Consumer Agenda - EC Communication

The European Commission presented a new consumer policy strategy, entitled
‘The Consumer Agenda’ at the end of May 2012. For the first time, an EU consumer policy strategy is qualified as a strategic initiative in the Commission’s work programme, which is a promotion in terms of the importance placed on it.

BEUC has identified the principles that should guide a consumer strategy. European Consumers should: 

• Have straightforward, meaningful choices in fair and competitive markets and can exercise them;
• Get access to, and better value, from all goods and services, including basics such as health, energy and food;
• Benefit fully and safely from advances in technology;
• Have the knowledge and awareness to exercise their rights;
• Have access to impartial information and advice;
• Be given adequate and efficient tools to obtain redress for loss or harm;
• Find sustainable choices to be the easy and affordable ones;
• Trust that EU policymaking takes full account of their interests;
• Benefit from a strong and influential consumer movement at national and European Union level.