The European Union plays a pivotal role in safeguarding consumer rights, accounting for three-quarters of consumer protection regulations. Since the last European elections in 2019, these rights have seen continuous improvements, providing tangible benefits to consumers across the EU. Tomorrow, the World Consumer Rights Day will be celebrated across Europe. This date marks a very important day for all consumers, and considering the upcoming European elections on June 9, the European Consumer Centre Network will celebrate this day by highlighting significant achievements in consumer protection brought forward by the European Union.
Extending the legal warranty and making it easier to repair a faulty product
EU consumers have benefited from a two-year legal warranty on all purchases for over two decades. Since 2022, this warranty has been expanded to include connected devices, digital content, and services, ensuring that items like video games or subscription applications are guaranteed for at least two years. Moreover, efforts to promote sustainability and reduce electronic waste have driven the European Union (EU) to implement eco-design principles, mandating durable product manufacturing and prioritizing repairability. This initiative aims to cultivate a culture of repair among consumers, particularly after the two-year legal guarantee has elapsed.
By extending the product’s lifespans and reducing disposal rates, the EU is fostering a more sustainable and circular economy. The new law supports independent repair and enhances consumers’ access to affordable repair options by introducing rules for reasonable prices when purchasing parts. Additionally, it bans software practices that hinder independent repair and restricts the use of compatible and reused spare parts for certain categories of devices such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and smartphones. Each EU country will establish a free online platform where consumers can easily locate an authorized or independent repairer.
Enhancing consumer protection against large IT companies, also known as Tech Giants
The European Union is committed in battling unlawful online activities and ensuring consumer safety. With the implementation of the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, online platforms are now required to verify the identity and contact details of sellers, thereby enhancing transparency in online transactions. This measure ensures that consumers know the identities of the parties they are dealing with when making online purchases through an intermediary.
Furthermore, as of March 6, major digital corporations (often referred to as the six gatekeepers – Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft) are compelled to offer users greater freedom. This includes enabling easy uninstallation of pre-installed applications with just one click, thus promoting consumer choice and autonomy. Additionally, they are prohibited from automatically installing their software on new devices purchased by users.
Universal Charger Compatibility
Starting from December 2024, all mobile phones and tablets sold within the EU will be equipped with the standard USB Type-C port. This will enable consumers to recharge their electronic devices using a single charger, regardless of the brand, thus eliminating the need to carry multiple chargers. This change not only makes travel more hassle-free but also enhances convenience in daily life. Moreover, this standardization initiative contributes significantly to reducing electronic waste, as consumers will no longer need to discard chargers when upgrading their devices. Instead, these chargers will remain compatible with a variety of devices, thereby promoting sustainability and environmental conservation.
Money Transfers within the Eurozone
Currently, when transferring money within the Eurozone, it typically takes one business day for the transaction to be completed. However, the European Union (EU) has announced plans to dramatically reduce this processing time to just 10 seconds, with implementation scheduled to begin in autumn 2025. This initiative represents a substantial advancement in financial technology and infrastructure, enabling near-instantaneous transactions between senders and recipients.
The reduction in transfer time not only enhances convenience but also streamlines the financial process, allowing for smoother and more efficient transactions. Moreover, by minimizing the time it takes for funds to reach their destination, this development contributes to greater financial fluidity and responsiveness within the Eurozone. With this improvement, individuals and businesses will experience enhanced convenience without incurring additional fees typically.
EU Regulations Enhancing Consumer Rights in Credit Agreements
EU rules on consumer credit are designed to strengthen consumer rights and help them make informed choices when signing up for a credit agreement. To mitigate the risks of over-indebtedness and safeguard consumer interests, the EU has chosen to expand the range of credits subject to more stringent regulations. This includes credits below €200 and those falling under the “Buy now, pay later” category. These measures are set to take effect as of November 2026 and will safeguard consumer interests while promoting responsible spending practices.
For further information on how the EU has helped EU consumers over the years, watch the video “Europe Protects You” prepared by our colleagues from ECC France. These initiatives underscore the EU’s commitment to promoting consumer welfare and fostering a more secure and convenient marketplace for all.
