European Consumer Organisation
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| Formation | 1962 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-governmental organisation |
| Purpose | Consumer protection |
| Location |
|
| Members | 45 |
President | Arnold Koopmans |
Director General | Agustín Reyna |
Main organ | Executive Board |
| Website | www |
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC (/bɜːk/[1]), from the French name Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs, "European Bureau of Consumers' Unions") is an umbrella consumers' group, founded in 1962. Based in Brussels, Belgium, it brings together 45 European consumer organisations from 32 countries (EU, EEA and applicant countries).
BEUC represents its members[2] and defends the interests of consumers in the decision process of the Institutions of the European Union, acting as the "consumer voice in Europe". BEUC does not deal with consumers’ complaints as it is the role of its national member organisations.
BEUC has subscribed to the European Union’s Transparency Register under the following registration number: 9505781573-45.[3]
History
[edit | edit source]BEUC was created on 6 March 1962 by 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, based in Brussels.[4][5]
BEUC was one of the first organisations to set up base in the European capital in a bid to represent consumers’ interests in the decision-making process.[6] Many others followed, and the number of advocates rose exponentially to the present-day figure of over 15,000.
BEUC has its own archives stored and catalogued in the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU). The archives are hosted by the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, and represent over 30 linear metres and 931 files summing up BEUC history between 1962 and 2018.[7]
Activities
[edit | edit source]The organisation's work involves making sure the EU takes policy decisions that improve the lives of consumers. This covers a range of topics including competition, consumer rights, digital rights, energy, redress and enforcement, financial services, food, health, safety, sustainability and trade policy. Its priorities are defined by BEUC members who meet twice a year at the general assembly and at several experts’ meetings.
Additionally, BEUC has been watching closely the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations since their start in June 2013, safeguarding consumer interests in Europe. 'The consumer view on TTIP' is a blog signed by BEUC's Director General, Monique Goyens and examines the possible effects that a trade deal between the EU and US might have on consumers.
In 2012, BEUC celebrated its 50th anniversary. Some of the organisation's achievements in consumer-related areas include cross-border bank payments, GMO labelling and personal data protection.
At the international level, BEUC is an associate member of Consumers International,[8] the global federation of consumer groups. Together with CI and other sister organisations, BEUC tackles all areas that impact consumers. ANEC represents European consumers in the creation of technical standards. ICRT is a global organisation active in research and testing. BEUC is also active in the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD), a forum of US and EU consumer organisations.
Members
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See also
[edit | edit source]- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
- International Consumer Research & Testing (ICRT)
- List of consumer organizations
- Super-complaint
- Consumer protection
References
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External links
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- Archives of BEUC at the Historical Archives of the European Union
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