Weekly Report, 2026-01-12 to 2026-01-18

During the week of January 12, 2026, to January 18, 2026, the Service Juridique provided consumer consultations through the communication channel available, primarily Mastodon. Within this period, our agency engaged in a total of 24 consultations, focusing on various consumer rights issues.

A substantial number of inquiries, precisely nine, were related to the failure to provide mandatory information. In these cases, consumers were advised to directly contact the concerned businesses, providing a clear outline of the information legally required under EU regulations, and request the pertinent details be provided. In circumstances where businesses were non-compliant, consumers were guided on how to document their communications and prepare to escalate the matter if necessary.

The right to repair was highlighted in seven consultation instances. Consumers inquired about their entitlements under recent EU directives ensuring their ability to repair purchased goods. We advised these consumers to contact manufacturers to demand repair options or replacement as per their rights. Additionally, guidance was provided on documenting any interactions with vendors or repair services for potential follow-up actions.

Consultations regarding pricing transparency were conducted on eight occasions. Consumers expressed concerns about hidden fees or unclear pricing structures. Our legal team provided advice on how to identify misleading pricing practices, emphasizing the importance of reviewing terms and conditions associated with their purchases. Consumers were also counseled on how to request itemized bills or price breakdowns to ensure transparency in financial transactions.

During this week, there was one instance where the consultation did not reach a resolution as the issue pertained to real estate rent, which falls outside the purview of our agency’s focus. Although rare, these occurrences emphasize the importance of distinguishing between consumer-related matters and those that require intervention by other specialized agencies.

The Service Juridique continues to assist consumers in asserting their rights and encourages further awareness on prevalent consumer issues within the EU.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang.

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