What the “Citizens Omnibus” should deliver for consumers

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations proposes 40 measures to make everyday consumer life in the EU easier. The Omnibus should focus in particular on the following areas:

Simplifying the cancellation of subscriptions

Consumers are repeatedly tied to unwanted subscriptions through automatic renewals. An EU-wide cancellation button modeled on the existing German model, along with clear rules for contract renewals, would prevent unnecessary cost traps and make the Single Market more user-friendly.

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations calls for EU-wide:

• cancellation button with a minimum level of harmonization based on the German model * cancellation periods of no more than one month for automatic contract renewals explicit consent of the consumer to change a free/cheaper trial period into a standard subscription
• generally, no mandatory provision of payment details for free trial subscriptions

How would this help consumers? Fewer hidden costs, more control over ongoing contracts, and greater freedom of choice.

Ensuring product safety in online retail

Consumers must be able to rely on products on online marketplaces complying with European safety standards. Platforms should therefore bear greater responsibility to ensure that unsafe products are not offered in the first place.

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations calls for:

• operators of online marketplaces to ensure that only compliant products are sold

How would this help consumers? Greater protection against dangerous products and increased trust in online shopping.

Preventing misleading hidden price increases

A major frustration for consumers is when food becomes indirectly more expensive because package sizes shrink while the price remains the same. A labeling requirement for changed quantities or compositions would prevent such hidden price increases.

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations calls for:

• mandatory clear labeling of changes in quantity or recipe when the price remains the same or increases, for at least six months

How would this help consumers? Unfair pricing manipulation would become immediately visible, improving product comparability.

Finally, do away with cookie banners

The everyday-consumer is confronted with consent and tracking requests. A ban on tracking and profiling for advertising purposes would not only strengthen data protection, but also eliminate the constant need to manage cookie banners and significantly simplify the digital experience.

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations calls for:

• banning tracking and profiling for online advertising purposes
• prohibiting data collection for advertising across websites, apps, and devices

How would this help consumers? Less click fatigue from annoying cookie banners, more control over personal data, and a simpler online experience.

Simplifying sick leave

Those who fall ill in another EU country often face bureaucratic hurdles when getting sick leave certificates recognised. A standardised EU-wide form with mutual recognition would simplify procedures, avoid unnecessary effort, and practically support freedom of movement within Europe.

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations calls for EU-wide:

• standardised sick notes
• mandatory recognition by employers and health insurers

How would this help consumers? Less administrative burden when ill abroad and faster, straightforward recognition.