The green and digital transformation, the pursuit of competitiveness and the plans to expand defence in Europe are creating a massive need for investment and financing. In view of this, the completion of the Capital Market Union is to be driven forward again under the title ‘Savings and Investment Union’. However, this contains several elements that need to be viewed critically.

On 29 November 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal to amend the Package Travel Directive. The plan to revise the Directive is explicitly welcome, although from AK’s point of view some key cornerstones are still insufficiently addressed in the Commission’s proposal. As part of the general approach in the Council, the course has already been set for more clarity in package travel.

The Regulation on Artificial Intelligence (AI Act) entered into force on 1 August 2024 and is to become fully applicable in two years. The provisions of Chapter I (General Provisions) and II (Prohibited AI Practices) already apply since 2 February 2025.

The EU Commission has developed guidelines for the implementation of the AI Act, including on the definition of AI system and on prohibited AI practices. Beforehand, the EU Commission carried out a targeted stakeholder consultation, in which AK participated and gave its opinion from a consumer policy perspective.

I will never drink again! This is the conclusion reached by many people who have had too much to drink over the holiday season and had to suffer the consequences. This is often followed by the resolution to abstain from alcohol for the whole of January. But "Dry January" is easier said than done, because alcohol is highly valued in our society. This is also due to the influence of the alcohol industry on legislation. Above all, however, political decision-makers should ensure that products are safe for consumers.

Europe's housing crisis has arrived on the EU policy agenda. With the appointment of an EU Commissioner responsible for this issue, Ursula von der Leyen wants the problem to be dealt with at the highest political level. However, many of the measures announced still seem rather vague, and overall the social dimension does not yet appear to be fully developed. Civil society and trade unions have many ideas on how housing can be organised in a more socially just way. The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) recently held a conference on this subject.

An update of travel law has been a topic in Brussels for years. The aim is to strengthen the rights of passengers, air travellers and package holidaymakers. The EU Commission finally presented its proposals in November 2023, also prompted by the crises of recent years. Adoption in the last legislative period was therefore no longer possible. The new EU Parliament is now starting its work and discussions are already underway in the Council. But how well will Europe's travellers be protected in the future?

Do current EU consumer protection laws meet the challenges that consumers face in the digital space? The EU Commission has thoroughly examined this question and the answer is no. In a comprehensive report, the EU Commission largely confirms AK's analysis. The findings are now to be incorporated into the development of a Digital Fairness Act.

Driven by massive farmers' protests, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen intensified the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture announced in her 2023 State of the Union address. In January 2024, 29 organisations were invited to develop perspectives for European agriculture. The final report is now available.

Finance Watch has developed a financial reform agenda, calling for the reinforcement of EU financial regulation. Financial market stability must be ensured, and the financial system should serve people and the planet. Additionally, economic governance must be shaped so that investments in our future can be unlocked.

Sustainable consumption and the promotion of the circular economy play an important role in the green transition. Hence, the last legislative period saw a number of legislative initiatives at EU level to combat greenwashing, promote sustainable product design and facilitate access to repairs. These initiatives are also intended to help consumers make better informed purchasing decisions. On 23 April, the EU Parliament adopted the Ecodesign Regulation and the Right to Repair Directive by a large majority.