During the week of January 13th to January 19th, 2025, the Service Juridique provided assistance to consumers through various communication channels such as e-mail, phone, video call, telegram, and reddit. In total, we handled 18 consultations, each addressing one or more consumer-related issues.
A predominant concern this week was unfair practice, particularly in the form of cold calling. We advised consumers on how to recognize and block these calls and provided guidance on how to report persistent offenders to relevant authorities. In six cases, unfair practice was discussed, illustrating its ongoing impact on consumers.
Travelers’ rights, especially concerning train travel, were also a significant topic. Consumers frequently encountered issues with delayed or canceled services. We informed them of their entitlements under EU regulations, emphasizing the compensation mechanisms available for disruptions. Four consultations focused on travelers’ rights related to train services.
The matter of health claims in food labeling was another recurring issue. Consumers sought clarity on misleading health claims made by food products. Our counsel highlighted the importance of verifying claims against official health standards and advised them on the steps to report non-compliant products. This matter was addressed in three of the consultations.
Additionally, in a small number of instances, our consultations indicated issues outside our jurisdiction, accounting for the rare occasions where our support could not be extended directly. In each scenario, we clarified our scope and advised consumers to consult appropriate avenues better suited to handle their concerns.
Throughout the week, the combination of communication channels enabled us to reach and support a diverse group of consumers promptly and effectively. The variety of issues brought to our attention reflects the broad spectrum of challenges faced by consumers within the EU, reinforcing the necessity of ongoing vigilance and support in consumer protection.
This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Viadrina.
