The European Commission has published the 2025 Consumer Scoreboard, which assesses consumer confidence and experiences in the EU internal market. According to the report, 68% of consumers trust the safety of the products they purchase, and 70% believe that businesses respect consumer rights. However, e-commerce presents growing risks, such as online scams, fake reviews, and misleading advertising.
To strengthen consumer protection both online and offline, the Commission has introduced the new General Product Safety Regulation. Additionally, it is preparing a Digital Fairness Act to combat harmful practices in e-commerce.
The EU Right to Repair Directive, which will apply from 2026, will improve consumers’ ability to repair products instead of replacing them. The directive aims to provide clearer information on product durability and reparability while increasing options for extending product lifespans.
Key findings from the report:
- 61% of consumers trust that public authorities protect their rights.
- 35% of consumers purchased from another EU country, and 27% from a non-EU country in 2024.
- Problems with online purchases are over 60% more likely than with traditional shopping.
- 93% of consumers are concerned about targeted online advertising.
- 45% of consumers have encountered online scams.
- 38% of consumers worry about their ability to pay bills, despite slowing inflation.
- 74% of consumers have noticed that product packaging has shrunk, and 52% have observed a decline in product quality without a corresponding price reduction.
- Consumer attention to environmental considerations has declined: fewer consumers consider sustainability in their purchasing decisions compared to 2022. The main reasons cited are the high cost of sustainable products and low confidence in environmental claims.
Read more:
New data shows strong levels of consumer trust, but online threats persist. The European Commission’s press release March 14, 2025.