BEUC news – 17.03.2025

Every two years, the EU Commission analyses consumer experience and behaviour in the Single Market. The latest edition – the 2025 Consumer Conditions Scoreboard – was published last week and shows that as shopping online keeps rising, so do consumer problems. Among them, scams, greenwashing, excessive advertising and fake reviews, which BEUC’s member organisations also report to us daily from their observations on the ground.  

According to the scoreboard, online shoppers are over 60% more likely to experience problems with their purchases, compared to those shopping offline. More than 9 in 10 online shoppers report concerns over being targeted by advertising online.  

In our view, the scoreboard makes it clear that the EU needs to better protect consumers online. This includes tackling discriminatory practices, the exploitation of vulnerable groups such as marketing practices towards children, online payment fraud, and discriminatory practices by algorithms. To get there, the EU must urgently update consumer rights to make them fit for today’s digital markets.

Besides, the high costs of living keep hitting consumers. Coupled with the lack of trust in green claims, this is impacting consumers’ sustainable consumption habits: the environment as a factor affecting their purchasing decisions fell by 13% since 2022.  

Our 2023 research shows that nearly 70% of consumers expect authorities to ensure that only reliable claims can end up on products and services. As the institutions talks on the Green Claims Directive are nearing the finish line, it is crucial policymakers get it right. More broadly, consumers have a part to play in the transition and decision-makers must help them, by legislating to make the sustainable choice the easy and affordable one.

Background

BEUC’s response to the public consultation on the Single Market Strategy 2025, January 2025.