EU ban on payment for sperm, blood and breast-milk donations moves forward
The European Parliament has approved a draft regulation banning payments for breast milk, sperm, blood and other "substances of human origin" (SoHO).
Consumer rights
Latest reporting and analysis on consumer rights.
EC considering new limits on fast-growing chicken
The European Commission is considering the possibility of imposing limits on the farming of certain types of chickens, it has confirmed.
‘Eco-friendly’ straws found to contain ‘forever chemicals’
A new study shows that paper and bamboo drinking-straws contain PFAS - per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are often referred to as “forever chemicals”…
Italian restaurant charges tourists €2 to cut sandwich in half
Two tourists were unpleasantly surprised when they received the bill in an Italian winery and café - after eating a sandwich.
European Commission defends supermarkets over migrant-worker abuse claims
The European Commission has rejected calls for German supermarket chains to bear some responsibility for alleged abuses of migrant workers in the country.
Meta ‘to appeal $100k a day fine over data-privacy breaches’
Facebook owner Meta is to appeal a Norwegian decision to fine the social media giant just under US$100,000 a day over alleged data privacy breaches, a source inside…
Austria calls for cash use in stores to be made a ‘constitutional right’
The Austrian Government has announced plans to enshrine the right to use physical cash as part of the country’s constitution.
Delhaize denies European Parliament shop is breaking Belgian law
The Delhaize Shop & Go in the European Parliament in Brussels refuses to take cash, despite a Belgian requirement that all shops do so.
Farage ‘in talks to keep his Coutts account open’ but vows to fight ‘de-banking’
British private bank and wealth manager Coutts has extended an offer to former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage to restore his bank accounts.
Feel bad man? Frogs have no EU rights, EC claims
Frogs being farmed for food have no welfare rights under European law, the European Commission has said.
Big Brother is watching poo: French city to use DNA of pooping dogs
Dog owners in the southern French city of Béziers now need to watch their step carefully after the mayor Robert Ménard introduced a mandatory canine-DNA database…
Paris metro to open ‘safe spaces’ for sexual abuse victims
The Paris public transport authority (RATP) will operate “safe spaces” from September, where victims of sexist abuse or sexual violence can seek refuge.
Belgian Ferrero chocolate factory suffers second salmonella outbreak
Luxury Italian chocolate manufacturer Ferrero has stopped making its products at its Belgian facility in Arlon after salmonella bacteria was discovered there at…
Beware of ‘fake hitman’, French Government warns public
The French Government has warned the public to be aware of a financial scam involving a “fake hitman”.
EU medication rules discriminate against vegans, MEP claims
European Union labelling rules for medicines discriminate against vegans and vegetarians, a Czech Pirate Party MEP has claimed.
Brussels’ eco-friendly pool shut over poor hygiene
An experimental outdoor swimming pool in Brussels is to remain shut as its eco-friendly filtration system is unable to keep the water clean.
Alcohol should carry cigarette-style graphic warnings, say Left-wing parties
Eurocare, a network of around 50 voluntary and non-governmental organisations working on the prevention and reduction of alcohol-related harm across Europe, wants…
New EU bank account powers worry privacy advocates
New EU powers over bank accounts could be abused, privacy advocates warn.
How about porn? Brussels job-seekers asked if they’re willing to bare all
Unemployed actors have been asked if they'd bare more than their souls on camera after Brussels-based employment agency, Actiris, suggested those looking for work…
Italians ‘prepared to strike’ over soaring cost of pasta
Profiteering pasta producers and war in Ukraine blamed for price spikes impacting Italian appetites
Drug shortages in EU cause for great concern
More and more, European countries are running out of medicines. Common medications like antibiotics or painkillers for children are in short supply.
Can the booze industry kill off EU warning labels for a second time?
The wine and beer industries successfully killed off the first European Commission attempt to slap warning labels on their products – back in 2007 – and the…