European Consumers' Bureau
| Formation | 1962 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-governmental organisation |
| Purpose | Consumer protection |
| Location |
|
|
Members
|
42 |
|
President
|
Örjan Brinkman |
|
Director General
|
Monique Goyens |
|
Main organ
|
Executive Board (10 representatives) |
| Website | www.beuc.eu |
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC, stands for French “Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs”) is an umbrella consumers' group, founded in 1962. Based in Brussels, Belgium, it brings together 42 European consumer organisations from 31 countries (EU, EEA and applicant countries).
BEUC represents its members and defends the interests of consumers in the decision process of the Institutions of the European Union, acting as the “consumer voice in Europe”. BEUC does not deal with consumers’ complaints as it is the role of its national member organisations.
The organisation is funded by an EU grant, its member fees and other specific projects (see “External links”). In 2010, the operational budget of BEUC amounted to €2.9m. In 2012, it reached €3,160,000. In 2012, the EU funding represented 43% of the operational BEUC budget.
BEUC has subscribed to the European Union’s Transparency Register.
BEUC was created on 6 March 1962 by consumer organisations of Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. After working together for a number of years, these organisations decided to create a European association, based in Brussels.
BEUC was one of the first lobbying organisations to set up base in the European capital in a bid to influence the decision-making process. Many others followed, and the number of lobbyists rose exponentially to the present-day figure of over 15,000.
The organisation’s work is divided into 8 priority areas: consumer rights and enforcement, digital rights, energy, financial services, food, health, safety & sustainability. Its priorities are defined by BEUC members who meet twice a year at the general assembly and at several experts’ meetings.
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