PRESS RELEASE - 31.05.2022

On 1 June 2022, it will be exactly 2.5 years that Ms von der Leyen took over the reins of the European Commission. Halfway through this Commission term, BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, has analysed in a new publication the consumer-related law proposals and strategies put forward since the Commission took office on 1 December 2019. We also list the actions remaining on the Commission’s to-do list, insisting on enforcement.

Overall, this Commission scores quite high on the consumer front and has responded very well to the unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis. Among the top-ranking files feature the Digital Markets Acts, the Consumer Credit Directive and the Sustainable Products Initiative. The worst ranking file is the Taxonomy for sustainable investment.

Monique Goyens, BEUC’s Director general, has commented:

“From day one, Ms von der Leyen’s Commission has relentlessly laid the foundations of the green and digital twin transition, which can improve consumers’ lives if well designed. This Commission has so far not only acted fast, but it has acted mostly well for the benefit of consumers.

“This mandate has obviously been marked by unprecedented events in Europe. First, a pandemic, then spiralling energy prices, and now a war at our borders. In this strenuous and delicate context, the Commission has firmly stood by consumers, defending the rights of travellers who saw their flights cancelled because of the pandemic. A more recent example is the Commission's repeated calls on governments to shield consumers against sky-rocketing electricity and gas prices.

“We can only encourage the Commission to remain the busy and prolific beehive it has been up to now. Amidst multiple crises, the remainder of the Commission’s mandate is set to be no stroll in the park. There are still many initiatives to be kicked off to ensure consumers are better off on many fronts, ranging from food and safety to energy and mobility. Finally, to make a difference in consumers’ lives laws must not only look good on paper but must also be applied on the ground. As such, the Commission must seriously boost law enforcement.”

ENDS