives a great deal. Some EU successes are quite famous, such as the ban of plastic straws, the universal phone charger or the end of phone roaming fees when traveling abroad. Others have hit fewer headlines but are no less important for consumers. For instance, vulnerable energy consumers are protected from being disconnected from the grid; or consumers can go to court as a group when they have suffered the same harm.

What is our vision for the elections?

The BEUC network of consumer organisations is looking ahead to the next EU mandate, and what must build upon the wins from the Von der Leyen Commission. For instance, while the Green Deal needs to move ahead and deliver its high-level political targets on the ground, new digital markets and artificial intelligence legislation will need to be rolled out and enforced.

Consumer organisations want Europeans to live in a fair market – online and offline – where the sustainable choice is the easy and affordable choice, and digitalisation works to the benefit of all. The elections are an opportunity to get us there, as members of the European Parliament vote on laws that impact our lives. They can bring a change for the better.

What do we ask?

Europe, consumers count on you…

…for homes that are affordable to power, heat and cool
…for healthy and sustainable food that is available and affordable
…to ensure that what is considered ‘sustainable’ is truly sustainable  
…for a fair and protective digital environment
…for effective rights, redress, and enforcement.

And also

…for medicines that are available and affordable
…to make train trips within and between countries easier
…for toxic-free products: from cosmetics to kitchenware  
…to ensure emerging technologies benefit, not harm, our lives
…to ensure we can pay, save, invest, and borrow with confidence.