Issue 146 - February 2026
ISSN 2315-0017
Spotlight on consumer rights
The European Union is a strong defender of consumer rights. Whether you’re buying a product in a shop, taking a train ride, or opening a bank account, in the EU you benefit from high consumer protection standards.
EU policy in this field is based on five core rights. They concern the rights of consumers to:
- have access to safe products (online or in traditional shops),
- have their economic interests protected, including their right to have products repaired,
- claim redress if their rights are violated,
- have information about products and services so that they can identify the options available to them and make informed choices,
- be represented by organisations that protect their interests.
In November 2025, the European Commission announced the 2030 consumer agenda, setting out the EU’s concrete priorities and actions for the next five years. The agenda includes an action plan to remove obstacles that prevent consumers from making the most of the single market, strengthen the protection of consumers in the digital environment, promote sustainable consumption, and ensure effective enforcement of the law and redress schemes.
Enjoy the good reads!
2025 product safety award PDF
Have you heard about the EU Product Safety Award? It was launched in 2019 to stimulate and honour innovative business initiatives and research that make a difference for consumer product safety. The award aims to raise consumer awareness about product safety and to encourage more informed purchasing choices. Meet the winners of the fourth edition.
Available in EnglishPlacing the right to repair at the core of the EU’s consumer protection policy PDF
Did you know that only 35% of consumers choose to repair their electric and electronic products? This has substantial consequences for the environment, resulting in seven million tons of electric and electronic waste. See how the EU is committed to ensuring that consumers fully benefit from the right to repair, which is an integral part of EU consumer protection policy.
Available in English and FrenchDigital Services Act PDF
Ensuring a safe and accountable online environment
The Digital Services Act aims to create a safe and trusted online environment for all. This flyer prepared by Eurojust shows how the act works to guarantee access to legal and safe content, goods and services online and safeguards our fundamental rights.
Available in all official languages of the EUGeographical indications in the European Union PDF
Factsheet
What do Crémant de Bordeaux, Münchener Bier or Feta have in common? They are all treasures of European culinary and cultural heritage which embody local tradition, quality and authenticity. Imagine a special badge that protects the name of products through their unique link to a particular place. That is what geographical indications are all about. How does a product become a geographical indication? Read here to find out.
Available in English and PortugueseEFSA strategy 2027 PDF
Science, safe food, sustainability: updated edition
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was set up in 2002 to serve as an impartial source of scientific advice to risk managers and to communicate on risks associated with the food chain. See how they contribute to protecting human life and health, taking account of animal health and welfare, plant health and the environment and discover EFSA’s strategic objectives for 2027.
Available in EnglishEnforcing consumer rights to combat greenwashing PDF/HTML
Greenwashing is a practice of conveying false or misleading information about the environmental friendliness of a company’s products to convince consumers that the company’s products, goals and policies are environmentally sound. How can a human rights approach combat greenwashing? See what the experts from 10 EU countries have to say.
Available in EnglishFinfluencers PDF
Tips for responsible promotion
Need guidance for responsible promotion of financial products or services on social media? Here are eight key points to consider for finfluencers, including the potential negative financial consequences for you and your followers if you use these products. Read about the importance of disclosing paid partnerships and understanding the risks associated with investment opportunities. This booklet emphasises the importance of honesty, clarity and transparency in online promotions and warns against making misleading or reckless posts that could lead to legal responsibility. It encourages finfluencers to perform due diligence to understand their potential legal responsibilities.
Available in EnglishProduct lifespans html
Monitoring trends in Europe
Throwing away products and buying replacements is an unsustainable feature of consumerism. Extending product lifespans by using them for a longer time and more intensely can help break this negative cycle. Moreover, actions supporting longer product lifespans, such as reuse, repair and share, can generate local jobs. Read about the latest trends in product lifespans in Europe.
Available in EnglishUnderstanding family spending through data analysis html
From an EU-wide perspective to the national and local trends in household expenditures
In which EU Member State do households spend the most on food? How about transport? This data story explores family spending by using official EU statistics. Each expenditure, whether on necessities or discretionary items, contributes to understanding a broader economic landscape, showing disparities across different socioeconomic groups.
Available in EnglishIn your language
Guide to the European citizens’ initiative PDF
Help shape the European Union
The European Citizens’ Initiative, launched in 2012, offers a unique way for you to help shape the EU by calling on the European Commission to propose new laws. Learn more about the tool that gives a voice to your ideas and help us build a better Europe.
Available in all official languages of the EUYou may also like
Artificial intelligence in the sport sector PDF
A paper from the SHARE 2.0 initiative
How is AI changing sport? Athletes gain personalised coaching and injury prevention tools to perform at their best. Clubs streamline admin, boost sponsorships and engage communities. Fans enjoy real-time stats, interactive features and multilingual commentary for a richer experience.
Available in English
