Brussels, 19 April 2024
European Consumer Protection Ministers met in Brussels on Friday 19 April for an informal meeting under the Belgian Presidency to exchange their views on key issues and new challenges of consumer protection within the Single Market and the digital transition.
The informal meeting of ministers responsible for Consumer Protection, chaired by the Belgian State Secretary, gave the opportunity to discuss priorities for the next European Commission. The European Commission was represented by Director-General Ana Gallego Torres.
Mileage fraud in the second-hand car market
The first roundtable focused on topics related to a fair single market. First, the Member States had the opportunity to give their opinions on mileage fraud in the second-hand car market. The Presidency pointed out the significance of providing accurate information when selling second-hand vehicles as a crucial step in combatting mileage fraud and empowering consumers to make well-informed decisions. Data exchange between Member States may reduce cross-border mileage fraud. The European Vehicle and Driving Licence Information System (Eucaris) already provides both infrastructure and a legal basis for the exchange of harmonised transport data among the authorities of the Member States.
Enhancing consumer protection enforcement on national and EU-level
Secondly, discussions were held on enhancing consumer protection enforcement on national and EU-level. The Presidency noted that CPC Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 has created a basis for robust cross-border enforcement, but the assessment of its functioning has highlighted the need for a revision to address existing shortcomings.
I warmly welcome the Letta report that puts exactly the same focus as we die today. We need to inform the consumers in a clear way and we need to enforce more coherently in the EU the consumers rights
Belgian State Secretary of Consumer Protection
Better access to banking services, financial education, the role of cash and a digital euro
The first roundtable ended with a focus on better access to banking services, financial education, the role of cash and a digital euro. Efforts are needed to ensure that all consumers can enjoy their right to access useful and affordable financial services, especially in the context of increasing digitalisation of these services. Promising proposals are under discussion, notably the mandatory acceptance of and improved access to cash, and the issuance of a digital euro. Both initiatives seek to support financial inclusion of vulnerable groups and build resilience of our retail payment system.
Sustainable e-commerce
The second roundtable focused on sustainable e-commerce and certain new business models which consumers are confronted with in an increasingly digitalised world, especially Artificial Intelligence and influencer marketing, which play significant roles in shaping the consumer landscape.
The Presidency highlighted the need for e-commerce to become more sustainable. Both consumer and trader awareness of environmental issues should be raised and used to ensure more sustainable choices at the time of purchase as well as for the return of goods, without diminishing the rights of the consumer when buying online.
Challenges presented by AI and automatic decision-making for consumer trust and well-being
The second roundtable also addressed the challenges presented by AI and automatic decision-making for consumer trust and well-being. Since the use of AI can have a substantial impact on the consumer’s behaviour, consumer education on how traders use AI in their business processes is strongly needed.
Influencer marketing
Finally, the phenomenon of influencer marketing, which has a major impact on consumer behaviour, was discussed. Since influencers have a cross-border impact, the importance of a uniform approach to create a level playing field for influencers from all Member States was raised.
This event was an important step towards exchanging experiences and enabling the Belgian Presidency to lay out the consumer protection priorities for the next European Commission.
It was a very good thing to initiate the Letta report, which puts exactly the same focus as we did today. We need to inform the consumers in a clear way, we need to enforce more coherently in the EU the consumers rights, and we need to create new rights for European consumers
Belgian Minister of Economy
Source – Belgian EU Presidency