European Commission

72,000 EU consumers helped by European Consumer Centres in 2012 - Annual Report

ECC-Net Annual Report 2012, launched today, reveals - European Consumer Centres across the EU handled more than 72,000 enquiries from consumers during 2012. More than half of these contacts related to 32,000 complaints about a purchase made in another EU country, Norway and Iceland. Around 60% of complaints concerned e-commerce. About one third of all complaints related to the transport sector, of which 22% were linked to the air transport. More than half of complex complaints were resolved amicably or passed on to other organisations. The annual report also gives key details on ECC-Net activities in 2012 and success stories per countries where the network operates. Full report Infographic

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" 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

Key consumer tips for visitors to the 2012 Olympic Games

The European Commission has put together a webpage with key consumer tips on how to plan a successful, stress-free trip to the Olympics – and avoid consumer hassle with travel, accommodation or shopping. This page offers essential, hands-on information and links to services that can help visitors in case of a problem. Read more

Air Passengers Rights: new smartphone app to give you all your rights while travelling this summer

Air Passenger rights: new smartphone app to give you all your rights while travelling this summer

Passengers stranded at airports or awaiting missing luggage may now use a smartphone application to check their rights immediately and on the spot. Just in time for the summer holidays, the European Commission has launched an application for smartphones which covers air and rail transport and works on four mobile platforms: Apple iPhone and iPad, Google Android, RIM Blackberry and Microsoft Windows Phone 7. The app is available in 22 EU languages. It currently covers air and rail transport and will be extended to bus / coach and marine travel in 2013 when these rights come into force. Keep Your passenger rights at hand, everywhere

ECC Network to champion Air Passengers Rights at 28 airports across Europe

Airports participating to air passenger day 4 July

As the holiday season begins, passengers leaving from European airports should be confident about their rights in case of flight delays, cancellation or lost luggage. On 4th July, at 28 airports across Europe, European Consumer Centres (ECC-Net) offer advice to European citizens about their air passenger rights. Press release Airports participating

2011 ECC-Net Annual Report: more than 70 000 consumers received free help and advice

EU TOP TIPS for travelling football fans

The transport sector triggered the most complaints (32% of which 20% related to air transport services). Online purchasing was the selling method which caused most problems for consumers (56.6% of complaints). In 2011, more than half of the complaints were resolved amicably or passed on to other organisations: 41% of the complaints were successfully closed after the ECCs reached an amicable settlement with the trader and 13% were passed on to other organisations. Compared to previous years, ECCs increasingly promoted ADR entities (to help solve problems out of court): 62.5% of the complains transferred to other organisations or agencies were passed on to ADR entities (compared to 50% in 2009 and 58.5% in 2010).

2011 Annual Report 2011 ECC-Net Card

Midday

EU TOP TIPS for travelling football fans

1 June 2012 - Commissioner Dalli and UEFA President Michel Platini launched an EU-UEFA consumer information campaign for fans travelling to the EURO 2012 Championship with useful numbers and tips on EU consumer rights. Europe Direct is ready to answer online queries on general EU consumer rights in 23 languages. The Consumer Infoline in English - operated by Federacja Konsumentów - gives legal advice to those who run into consumer problems in Poland. Posters will be displayed at popular hotels in Poland. Press release

Costa Concordia shipwreck - agreement between national consumer associations of Italy and Costa Crociere

Following the tragic accident of Costa Concordia, an agreement has been reached by national consumer associations of Italy and Costa Crociere for the reimbursement that will be offered to all passengers. For more information

Jahresbericht 2010: 15 % mehr Verbraucher erhielten Hilfe

2010 Annual Report: 15% more consumers helped

2010 bearbeiteten die Europäischen Verbraucherzentren mehr als 71 000 Fälle, das sind 15 % mehr als 2009. Jede dritte Beschwerde galt dem Verkehr – meist dem Luftverkehr. Jahresbericht 2010 ECC card

Car travel in Europe: Vergleich der Straßenverkehrsvorschriften

Reisen Sie dieses Jahr mit dem Auto in der EU? Die Europäischen Verbraucherzentren haben die Straßenverkehrsvorschriften in 29 europäischen Ländern miteinander verglichen, von Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzungen bis zu Promillegrenzen. Car travel in Europe: Vergleich der Straßenverkehrsvorschriften

Mindestkriterien für 3-Sterne-Hotels in Europa

Suchen Sie ein Hotel in einem anderen EU-Land oder möchten Sie wissen, was die Hotelsterne wirklich bedeuten? Einer Zusammenfassung der EVZ können Sie entnehmen, was ein Hotel bieten muss, um sich für 3 Sterne zu qualifizieren. Mindestkriterien für 3-Sterne-Hotels in Europa