Consuming in Europe

Cross-border consumption is today a widespread activity. Millions of European citizens travel, purchase goods and services in other countries or exploit e-commerce. The European Internal Market affects consumers’ lives, giving consumers wider choice and better value for money.

However it is to be said that, in case of complaints, more difficulties occur: distance, language, the different legislation (problem partially solved by EU Directives and other legislation) increase the difficulties in the dialogue with the company and in the solution of the problem. To this end, the ECC Network comes into play.

• The Internal market and its opportunities for consumers

• Consumer law and its basic principles

• consumer protection bodies and initiatives at EU level

• The ECC Network assisting consumers at EU level

• The other networks in Europe