February 13, 2025 – Consumer Choice Center

The EU’s 2025 Work Plan: What It Means for Consumer Choice

The European Commission’s 2025 Work Programme, titled “Moving Forward Together: A Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union,” outlines key priorities that will shape policies impacting consumers across the continent. As consumer advocates, we at the Consumer Choice Center (CCC) are closely analyzing these plans to ensure they prioritize innovation, consumer choice, and regulatory simplicity rather than burdening citizens and businesses with excessive red tape.

We’ve categorized the most significant aspects under three pillars: Fit for Growth, Tech Innovation, and Lifestyle Choices.

Red Tape Loss

At the end of last year, we published a report on the Red Tape Loss, detailing how excessive bureaucracy and overregulation in Europe are not only driving up costs for consumers but also stifling innovation, limiting access to new products, and restricting service availability. You can read the full report here.

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1. Fit for Growth: A Competitive and Consumer-Friendly Market

The EU recognizes that bureaucracy and overregulation have stifled economic growth and entrepreneurship. The 2025 Work Programme sets out several measures aimed at reducing burdens on businesses and consumers, but will they be enough?

Regulatory Simplification and Investment Boosts

The Commission plans to reduce reporting obligations by at least 25% and by 35% for SMEs, aiming to make compliance easier for businesses. A streamlined regulatory environment should, in theory, allow businesses to focus on innovation rather than paperwork.
The Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator Act and European Biotech Act aim to cut through bureaucratic delays in biotech and energy-intensive industries. While decarbonization is important, it must be done in a way that does not restrict consumer choice or drive up costs.
The Savings and Investment Union aims to boost capital market access for European businesses, which could help lower prices and increase product variety for consumers.

✅ Consumer Win: Less red tape means faster innovation and more choices.
⚠️ Risk: Will the EU truly simplify regulations, or just create different ones?

2. Tech Innovation: A Digital Future That Works for Consumers

The Commission is betting big on AI, quantum computing, and cross-border digital services, but risks remain if regulations become overly restrictive.

Digital Networks and AI Development

The Digital Networks Act will promote cross-border network operations, potentially reducing telecom costs for consumers.
The Apply AI Strategy and AI Factories Initiative aim to boost Europe’s AI sector, but it remains to be seen whether the upcoming AI regulations will encourage innovation or stifle it with excessive compliance costs.
European Business Wallets will simplify business-to-business and consumer transactions, potentially enhancing trust and reducing friction in digital purchases.

✅ Consumer Win: More connectivity and AI-powered services could enhance consumer experiences.
⚠️ Risk: If AI regulations are too restrictive, Europe may lag behind global competitors, limiting tech-driven consumer benefits.

3. Lifestyle Choices: A Balance Between Sustainability and Freedom

The EU is advancing sustainability policies, but consumer freedom must remain protected.

Food Security and Agriculture

The Vision for Agriculture and Food aims to ensure stable food prices and supply, but could lead to more intervention in food markets.
A proposed EU-wide biotechnology framework could allow for faster approval of new food innovations, benefiting consumers with healthier and more sustainable options.

Energy and Consumer Costs

The Clean Industrial Deal focuses on reducing emissions while maintaining competitiveness, but consumers must be protected from rising energy costs.
Plans to phase out Russian energy imports entirely could impact energy prices and availability, making affordability a key issue.

✅ Consumer Win: Sustainable food and energy policies can improve long-term affordability.
⚠️ Risk: Overregulation may lead to price increases and reduced choices in food and energy markets.

Conclusion: Will 2025 Be the Year of Consumer Choice?

While the EU’s work plan includes positive steps for economic simplification and technological innovation, the success of these initiatives will depend on how they are implemented.

Consumers benefit most when markets are free, competitive, and innovative—not when excessive regulations limit choices. The CCC will continue to monitor and advocate for policies that empower consumers, reduce bureaucratic burdens, and promote a vibrant, innovation-driven economy.

👉 Want to stay informed on consumer choice in the EU? Follow the Consumer Choice Center for updates and advocacy!

Canadians Demand More Internet Choice—It’s Time for Action

A recent study by Rubicon Strategy has confirmed what many Canadians have been saying for years: the lack of competition in the internet service market is hurting consumers. With a majority of Canadians supporting increased competition and 71% backing the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in allowing all providers to expand, it’s clear that policymakers must act in favor of consumer choice.

The State of Internet Competition in Canada

For far too long, internet services in many parts of Canada have been dominated by a few major players. In Ontario, Rogers and Bell have maintained a duopoly, while in Quebec, Bell and Cogeco hold a similar grip on the market. This lack of competition has led to higher prices, fewer service options, and slower adoption of cutting-edge technology.

Canadians are fed up. The Rubicon Strategy study found that an overwhelming 9 in 10 Canadians believe they should have the right to choose their internet provider. This isn’t just about preference—it’s about fairness, affordability, and access to better services.

More Competition Means Lower Prices

One of the key findings of the research is that a large majority of Canadians believe that increasing competition will lead to lower prices. And they’re absolutely right. When companies are forced to compete, they must offer better deals, improved customer service, and enhanced technology to attract consumers.

But the government’s actions don’t always reflect this economic reality. If policymakers allow protectionist measures that shield major telecom companies from competition, consumers will continue to suffer. Nearly three-quarters of Canadians say they would doubt the government’s commitment to affordability if it restricts internet choice. In an era where affordability is a top concern, maintaining competition should be a no-brainer.

The CRTC’s Role and the Federal Government’s Review

The CRTC originally ruled in favor of allowing all providers to expand their services across Canada, a decision widely praised by consumer advocates. However, the federal government has now ordered a review of this decision, raising concerns that it may cave to pressure from large telecom companies that want to keep competition out.

The research shows that Canadians want the CRTC to stick to its decision: 71% support the CRTC rejecting the government’s order to reconsider and proceeding with its original plan to expand competition. This is a clear call for regulatory independence and consumer-focused policymaking.

An Election Issue in the Making

Politicians should take note: blocking internet service provider expansion is shaping up to be a significant election issue. If the government makes a decision that leads to less competition and fewer choices for Canadians, many voters say they would be less likely to support that party.

This issue isn’t just about internet service—it’s about whether the government truly prioritizes consumers over corporate interests. With the next election on the horizon, leaders who ignore the public’s demand for more choice in internet services may face significant political consequences.

The Consumer Choice Center’s Call to Action

At the Consumer Choice Center, we have long championed competition, innovation, and consumer freedom. The findings of this research reinforce what we have been advocating: Canadian consumers deserve better, and they deserve the right to choose their internet service provider.

We urge the federal government to respect the CRTC’s decision and allow all providers to expand. Instead of protecting outdated monopolies, policymakers must focus on policies that encourage investment, lower prices, and improve service quality for all Canadians.

The message from Canadians is loud and clear: more competition, better prices, and real consumer choice. The government must listen—or risk facing the consequences at the ballot box.

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Day: February 13, 2025