NGM: consumer trust and effective enforcement in focus at the European Consumer Summit

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 05. 22. 11:28

Strengthening consumer trust, guaranteeing the security of the digital market and increasing the efficiency of EU law enforcement were the focus of the European Consumer Summit held on Tuesday, at which Hungary was represented by Bence Gerlaki, State Secretary for Tax Affairs, Consumer Protection and Trade, on behalf of the Ministry of National Economy (NGM), the ministry said in a statement.

According to the information, the State Secretary emphasized that the Hungarian Presidency paid special attention to areas directly affecting consumers, and in several cases substantial progress was achieved, such as in the field of travel services.

He also highlighted that

the Hungarian Consumer Protection Authority takes an active role in shaping the directions of European Union consumer protection, especially in four key areas: ensuring air passenger rights, protecting young people, regulating e-commerce, and addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

The summit, which began on 19 May, is a key stage in the preparation of the EU Consumer Protection Strategy 2025-2030.

Participants paid special attention to the issues of the ever-expanding e-commerce, new technologies, and the protection of children and young people, as well as the practical challenges of law enforcement.

Recently, one of the central elements of domestic consumer protection measures has been the strengthening of official action against airlines. During the 2024 summer travel period, the consumer protection authority initiated 15 procedures, while in cross-border cases, the European Consumer Centre, operating under the National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority (NKFH), handled a total of 734 complaints, of which 149 cases resulted in successful dispute resolution with the involvement of foreign partner institutions. As a result, more than 25 million forints worth of compensation became available to Hungarian consumers, which also reflects the effectiveness of the system in practice.

As they wrote,

the Hungarian Presidency also played an important role in developing new proposals for EU regulations on travel packages, which, if adopted, could transform the voucher regulation aimed at managing crisis situations in the future: vouchers could become freely transferable and unused amounts could be reclaimed.

The amendment not only aims to strengthen transparency and consumer confidence, but also aims to provide greater protection against insolvent service providers, they informed.