Press releases

To tackle the underperformance of financial markets for consumers, the European Commission has proposed a partial ban on inducements to financial advisors in its Retail Investment Strategy (RIS) published today, by preventing financial retailers from charging consumers for advice where none was given.

The European Commission today published a proposal to improve customs controls. This could help tackle the many challenges authorities face in checking the surge in e-commerce parcels entering the EU for dangerous or non-compliant products. While consumers expect and may think all imports are safe and comply with EU standards, the reality is more complicated.

Today the European Parliament has voted to help consumers make more sustainable choices, improving products’ information and expected lifetime. The legislative initiative, dubbed ‘Empowering Consumers for the green transition’, is a major step forward to contribute to Europe’s efforts towards a circular economy. BEUC applauds the Parliament’s strong position - which strengthens the original Commission proposal - and calls on Member States to adopt a similar approach in the upcoming negotiations to finalise the text.

The lead committees in the European Parliament want beefed-up protections for consumers in the AI Act, which would be the world’s first law addressing artificial intelligence. The text approved today in the civil liberties (LIBE) and internal market and consumer protection (IMCO) committees would clearly improve the Commission’s proposal. It addresses crucial issues that the Member States ignored in their position adopted in December last year.