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EU Organisations

BEUC- Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs

Introduction

The objective of the Association is to bring together consumer organisations of the EU and other European countries in order to promote, defend and represent the interests of European consumers in the elaboration and implementation of European Union policies with the European Union institutions and with other bodies.

Structure, key stakeholders and partners

BEUC was created in 1962 by the consumer organisations of Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. After working together for a number of years, these organisations decided to create a European association.

BEUC has a membership of 42 independent national consumer organisations from 31 European countries (EU, EEA and applicant countries).

Priorities and activities

BEUC investigates EU decisions and developments likely to affect consumers, with a special focus on eight areas identified as priorities by the members: energy & sustainability, financial Services, food, health, safety, consumer contracts, digital environment, consumer redress.

Besides, BEUC also formally represents consumers within the decision-making process. BEUC has a seat on the European Consumer Consultative Group (ECCG) and experts from its member organisations participate in various European Commission advisory groups, such as the Agriculture DG’s agricultural advisory groups or the Internal Market DG’s Payment Systems Market Expert Group (PSMEG).

Outside Europe, BEUC is an associate member of the international consumer organisation, Consumers International (CI). BEUC also plays an active role in the TransAtlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD).

Further information