The European Committee of the Regions has adopted the opinion on the Consumer Agenda 2030, led by ECR rapporteur and Mayor of Halinów Adam Ciszkowski. The opinion calls for a stronger role for local and regional authorities in protecting consumers while ensuring that European legislation remains practical, proportionate and responsive to the realities that citizens and businesses face every day.  

The adoption comes at a time when Europeans face rising living costs, growing digital marketplaces, unsafe imports and increasingly complex consumer challenges. The opinion stresses that consumer protection must go hand in hand with competitiveness, innovation and a stronger Single Market.  

“The Consumer Agenda 2030 must strengthen trust and protection, particularly for vulnerable consumers. Whether facing energy poverty, financial vulnerability or misleading practices, citizens need policies that respond to the challenges they experience in their daily lives,” said Adam Ciszkowski. The adopted opinion highlights the need to better protect vulnerable consumers, improve access to complaint mechanisms and advisory services, strengthen financial literacy, and tackle harmful practices ranging from unsafe imports to predatory financial behaviour. It also recognises that consumers living in disadvantaged and remote regions often face higher costs and fewer choices.  

“A strong Single Market requires both protection and opportunity. Europe must protect consumers without undermining competitiveness, which is why we must continue cutting unnecessary red tape and enabling SMEs and local producers to grow and innovate across borders,” the rapporteur added 

“Consumer policy works best when it is close to the people. Local and regional authorities are essential partners in enforcing rights, raising awareness and supporting consumers on the ground. The Consumer Agenda must fully reflect territorial realities and the principle of subsidiarity, concluded Mr Ciszkowski.