Press releases

As negotiations on the reform of passenger rights move full steam ahead, BEUC warns that this legislative train is dangerously off track. The Hungarian EU Presidency plans to reach a General Agreement within a few weeks, but the current proposals fall short of adequately protecting consumers. We urge Member States to make decisive changes to ensure consumers can confidently exercise their rights.

Today, BEUC and 22 member organisations* from 17 countries submitted a complaint to EU authorities on the unfair practices of leading video game companies, behind games such as Fortnite, EA Sports FC 24, Minecraft and Clash of Clans. Our analysis concludes that traders breach EU consumer protection laws. We call on authorities to ensure that traders play by the rules and provide consumers with safe gaming environments.

BEUC, representing the interests of consumers in 31 European countries, regrets the lack of clarity around the remedies that have led to the European Commission conditionally approving Lufthansa’s acquisition of joint control of ITA Airways.

Today, the Spanish Ministry for Social Rights, Consumers and the 2030 Agenda has fined four airlines (Ryanair, Vueling, Easyjet and Volotea) for abusive practices including unfair pricing for hand luggage for a total amount of €150m. BEUC supports this decision, as consumers are frequently confused and angered by the different and opaque pricing approaches of airlines. It is one of the first times that a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling, stipulating hand luggage cannot be subject to additional charges as long it meets reasonable weight and size requirements, is being applied. However, it also shows consumer-friendly, EU standards on hand luggage are needed.