The European ministers responsible for the consumers portfolio gathered in Brussels on Friday, 19 April, under the patronage of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU on the occasion of an informal meeting chaired by State Secretary Alexia Bertrand.
The EU27 exchanged opinions on the various challenges currently facing consumer policy and on the priorities of the Belgian Presidency of the Council in this area.
Financial services and the fight against fraud
Two discussion sessions were thus on the agenda. The first focused on the Belgian system of information on purchases of secondhand vehicles, which was presented as an example of how to combat fraud, as well as on improving access to banking services and financial education within the EU.
Member States’ stated ambition is for all consumers to be able to exercise their right of access to useful and affordable financial services. Proposals—notably concerning the mandatory acceptance of cash as well as the issue of a digital euro—are currently under discussion.
Dangers and challenges of the digitalisation of trade
The second exchange of views covered several topics, all of which are closely linked to changes in European consumption brought on by recent digital and technological advances: online commerce, the development and use of artificial intelligence, and marketing driven by ‘influencers’.
On the issue of sustainable trade, Member States said that they are committed to implementing measures enabling consumers to have more ‘sustainable’ options when making their choices—options with regard to home deliveries as well as options for returning purchases.
Alexia Bertrand consequently announced that a study had been requested from the European Commission in order to look at possible options for combining consumer rights and the green transition.
The issue of challenges posed by artificial intelligence was also raised in relation to the elections and consumers’ freedom of choice. While implementation of the standards that have already been created is seen as a priority, the state secretary also called for an “adaptation of European rules” in this area, given the “high rate of changes”. (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)