2025
Press release - 31 December 2025 - Bulgaria joins euro area from 1 January
On 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its currency, marking an important milestone for the country, for the history of the euro, and for the EU as a whole. This follows a period of intensive preparation and effort by Bulgaria to meet all the necessary requirements.
The euro will deliver practical benefits to Bulgarian citizens and businesses. It will make travelling and living abroad easier, boost the transparency and competitiveness of markets, and facilitate trade. Euro banknotes and coins will also become a tangible symbol for all Bulgarians of the freedom, convenience and opportunities that the EU makes possible for its citizens.
The Commission has fully supported Bulgaria in the process of joining the euro. With Bulgaria’s accession, 21 EU Member States and more than 357 million EU citizens will share the EU’s common currency. Public support for the euro in the EU and euro area remains very strong, with broad majorities of EU citizens believing the euro is a good thing for the EU as a whole, and for their own country, as shown by the latest Eurobarometer.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: “Bulgaria joins the euro area, one of the European Union’s greatest achievements. This milestone reflects years of hard work and commitment, overcoming challenges. The euro will bring benefits for the Bulgarian people making payments and travel easier. It will bring new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses, allowing them to seize better the advantages of our common single market. It will further strengthen Bulgaria’s voice in Europe. This step is good for Bulgaria, and it strengthens Europe as a whole. It makes our economy more resilient and competitive globally. Congratulations, Bulgaria! You can be proud of what you achieved.”
Introducing euro cash
From 1 January 2026, the euro will gradually replace the lev as Bulgaria’s currency. In line with a consistent record of exchange-rate stability, the lev will be exchanged at a conversion rate of 1.95583 lev per €1. The two currencies will be used alongside each other for a period of one month. When payments are made in lev, change will be given in euro. This will allow for a progressive withdrawal of the lev from circulation.
The dual display of prices in lev and euro became compulsory on 8 August 2025 and will apply until 8 August 2026. In order to protect consumers and address their concerns about unjustified price increases during the changeover period, Bulgaria relies on the strict application of consumer protection law and information campaigns. The prices of 101 frequently purchased products have been monitored daily and published on a dedicated website during the changeover by the Consumer Protection Commission, to provide information to the public and an incentive to businesses not to unjustifiably increase prices during the changeover.
Commercial banks have received euro banknotes and coins in advance from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) and have in turn supplied euro cash to shops and other businesses. Lev banknotes and coins can be exchanged at the BNB, commercial banks, and any post office located in rural areas where there is no commercial bank. Exchanges at the BNB are free of charge and unlimited in time. Exchanges at banks and the post offices are free of charge for the first six months. Banks and post offices may charge for the exchange as of 1 July 2026.
As of 1 January, 96% of automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Bulgaria will be distributing euro banknotes, and the remainder will follow as soon as possible (within two weeks).
Background
In its 2025 Convergence Report, the Commission concluded that Bulgaria met the criteria for adopting the euro. This assessment was supported by the European Central Bank’s own Convergence Report. In July 2025, EU Finance Ministers took the formal decision that opened the way for Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro.
The Bulgarian authorities have undertaken extensive preparations for the country’s entry into the euro area by implementing their national changeover plan, which sets out all the details for the organisation of the introduction of the euro and the withdrawal of the lev.
The core principle of Bulgaria’s national changeover plan is consumer protection. Mechanisms to ensure a safe environment for consumers have been thoroughly planned under three pillars: the dual display of prices, the monitoring of prices for goods and services, and the supervision of traders and service providers.
The preparations for the changeover have been complemented by a comprehensive communication campaign by the Bulgarian authorities. The Commission and the European Central Bank have contributed to these efforts.
For more information
Questions and answers on Bulgaria’s changeover to the euro
Press Release: Bulgaria meets criteria to join the euro area on 1 January 2026
Questions and answers on the Convergence Report 2025 on Bulgaria
Quote(s)
Bulgaria joins the euro area, one of the European Union’s greatest achievements. This milestone reflects years of hard work and commitment, overcoming challenges. The euro will bring benefits for the Bulgarian people making payments and travel easier. It will bring new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses, allowing them to seize better the advantages of our common single market. It will further strengthen Bulgaria’s voice in Europe. This step is good for Bulgaria, and it strengthens Europe as a whole. It makes our economy more resilient and competitive globally. Congratulations, Bulgaria! You can be proud of what you achieved.
Congratulations to Bulgaria on adopting the euro as its currency! This marks the culmination of a long and demanding process, and the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity for Bulgaria and its people. The euro has always been much more than a currency. It brings Bulgaria ever closer to the heart of Europe and sends a clear signal to the world that our strength lies in our unity. This is a truly historic moment for Bulgaria, the euro area and the European Union as a whole.
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Press release 12 December 2025 - EU introduces customs duties on low-value e-commerce packages
The Commission welcomes today’s decision by EU Member States to introduce a €3 customs duty per item on e-commerce parcels valued below €150, starting in July 2026. The new duty will help protect the competitiveness of European businesses by levelling the playing field between e-commerce and traditional retail.
Given the rapid increase in e-commerce goods being imported into the EU, the Commission and Member States have together acknowledged the need for an urgent solution, which will bridge the gap until the setting up of the EU Customs Data Hub in 2028, as part of the EU customs reform.
The Council and the Commission are working to enable the implementation of this temporary measure, through appropriate legal amendments and by ensuring a well-functioning IT framework.
The permanent customs duty regime will apply once the EU Customs Data Hub is established. The EU Customs Data Hub will fully integrate new customs data related to e-commerce, providing customs services with a complete picture of goods entering or exiting the EU.
The temporary customs duty of €3 per item will apply to parcels sent directly to consumers from third countries. This measure is separate from the ongoing negotiation of an EU handling fee on e-commerce parcels. While the customs duty eliminates a competitive advantage that the e–commerce operators currently enjoy, the handling fee is meant to compensate for the increasing costs that customs authorities incur for supervising the very significant flow of parcels.
Protecting EU business from the e-commerce boom
The new customs rules for e-commerce, proposed in the Commission‘s customs reform, will reinforce the EU customs union and better equip customs authorities to protect the EU retail trade and its workers, as well as EU consumers. They are vital to create a level playing field for our EU businesses against growing competition from online platforms abroad.
Background
Today, parcels valued below €150 that are sent from a third country directly to a consumer in the EU are exempt from customs duties. The Commission proposed the removal of this exemption in May 2023 as part of the customs reform.
The initial proposal for the removal foresaw application as from mid-2028. The Council adopted the removal of the exemption on 13th of November 2025, and called for an earlier application of the measure already in 2026.
In addition, in February 2025 in its communication on e-commerce, the Commission introduced the idea of a Union handling fee on goods imported directly to consumers. It was introduced in the customs reform proposal by the Council in its negotiating mandate in June 2025. The handling fee is meant to compensate for the increasing costs for customs authorities of ensuring the release of those goods for free circulation.
According to the Council mandate, the handling fee should enter into force in November 2026. The content and date are currently under negotiation between the Council and the European Parliament in the context of the ongoing customs reform proposal trilogues.
For more information
Quote(s)
Our work to modernise how we manage trade at our borders is well on track, and we are close to completing the most ambitious customs reform since the creation of the Customs Union in 1968. Our goal is clear: a modern, digital environment that keeps international trade flowing smoothly, while protecting the strength and integrity of our Single Market. With e-commerce expanding rapidly, the world is changing fast – and we need the right tools to keep pace. That is why the decision on customs duties for small parcels coming into the EU is so important to ensuring fair competition at our borders in today’s e-commerce era.
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Press release - 19 November 2025 - Commission presents 2030 Consumer Agenda to strengthen consumer protection, competitiveness, and sustainable growth
The European Commission has adopted the 2030 Consumer Agenda, a strategic plan for EU consumer policy for the next five years. With 450 million consumers in the single market, who contribute to over 51% of the EU’s GDP through household spending, consumers play an essential role in the engine room of our economy. Enhancing consumer trust, ensuring legal clarity, bolstering enforcement, and easing administrative processes for businesses are key aims of the agenda’s actions, which are designed to foster consumer protection and promote competitiveness, social fairness, and sustainable growth across the European Union.
While European consumers enjoy some of the highest levels of protection worldwide, there is a need to adapt our framework to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape marked by increased living costs, evolving market practices, particularly online, and the surge in e–commerce. A strong consumer policy is not just about protecting consumers, but also about shielding EU compliant companies and protecting them from unfair competition from non-compliant traders.
The 2030 Consumer Agenda introduces a suite of new initiatives to address these challenges effectively, focusing on four key priority areas:
- Completing the Single Market for consumers: an Action Plan for Consumers in the Single market to eliminate cross-border obstacles for consumers and boost opportunities for businesses. This action plan includes the evaluation of the Geo-Blocking Regulation, to assess whether it has met its objective to eliminate unjustified geo-blocking and other forms of discrimination based on nationality, place of residence or establishment. It will also encourage mobility with a series of measures to help consumers compare fares, find the best travel options, or book their travel journeys. The Commission will also seek to enhance access to cross-border financial services, including the possibility of opening a savings and investment accounts in another Member State.
- Digital fairness and consumer protection online: the Commission will propose, in 2026 a Digital Fairness Act (DFA) to strengthen the protection of consumers in the digital environment, against practices such as dark patterns, addictive design features or unfair personalisation that takes advantage of consumers’ vulnerabilities. The Digital Fairness Act will pay particular attention to the protection of children online to reduce the exposure of minors to harmful practices and features in digital products.The Commission will also simplify rules for businesses and explore how digital solutions can reduce administrative burden for companies and improve access to information for consumers. Reinforcing the protection of consumers against online fraud will also be an important area of work.
- Promoting sustainable consumption: the Commission will support Member States in the implementation of EU product and consumer laws, which protect consumers against greenwashing, promote a wider offer of sustainable goods, and facilitate the durability and repairability of products. The Commission will also support the circular economy by working with stakeholders to promote the return of goods that are no longer used, second-hand markets or innovative circular start-ups.
- Effective enforcement and redress: the exponential growth of e-commerce has led to the growing circulation of unsafe or uncompliant products originating mostly from third countries. Consumers also face unfair commercial practices online from non-compliant traders. In 2026, the Commission will prioritise the review of the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation to strengthen enforcement, protect consumers from market players who do not respect the rules, and shield compliant businesses from unfair competition. In this respect, the Commission will assess the need for centralising enforcement powers in specific cases and how to further strengthen coordination among national authorities. To tackle the non-compliance of products sold on our market, the Commission will ensure the effective enforcement of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and propose a revision of the rules on market surveillance. The EU will also continue to cooperate directly with third-countries, to tackle product safety at the source.
The implementation of the Agenda will be regularly discussed at the Annual Consumer Summit. The Commission will also convene regular Ministerial Forums on consumer protection to provide high-level political guidance to the implementation of the Agenda.
Background
The 2030 Consumer Agenda builds on the achievements of the New Consumer Agenda adopted in 2020 and is the result of intensive preparations and discussions with interested parties. In May 2025, the Commission launched an EU-wide open public consultation, which has shown general support for its main priorities. Today’s proposals complement other Commission initiatives such as the Single Market Strategy, the Competitiveness Compass, and the forthcoming Single Market Roadmap.
Together with the Agenda, the Commission is today publishing guidelines on the GPSR and on the Safety Business Gateway to better support businesses to ensure the safety of their products.
More information
Open Public Consultation – Synopsis report
Guidelines on the GPSR and the Safety Business Gateway
Quote(s)
We need to ensure that consumer law is fit for the new challenges. We must fill in the gaps online and address the new challenges offline. We need to further empower people, ensure that all companies — including from third countries — comply with our rules, and leverage the full potential of the single market for our businesses.
In a fast-changing digital world, where e-commerce continues to grow, consumers — especially minors — deserve protection whether they shop on the high streets or online. Our 450 million European consumers should trust the products they buy and where they are buying them from. The 2030 Consumer Agenda will strengthen enforcement and ensure that every seller, wherever they are based, plays by the same rules. This will support our economies and uphold a fair level playing field where compliant businesses can compete on equal terms.
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Press release - 6 November 2025 - Twenty-one European airlines agree to modify their practices regarding environmental claims following dialogue with the Commission and national consumer protection authorities
Twenty-one airlines have committed to change their practices regarding environmental claims that were considered misleading by the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network. This follows a dialogue with the European Commission and the CPC network, led by the Belgian Directorate General for Economic Inspection, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the Norwegian Consumer Authority and the Spanish Directorate General of Consumer Affairs.
Air Baltic, Air Dolomiti, Air France, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Easyjet, Finnair, KLM, Lufthansa, Luxair, Norwegian, Ryanair, SAS, SWISS, TAP, Transavia France, Transavia CV, Volotea, Vueling, and Wizz Air all agreed to introduce changes in their practices.
All these airlines have committed to stop claiming that the CO₂ emissions of a specific flight could be neutralised, offset, or directly reduced by consumer financial contributions to climate protection projects or for the use of alternative aviation fuels.
The following commitments were discussed with the airlines:
- Clarifying that the CO₂ emissions of a specific flight cannot be neutralised, offset, or directly reduced by contributions to climate protection projects or alternative aviation fuels;
- Using the term ‘sustainable aviation fuels’ only with appropriate clarifications to substantiate it;
- Refraining from using vague green language or terminology, or any implicit environmental claims;
- Providing more information on claims about future environmental performance – such as achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions – with clear timelines, achievable steps, and the types of emissions concerned;
- Ensuring that any CO₂ emissions calculations are displayed in a clear and transparent way;
- Providing sufficient scientific evidence and information to support claims of improved environmental impact.
Next steps
National consumer protection authorities will monitor the timely implementation of these commitments as per the timeline communicated by each airline.
National Consumer authorities may also proceed with enforcement measures against airlines that have not provided sufficient commitments or fail to correctly implement these commitments.
To ensure fair competition and a level playing field in the aviation industry, the Network will also assess the practices of other airlines operating in the Single Market, and where necessary, will require the same commitments.
Background
In June 2023, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), issued an alert denouncing misleading environmental claims by 17 European airlines. The dialogue with the airlines was coordinated by the European Commission and the authorities of the CPC network.
Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Directive concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market prohibit unfair commercial practices in the form of misleading actions and omissions. The European Commission’s Guidance Notice on the interpretation and application of the UCPD provides guidance on which environmental claims can be considered misleading.
For more information
Table of the commitments of airlines
Consumer Protection Cooperation Network
Sustainable Consumption actions
Action against 20 airlines for misleading greenwashing practices
Quote(s)
This dialogue is an encouraging acknowledgement of the responsibility we share to provide consumers with truthful information and to work toward genuine improvements in reducing the environmental impact of aviation. I welcome the commitment made by the airlines to change their practices.
Consumers are the firepower of our economy. Time and time again, Europeans have shown their readiness to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future. It is now important that the industry match these efforts by ensuring transparency and honesty in environmental claims. Consumers deserve clear and accurate information about the true impact of air travel and the real efforts that can be made to increase sustainability.
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Press release - 31 July 2025 - More online travel agencies commit to refund within 14 days for cancelled flights, following a dialogue with the Commission and consumer authorities
Following a dialogue with the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network of national consumer authorities, Expedia and Lastminute.com have committed to better inform consumers of their rights and ensure they receive ticket refunds within 14 days in case of a flight cancellation by the airline.
Overview of commitments
Following the dialogue, Expedia and Lastminute.com signed up to the following set of commitments:
- In case of cancelled flights, Expedia and Lastminute.com will transfer refunds from the airline on to the consumer within 7 days from the day the online travel agency receives the refund from the airline, resulting in a refund in 14 days maximum for consumers. In addition, they declared to have cleared any backlogs in reimbursements.
- The online travel agencies’ contact details, such as telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, will be provided in or via the support or ‘contact us’ sections of their websites – so that consumers can easily get in touch with them.
- Information on the specific benefits linked to different service packages offered by the online travel agencies will be made clearer for consumers.
- Consumers will be clearly informed about their statutory rights under the Air Passenger Rights Regulation to rerouting or reimbursement in cases where the airline cancels their flights. They will also be clearly informed if the flight was cancelled.
- Consumers will be clearly informed about the consequences that specific services offered by airline intermediaries can have on the consumer’s rights in the event of a flight disruption (e.g. when only one leg of a trip is cancelled, the second leg may still have to be paid where there is no interlink between the flights constituting the journey).
Lastminute.com has agreed to implement most of those commitments starting on 1 July 2025, with full implementation by 1 September 2025, while Expedia has declared that its practices are in line with the above commitments.
This dialogue, led by the Swedish Consumer Agency, sought to encourage online travel agencies to voluntarily adopt practices that enhance consumer’s protection and knowledge of their rights, as well as platform’s compliance with EU legislation. It builds on the 2023 coordinated action led by the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network, which secured the same commitments from Edreams ODIGEO, Etraveli Group, and Kiwi.com. This brings the total to five major online travel agencies adhering to the same commitments.
Next steps
The network of European consumer protection authorities will monitor whether Expedia and Lastminute.com have correctly implemented the commitments by the agreed timeline. The network will also continue to monitor the implementation of the commitments by Edreams ODIGEO, Etraveli Group and Kiwi.com. The network will furthermore continue to promote these commitments to other online travel agencies.
Background
Lastminute.com was previously subject to a national enforcement action by the Swedish Consumer Agency, during which it agreed to the commitments for the Swedish market. By signing up to the commitments with the CPC Network, Lastminute.com has now declared that it will adhere to these commitments in the entire European Economic Area. Expedia voluntarily signed up to the commitments outside any enforcement actions at national or EU level.
Under EU passenger rights, airlines cancelling a flight are required to refund tickets within 7 days once the passenger has opted to have the flight reimbursed. However, airline tickets can also be bought through an intermediary (an ‘online travel agency’). The 2023 commitments to which Expedia and Lastminute.com have now signed up provide clarity for such cases: consumers will receive their refund within 14 days maximum. This step also helps create a fair and level playing field within the travel airline industry.
In November 2023, the Commission proposed new rules as regards enforcement of passenger rights in the Union and on passenger rights in the context of multimodal journeys. The proposed rules foresee the same timeframe for reimbursement via intermediaries for cancelled flight costs (14 days maximum). These proposals, as well as the 2013 proposal on air passenger rights, are currently being negotiated by the co-legislators.
The CPC Network is a network of authorities responsible for the enforcement of EU consumer protection laws. To tackle cross-border infringements of consumer law, those national authorities, assisted by the European Commission, coordinate their investigation and enforcement actions. The specific cooperation and coordination mechanism under which the network operates is governed by the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation.
For more information
Coordinated consumer actions: air travel
Quote(s)
Flight cancellations can be extremely disruptive to travellers. It is simply a question of basic fairness for passengers to be refunded without delay. I am pleased that the list of online travel agencies signing up to this basic commitment is growing. More must join fast to ensure fair services and a level-playing field in the air travel industry.
In the midst of the summer holiday season, Expedia and Lastminute.com are sending a clear signal that they take consumers’ rights seriously, particularly when consumers are affected by flight cancellations. The good news for consumers is simple: if your flight is cancelled, you can now expect to get your money back faster – within just 14 days.
I welcome the decision of Expedia and Lastminute.com to voluntarily align their reimbursement timeframes for air ticket bookings with those proposed by the Commission in November 2023. This is a positive step for consumers, who will benefit from faster and more predictable reimbursements, even before the new rules are formally adopted by the co-legislators.
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Press release - 28 July 2025 - Commission preliminarily finds Temu in breach of the Digital Services Act in relation to illegal products on its platform
Today, the Commission preliminarily found Temu in breach of the obligation under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to properly assess the risks of illegal products being disseminated on its marketplace.
Evidence showed that there is a high risk for consumers in the EU to encounter illegal products on the platform. Specifically, the analysis of a mystery shopping exercise conducted by the Commission found that consumers shopping on Temu are very likely to find non-compliant products among the offer, such as baby toys and small electronics.
According to the Commission’s analysis, Temu’s risk assessment of October 2024 was inaccurate and relying on general industry information rather than on specific details about its own marketplace. This may therefore have led to inadequate mitigation measures against the dissemination of illegal products.
The Commission will continue its investigation in relation to other suspected breaches opened in October 2024, including the effectiveness of its mitigation measures, the use of addictive design features, the transparency of its recommendation systems, and its access to data for researchers.
Next Steps
The preliminary findings sent today by the Commission are without prejudice to the final outcome of the investigation, as Temu now has the possibility to exercise its rights of defence by examining the Commission’s investigation file and by replying in writing to the Commission’s preliminary findings. In parallel, the European Board for Digital Services will be consulted.
If the Commission’s preliminary views were to be ultimately confirmed, the Commission would adopt a non-compliance decision finding that Temu is in breach of Article 34 of the DSA. Such a decision could entail fines of up to 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the provider and order the provider to take measures to address the breach. A non-compliance decision may also trigger an enhanced supervision period to ensure compliance with the measures the provider intends to take to remedy the breach.
Background
On 31 October 2024, the Commission initiated proceedings against Temu. The Commission’s investigation is being carried out in cooperation with national Digital Services Coordinators, customs authorities, market surveillance authorities and other relevant third parties, in line with the principles outlined in the E-commerce Communication, and is proceeding in parallel with a separate investigation by the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network and the first product safety sweep, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing concerns around Temu’s practices.
The steady surge in the volume of products sold online in the EU is accompanied by a rise of unsafe, counterfeit, or non-compliant products, which could be harmful for consumers’ health and safety, the environment, and fair competition in the Digital Single Market.
To counter these risks, the DSA includes obligations to counter illegal content online. It requires platforms to put in place user-friendly mechanisms allowing users to flag illegal content and to appeal to content moderation decision. The DSA also includes specific rules tailored to online marketplaces, such as trader traceability to ensure that all online marketplaces gather information on traders selling their products or services. The DSA also prohibits dark patterns, and specifies rules on advertising and detailed transparency obligations, including how products are recommended to consumers.
For More Information
EU Official Journal text on the DSA
Very large online platforms and search engines under the DSA
Quote(s)
We shop online because we trust that products sold in our Single Market are safe and comply with our rules. In our preliminary view, Temu is far from assessing risks for its users at the standards required by the Digital Services Act. Consumers’ safety online is not negotiable in the EU – our laws, including the Digital Services Act, are the foundation for a better protection online and a safer and fairer digital Single Market for all Europeans.
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Press release - 18 July 2025 - Commission accepts commitments by Corning to ensure competition in the supply of cover glass for handheld electronic devices
The European Commission has made commitments offered by Corning legally binding under EU antitrust rules. The commitments address the Commission’s competition concerns over Corning’s conclusion of allegedly anticompetitive exclusive agreements for the supply of Alkali-aluminosilicate glass (‘Alkali-AS Glass’), a special type of glass mainly used as cover glass in smartphones and other handheld electronic devices.
The Commission’s preliminary concerns
Corning is a US-based global producer of glass for many industrial and consumer applications. It manufactures Alkali-AS Glass, a particularly break-resistant glass mainly used as cover for displays of handheld electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, but also smartwatches. Corning markets Alkali-AS Glass mainly under the ‘Gorilla Glass’ brand. Alkali-AS Glass has two commercially relevant subtypes, lithium aluminosilicate glass (‘LAS Glass’) and sodium aluminosilicate glass (‘NAS Glass’).
On 6 November 2024, the Commission opened a formal investigation over concerns that Corning may have distorted competition in the worldwide market for Alkali-AS Glass. The Commission preliminarily found that Corning holds a dominant position on this market. It also found that products developed by Corning for Apple are not part of this market, as these have special compositions and are only used by Apple.
According to the Commission’s preliminary assessment, Corning may have abused its dominant position in the market for Alkali-AS Glass in breach of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’) by concluding exclusive supply agreements with manufacturers (Original Equipment Manufacturers or ‘OEMs’) of handheld electronic devices and with companies that process raw glass (‘finishers’) such as Alkali-AS Glass. This conduct may have excluded other Alkali-AS Glass producers from large segments of the relevant market.
The commitments
To address the Commission’s preliminary concerns Corning offered certain commitments. Between 25 November 2024 and 13 January 2025, the Commission market tested those commitments and consulted interested third parties to verify whether the commitments would remove its competition concerns.
In light of the outcome of this market test, Corning amended the initially proposed commitments and offered the following final commitments:
- To include in the scope of the commitments both Alkali-AS Glass and transparent glass ceramics (‘Clear Glass Ceramics’) used as cover glass in handheld electronic devices. Clear Glass Ceramics were included in the commitments because this cover material is likely to be used more extensively in the future by OEMs. But the commitments would not apply to Corning’s agreements with Apple given that the Commission found that the cover glass products developed by Corning for Apple are not part of the relevant market.
- To waive all exclusive dealing clauses in all its current agreements with OEMs and finishers, and to commit not to use such or similar clauses that have the same effect in future agreements.
- In the European Economic Area (EEA): When it comes to OEMs’ demand for Alkali-AS Glass and Clear Glass Ceramics covers for handheld electronic devices sold in the EEA, not to specifically require OEMs to purchase, or cause their supply chain to purchase, any quantity of Alkali-AS Glass or Clear Glass Ceramics from Corning and will not condition any price advantages on such sourcing requirements.
- Worldwide: Not to require OEMs to purchase, or cause their supply chain to purchase, more than 50% of their respective demand from Corning, as regards either (I) OEMs’ worldwide combined demand for Alkali-AS Glass and Clear Glass Ceramics covers for handheld electronic devices, and (ii) OEM’s worldwide demand for either of the segments of LAS Glass or Clear Glass Ceramics covers of handheld electronic devices. Without these separate caps, Corning could target the competitively sensitive LAS Glass and Clear Glass Ceramics segments with exclusive sourcing requirements, while still complying with the overall cap. In addition, Corning will not condition price advantages on such sourcing requirements.
- Not to require finishers to purchase from Corning more than 50% of their combined worldwide demand for Alkali-AS Glass (NAS Glass, LAS Glass), and Clear Glass Ceramics covers for handheld electronic devices, nor to condition price advantages on such purchasing requirements. In addition, Corning will not use any purchasing requirements targeting any segment (i.e. NAS Glass, LAS Glass or Clear Glass Ceramics) of this combined worldwide demand, nor condition price advantages on such purchasing requirements. This means that finishers are free to decide on how they comply with the overall cap in terms of the type and quantity of the different cover materials.
- When it comes to the enforcement (in court or via arbitration) of Corning’s patents related to break-resistant cover glass that are within the scope of the commitments, to base its claims only on patent infringement, and not on breach of contract. In addition, Corning will not use any other contractual mechanisms (e.g. penalties) to reinforce its patent claims.
- To include a standard anti-circumvention clause, the interpretation of which is further clarified in an interpretative note annexed to the commitments.
- To deliver a market communication to key stakeholders (OEMs and finishers) explaining the content of these commitments, in English and Chinese Mandarin.
The Commission concluded that the above final commitments would address its competition concerns over Corning’s conduct identified in its preliminary assessment. It therefore decided to make them legally binding on Corning.
The commitments will remain in force for nine years and apply worldwide. A monitoring trustee speaking Chinese Mandarin will ensure their implementation.
Background
Article 102 of the TFEU, which can also be applied by the national competition authorities, prohibits the abuse of a dominant position that may affect trade within the EU and prevent or restrict competition. The implementation of this provision is defined in Regulation No 1/2003.
Article 9(1) of Regulation 1/2003 enables companies investigated by the Commission to offer commitments in order to meet the Commission’s concerns and empowers the Commission to adopt a decision to make such commitments binding on the companies. Such a decision does not reach a conclusion as to whether there is an infringement of EU antitrust rules but legally binds its addressee to respect the commitments.
Article 27(4) of Regulation 1/2003 requires that before adopting such decision the Commission shall provide interested third parties with the opportunity to comment on the offered commitments.
If the company concerned does not honour these commitments, the Commission may impose a fine of up to 10% of its total annual turnover, without having to find an infringement of EU antitrust rules, or a periodic penalty payment of 5% per day of its daily turnover for every day of non-compliance.
More information, including the full text of the commitments, will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number AT.40728.
Quote(s)
By today’s decision, Corning has committed to cease conduct that could potentially prevent rivals from competing effectively on the market for cover glass used in smartphones and other handheld devices. These commitments are now legally binding. This opens up that market and serves to ensure that consumers benefit from low prices and high-quality cover glass.
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Press release - 18 June 2025 - Commission accepts commitments offered by AliExpress under the Digital Services Act and takes further action on illegal products
Today, the Commission has taken two major steps in its investigation concerning the compliance of AliExpress with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA and the actions taken today aim to ensure user and consumer safety online.
First, the Commission has accepted and made binding a series of commitments offered by AliExpress to settle a number of concerns, such as the platform’s transparency on advertising and recommender systems.
Second, following its in-depth investigation, the Commission preliminarily found AliExpress in breach of its obligation to assess and mitigate risks related to the dissemination of illegal products under the DSA.
Commitments offered by AliExpress
The Commission has accepted and made binding a series of wide-ranging commitments that address concerns raised by the Commission in related to:
- The platform’s systems to monitor and detect illegal products, such as medicines, food supplements, and adult material, spread also through hidden links and affiliate programmes, and which could affect users’ health and minors’ well-being;
- The platform’s notice and action mechanism to flag illegal products;
- The internal complaint handling system;
- The transparency of AliExpress’ advertising and recommender systems, including the ads repository and options to personalise recommender systems;
- The traceability of traders on AliExpress’ services;
- Access to public data for researchers.
With these commitments, information and tools to limit the spread of illegal content will be easily accessible to both registered and non-registered users of the platform.
AliExpress also committed to maintain a structured internal monitoring framework, overseen by a dedicated team, to systematically assess the proper implementation and effectiveness of all these commitments, also feeding the regular risk assessments exercises. The platform will submit regular reports to an independent Monitoring Trustee, which will report annually to the Commission about the implementation of the commitments.
Today’s decision makes the commitments legally binding, to the effect that any breach of them would immediately result in a breach of the DSA and could therefore lead to fines.
Preliminary findings on AliExpress’ risk assessment and mitigation obligations
Following its in-depth investigation, the Commission preliminarily found AliExpress in breach of its obligation to assess and mitigate risks related to the dissemination of illegal products under the DSA. In particular, preliminary findings show:
- In its risk assessment, AliExpress does not take into account the limited resources devoted to its moderation systems to avoid the dissemination of illegal products, thereby underestimating such risk.
- AliExpress fails to appropriately enforce its penalty policy concerning traders that repeatedly post illegal content.
- AliExpress’ pro-active content moderation systems show systemic failures, making the systems less effective and allowing manipulation by malicious traders.
These findings are in breach of the obligations of Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), to properly assess and mitigate systemic risks relating to the dissemination of illegal content, such as counterfeit goods or goods that do not comply with European safety rules.
Next Steps
The preliminary findings sent today by the Commission are without prejudice to the final outcome of the investigation, as AliExpress now has the possibility to exercise its rights of defence by examining the documents in the Commission’s investigation file and by replying in writing to the Commission’s preliminary findings.
If the Commission’s preliminary view were to be ultimately confirmed, the Commission would adopt a non-compliance decision finding that AliExpress does not comply with articles 34 and 35 of the DSA, and impose a fine. In addition, such a non-compliance decision would oblige the provider of AliExpress to submit an action plan to remedy the infringement within a specified timeframe, to be approved by the Commission upon opinion of the Board of Digital Services Coordinators.
Background
On 14 March 2024, the Commission opened formal proceedings to assess whether AliExpress may have breached the Digital Services Act in areas linked to the management and mitigation of risks, to content moderation and the internal complaint handling mechanism, the transparency of advertising and recommender systems, the traceability of traders and data access for researchers.
Quote(s)
The actions taken today show the strength of the Digital Services Act when it comes to creating a safer and fairer online environment. We have been able to take concrete steps to ensure a high level of safety for EU citizens while maintaining a level playing field for platforms and traders in the EU market. This decision serves as an illustration of the Commission’s expectations when we raise concerns. We welcome AliExpress’ commitments towards becoming safer for users, fairer for legitimate traders, and a better online platform for all.
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Press release - 26 May 2025 - Commission and national authorities urge SHEIN to respect EU consumer protection laws
Today, following a coordinated investigation at European level, the
Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network
of national consumer authorities and the European Commission notified the online marketplace and e-retailer SHEIN of a number of practices on its platform that infringe EU consumer law. The CPC Network directed SHEIN to bring those practices in line with EU consumer laws. SHEIN remains under investigation and was requested to provide further information to the CPC Network.
The CPC Network’s action against SHEIN is led by the competent national authorities of Belgium, France, Ireland and The Netherlands, under the coordination of the European Commission.
Key Elements of the CPC Network’s Coordinated Action
The investigation covers a broad range of practices with which consumers are confronted while shopping on SHEIN and that are in breach of EU law, including:
- Fake discounts: pretending to offer better deals by showing price reductions that are not based on the actual ‘prior prices’.
- Pressure selling: putting consumers under pressure to complete purchases using tactics like false purchase deadlines.
- Missing, incorrect and misleading information: displaying incomplete and incorrect information about consumers’ legal rights to return goods and receive refunds and failing to process returns and refunds in accordance with consumers’ relevant rights.
- Deceptive product labels: using product labels that suggest that the product offers something special when in fact the relevant feature is required by law.
- Misleading sustainability claims: providing false or deceptive information about the sustainability benefits of its products.
- Hidden contact details: consumers cannot easily contact SHEIN for questions or complaints.
In addition, the CPC Network requested information from SHEIN to assess its compliance with further obligations under EU consumer law, such as the obligation to ensure that product rankings, reviews, and ratings are not presented to consumers in a misleading manner. The Network is also investigating whether SHEIN informs consumers about how the obligations under the contract are shared between a third-party seller and SHEIN (where applicable).
This enforcement action is complementary to the ongoing Digital Services Act (DSA) inquiry conducted by the Commission. Both actions aim at ensuring a safe and trustworthy online environment where the rights of consumers in Europe are fully protected.
Next Steps
SHEIN now has one month to reply to the CPC Network’s findings and propose commitments on how they will address the identified consumer law issues. Depending on SHEIN’s reply, the CPC Network may enter a dialogue with the company. If SHEIN fails to address the concerns raised by the CPC Network, national authorities can take enforcement measures to ensure compliance, including fines based on SHEIN’s annual turnover in the EU Member States concerned.
Background
The Commission published a
Communication on a Comprehensive EU Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-commerce
on 5 February 2025. The Communication outlines how challenges posed by e-commerce imports can be addressed at each stage of the product’s life cycle. Joint enforcement actions by the CPC Network and their close coordination with the Commission’s enforcement response under the DSA are an essential element of that approach.
Additionally, the
General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
requires that for all consumer products there is an economic operator established in the EU to ensure compliance with product safety requirements.
Under the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Regulation, the national consumer authorities of the 27 EU Member States, Norway and Iceland form together the CPC Network to investigate and enforce EU consumer protection laws against cross-border infringements. The European Commission facilitates, and under certain circumstances coordinates, such joint enforcement actions. The consumer law obligations invoked vis-à-vis SHEIN can be found in the
Unfair Commercial Practices Directive,
Consumer Rights Directive,
Price Indication Directive,
and the
e-Commerce Directive.
SHEIN was designated as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) on 26 April 2024 under the
Digital Services Act.
The Commission is currently carrying out DSA inquiries regarding SHEIN that concern, inter alia, the presence of illegal content and goods on its marketplace, the transparency of recommender systems, and measures to mitigate risks relating to consumer protection and public health.
The CPC Network’s action is without prejudice to ongoing proceedings by national authorities, such as those initiated by the Italian Competition Authority, or to further investigations under the DSA and product safety laws.
For More Information
Quotes
I welcome this coordinated action with consumer authorities – complementary to the Commission’s ongoing request for information sent to SHEIN under the Digital Services Act. In line with the Commission’s recent Communication on E-commerce, the action demonstrates our resolve to deliver a coordinated and effective enforcement response when e-commerce platforms and e-retailers don’t respect our laws. We come together to keep consumers safe and the e-commerce sector competitive.
All companies reaching out to EU consumers must play by our rules. Today’s action sends a clear message: we will not shy away from holding e-commerce platforms to account, regardless of where they are based. EU consumer protection laws are not optional—they must be applied in all cases. I strongly welcome the decisive action taken by the CPC Network. It’s now for SHEIN to step up, respect the rules and bring its practices fully in line with EU consumer standards.
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Press release - 23 April 2025 - Commission finds Apple and Meta in breach of the Digital Markets Act
Non-Compliance Decision on Apple’s Steering Terms
Under the DMA, app developers distributing their apps via Apple’s App Store should be able to inform customers, free of charge, of alternative offers outside the App Store, steer them to those offers and allow them to make purchases. The Commission found that Apple fails to comply with this obligation. Due to a number of restrictions imposed by Apple, app developers cannot fully benefit from the advantages of alternative distribution channels outside the App Store. Similarly, consumers cannot fully benefit from alternative and cheaper offers as Apple prevents app developers from directly informing consumers of such offers. The company has failed to demonstrate that these restrictions are objectively necessary and proportionate. As part of today’s decision, the Commission has ordered Apple to remove the technical and commercial restrictions on steering and to refrain from perpetuating the non-compliant conduct in the future, including adopting conduct with an equivalent object or effect. The fine imposed on Apple takes into account the gravity and duration of the non-compliance. Today, the Commission has also closed the investigation on Apple’s user choice obligations, thanks to early and proactive engagement by Apple on a compliance solution. You will find more information on these decisions here.Non-Compliance Decision on Meta’s “Consent or Pay” Model
Under the DMA, gatekeepers must seek users’ consent for combining their personal data between services. Those users who do not consent must have access to a less personalised but equivalent alternative. In November 2023, Meta introduced a binary “Consent or Pay” advertising model. Under this model, EU users of Facebook and Instagram had a choice between consenting to personal data combination for personalised advertising or paying a monthly subscription for an ad-free service. The Commission found that this model is not compliant with the DMA, as it did not give users the required specific choice to opt for a service that uses less of their personal data but is otherwise equivalent to the “personalised ads” service. Meta’s model also did not allow users to exercise their right to freely consent to the combination of their personal data. In November 2024, after numerous exchanges with the Commission, Meta introduced another version of the free personalised ads model, offering a new option that allegedly uses less personal data to display advertisements. The Commission is currently assessing this new option and continues its dialogue with Meta, requesting the company to provide evidence of the impact that this new ads model has in practice. Without prejudice to this ongoing assessment, today’s decision finding non-compliance concerns the period during which end users in the EU were only offered the binary “Consent or Pay” option between March 2024, when the DMA obligations became legally binding, and November 2024, when Meta’s new ads model was introduced. The fine imposed on Meta also takes into account the gravity and duration of the non-compliance, while noting that today’s decisions taken against Apple and Meta are the first non-compliance decisions adopted under the DMA. Today, the Commission also found that Meta’s online intermediation service Facebook Marketplace should no longer be designated under the DMA. Following a request submitted by Meta on 5 March 2024 to reconsider the designation, and further enforcement and monitoring measures to counteract business-to-consumer use, the Commission found that Marketplace had fewer than 10,000 business users in 2024 and therefore no longer meets the relevant threshold.Next Steps
Apple and Meta are required to comply with the Commission’s decisions within 60 days, otherwise they risk periodic penalty payments. The Commission continues its engagement with Apple and Meta to ensure compliance with the Commission’s decisions and the DMA more generally.Background
On 25 March 2024, the Commission opened non-compliance investigations into Apple’s rules on steering in the App Store and Meta’s “pay or consent” model. On 24 June 2024 and 1 July 2024, the Commission respectively informed Apple and Meta of its preliminary view that the companies were in breach of the DMA. Apple and Meta had the possibility to exercise their rights of defence by examining in detail all the documents in the Commission’s investigation files and replying in writing to the Commission’s preliminary findings. The Commission can fine non-compliant companies up to 10% of their global annual turnover.For More Information
Quotes
Today’s decisions send a strong and clear message. The Digital Markets Act is a crucial instrument to unlock potential, choice and growth by ensuring digital players can operate in contestable and fair markets. It protects European consumers and levels the playing field. Apple and Meta have fallen short of compliance with the DMA by implementing measures that reinforce the dependence of business users and consumers on their platforms. As a result, we have taken firm but balanced enforcement action against both companies, based on clear and predictable rules. All companies operating in the EU must follow our laws and respect European values.
Enabling free business and consumer choice is at the core of the rules laid down in the Digital Markets Act. This includes ensuring that citizens have full control over when and how their data is used online, and businesses can freely communicate with their own customers. The decisions adopted today find that both Apple and Meta have taken away this free choice from their users and are required to change their behaviour. We have a duty to protect the rights of citizens and innovative businesses in Europe and I am fully committed to this objective.
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Press release - 16 April 2025 - Commission rolls out plan to boost circular and efficient products in the EU
Priority Products for Ecodesign and Energy Labelling
The priority products for ecodesign and energy labelling requirements are steel and aluminium, textiles (with a focus on apparel), furniture, tyres and mattresses. These were selected based on their potential to deliver on the circular economy. Harmonised product sustainability requirements at EU level will reinforce the single market, prevent barriers to trade, improve the level playing field, reduce the administrative burden, and strengthen the global competitiveness of businesses offering sustainable products.Horizontal Measures on Repairability and Recyclability
In addition, the Commission will introduce horizontal measures to requirements on repairability for products such as consumer electronics and small household appliances. This will include the introduction of a repairability score for products with the most potential, and requirements on recyclability of electrical and electronic equipment.Inclusive Process and Selection Criteria
The selection of products included in the present working plan is based on an inclusive process with stakeholders and reflects both the input from stakeholders and Member States. It is based on a thorough technical analysis and criteria notably related to the EU’s climate, environment and energy efficiency objectives, as well as an extensive consultation process, including through the Ecodesign Forum.Scope of Future Requirements
Future ecodesign and energy labelling requirements for the selected products will cover two elements:- Product performance, such as minimum durability, minimum energy and resource-efficiency, availability of spare parts or minimum recycled content;
- Product information, including key product features such as the products’ carbon and environmental footprint. Product information will mainly be made available via the Digital Product Passport or, for products with energy labels, via the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL).
Next Steps
Ecodesign and energy labelling requirements will be set via delegated acts on a product-by-product basis or for groups of similar products. This will be based on thorough preparatory studies and impact assessments. It will involve stakeholders and interested parties throughout the process, including in the recently established Ecodesign Forum. Regarding some energy-related products, ongoing work under the Ecodesign Directive should continue, and relevant requirements will be adopted not later than 31 December 2026.Background
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) aims to improve the sustainability of products placed on the EU market by increasing their circularity, energy performance, recyclability and durability, while improving the Single Market and strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the EU economy. Adopted in July 2024, it builds on the approach successfully pioneered under the EU’s current ecodesign and energy labelling frameworks. Together with the Energy Labelling Framework Regulation (ELFR), the ESPR facilitates consumers’ choice in favour of more sustainable and energy efficient products. Today’s working plan continues the work that started on 16 energy-related products (such as dishwashers, electric motors, electric vehicle chargers or displays) from the 2022-2024 ecodesign and energy labelling working plan.For More Information
- Ecodesign for Sustainable Products and Energy Labelling working plan 2025-2030
- Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
- European Commission web page on Sustainable Products Regulation
- Ecodesign and energy labelling for energy-related products
- Ecodesign Forum
- European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL)
- Staff Working Document
Quotes
Today marks a pivotal moment as the Commission is delivering on the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. This initiative builds on a 20-years global and successful ecodesign path. It will deliver significant benefits for all Europeans, create opportunities for businesses and employment, and protect the planet through proven impact on reducing emissions. These ecodesign rules apply to all products placed on our single market, regardless of their origin-country, ensuring that each of them meets the European Union’s ambitious goals. Together, let’s champion a thriving, circular economy.
This initiative marks a major step toward making the circular economy a reality on the ground and sustainable products the norm across the EU. By setting clear priorities, we are providing legal certainty and predictability for the concerned industries, fostering innovation, and driving investment to support the transition to a circular economy. This will help close the innovation gap, develop lead markets for sustainable products, and accelerate the decarbonisation of key value chains to reinforce the EU’s competitiveness.
This is an important step for delivering on the Affordable Energy Action Plan. More energy efficient products save consumers money and bring benefits to the whole economy. EU ecodesign and energy labelling has already brought €120 billion in savings for consumers, reduced the energy consumption and boosted innovation. The Commission will continue supporting the uptake of sustainable and energy efficient products in the coming years.
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Press release - 16 April 2025 - List of dangerous products notified in Commission's Safety Gate 2024 sets the path for increased consumer protection
Main Findings
Last year, cosmetics (36%) remained the most frequently reported products posing health risks, followed by toys (15%), electrical appliances (10%), motor vehicles (9%) and chemical products (6%). Chemical ingredients were the main cause of risk in almost half of the alerts. Dangerous chemicals detected included cadmium, nickel and lead in jewellery, allergenic fragrances in body oils, and synthetic chemicals used to soften plastics, for example in some clothing. 97% of the cosmetics notified were reported to contain BMHCA, a banned synthetic fragrance, which can harm the reproductive system and cause skin irritation. Alerts registered in the Safety Gate system triggered a robust response from market surveillance authorities with over 4,200 follow-up actions taken to stop the sale of these products or even take them off the market.Next Steps
The Commission is working closely with national market surveillance authorities to prepare the first ever product safety sweep. A “sweep” is a set of checks carried out on websites simultaneously to identify breaches of EU consumer law in a particular sector. The aim of the product safety sweep will be to check the products sold on online marketplaces on their compliance with the new General Product Safety Regulation to ultimately enhance the safety of products offered for sale online.Background
The Safety Gate Rapid Alert System enables national market surveillance authorities from the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) to report and take action against dangerous non-food products, warning other authorities to take swift action. Safety Gate alerts cover risks to human health and safety, such as choking, strangulation and damage to hearing or sight, as well as risks to the environment, energy resources and property. Following the entry into application of the General Product Safety Regulation in December 2024, a modernised future-proof framework is now in place to ensure the safety of products on the EU market. The Regulation clarifies that all products sold in the EU online or offline must be safe, regardless of their origin. It guarantees better enforcement of the rules, improves the effectiveness of recalls of dangerous products, obliges businesses to offer consumers remedies when recalling unsafe products, and provides a new tool for consumers to report safety issues: the Consumer Safety Gateway. With the e-Commerce Communication, presented in February 2025, the Commission proposed new joint actions to address concerns arising from the surge of unsafe or illicit products entering the Single Market from third countries. These targeted measures include actions in customs and trade, consumer protection and the Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts. On 10 April 2025, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the new toy safety rules. The new Regulation will ban the use of harmful chemicals, such as PFAS, endocrine disruptors and bisphenols, in toys. All toys will have a Digital Product Passport to prevent unsafe toys sold online and offline from entering the EU. The Regulation sets stricter rules on online sales and gives inspectors greater powers to remove dangerous toys from the market. Since 2022, the eSurveillance “webcrawler” application has supported national market surveillance enforcement authorities by detecting online offers of dangerous products signalled in Safety Gate. Each day, the application scans the internet in all official EU/EEA languages to identify reported dangerous products offered for sale to European consumers. The detected offers are automatically shared with enforcement authorities, enabling them to quickly trace the sellers and order the effective withdrawal of these listings. In the past year, the eSurveillance webcrawler processed nearly 4,000 Safety Gate alerts, analysed almost 1.6 million websites, and identified about 5,300 web shops potentially offering reported products.For More Information
- 2024 Annual Safety Gate Report and factsheet
- EU product safety legislation
- Businesses obligations concerning product safety
- General Product Safety Regulation
- Consumer Safety Gateway and Safety Business Gateway
- Mandatory online marketplace registration
- Coordinated Activities on the Safety of Products (CASP)
Quote
Year after year, the Commission has strengthened and modernised its tools to ensure that the products entering our homes are safe. At the heart of this effort is the Safety Gate Rapid Alert system, which enables us to swiftly address the risks posed by dangerous goods across the EU. The results speak for themselves, and I look forward to continuing this work to ensure we leave no blind spots in our oversight.
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Press release - 21 March 2025 - Commission and national authorities take action to protect children from harmful practices in video games
Coordinated by the European Commission, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) has launched an enforcement action against Star Stable Entertainment AB to ensure a safer, more transparent experience for players of the Star Stable Online game. In addition, the CPC Network is presenting today key principles to help the gaming industry comply with the EU consumer protection rules related to in-game virtual currencies.
Coordinated Enforcement Action Against Star Stable Entertainment AB
Following a complaint by the Swedish Consumers’ Association, the CPC Network, coordinated by the Commission, has launched a coordinated action requesting Star Stable Entertainment AB to provide information on commercial practices that children might encounter in their game, Star Stable Online.
The CPC Network’s assessment of the company’s reply identified several practices that violate EU consumer protection law and may be especially harmful to children:
- Direct appeals to children in advertisements, urging them to buy or persuade adults to buy in-game currency or items.
- Use of pressuring techniques such as limited-time offers to influence children to make purchases.
- Lack of clear, transparent, and child-adapted information about using in-game virtual currency.
- Failure to ensure influencers clearly disclose commercial content and avoid manipulative marketing toward children.
Star Stable Entertainment AB has one month to respond in writing to the CPC Network’s common position and propose appropriate commitments.
Key Principles for a Trustworthy Online Gaming Environment
Today, the CPC Network is also publishing a new set of key principles to ensure transparency and fairness when it comes to in-game virtual currencies.
- Clear and transparent pricing and pre-contractual information.
- Avoiding misleading practices that hide the cost of in-game content or force purchases.
- Respecting the consumer’s right of withdrawal.
- Special care for vulnerable consumers, particularly children.
These principles respond to concerns raised by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC). A dedicated workshop with gaming companies will follow to encourage industry adoption. The CPC Network will monitor compliance and may take further enforcement steps if needed.
These actions are grounded in existing EU consumer law and will be further examined under the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act.
Background
The CPC Network comprises national authorities enforcing EU consumer law, coordinated by the European Commission. This specific action was led by the Swedish Consumer Agency and the Norwegian Consumer Authority. The Key Principles were developed with input from the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets.
The Commission also supports consumer awareness in gaming via the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy and has co-developed an educational toolkit for young consumers with the European Consumer Centres Network.
For More Information
Quote
Children spend a lot of time online, gaming and interacting on social media. This makes them an attractive target for traders and advertisers. It is crucial to ensure a safe online environment for consumers, particularly children, so they can enjoy gaming without facing unfair practices. I support the efforts of the CPC network and look forward to working with the gaming industry to protect consumers and children.
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Press Release – 15 March 2025 – World Consumer Rights Day 2025
- Name and postal address
- Email address and phone number
- IP address and device type (PC, smartphone, operating system)
- Payment card or bank account details
- Malta: Regulated entities such as banks, financial institutions, and designated non‑financial businesses must verify a customer’s identity by collecting government‑issued identification (e.g., passport, national ID, or driver’s license) and, in many cases, proof of address.
- Germany: Consumers may be asked for a copy of their identity card, but they must be informed that they can conceal irrelevant information (e.g., serial number). Persons other than the ID card holder are not allowed to pass on the copy to third parties.
- France: Merchants can request proof of identity for card payments, but consumers can refuse to provide it.
- Czech Republic: Anti-money laundering laws allow identity documents to be copied without consumer consent.
- Bulgaria: Generally, traders cannot request copies of ID documents, except in specific sectors such as banking or gambling.
- Be cautious with ID requests. Not all companies are legally allowed to request copies of identity documents.
- Ask why your data is needed.
- Check your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Be aware of automated customer scoring.
Press release - 14 March 2025 - New data shows strong levels of consumer trust, but online threats persist
Ahead of tomorrow’s World Consumer Rights Day, the Commission has published the 2025 Consumer Conditions Scoreboard, which shows that 68% of European consumers feel confident about the safety of the products they buy, with 70% trusting that their consumer rights are respected by traders. However, the Scoreboard also shows that online risks persist — including scams, fake reviews, and misleading advertising practices.
Commission Takes Action to Protect Consumers
The Commission is taking decisive action to address challenges faced by consumers across the EU. With the new General Product Safety Regulation in place, consumers are better protected from unsafe products sold online and offline.
To address risks from goods sold by non-EU online retailers and marketplaces hosting such traders, the Commission adopted the Communication on E-Commerce package earlier this year.
In addition, the Commission is preparing a Digital Fairness Act to strengthen consumer protection against harmful practices online — in complement to the existing EU digital rulebook.
Following the entry into force of the Right to Repair Directive and the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive in 2026, consumers will benefit from easier repairs, greater reuse, and clearer information on durability and reparability.
Key Findings of the 2025 Scoreboard
- 70% of consumers agree that retailers and service providers respect consumer rights; 61% trust public organisations to protect their rights.
- Cross-border e-commerce is rising: 35% of consumers bought from another EU country, and 27% from outside the EU in 2024.
- Online shoppers are over 60% more likely to encounter problems compared to those shopping offline.
- 93% of online shoppers express concern about targeted advertising, including personal data collection and personalisation practices.
- 45% of consumers encountered online scams, fake reviews, and misleading discounting practices.
- Despite slowing inflation in 2024, 38% of consumers are concerned about paying bills, and 35% about affording preferred food.
- 74% noticed shrinkflation — packages shrinking in size; 52% observed declining product quality without price changes.
- Environmental concerns in purchasing decisions dropped 13% since 2022, driven by cost and distrust of green claims.
Next Steps
The results will be discussed with Member States, consumer organisations, and businesses. They will also inform the upcoming Consumer Agenda 2025–2030 and the Digital Fairness Act.
Background
The Consumer Conditions Scoreboard is a biennial report tracking consumer sentiment across the EU, Iceland, and Norway. It focuses on consumer knowledge and trust, enforcement, and dispute resolution.
The main source of data is the Consumer Conditions Survey , conducted in November 2024. Additional data from Eurostat and Safety Gate supplements the findings.
For More Information
Quote
The findings of the Consumer Conditions Scoreboard are clear: the EU must maintain ambitious policies to protect consumers, both online and offline. We must ensure proper implementation and enforcement of legislation, and address gaps to improve digital fairness. In these times of uncertainty, consumer policy can make a tangible difference in people’s lives, ensure a level playing field for businesses, and contribute to sustainable growth.
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Press release - 10 March 2025 - EU and Korea deepen ties with landmark digital trade deal
The EU and the Republic of Korea have concluded negotiations for a landmark Digital Trade Agreement (DTA), underscoring their commitment to a strong and reliable partnership that is fit to face today’s fast-paced digital developments.
During the 12th Trade Committee under the EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Korean Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo highlighted the importance of mutually beneficial rules on data and digital technologies, which increasingly permeate every sphere of life.
This ambitious Agreement reflects the EU’s commitment to setting high-standard digital trade rules while connecting further the digital economies of the EU and Korea. The deal provides binding rules that build consumer trust, ensure predictability and legal certainty for businesses, enable trusted data flows, and prevent the emergence of unjustified barriers to digital trade.
The DTA promotes an approach that puts individuals and their rights at its core. It ensures the EU and Korea preserve policy space to develop and implement the necessary responses to new digital economy challenges.
The provisions cover a broad range of topics: cross-border data flows, privacy and personal data protection, customs duties on electronic transmissions, electronic contracts, authentication and trust services, source code protection, online consumer trust, unsolicited marketing communications, open government data, and regulatory cooperation on digital trade.
In addition, the Agreement seeks to enhance digital trade in services and goods by boosting legal certainty for European businesses in Korea. It recognises electronic contracts’ legal validity and encourages the use of electronic signatures. This will allow European companies to serve Korean customers more efficiently — while European consumers benefit from stronger protections and better safeguards against unwanted communications.
The EU and Korea also agreed to deepen their 2010 FTA by creating a specialised committee on emerging trade and economic issues. This new forum will focus on strategic topics such as economic security, overcapacity, and supply chain resilience.
Next Steps
The political agreement marks the conclusion of DTA negotiations. The EU and Korea will now follow internal procedures to work towards formal signature and adoption. On the EU side, this includes legal scrubbing, translation into all EU languages, and submission to the Council and European Parliament.
Background
The DTA complements the 2010 EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which has supported strong economic ties between the partners. Since its entry into application in 2011, bilateral trade has reached record levels — €132 billion in 2022.
It also complements the EU-Korea Digital Partnership, promoting high standards for digital trade rules in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The EU’s digital and data policy model puts people and rights at the centre.
Examples of digital trade include cloud services, financial services, digitally delivered content, and everyday activities like downloading apps, booking rides, or shopping online.
The new Specialised Committee will meet annually and report its work to the Trade Committee, strengthening the partnership further.
For More Information
Quotes
This Digital Trade Agreement shows how we can work with strategic like-minded partners to bring economic benefits through the digital realm to both consumers and businesses. Today’s announcement strengthens our Digital Partnership with the Republic of Korea. It is also a testament to the appeal of the EU’s approach to digital issues — economic benefits with people and their interests at the centre. Agreements such as this one bolster our leadership role on the global stage.
In a time of geopolitical uncertainty, strengthening our ties with like-minded partners such as the Republic of Korea is of paramount importance. Today marks a double success — contributing to the well-being of our businesses and citizens, while reaffirming our commitment to the international rules-based system. Our FTA and DTA ensure that businesses and consumers benefit from a fair, safe, and open trade system — online and offline.
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Press release - 7 March 2025 - Investigation by the Commission and national consumer authorities finds that nearly half of second-hand online traders fail to correctly inform consumers of their return rights
- 40% did not inform consumers of their right of withdrawal in a clear manner, such as the right to return the product within 14 days without justification or cost.
- 45% did not correctly inform consumers of their right to return faulty goods or goods that do not look or work as advertised.
- 57% did not respect the minimum period of one year legal guarantee for second-hand goods.
- Of the 34% of traders presenting environmental claims, 20% were not sufficiently substantiated, and 28% were manifestly false, deceptive, or likely unfair.
- 5% did not provide their identity correctly, and 8% did not provide the total price including taxes.
Background
The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) is a network of national authorities responsible for the enforcement of EU consumer protection laws. Under the coordination of the European Commission, they collaborate to tackle infringements occurring in the Single Market. Traders’ obligations are governed by the:- Consumer Rights Directive
- e-Commerce Directive
- Unfair Commercial Practices Directive
- Sales of Goods Directive
For More Information
Quote
Second-hand goods play a crucial role in a circular economy. It is important that all traders, including those dealing in second-hand goods, uphold consumer rights. The results of our recent sweep indicate that this is not always happening. I urge all affected traders to assure their practices are fully aligned with EU consumer law.
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Press release - 5 March 2025 - Commission boosts European automotive industry's global competitiveness
The European automotive sector is at a critical turning point, driven by rapid technological changes and increasing competition. To address these challenges, President von der Leyen launched a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry in January — a collaborative and inclusive process. Today, the Commission presents an Action Plan building on this dialogue, offering concrete steps to support a sustainable, competitive industry.
To ensure supply chain resilience and reduce strategic dependencies, the Commission will allocate €1.8 billion to create a secure and competitive battery raw materials supply chain.
Accelerating Innovation and Clean Mobility Transition
EU automotive firms are falling behind in key digital technologies. A new European Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Alliance will be launched to unite stakeholders and develop next-generation vehicles. This includes regulatory sandboxes and large-scale testbeds.
Backed by Horizon Europe, around €1 billion in public-private investments will be mobilised between 2025–2027 to support this transition.
The Action Plan is accompanied by a new Decarbonise Corporate Fleets Communication, encouraging Member States to adopt best practices in greening fleets — which account for about 60% of new car registrations.
More Flexibility for CO2 Standards Compliance
Responding to stakeholder calls, the Commission will propose an amendment to the CO2 Standards Regulation for cars and vans. This would allow manufacturers to average emissions over 2025–2027, offsetting shortfalls in one year with overperformance in others, while preserving 2025 targets.
The Commission will also accelerate work on a broader review of the Regulation and introduce consumer incentives and trust measures (e.g. better battery health reporting) to boost the uptake of zero-emission vehicles.
Supporting Supply Chain Resilience and Workers
Achieving cost-competitive EU cell production is a key priority. The Commission will support EU battery manufacturers via the Innovation Fund and may introduce new resilience criteria for components.
To address labour challenges, the European Fair Transition Observatory will map skills gaps and employment risk areas. The Commission will:
- Expand the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to offer faster and broader support.
- Encourage increased ESF+ funding for reskilling automotive workers.
- Launch a reinforced Pact for Skills initiative focusing on strategic sectors.
Boosting Global Competitiveness and Resilience
To defend EU interests on the global stage, the Commission will apply trade defence tools, including anti-subsidy measures, and seek enhanced market access and sourcing opportunities.
Additional measures will ensure that foreign investment supports long-term EU competitiveness and reduce red tape for carmakers.
Background
This Action Plan stems from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry launched on 30 January 2025 by President von der Leyen. It reflects outcomes from a public consultation and work of multiple Working Groups led by Commissioners Šefčovič, Hoekstra, Séjourné, Virkkunen, Mînzatu, and Tzitzikostas.
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Quotes
There is so much untapped potential at the global market when it comes to innovation and clean solutions. I want to see our European automotive industry taking the lead. We will promote domestic production to avoid strategic dependencies, especially for battery production. We will stick to our agreed emissions targets, but with a pragmatic and flexible approach. Our mutual aim is a sustainable, competitive, and innovative car industry in Europe that benefits our citizens, our economy, and our environment.
The future of Europe’s automotive industry must be competitive, connected, and clean. With this Action Plan, we are taking decisive steps to strengthen Europe’s industrial base, accelerate digitalisation and drive clean mobility. Our goal is clear: to ensure that the next generation of vehicles is not just made in Europe, but innovated in Europe, powered by European technology, and built on European values.
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Press release - 5 February 2025 - Commission announces actions for safe and sustainable e-commerce imports
Proposed Measures
- Customs Reform: Swift adoption of the Customs Union Reform Package, removal of the duty exemption for parcels under €150, better data-sharing, and a potential non-discriminatory handling fee to supervise compliance.
- Targeted Controls: Coordinated actions by customs and market surveillance authorities — including the first product safety sweep — with intensified checks based on risk analysis.
- Marketplace Oversight: Enforcement of existing tools — including the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, and Consumer Protection laws — to hold traders accountable.
- Digital Tools: Implementation of the Digital Product Passport and AI tools to detect potentially non-compliant goods.
- Environmental Measures: Launch of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products action plan and amendments to the Waste Framework Directive.
- Consumer Empowerment: Awareness campaigns on consumer rights and redress options.
- Global Cooperation: Training on EU product safety rules and further trade investigations relating to dumping and subsidisation.
Next Steps
The Commission calls on Member States, co-legislators, and stakeholders to support the implementation of the Toolbox. A report will be published within a year to assess the impact of the measures. Based on the findings, the Commission may consider further actions to reinforce EU rule enforcement.Background
While e-commerce benefits consumers and businesses alike — with 70% of Europeans shopping online — it brings challenges, particularly around goods imported directly to EU consumers. Customs authorities are under pressure due to increasing volumes. Risks include unsafe products, illicit goods, environmental harm, and unfair competition. Notably, around half of counterfeit goods seized at EU borders that violated SME intellectual property rights were bought online.For More Information
Quotes
The rise in e-commerce imports to the EU market has brought with it many challenges. The EU is ready to address these challenges, coming together as Team Europe to make sure citizens and businesses can continue to enjoy the many benefits of online shopping, while minimising the risks of dangerous products that threaten the health and safety of consumers. We want to see a competitive e-commerce sector that keeps consumers safe, offers convenient products, and is respectful of the environment.
E-commerce has revolutionised shopping. Three out of four Europeans shop online regularly. Yet the surge of imported goods can pose threats to the rights of European consumers and their safety. Now is the time for Team Europe to come together to address these threats and protect European consumers. We have a duty to ensure that goods entering our market are safe and that all traders respect consumers’ rights. The Commission will use all the tools in its power to fully support and coordinate the enforcement of our laws.
As e-commerce is booming, we must step up efforts to prevent non-compliant products from entering the EU market and to ensure fair competition for both European and third-country operators. Our customs authorities are the first set of eyes at the border so we must equip them with the appropriate instruments to strengthen our enforcement capacities, in close cooperation with other authorities instrumental to checking goods entering the EU market. The ambitious Customs Union Reform tabled by the Commission in May 2023 is foreseen to remove duty relief for low-value parcels as well as enhance control through a proposed EU Customs Authority and an EU Customs Data Hub. This would be a true game-changer to level the playing field for e-commerce players.