Consumer reports by European Consumer Centres

The European Consumer Centres work together to analyse consumer issues in Europe, based on the complaints they handle in the national centres.

Every year, they collaborate to analyse the state of play for the most popular or problematic consumer topics and publish their findings in their consumer reports.

The aim is to offer consumers practical information – a buyers’ guide to help them compare products and services in Europe and avoid common problems.

Recent ECC consumer reports

Air passengers in Europe: equal rights, unequal access to dispute resolution

Brussels, March 2013 - The European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) issued a Report on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Air Passenger Rights (APR) sector. ADR procedures enable consumers to solve their disputes with businesses without going to court using, saving time and money for both parties. Report

Consumers buying loans online now get better information

Before consumers enter into a loan, they need to understand its real cost and take the time to reflect, especially on the monthly repayment. The Consumer Credit Directive lists the information that need to be given in advertising of credits and as part of credit offers and provides for a 14 days reflexion time, during which the consumer may back out of the agreement without charge. Following a crackdown on websites offering consumer credits, more than 3 out of 4 sites checked a year ago now comply with EU law. Consumer tips Consumer credit sweep website

Planning a skiing holiday?

The report "Ski Resorts in Europe" is a guide for all ski-lovers, whether they ski on a shoe-string budget, take a family holiday or change ski resorts every year. Have fun!

Avoid the traps of online shopping!

The European Consumers Centres Network (ECC-Net) published today their report "European Online Market Place – Consumer complaints 2010-2011".

Over 2010 and 2011, the ECC-Net collected approximately 31.000 consumers' complaints per year, out of which 56% dealt with online issues. The report shows that faulty delivery and defective products and services are the main sources of consumers' discontent. In order to help consumers avoid these problems and many more, the report also provides a checklist of tips to avoid online traps.

EU Consumers: settling small cross-border disputes without any hassle

Hunting for cross-border bargains is a way for consumers to get the 'best deal' across the EU's internal market. Shopping online makes these bargains ever more accessible. But sometimes things can go wrong: there might be a problem with the goods or with delivery. To avoid difficult, costly and time-consuming legal procedures, the European Union is facilitating access to justice for consumers in Europe, so that they can effectively enforce their rights.

The European Small Claims Procedure is one of the solutions available to resolve cross-border disputes in cases involving amounts of €2,000 or less. However, a new report from the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net), released today, shows that this user-friendly procedure, available since 1 January 2009, is often under used. This is mainly because judges are not aware of the procedure - something the Commission intends to tackle vigorously. Full report

Air Passengers’ Rights – Report from the European Consumer Centres

On 28 October 2011, the European Consumer Centres Network publish their report “Air Passengers Rights Report 2011 – in the aftermath of the Volcanic Ash Crisis”, highlighting problems that passengers in the EU experienced in 2010 and still do today i.e. cancelled flights and lost luggage. The report examines the help available to passengers in those circumstances. Full report

Cross-border online shopping: how safe and easy is it?

4 October 2011 - Have you been tempted by a cheaper online offer from another EU country but wondering how reliable it is to shop from abroad? ECC-Net mystery shoppers have checked just that. Their report (State of the e-Union) shows the results of actual purchases in 28 countries. Full report

Car travel rules in Europe

Travelling by car in the EU this summer? European Consumer Centres have compared car traffic rules in 29 European countries, from speed to alcohol limits. Car travel in Europe: comparison of traffic rules

Survey of European ski resorts

Compares prices, discounts and value for money by size of resort and country.
Based on an evaluation of 197 ski resorts in 20 European countries .
Aims to help consumers choose the most suitable resort for their needs. Survey of European ski resorts

Minimum criteria for 3-star hotels in Europe – comparative table

Guide for consumers wanting to know what hotel ratings really mean.
Choose a country and see which criteria a hotel classified as 3-star must meet. Minimum criteria for 3-star hotels in Europe – comparative table

Hotel ratings – Report on 3-star hotels in Europe

What does a 3-star hotel really mean? Is it possible to compare the quality of a 3-star hotel between different countries?
Can you expect to find the same type of quality and facilities when booking a 3-star hotel in different European countries? Hotel ratings - Report on 3-star hotels in Europe