New data shows strong consumer confidence, but online threats remain

Ahead of World Consumer Rights Day, the Commission published the 2025 Consumer Conditions Scoreboard, revealing that 68% of European consumers feel confident about the safety of the products they buy, and 70% trust that their consumer rights are respected by traders. However, the Scoreboard data also shows persistent online risks, including scams, fake reviews, and misleading advertising practices.

Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, stated: “The findings of the Consumer Conditions Scoreboard are clear: the EU must maintain ambitious policies to protect consumers, both online and offline. We must ensure the proper implementation and enforcement of our legislation and address gaps to improve digital fairness. In these uncertain times, consumer policy can make a tangible difference in peoples lives and help ensure a level playing field for businesses, demonstrating the added value of the EU and contributing to sustainable growth.”

The Scoreboard results will now be discussed with Member States, consumer associations, and businesses, contributing to the preparation of forthcoming initiatives such as the Consumer Agenda 2025-2030 and the Digital Fairness Act.

More information on the Scoreboard results can be found in our press release.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: + 32 2 291 31 73)

Commission clears creation of joint venture by Minmetals, Meiwa, and Toyota

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by subsidiaries of China Minmetals Corporation (Minmetals), Meiwa (Shanghai) Corporation (Meiwa), both of China, and a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) of Japan.

The transaction primarily involves the lithium-ion power battery recycling sector.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11884.

(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

Commission clears creation of joint venture by Daikin and Copeland

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Daikin Industries Ltd (Daikin) of Japan and Copeland LP of the US.

The transaction primarily involves residential air-conditioning, heating, and water heating.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11867.

(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The European Union convenes the 9th international conference in support of Syria

The European Union will hold its 9th international Conference in support of Syria on March 17, in Brussels. This years edition comes at a historic moment, following the fall of the Assad regime, where the Syrian people have the chance to regain control of their destiny and rebuild their country.

High Representative / Vice-President Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will co-chair the Ministerial event ‘Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition’. This event aims to gather international support for a Syrian-owned, inclusive transition, from assistance to socio-economic recovery. For the first time, Syrian interim authorities have been invited, together with representatives of the United Nations, Syrias neighboring states, and other regional partners.

The Conference comes at a time when the situation in Syria remains fragile, as shown by recent violence against civilians and attacks on security forces. It will address the developments in the country, the initial steps of the transition, and the international communitys possible support, as well as the immediate needs of the Syrian people with a focus on socio-economic recovery, while continuing to address Syrias ongoing humanitarian needs.

The EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to support the Syrian people, including through organizing the annual Brussels Conference over the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and EU Member States have mobilized over €37 billion in humanitarian, development, economic, and stabilization assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region.

The press release announcing the conference is available online.

(For more information: Anouar El Anouni – Tel.: +32 460 79 54 06; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 460 75 53 11; Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 460 76 22 73)

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases

Calendar from Monday March 17, 2025, to Sunday March 23, 2025