We shop ‘til we drop, and chuck out just as fast… But this fast fashion, throwaway consumer culture is destroying our planet and creating huge social problems. So, if the EU is serious about achieving its green objectives, it will need to find a way to turn fast fashion into clean, ethical fashion…

EPRS STOA podcast - What if fashion were good for the planet?

The coronavirus pandemic forced most of the world’s population into lockdown… But thanks to digital technologies, we were mostly able to keep on working, studying, shopping and chatting with our loved ones without leaving our homes! But the crisis has also highlighted some painful truths about our digital world…

EPRS policy podcast - How digital technology is easing the burden of confinement

Do you like to save money when you shop? EU laws can help you tell whether you’re getting the best deal and protect you from scams. Here’s how.

This is what Europe does for canny shoppers and bargain hunters

Bank accounts are an essential part of our everyday lives. We use them to manage our money, shop online and pay bills. Yet many EU citizens still find it difficult to change bank or open an account in another country

This is what Europe does for bank account holders

Do you shop online? If so, you’re among the 65 % of internet users in Europe who do. Shopping online is a growing phenomenon, especially among young people. But geo-blocking practices often prevent EU internet users from accessing the services they want. Here’s how the EU is making online shopping easier.

This is what Europe does for cross-border online shoppers

Are you crazy about that silk item? Can’t resist that beautiful pair of shoes? Whether you’re a man or woman, if you love fashion, here are three things the European Union does for you.

This is what Europe does for fashion shoppers

Do you prefer to do your shopping online rather than facing the high-street crowds at the weekend? Here are three examples of how the EU helps online shoppers.

This is what Europe does for people who like shopping online.

Did you know that around 50 % of consumers shop online? It’s convenient to say the least, but what happens when you end up out of pocket? Here’s what Europe is doing to help

This is what Europe does for cross-border creditors

EU rules on product safety are defined in the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). Under the directive a product is safe if it meets all statutory safety requirements under European or national law. If there are no regulations or EU standards referenced in the Official Journal of the European Union, the product's compliance is determined according to other reference documents such as other European standards, national or international standards, Commission recommendations, or codes of practice. The General Product Safety Directive applies to consumer products when there are no specific provisions with the same objective in the rules of EU Law governing the safety of the products concerned. That means it applies totally to products such as child care articles or certain COVID-19 related products, such as sanitising gels and certain type of face masks and only residually to products where sectorial legislation exists such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Businesses must: only place products which are safe on the market, inform consumers of any risks associated with the products they supply, make sure any dangerous products present on the market can be traced so they can be removed to avoid any risks to consumers. MEPs want more stringent EU rules to protect children Existing rules and market surveillance activities should be strengthened to ensure the safety of all toys sold on the EU market, including from non-EU countries and online.

In March 2023 MEPs, also endorsed the revised rules on product safety of non-food consumer products. The new regulation aligns the existing General Product Safety Directive with the latest developments in digitalisation and the surge in online shopping.

In this Plenary MEPs are set to vote on their position on a proposal to revamp EU legislation on toy safety. The update of the current directive aims to respond to the increase in online shopping and the use of digital technologies, among other challenges. The proposed regulation extends EU bans on harmful chemicals in toys to include endocrine disruptors and makes it easier for consumers to access safety information, for example via a QR code.

Consumer product safety

There are many examples of AI being used in everyday life: Online shopping and advertising; Web search; Digital personal assistants; Machine translations; Smart homes, cities and infrastructure; Cars; Cybersecurity; Artificial intelligence against Covid-19; Fighting disinformation, etc. &nbsp;

In March Plenary session the Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act that ensures safety and compliance with fundamental rights, while boosting innovation.

The regulation, agreed in negotiations with member states in December 2023, was endorsed by MEPs with 523 votes in favour, 46 against and 49 abstentions.

It aims to protect fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and environmental sustainability from high-risk AI, while boosting innovation and establishing Europe as a leader in the field. The regulation establishes obligations for AI based on its potential risks and level of impact.

Robotics and artificial intelligence

Geo-blocking and other geographically-based restrictions undermine online shopping and cross-border sales. Proposed in May 2016 as part of the Digital Single Market, the Regulation to end unjustified geoblocking was identified as a legislative priority for 2017.

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For citizens this means they will be able to buy their new electrical goods online, rent a car or get their concert tickets across borders the same as they do at home. It will ensure that they no longer face barriers such as being asked to pay with a debit or credit card issued in another country. For businesses, this means more legal certainty to operate cross-border.

Geo-blocking - 8th parliamentary term

Two decades ago, euro notes and coins entered into circulation, bringing tangible benefits to people and companies across the EU.

The single currency has made it easier for people to compare prices across borders, to shop and travel and to make savings in a stable currency. It also opened up more opportunities for businesses, as the costs and uncertainty of dealing with fluctuating exchange rates disappeared.

The February 2022 plenary session started with a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Euro, followed by a debate with ECB President Lagarde.

20th Anniversary of the Euro

MEPs debate on Monday evening and vote on Tuesday on the provisional agreement reached with member states on the so-called “right to repair” for consumers, which aims to promote the repair of goods within and beyond the legal guarantee period. Beyond the legal guarantee, consumers will have a new right to claim repair for products that are technically repairable under EU law (e.g. washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and smartphones). To encourage repair and to revitalise the EU repair market, the rules put in place a European online platform to find local repair shops or sellers of refurbished goods. They also allow access to spare parts, tools, and maintenance information, and ban the use of hardware and software practices that obstruct repairs.

Plenary debate on Right to Repair

Florence (Firenze), Italy - Luxury industry (shops)

Rehabilitation of the former railway station of Turckheim, near Strasbourg, France. A spa and wellness center is already open. Other shops and appartements are planned.

Desertification - Rehabilitation of an old railway station

Online shopping, take-away food, coffee to go... Packaging waste is growing. Find out how much is being produced and how the EU wants to reverse the trend

How to reduce packaging waste in the EU

EYE 2016 - Fair trade: Shopping with a little added love?

Rules on VAT and VAT mini one-stop shop (MOSS) for digital services, books and papers in the EU

Farm to fork strategy on sustainable food

COVID-19 pandemic crisis - shopping in pandemic times

Employment crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic -

A tourist centre is closed in Lisbon downtown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A woman walks in front of closed shops in the centre of Barcelona during the second lockdown period imposed by the authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19 virus.

Placards reading «Maximum capacity 30% of local capacity», on the left and « keep distance 1,5 meters on the right are displayed on the window of a shoe shop in the centre of Barcelona.

Carrots in bulk in an organic food shop

This infoclip illustrates key areas of the trade between the United States of America and the European Union. The footage features shots of European brands in New York, specifically showcasing European cars, food, wine, and fashion labels. This infoclip also highlights the steel industry, showing workers in a steel production workshop and the use of steel in train construction. Additionally, the clip includes footage of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) being delivered to Europe at the Gate (Gas Access to Europe) terminal in the port of Rotterdam. The European Union and the United States have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and the most integrated economic relationship in the world. Together, they represent almost 30% of global trade in goods and services and 43% of global GDP. In 2023, transatlantic trade in goods and services exceeded €1.5 trillion.

Infoclip: EU-US Trade relations

The video showcases general views of Cairo at day and night, capturing the city's architecture, bustling streets full of traffic, and vibrant atmosphere at local shops. It also includes shots of the Giza pyramid complex, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Baron Empain Palace and the Talaat Harb street.

Infoclip: General views of Cairo (Egypt)

European Parliament approved new rules promoting the repair of goods. This footage shows MEPs debating and voting on the provisional agreement reached with the Member States on the so-called “right to repair” for consumers. Consumers receive a new right to claim repair for products that are technically repairable under EU law (e.g. washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and smartphones). To encourage repair and to revitalise the EU repair market, the rules also put in place a European online platform to find local repair shops or sellers of refurbished goods. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Common rules promoting the repair of goods: extracts from the debate (22.04) and from the vote

In ix-Xewkijafood-Gozo, EP President Roberta METSOLA takes a tour to Magro Food Village which is a foodmaking and crafts company. She visits the shop, meets with the board and has a look at the factory.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta (Ix-Xewkija): visit of a food-making and crafts company

Europe's economic situation has been hit by the energy crisis resulting from Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Member States are coping with the new situation by promoting trade through the single market that exists within their territory. Boosting digitalisation brings many benefits to society as well. The EU wants to strengthen its digital sovereignty and set standards, rather than follow standards set by others, to make Europe fit for the digital age. This infoclip shows factories, industries and shops, workers in their trades and citizens using electronic devices.

Infoclip: Economy, energy and digital

MEPs from the Agriculture Committee adopted a report on the reform of EU rules for registering and protecting geographical indications (GIs) for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products. This infoclip illustrates several EU products such as ham, wine, olive oil and cheese.

Infoclip: Geographical indications for wine and agricultural products

On 27 April, ENVI Members vote on the own-initiative report on the Sustainable Textiles Strategy. The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles is an integral part of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. It sets out to create a coherent framework to facilitate the transition of the textiles industry to a more sustainable and climate-neutral model by 2030. Specific ambitions include ensuring that textile products placed on the EU market are durable, recyclable and made largely of recycled fibres, free of hazardous substances and produced in full respect of human and workers.

Infoclip: Circular economy: sustainable textile strategy (updated version)

MEPs debate on an agreement on new rules to ensure that products in the EU, whether sold online or in traditional shops, comply with the highest safety requirements. The new law includes more effective procedures for product recalls and the removal of dangerous goods online. Closing statements by Dita CHARANZOVÁ (Renew, CZ), Rapporteur, and by Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.

General Product Safety Regulation: closing statements by Dita CHARANZOVÁ (Renew, CZ), Rapporteur, and by Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs debate on an agreement on new rules to ensure that products in the EU, whether sold online or in traditional shops, comply with the highest safety requirements. The new law includes more effective procedures for product recalls and the removal of dangerous goods online.

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