Press releases

Today the European Commission is releasing a set of proposals to reform the EU energy market, particularly for electricity. The Commission has understood that for the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy market to be a success, consumers need to become more involved in energy markets. Therefore, the Commission is keen to improve the clarity and quality of information consumers receive on their energy consumption, particularly on bills or through new, smart technologies. The Commission is also releasing its long-awaited Ecodesign work plan which sets design standards for energy-using products so they become more efficient and cut energy bills for consumers. On the downside, however, consumers who have invested in solar panels to produce their own electricity could find the road bumpier in the future.

Members of the European Parliament’s industry committee voted to bring down the charges phone operators have to pay each other if their customers use a foreign network. The reform of these so-called wholesale roaming fees is a pre-condition for the abolition of retail fees, which is what consumers pay, to happen in June next year.

The leading legal affairs committee in the European Parliament today cleared a draft law which would allow consumers to use their home online subscriptions for games, video streaming or music when travelling in another EU Member State. Currently, many restrictions to use subscriptions abroad exist. Following this vote, MEPs and EU governments will start negotiations to agree to a final text.

Today, EU ministers agreed on plans to make it easier for consumers to buy products online from shops located in other Member States. Following the publication of a proposal in May of this year to stop geo-blocking, EU governments and the European Parliament are now deciding on what amendments they want to put forward. Geo-blocking is a common practice under which retailers refuse to sell goods and services to people living in other EU countries.