ECR rapporteur Adam Ciszkowski held an exchange of views on his opinion "Consumer Agenda 2020" during today’s Commission for Natural Resources' meeting.

“European consumers face rising living costs, unsafe online environments and unfair practices that undermine their confidence in the Single Market. We must ensure that every consumer—wherever they live—can rely on safe products, clear information and fair treatment, both online and offline.”, said Mr Ciszkowski.

The rapporteur stressed the importance of equipping consumers to navigate a rapidly changing market marked by digitalisation, rising living costs and unsustainable consumption patterns.

Local and regional authorities are closest to citizens and essential to implementing consumer policy. "They help shape sustainable consumption habits, support education and deliver key services on the ground. But they need predictable resources, better coordination mechanisms and clearer responsibilities", Mr Ciszkowski added.

Digital markets must work for people, not against them. Practices such as dark patterns, addictive design and manipulative algorithms disproportionately target the most vulnerable consumers. "We need stronger safeguards and enforcement tools to ensure fairness in the online world", he concluded. 

The opinion will be adopted by the NAT Commission in April followed by plenary adoption in July.