The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) is alarmed that the EU institutions may be about to adopt a weak and unclear approach to regulating generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems, which include the likes of ChatGPT or Bard. The potentially decisive talks between the EU institutions on the world’s first set of comprehensive rules for AI systems will take place tomorrow.

Today, the European Commission published a proposal to modernise the rules on consumer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Consumer ADR gives consumers and traders the possibility to solve their disputes out-of-court in a process which should be simple, fast, and affordable.

In a new compilation of recent product tests by its members – national consumer organisations across Europe – BEUC finds that everyday consumer products are awash with harmful chemicals. We call on the EU to urgently reduce people’s exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), endocrine disruptors, and other chemicals of concern.

Consumers will be granted new rights to help them make more sustainable choices following a deal struck yesterday by European legislators on the ‘Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive’. The rules are a major step forward to contribute to Europe’s efforts towards a more circular economy.