On March 26, the National Stadium in Warsaw served as the venue for a joint meeting of the Consumer Policy Network (CPN) and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC). Organized by the Polish competition authority and the European Commission, this event highlighted the importance of collaboration in enhancing consumer welfare across the EU.

Isabelle Pérignon, Director of Consumer Policy at the European Commission, emphasized the need for unity in addressing consumer well-being. The rise of online shopping has led to increased risks associated with 'dark patterns'—unfair mechanisms in online interfaces that manipulate consumer decisions. Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, pointed out that with 12 million packages reaching EU citizens daily, the scale of challenges is significant.

The meeting focused on the new Consumer Agenda, which outlines priorities for 2025-2030 and aims to enhance the enforcement of consumer rights. Discussions included the economic situation of households in the EU, protection of vulnerable consumers (especially seniors and children), and challenges posed by e-commerce platforms, particularly those operating outside the EU.

In light of the rapid development of digital platforms and online services that often transcend member state borders, strengthening cooperation among consumer protection authorities across the EU is crucial. This collaborative approach will enable more effective protection of consumer rights, as stated by Tomasz Chróstny, President of the Polish competition authority.

The combined sessions of CPN and CPC provided an excellent opportunity for sharing experiences and discussing current challenges faced by European consumers and the authorities that protect them. Additionally, under the Polish presidency of the EU Council, the Polish competition authority will host the European Competition Day on May 26, focusing on the evolution of competition law in response to contemporary political and global challenges.