EU consumers

The EU is pushing to develop its own payment system, reducing dependence on US-controlled networks like Visa and Mastercard. The initiative aims to strengthen European financial sovereignty, ensure transaction security, and keep payment data within Europe. The announcement has drawn wide attention, with observers debating whether an EU-run system could realistically rival established global card networks and what it would mean for banks and consumers.

The European Union's new anti-greenwashing rules come into force on Sunday, changing how companies in the bloc can market environmental claims. Under the updated rules, businesses will face stricter requirements before labelling products as green, climate-friendly or sustainable, aiming to protect consumers from vague or unsubstantiated claims. The measures are part of the EU's broader push to strengthen consumer protection and corporate accountability on climate issues.