There are 450 million consumers in the EU, contributing over 51% of the EU’s GDP through household spending. Although they benefit from strong consumer rights, increased living costs and evolving market practices, especially online, mean that consumer law must constantly adapt. To guide EU consumer policy over the next five years, the Commission has announced the 2030 consumer agenda. The agenda focuses on four key priorities
- An action plan to complete the single market for consumers. This will lower costs for consumers, boost opportunities for businesses, encourage mobility, and enhance access to cross-border financial services.
- A Digital Fairness Act (DFA), to be proposed in 2026, to protect consumers in the digital environment, especially children. The Commission will also simplify rules for businesses, reduce administrative burden through digital tools, improve access to information, and strengthen action against online fraud.
- Promoting sustainable consumption by helping EU countries apply EU laws that promote sustainable goods. The Commission also aims to promote the return of goods that are no longer used, second-hand markets or innovative circular start-ups.
- Protecting consumers from unsafe or uncompliant products online by ensuring effective enforcement and redress. This will be done by reforming the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation, working with national authorities, ensuring the effective enforcement of the General Product Safety Regulation, and proposing 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.
Since the 1970s, the EU has created strong consumer rights, adapting to new technologies and societal changes. The new 2030 agenda is the latest strategic framework to shape consumer policy in Europe. It replaces the 2020-2025 action plan which focused on the green and digital transitions, as well as addressing unfair online practices.
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