Factsheets

Insurance Guarantee Schemes (IGS) protect policyholders when an insurance company fails and cannot pay its debts. IGS financially compensate policyholders or facilitate policy transfer to another provider.
Across the EU, IGS are not harmonised, however. The types of insurance covered, how much and even funding differ. Where an insurer is headquartered can impact whether a consumer is compensated or not. Consequently, policyholders experience different outcomes across the EU.
While banking and investment have harmonised guarantee rules, insurance is an outlier, leaving many consumers exposed. An EU-wide approach is therefore needed.

As a consumer, through the Digital Markets Act (DMA), you are entitled to more choice by default, greater control over your data, better value when using apps and online services, and better search and shopping results since March 2024.
The DMA imposes clear rules to prevent unfair practices before they can happen. These rules require tech giants to change business practices that have harmed consumers in the past. In doing so, the DMA gives consumers the right to more choice, fairer prices and encourages innovation.
This factsheet outlines the first concrete changes benefitting consumers across Europe as a result of the Digital Markets Act and takes a look at what improvements we could still expect, once the gatekeepers fully comply with the law.
More information and details about the benefits and enforcement of the Digital Markets Act can be found in BEUC’s report.

The fast fashion industry uses dark patterns (manipulative techniques) to prompt consumers into buying more and more clothing. This costs them money, exposes them to harmful chemicals, and has a major environmental and societal impact. SHEIN has rapidly emerged as the most egregious example of the use of dark patterns. The following research from BEUC members highlights how consumers are being deceived by these practices into overconsumption.