History:

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 a pioneer, 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 intense pressure brought to bear on decision-makers from this multitude of lobbyists working on behalf of commercial interests, regional representations, trade unions and many others, highlights the need for BEUC to have a strong presence on the Brussels scene.

To do this, they receive funding from their members, a grant from the European Union and participate in specific projects. This enables BEUC to continue the task they have been pursuing for more than 50 years, of promoting consumers rights.

Mission:

It is their mission to bring together consumer organisations of the European Union and other European countries in order to promote, defend and represent the interests of European consumers in the elaboration and implementation of European Union policies with the European Union institutions and with other bodies.

BEUC supports the empowerment of consumers through competitive markets, but complemented by health and safety safeguards. Only safe products and services, which do not put at risk their health, future generations or the environment, should be available on the EU market. Where consumers cannot be empowered, regulatory measures must protect their economic and legal interests. This is especially essential for vulnerable consumers.