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Shein accused of breaking EU law with manipulative sales tactics

The EU has slammed Shein for using fake discounts, manipulative pressure tactics and misleading claims, in breach of consumer laws and called for urgent redress.

Europe News

EU's €2 handling charge for cheap imports to snare Chinese products

Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič announced a fee to counterbalance the cost safety checks for products coming from China – and hopefully curbing numbers of packages sent to Europe.

Travel News

Consumer groups file complaint against ‘abusive’ hand luggage charges

The consumer groups argue that the fees for hand luggage contravene a ruling from more than a decade ago by the European Court of Justice.

EU Decoded

How does the European Union want to make toys safe for children?

Supported by most political forces, the EU institutions advanced a proposal to ban toxic chemicals from toys sold in European markets. Those chemicals could pose considerable health risks for kids.

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Healthcare

What 'dangerous chemicals' found in EU products mean for your health

A banned fragrance, lead, and restricted "forever chemicals" were found in products in the EU last year, a new report has found.

Tech News

EU Digital Fairness Act is for business as much as consumers, says justice commissioner

The European Commission’s upcoming Digital Fairness Act will not only strengthen protections for consumers online, but also ease legal and administrative burdens for businesses, according to Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath.

Europe News

Will European air passengers receive less compensation in future?

The proposed update to European rules for obtaining compensation in the event of air travel delays could deprive 85% of passengers of compensation, according to consumer associations.

Tech News

Commission targets in-game currency in children's video games

The Commission is probing alleged unfair practices in the horse-riding game Star Stable Online, targeting in-game purchases aimed at children. The upcoming Digital Fairness Act may include stricter rules on virtual currency transparency and fairness.

Travel News

Why airlines want to pay you less for flight disruptions

Proposals to water down passenger flight delay compensation rules are being discussed in Brussels, risking Europe’s claim to having the most passenger-friendly skies in the world.

Europe News

European Commission opens Shein probe and targets Chinese e-commerce giants

The Commission calls for stricter enforcement of consumer protection and environmental standards in online commerce in a new communication focusing on Chinese marketplaces; separately announcing an investigation into clothes giant Shein.

Tech News

Meta's new pay-or-consent policy still breaches EU law, consumer advocates claim

The social media giant may have softened its rules allowing subscribers to Facebook and Instagram to get no ads, but users still aren’t getting a fair choice, BEUC argues.

Tech News

Geo-blocking restricting EU consumers’ access to online goods, report finds

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) reports progress in curbing unjustified geo-blocking but calls for harmonised enforcement of regulations and a potential extension to other sectors.

Tech News

'Wild West' refurbished good market needs taming, argues consumer group

Euroconsumers highlights the lack of common EU standards concerning the quality of refurbished products and the framework governing their resale.

Europe News

IBAN discrimination still harms consumers, says EU auditors

From February 2021 to September 2023, consumers reported almost 3,500 cases of alleged IBAN discrimination on the 'Accept My IBAN platform', mostly in France and Spain, accounting for 31% and 21% of all cases respectively.

Nutrition

European consumers baffled by food labelling spaghetti

Lack of EU actions has led to an overwhelming array of labels and claims, leaving consumers struggling to make informed choices, according to EU auditors.

Tech News

Consumer group report adds to fight against dynamic pricing

Euroconsumers, a consumer rights advocacy group, has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the algorithms behind dynamic pricing. This issue could soon be addressed in the upcoming EU law on online consumer protection.

EU Decoded

EU DECODED: Could lab-grown meat arrive in supermarkets soon?

In this episode we talk about new ways of manufacturing mankind’s primary source of protein: meat. The Netherlands, Spain and Germany lead the way in development of cell-based meat, but it has already been banned in Italy. So how urgently does the EU need to address common rules on the product?

Europe News

EU Commission warns Temu to fix consumer protection violations

The Commission and national consumer authorities have found that Temu engages in illegal practices like fake discounts and misleading reviews. Already under DSA investigation, Temu has one month to respond to these accusations.

Tech News

Oasis ticket costs spur European lawmakers to kerb dynamic pricing

Skyrocketing ticket prices for Oasis concerts in the UK and Ireland, ranging from €86 to €400, have prompted MEPs to call for stronger consumer protections while ensuring access to cultural events. The issue is expected to be brought up during the upcoming Commissioner hearings, according to MEPs.

Europe News

EU top court rules in favour of veggie burgers in labelling dispute

Plant-based foods can continue to be sold and promoted using terms traditionally associated with meat, as long as their composition is clearly labelled and does not mislead consumers, the EU Court of Justice ruled.