In March 2023, as part of the new action plan for the circular economy, the European Commission has proposed a directive to strengthen consumers' rights and options with regard to low-cost and simple repairs. Although this push is welcomed, the Commission’s proposal fails to address some aspects adequately that would be essential to speak of a real right to repair for consumers.

Influencer marketing is growing rapidly in social media and is used in a wide variety of areas such as fashion, fitness, food or travel. Due to the great response and the potential to set trends, this type of marketing has become a sought-after form of advertising. Brands are increasingly using it to promote their products and services and get their messages across to a large audience. But what impact does this type of advertising have on consumers, and where would EU-wide regulation need to intervene?

Together with the ECB, the EU Commission has long been discussing the introduction of a digital euro to complement coins and banknotes. On 28 June 2023, it finally published a first legislative proposal. The thrust of the central bank digital currency is now also clear: it is about free access to an alternative means of payment - for private individuals. The EU Commission is not only hoping for more financial inclusion; consumers should also benefit from the security and anonymity of the digital euro.

With very high saving rates, around 17% of the assets of private EU households were held in form of financial securities (shares, bonds, etc.). By comparison, this share is 43 % in the USA. With a package to protect and empower retail investors, the EU-Commission wants to contribute to increasing consumer interest in the EU capital markets. On 24 May, the long announced proposal was presented. At the centre of the public debate is a commission ban for financial advisors, or rather its hesitant implementation.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems has already penetrated many areas of life in recent years. Due to the current rapid spread of ChatGPT, awareness of AI and the need for regulating AI systems has recently risen sharply. Besides positive expectations towards innovation, AI systems also raise concerns, especially with regard to the safety and protection of the fundamental rights of workers and consumers. On 14 June 2023, the EU Parliament will vote on how the future EU law on Artificial Intelligence should be designed.

Rapid advances in the development of artificial intelligence and algorithms make the protection of people in the digital space a highly relevant concern for European policy. With its initiative on "Digital Fairness", the EU Commission wants to check whether existing EU consumer law ensures that the same level of fairness is achieved online and offline. As shown in a new AK EUROPA position paper, there is indeed still a great need for action to make this maxim a reality.

With its initiative on "Digital Fairness", the EU Commission wants to analyse whether the existing consumer protection law ensures an equal level of fairness online and offline. As presented in this AK EUROPA position paper, there is certainly a great need for action from the point of view of AK. The digital economy is gaining more and more power over consumers and citizens through excessive use of data, algorithms and artificial intelligence, while their position is becoming ever weaker. "Take it or leave it" is often the motto of online providers.

Together with civil society organisations and trade unions, in this open letter AK EUROPA raises concerns about the slow pace of engagement at the Council level on the EU Forced Labour Regulation. The proposed regulation could contribute to creating conditions for EU companies to meaningfully address forced labour in their value chains, both inside and outside the EU.

In view of the increasingly noticeable effects of the climate crisis, the promotion of environmentally friendly consumption is also moving noticeably up the EU agenda. As part of the new action plan for the circular economy, the European Commission has now proposed two further directives to put a stop to greenwashing, support sustainable purchasing decisions and strengthen consumers' rights and options with regard to low-cost and simple repairs.

Jointly with other organisations working for digital rights of patients, healthcare professionals, consumers, workers and trade unions  in the European Health Data Area, AK EUROPA has addressed Members of the EU Parliament in an open letter. The letter urges MEPs to prioritise fundamental rights of European patients in the digitalisation of health systems and, in particular, to include consent requirements for the use of data. The current proposal threatens to deny patients control over the sharing of their medical data and its commercial exploitation.