Directorate General for Health & Consumers - Information sources - Publication - Consumer affairs

European Consumer Centres Network brochure (2008)

Information and support to consumers across Europe

How to read a label

(2 MB) (2007)

The European Union (EU) establishes labelling rules for foodstuffs to help all European consumers make informed purchasing decisions. The rules are designed to ensure that you have comprehensive information on the food products you buy.

Consumers in Europe (27 Novembre 2007)

This publication brings together the most relevant and useful information for the evaluation and development of consumer policy. The material includes data from various sources including EUROSTAT, other Commission services as well as other surveys and studies. This edition focuses on services of general interest.

Consumer Policy Strategy

(759 KB) (for the years 2007-2013)

The 493 million EU consumers are central to the three main challenges facing the EU: growth, jobs and the need to re-connect with our citizens. They are the lifeblood of the economy as their consumption represents 58% of EU GDP. Confident, informed and empowered consumers are the motor of economic change as their choices drive innovation and efficiency. But it is also in their role as consumers that the EU can most directly connect to the daily lives of our citizens and demonstrate the benefits of the EU.

Notifications of dangerous products by producers and distributors

(218 KB) (October 2006)

Leaflet prepared by the European Commission in order to promote an obligation of producers and distributors to notify to the competent national authorities of the Member States unsafe products placed on the EU market

EU-UEFA advice leaflet: 10 Tips to Know before You Go!

(3 MB) (2006)

Five million fans are expected to travel to Euro 2008 this summer. We know that for the unlucky few, practical problems may prove a major headache - airplane delays, car hire, roaming charges, stolen goods and ticket problems. We are here to help. As an EU citizen you have very strong consumer rights and there is a lot of practical advice at hand. HEre are 10 thing you should know before you go.

Leaflet on basic consumer rights

(217 KB)

Protecting consumers’ rights, prosperity and wellbeing are core values of the European Union (EU). For this reason, EU laws are designed to ensure that the internal market is open and transparent, allowing consumers to exercise real choices and to be treated fairly. Here below are 10 basic rights which you as a consumer can enjoy, regardless of where you are in the EU1.

Your rights as a consumer

(2007)

With this brochure, you will learn more about what the EU is doing for you as a European consumer, how it is protecting your rights and interests and how to uphold your rights in case of a problem. The brochure is intended as a short practical guide, answering some of the most common questions the Commission receives from consumers about their rights. To learn more about the specific situation in your country, you should contact your national consumer organisations.

Providing information and support as consumers shop across the EU

(615 KB) (2008)

Consumers must be able to take advantage of the best deals on offer in the EU and feel confident in making purchases both at home and abroad. The ECC-Net is an EU-wide network that provides information on cross-border shopping, ensures consumers are aware of their rights and gives support in the event of a complaint.

European Commission
DG Health and Consumers

SANCO related agencies

Consumers - Brochures

European Commission DG Health and Consumers

SANCO related agencies

Consumers - Brochures

European Commission
DG Health and Consumers