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Today's European Union is made up of 27 countries, but it is also home to 490 million citizens,

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all of whom are consumers. So consumer policy concerns all of you.

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Europe has become a huge single market where Europeans can shop anywhere they like.

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But to ensure that everyone can take full advantage of it, you as consumers must enjoy the same rights

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and the same protection everywhere, be it your corner shop or via e-shopping.

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And for any kind of sector, basic goods or digital products, holidays or energy, transport or banks,

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this is a priority for us.

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I don't want to see consumers misled anywhere in Europe.

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They should be equally well protected because trust is the currency of a modern economy.

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We work with national authorities to ensure that European laws are implemented on the ground

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for the benefit of consumers and businesses alike.

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Indeed, new EU rules crack down on misleading advertising.

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They ban the most abusive practices such as fake free offers and protect you from aggressive selling.

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Our action also concerns financial services.

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We aim to harmonise the consumer credit market and open it to Europe-wide competition.

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This will bring with it more transparency and greater choice for consumers

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when they want to borrow money to buy a new car or a washing machine.

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So you as consumers have rights.

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But even so, you have to know them and to use them.

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Making informed choices is truly essential, starting at a very early age.

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Thanks to the Europa Diary, available in all EU languages,

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teachers can organise consumer education classes and teach their pupils about the traps to be avoided.

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For adult consumers, the interactive website dolcetta.eu is available in 20 languages.

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It gives you information about your rights and consumer issues in general.

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In every member state, you can also turn to the network of European consumer centres

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to get free information and assistance services

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and help to get the redress you're entitled to for problems with purchases made outside your country.

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But European consumer protection policy also concerns consumer safety.

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Products have to be safe, first and foremost for the most vulnerable consumers, our children.

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The rapid alert system RAPEX helps to stop dangerous products

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from reaching the buying public in 30 European countries.

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We work with all players to make sure everybody plays its role in protecting European consumers.

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European consumer policy is about turning consumers from economic passengers into economic drivers.

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The European Commission wants to make markets work for real people.

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Know your rights. Use your rights.