The European Commission released its 2025 Consumer Conditions Scoreboard right before World Consumer Rights Day. The findings? Consumers largely trust the market but remain vulnerable online. While 68% of shoppers feel confident in product safety, and 70% believe businesses respect their rights, it's crucial to remember that digital risks—scams, misleading ads, and fake reviews—continue to be serious. This underscores the need for robust consumer protection measures to ensure the safety and security of online transactions.
For businesses operating in the EU, staying informed about these consumer trends and evolving regulations is crucial. Adapting to new rules will ensure compliance and maintain trust.
The EU strengthens consumer protections
To address these challenges, the European Commission is stepping up enforcement:
- General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): This regulation, already in effect, improves safeguards for both online and offline purchases.
- E-Commerce Package: Introduced earlier this year, it tackles risks posed by non-EU sellers and online marketplaces.
- Digital Fairness Act (Upcoming): Designed to close loopholes and strengthen consumer protection against harmful digital practices.
- Right to Repair & Green Transition Directives (Coming 2026): These measures will improve repairability, encourage reuse, and ensure clearer information on product longevity.
Key findings from the 2025 report
The Scoreboard highlights several shifts in consumer behaviour and concerns:
- Cross-border shopping is rising: 35% of shoppers bought from another EU country, and 27% made purchases from outside the EU in 2024.
- Online purchases pose more challenges: Digital shoppers are 60% more likely to experience issues than those buying in physical stores.
- Trust in authorities varies: While 61% of consumers believe public bodies protect their rights, concerns remain.
- Online risks persist: 45% of consumers faced scams, while 93% worry about targeted ads and excessive data tracking.
- Economic concerns continue: 38% are uncertain about affording bills, and 35% are concerned about food prices.
- Shrinkflation is being noticed: 74% saw smaller product sizes without price adjustments, and 52% detected lower quality.
- Sustainability considerations have declined: The percentage of consumers factoring in environmental concerns has dropped by 13% since 2022, mainly due to cost and doubts over green claims.
What this means for businesses
If you manufacture or sell products in the EU, these findings have direct implications. To remain compliant and build consumer trust:
- Ensure your products meet GPSR safety standards.
- Maintain clear and honest advertising to avoid misleading claims.
- Prepare for the Right to Repair Directive by improving product repairability.
- Strengthen online security and enhance transparency to protect customers from fraudulent activity.
These insights will shape upcoming policies, including the Consumer Agenda 2025-2030 and the Digital Fairness Act. Companies must take proactive steps to align with these regulatory changes.
Stay informed
While confidence in product safety remains high, online risks continue to challenge consumers. Businesses must act now to ensure compliance, protect customers, and maintain trust in the digital age. If you need guidance on navigating EU regulations, Alura Group is here to help.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_762
