Weekly Report, 2025-08-18 to 2025-08-24

During the week of 2025-08-18 to 2025-08-24, the Service Juridique handled a variety of consultations addressing key consumer protection concerns through multiple means of communication, namely mastodon, phone, and reddit. In total, we managed 27 consultations.

Unfair practice featuring misleading information or statements was a predominant issue. In nine cases, consumers reported instances where businesses provided misleading information. Advice provided included documenting all interactions with the offending party and outlining the importance of written communication to challenge the misleading details effectively. Where possible, consumers were urged to request a written confirmation of verbal agreements.

Travelers’ rights were discussed in seven of the consultations. Within this category, particular concerns were associated with air travel in four instances, where issues such as flight cancellations were addressed. Consumers were informed about their rights under the EU Passenger Rights Regulation and were encouraged to file formal complaints with airlines directly, referencing specific provisions that might have been violated. In three cases concerning package holidays, advice was directed towards understanding cancellation policies and seeking fair compensation for any disruptions encountered.

Right to repair was the topic in five consultations. Consumers were guided on how to exercise their rights under the EU’s right to repair legislation, encouraging them to contact manufacturers to request available repair options instead of resorting prematurely to product disposal.

Consultations concerning inadmissible health claims related to food occurred in three cases. Consumers were advised on how to identify regulated health claims and were informed about the importance of reporting any deviations to appropriate regulatory authorities for further scrutiny.

In two consultations, unfair general terms and conditions were scrutinized. Consumers were briefed on recognizing potentially unfair contract terms that may contravene consumer laws, and guidance was given on the further steps to contest such terms.

We also dealt with one instance where counsel was sought regarding border controls while commuting. The inquiry was clarified in terms of applicable regulations within the Schengen Area, with an emphasis on understanding the rights and obligations within cross-border commutes.

Notably, we received two inquiries related to pseudo medicine/health not associated with food. Consumers were made aware of the potential risks and advised on relying on evidence-based medical advice. Guidance on discerning credible sources was also provided in these cases.

Throughout all consultations, our legal service remained focused on guiding consumers in a way that ensures their rights are upheld while emphasizing their role in pursuing fair treatment in the consumer market.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Maas-Rhein.

About WhizzBang: WhizzBang is a European network focused on consumer and data protection, uniquely dedicated to representing the interests of expatriates—individuals living in an EU country different from where they were socialized. With offices in Frankfurt/Oder (WhizzBang Viadrina), Aachen (WhizzBang Meuse-Rhine), and Brussels, WhizzBang actively supports the EU single market and opposes national barriers, striving to ensure that consumers exercising their fundamental freedoms receive the protection and support they need.

Lizence CC:BY-NC-ND