consumer protection

Trump banking cop threatens global financial security, warns top US Democrat

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U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren wants Randal Quarles sacked from the global watchdog, warning he will unwind post-2008 reforms.

Press release – Managing the influx of substandard goods from non-EU web shops

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On Wednesday, Parliament adopted proposals to manage the growing influx into the EU of substandard and potentially dangerous cheap goods from non-EU web shops.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

Press release – Circular economy: new EU rules to make the automotive sector more sustainable

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On Monday, the Environment and Internal Market Committees adopted their proposals on new EU rules to cover the entire vehicle lifecycle, from design to final end-of-life treatment.Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food SafetyCommittee on …

Press release – Consumer rights: Deal on out-of-court dispute resolution rules

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Thursday’s agreement between Parliament and Council aims to increase consumer awareness and encourage greater business participation in out-of-court dispute solutions.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2…

Will the anti-greenwashing proposal survive the tug-of-war between European institutions?

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The European Commission plans to remove a key proposal from the Green Deal, sparking controversy over greenwashing regulations and consumer protection.

Press release – Package travel: better protection against bankruptcy and unforeseen events

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On Thursday, the Consumer Protection Committee adopted updated rules on package travel to clarify the rights of travellers when their journey is affected by unforeseen circumstances.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © Eu…

EU to loosen rules on cancer-causing chemicals in cosmetics

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The leaked proposal also weakens rules on advertising hazardous chemicals. Consumer groups warned it was a health risk.

Press release – Green Claims Directive: EP co-rapporteurs hold a press conference at 15.15

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Following the Commission’s announcement on Friday that it intends to withdraw the legislative proposal, the Council has decided to cancel the trilogue scheduled for Monday.Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food SafetyCommittee on the Internal M…

TikTok bans ‘unhealthy’ SkinnyTok hashtag after pressure from regulators

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Efforts to protect kids online are gaining traction in Europe.

Brits back BNPL regulation for flexible payment options  

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Sector regulation welcomed by consumers as new study finds Brits are prioritizing interest-free financial products and those that help them budget more easily.

Friends with benefits: the legal elements of the reset of the EU/UK relationship

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 Professor Steve Peers, Royal Holloway University of
London

Photo credit: Julian Herzog, via Wikimedia
Commons

Introduction

Advocates of Quebec’s independence
from Canada have long argued that their plan would not entail complete separation
fr…

EU to charge €2 fee for Temu, Shein packages

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Handling fee would tackle packages pushed towards Europe by U.S. tariffs.

Press release – Toy safety: deal on new measures to protect children’s health

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The agreed draft legislation comes in response to a number of emerging challenges, such as risks relating to digital toys and the surge in online shopping.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

Who really benefits from new genomic techniques? Farmers and consumers at risk [Promoted content]

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The EU’s proposal on new genomic techniques risks undermining farmers’ rights, consumer choice and food security. Without robust safeguards on patents, traceability, and biodiversity, the legislation could accelerate corporate control over agriculture,…

Reynolds hits ‘reset’ on competition

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SNEAK PEEK —  The government is giving the CMA a ‘reset’. The CMA will try to show it’s got the message. — Peter Kyle explains the U.K.’s AI summit statement snub. — MPs pick up where peers left off on copyright. Good morning and happy Thursday, This is Tom, back home. You can get in touch with […]

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

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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.

China’s online shopping boom faces EU crackdown

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The European Commission plans more customs checks and fees to stem flood of low-value parcels from China.

Press release – Enforcing the Digital Services Act: press conference on Tuesday at 15.30 CET

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Following tomorrow’s debate on the enforcement of EU digital rules to protect democracy online, Christel Schaldemose (S&D, DK) will hold a press conference.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

Erasmus programme, consumer protection, online safety: What the EU gets right

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Things may look bleak for the European Union in the depths of winter, with challenges across the board: the threat of a trade war with the US, weakened political figures in Germany and France, European farmers menacing protests about the Mercosur deal…

As Trump sues, the free press braces

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First Amendment advocates worry about an emboldened Trump using civil litigation to target journalists he dislikes.

As long as the system of remedies and the objectives are not undermined: The Court of Justice on GDPR enforcement (Case C-21/23, Lindenapotheke)

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Alessandra Fratini and Giorgia
Lo Tauro, Fratini Vergano European lawyers

Photo credit: via Wikimedia Commons

Introduction

On 4 October 2024, the Grand
Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union issued its judgment
i…

Business leaders are worried about JD Vance and the future of the GOP

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They’ve watched the party move away from them under Donald Trump. They’re worried his chosen successor could accelerate the shift.

EU opens probe into Chinese e-commerce platform Temu

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The Commission will look into whether the Chinese e-commerce company has failed to crack down on illegal products and addictive designs.

Ireland’s commissioner-designate McGrath outlines how to protect EU values in tech policy

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McGrath’s written answers to MEPs reveal details about his plans for the Digital Fairness Act and consumer protection.

Who could be in Kamala Harris’ Cabinet? Here are the leading contenders.

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If Kamala Harris wins the election, she will likely approach the task of filling out her Cabinet and West Wing much like she did when she took over Joe Biden’s campaign operation this summer. While she’ll ensure her closest advisers and key Cabinet members are people she personally trusts, there will be some continuity with […]

Digital Fairness Checked, Council on cloud certification schemes

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The Commission’s report on digital fairness was released, showing areas of reform in consumer protection law, while the Council called on ENISA to increase transparency for cloud certification schemes.

California’s failed AI safety bill is a warning to Britain

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What can London learn from Sacramento’s doomed attempt to regulate the existential risks posed by powerful AI?

EU consumer protection laws in need of reform, reveals EU Commission’s Digital Fairness Fitness Check

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The review focused on three key directives: The Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, the Consumer Rights Directive and the Unfair Contract Terms Directive.

Show me the money, Gastein says

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SNEAK PEEK —  Gastein day 1 kicks off with a plea to ramp up investment in health — and ways to do it. — Can tech help to close the gender health gap? Some think so, but only if its funded and reaches all in need. — Is COP29 the breakthrough year for health and […]

UK launches investigation into Ticketmaster’s pricing for Oasis reunion tour

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The UK’s competition watchdog launched on Thursday an investigation into Ticketmaster over its handling of ticket sales for Oasis’s highly anticipated reunion tour, following complaints of sudden price hikes due to dynamic pricing. The inquiry will ex…

Oasis fiasco prompts UK Ticketmaster probe

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Competition and Markets Authority looks back in anger after “dynamic pricing” row.

Oasis Ticketmaster fiasco prompts UK probe into ‘dynamic pricing’

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British Culture Secretary said it was “depressing to see vastly inflated prices excluding ordinary fans.”

Russia on mpox: No risk due to our ‘traditional values’

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Russian official laughs off threat of disease formerly known as monkeypox.

How Kamala Harris’ platform could differ from Joe Biden’s

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President Joe Biden’s decision to abandon his reelection bid and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris means that Harris could soon become the standard-bearer for the Democratic Party’s biggest priorities — including abortion rights, climate change and student debt relief. Her track record as a California attorney general, a U.S. senator and Biden’s No. 2 provides only so […]

How Kamala Harris’ platform could differ from Joe Biden’s

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Here are some hints about how Harris’ agenda and Biden’s might compare if she ends up taking the oath in January.

A ‘conditional payment’ is still a payment: the Court of justice rules again on online order buttons (Case C-400/22, Conny)

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Alessandra Fratini and Giorgia
Lo Tauro, FratiniVergano European Lawyers

Photo credit: Namakkalshowroom,
via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

Introduction

On 30 May 2024, the Court of Justice
of the European Union issued its judg…

Washington’s most powerful interests don’t know whether to cheer Harris — or dread her

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Would she bring continuity with Joe Biden’s policies? A more centrist vibe? A sharper progressive bite? Industries including tech, energy and pharma want to know.

Green’s Cavazzini re-elected as IMCO chair

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Greens MEP Anna Cavazzini (Germany) will be chairing the European Parliament’s Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) for another term, according to a press release by the Parliament on Tuesday (23 July).

Consumer authorities and EU Commission raise concerns about Meta’s ‘pay or OK’ model

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Tensions between Meta and the EU intensified on Monday (22 July), with the European Commission and European consumer authorities saying the US tech giant may be breaching consumer protection law with its “pay or OK” model.

How to speak EP

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Your guide to the jargon that’s everywhere in Brussels.

To do: 6 thorny issues lurking in MEPs’ inboxes

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From creating an EU-wide money market to protecting kids online, POLITICO looks at what lies ahead for lawmakers.

EU charges Elon Musk’s X for letting disinfo run wild

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The tech mogul’s platform is the first to get hit with charges under new EU social media law.

How consumer protections can be enhanced in e-commerce

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This week, together with Marco Scialdone, a lawyer and adjunct professor of law and management of digital content and services at the European University of Rome, we delve into the impact of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

Compatibility of Member States’ Alcohol Health Warning Labelling with EU Law

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Dr Nikhil Gokani,
Lecturer in Consumer Protection and Public
Health Law at the University of Essex, Chair of the Alcohol Labelling and Health Warning
International Expert Group at the European Alcohol Policy Alliance,
Vice President of the La…

Press release – Right to repair: Making repair easier and more appealing to consumers

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The new rules reinforce the right to repair, aim to reduce waste and bolster the repair sector by making it easier and more cost-effective to repair goods.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

Belgium’s Didier Reynders to compete for Council of Europe top job

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It is unclear who will replace the EU’s justice commissioner during his leave of absence.

Buy now, regulate later

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SNEAK PEEK — Labour gets thinking on Buy Now, Pay Later regulation. — Fintechs argue fraud payments legislation is unsuited to their needs. — FCA looks into treatment of vulnerable customers. Good morning readers! We hope you had a lovely weekend. To ease you into what will likely be yet another grey morning, we’ve got […]

Europe’s content police have a new target: generative AI

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The EU announces that it’s looking into AliExpress, LinkedIn and generative AI.

Press release – Parliament adopts its position on major reform of EU Customs Code

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The overhaul of the EU Customs Code reform would change the way customs authorities operate, cooperate with traders and manage goods that people order online.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

Press release – Parliament backs tighter EU rules for toy safety

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The draft rules aim to decrease the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU single market and better protect children from toy-related risks.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

Press release – Parliament wants to improve consumer protection against misleading claims

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Parliament has adopted its position on establishing a verification and pre-approval system for environmental marketing claims to protect citizens from misleading ads.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 20…

Press release – Green Claims directive: press conference with lead MEPs on Tuesday at 14.30

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Co-rapporteurs Andrus Ansip (Renew, Estonia) and Cyrus Engerer (S&D, Malta) will brief journalists following the plenary vote on the green claims directive.Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food SafetyCommittee on the Internal Market and …

What the EU’s new packaging rules mean for you

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Brussels is going after excessive packaging in a bid to slash waste.

Budget bonanza

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SNEAK PEEK — Budget expectations, from National Insurance cuts to inheritance tax latest. — Bank capital treatment of SMEs might scupper retail-heavy budget plans. — FCA investigates banks’ loans to small businesses amid “super complaint.” Good morning … IT’S BUDGET DAY! POLITICO reporters have been running around like headless chickens trying to get the goss. […]

Press release – New rules for a responsible and transparent short-term rental sector

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The rules aim to reveal the actual impact of short-term rental services and enable local authorities in response to develop appropriate policies.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

Press release – Parliament adopts new transparency rules for political advertising

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The new rules will aim to enhance citizens’ trust in election campaigns and help fight against disinformation and foreign interference.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

10 ways a second Trump term could be more extreme than the first

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From nationwide abortion bans to classroom culture wars, assaults on climate science and political weaponization of the military, his return to the White House could make Trump 1.0 seem tame.

Press release – Transparent political advertising: Press conference after final plenary vote

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Rapporteur Sandro Gozi (Renew, FR), will brief journalists after Tuesday’s plenary vote on new rules on transparent and secure political advertising.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

Press release – First vote on the biggest EU customs reform since 1968

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On Thursday, the Internal Market Committee adopted its position on the EU Customs Code reform that will restructure the way customs authorities work in the EU.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

Press release – Greenwashing: how EU firms can validate their green claims

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The Internal Market and Environment committees adopted on Wednesday their position on the rules on how firms can validate their environmental marketing claims.Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food SafetyCommittee on the Internal Market a…

Press release – MEPs back stricter rules to ensure children’s toys are safe

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The new rules aim to decrease the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU single market and protect children better from toy-related risks.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

EU agrees new law granting consumers a ‘right to repair’ products

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European consumers will have the right to have common household appliances, including mobile phones, repaired, while EU countries will have to produce schemes to boost repair rates according to a new law adopted on Friday (2 February).

Press release – Deal on strengthening consumers’ right to repair

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EU negotiators reached a provisional deal on a bill that aims to reduce waste and bolster the repair sector by making product repairs more accessible and cost-effective.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union,…

Press release – MEPs adopt new law banning greenwashing and misleading product information

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Parliament has given its final green light to a directive that will improve product labelling and ban the use of misleading environmental claims.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

Press release – Better product labelling and banning greenwashing: press briefing with lead MEP

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On Wednesday at 14.30, Biljana Borzan will explain the outcome of the final plenary vote on the empowering consumers directive banning misleading claims and greenwashing.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union…

EU Commission seeks third way between ‘pay or consent’ in voluntary pledges

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The EU’s consumer protection department presented draft pledging principles for the digital advertising industry as part of its initiative to phase out cookie banners that include the provision of a third, less intrusive alternative to the pay-or…

Press release – MEPs want to revise EU geo-blocking rules to eliminate remaining barriers

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EU rules on geo-blocking need to be better enforced and updated to strengthen the digital single market and better respond to consumer expectations.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2023 – EP

Press release – New EU rules needed to address digital addiction

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Parliament calls for the development of ethical digital products that do not rely on dark patterns and addictive designs.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2023 – EP

How to get tech right in Europe?

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A European strategy for EU tech to nurture and support its valuable assets — tech companies.

EU Parliament adopts Right to Repair law with broad support

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The European Parliament endorsed a beefed-up ‘right to repair’ law with a large majority on Tuesday (21 November), setting its position before negotiations with the Council representing the 27 EU countries.

Press release – New EU rules encouraging consumers to repair devices over replacing them

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Parliament adopted its negotiating position on new measures to strengthen the right to repair and reduce the environmental impact of mass consumption.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2023 – EP

Press release – Right to repair: press conference with lead MEP

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On Tuesday at 14.30, rapporteur René Repasi will brief journalists on the outcome of the plenary vote on the right to repair.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2023 – EP

Press release – Deal on improving transparency in the short-term rental sector

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Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on new rules on collection and data sharing on short-term rentals to help local authorities improve tourism services.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2023 – EP

Press release – Political advertising: deal on new measures to crack down on abuse

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On Monday evening, EU co-legislators reached a provisional deal on new rules to make election and referenda campaigns more transparent and resistant to interference.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 202…

Who’s in charge? Western capitals scramble to lead on AI

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This week marks a pivotal moment for global AI rulemaking. But officials aren’t above taking potshots at rival plans.

Leading parliamentary committee calls for regulating addictive design online

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In a report adopted with a broad majority in the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, lawmakers argue that digital platforms should be less addictive, focusing on child protection and the harms of social media.

Press release – New EU rules needed to make digital platforms less addictive

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MEPs raise alarm over the addictive design features of certain digital services and call for fostering ethical design by default.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2023 – EP

Press release – Right to repair: incentives for consumers to repair rather than replace

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The Internal Market Committee adopted its position on new measures to strengthen the right to repair and promote sustainable consumption.Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Source : © European Union, 2023 – EP

EU reaches deal banning ‘climate-neutral’ product claims

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In the wake of longstanding complaints of greenwashing by consumer advocates, on Tuesday (19 September) the EU institutions finalised a new law enacting a sweeping ban to combat the misleading of its citizens through erroneous claims of sustainability.

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