About: consumers

European Parliament wants to stop rigged online reviews

MEPs have updated consumer protection rules, bringing greater transparency in how online offers are ranked and, particularly, in reviews left by customers about products. EURACTIV France reports.

The digital farmers’ market

Farmers being in direct contact with the consumers and setting their prices independently, without having to submit to the wholesale market dictate - sounds like going back to the roots of agricultural markets. Behind this, however, is a model with a genuinely promising future. EURACTIV.de reports.

Consumers to be collateral damage of EU-US trade dispute

Harley-Davidson announced on Monday (25 June) it would move some production out of the US to avoid EU tariffs and it might not be the last to do so. That has prompted European consumers’ organisations and importers to warn of the negative impact on consumers.

Does EU gas policymaking take customers’ interest into account?

Ahead of a reform of the EU rules to cover offshore gas pipelines, in its latest attempt to regulate Russia’s planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline, Danila Bochkarev offered his comments.

It’s time to acknowledge rising consumer demand for renewable energy

Across Europe, consumers are choosing renewable electricity and are doing so on a large scale. It’s time to recognise this demand for renewable energy by reporting on national consumption, and not only production, of renewables, writes Jared Braslawsky.

UK consumers begin to feel post-Brexit pinch

From computers and cars to carpets and food, Britain's decision to leave the EU is beginning to hit consumers in the pocket, having already spread uncertainty through the property market.

Brexit shockwaves hit UK consumers, wages and construction

Shockwaves from Britain's vote to leave the European Union are reverberating through the economy with surveys published on Thursday (28 July) showing a sharp dive in consumer confidence and a slowdown in the construction sector.

Climate Commissioner: Age of traditional energy consumers ‘almost over’

EXCLUSIVE / The age of traditional energy consumers is almost over, Climate Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete will say today (13 July), before outlining plans for Europeans to take control of consumption and production.

Malmström concerned about public perception of TTIP

Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström has admitted she is worried about the increasingly negative attitude in the EU towards the trade talks with the United States.

Food industry encouraged to target ‘Me’ generation

Today's consumers are highly specific about what they eat, requiring the food industry to stay innovative. EURACTIV reports from Milan.

ECB interest rate cut bolsters spending in Germany

After an ECB resolution to push interest rates to all-time lows, the inclination to save is dwindling among consumers, a trend apparent among Germans, who are spending more than they have in seven years. EURACTIV Germany reports.

German consumers spend less than their EU neighbours

The cost of goods and services for private consumption are slightly higher in Germany than the EU average. But in Germany, consumers live more cheaply than those in most neighbouring states. EURACTIV Germany reports.

European children exposed to less food advertising on TV

According to new research, European children are exposed to less food marketing on TV today than ten years ago.

MEPs reject Commission proposal on origin labelling of meat

The European Parliament endorsed on Thursday (6 February) a motion which rejects the new rules on origin labelling of meat that were tabled by the European Commission following last year's 'horsegate' scandal.

MEPs oppose Commission proposal on country of origin for meat

Members of the Parliament's environment, public health and food safety committee opposed on Wednesday (22 January) a proposal from the Commission on food labelling for meat.

EU advisory body calls for more collaborative consumption

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), a consultative body of the EU, called for new collaborative opportunities for consumers and businesses within the single market.

EU health policy should reflect realities

Chronic diseases get a lot of attention from EU policymakers, but chronic pain is just as big a problem, and practitioners should learn how to handle it, writes Professor Hans Kress.

Danish retail giant: ‘Why use endocrine-disrupting substances if we can use alternatives?’

COOP, Denmark's leading retailer, with about 1,200 supermarkets, lives by the precautionary principle and has therefore removed all endocrine-disrupting chemicals from its products. This gives consumers a choice, says Malene Teller Blume.

New EU rules to combat misleading information on cosmetics

New EU rules that took effect on Thursday (11 July) are intended to strengthen safety standards on cosmetics and provide better information for consumers.

Consumer groups divided over benefits of lower payment-card fees

SPECIAL REPORT / Forthcoming European Commission proposals aimed at reducing charges for payment cards have ignited a debate over whether consumers will benefit, based on previous experiences in Spain and France.