The new Consumer Champs survey can act as an important tool heading in the upcoming European elections where consumers can learn more about their candidates and hold them to account on any given issue

More than ever, European consumers need political figures who can rise to the challenges of these turbulent times. Between the 6^th and 9^th of June of this year, voters across the European Union’s 27 countries will get to choose 751 new members of the European Parliament to represent their interests. Any candidate for the position must be prepared to face a cavalcade of issues ranging from ongoing rampant inflation and the cost of living crisis to keeping a steady supply of energy for ordinary Europeans’ homes in the context of Russia’s unjustified and illegal invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, they would need to understand and harness the potential of new technologies like artificial intelligence or new agricultural genomic techniques if they want to leave a prosperous and better future for consumers.

Identifying political figures who fulfill all these criteria may seem like a Herculean task. There are thousands of potential candidates whose stances might remain unknown to the ordinary voter. In addition, each policy topic vital to consumers is complicated in its own right, and mastering them all is virtually impossible.

Fortunately, the Consumer Choice Center has been working hard to put together Consumer Champs, an upcoming comprehensive survey of prospective MEPs. It uses a battery of questions related to topics such as openness to trade, digital policies, food security, and the causes of inflation to rank candidates by their willingness to fight for consumer rights and freedoms.

The survey solves many of the issues with identifying worthy representatives for European consumers. On the one hand, it is the perfect occasion for candidates to express their policy opinions transparently. This way, everyone can see whether politicians are more attached to defending a bureaucratic status quo or are genuinely invested in empowering individual consumers to make choices for themselves. Alternatively, less well-known contenders can use the questionnaire to state their case in front of a larger audience and tout their consumer-friendly credentials in the rankings.

However, it is consumers who have the most to gain from the project, both when it comes to information and their engagement with politics.  At a minimum, the survey results will be featured on the Consumer Champs website and thus provide a reliable online source of candidates for any voter to consult (reducing the unknown factor of the election). More so, consumers can act and hold candidates in their constituency accountable for their policy ideas, pressure them to take consumer concerns more seriously or nominate a different person they believe should be a Consumer Champion.

The ideal candidate is aware of the multiple causes of inflation, including the harmful effects of politically convenient subsidies and extra taxes on consumers’ livelihoods. They understand that a stable and secure energy sector requires technology neutrality and a dynamic regulatory setting that allows prices to work and market competition to benefit consumers. The best candidate understands the risks associated with artificial general intelligence but also acknowledges the enormous benefits the technology brings by creating a pro-innovation tech environment. They practice reasonableness regarding food norms – if older mutation techniques are allowed, then much more expensive modern tools like new genomic techniques should be permitted, too. Consumers deserve such MEPs, and Consumer Champs helps find them. 

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The Consumer Choice Center’s ‘Consumer Champs’ campaign offers a beacon of hope for informed decision-making in the 2024 European Parliament elections by shedding light on candidates’ stances on critical consumer rights and choice issues, ultimately empowering voters to make choices that reflect their values.

A beacon of hope for informed decision-making: The Consumer Choice Center’s ‘Consumer Champs’ campaign

In an era where the political landscape can feel like a labyrinth, the Consumer Choice Center (CCC) has launched a campaign to help voters navigate the maze. The ‘Consumer Champs’ initiative, designed for the 2024 European Parliament elections, aims to shed light on candidates’ stances on consumer rights and choice issues. With over 12,000 candidates running, making an informed decision can be a daunting task. The CCC is here to help.

The Birth of ‘Consumer Champs’

The ‘Consumer Champs’ campaign was conceived to address the growing need for transparency in the European political arena. By focusing on critical areas such as trade, digital freedom, and sustainability, the CCC is providing voters with the tools to make informed decisions. The campaign’s heart lies in its interactive website, which allows voters to explore candidates in their country and better understand their views on consumer rights and choice.

Navigating the Political Landscape

The ‘Consumer Champs’ campaign encourages candidates to outline their preferences on consumer rights issues, fostering an environment of openness and accountability. This transparency allows voters to weigh their options and choose representatives who align with their values. In the realm of trade, digital freedom, and sustainability, the campaign serves as a compass, guiding voters through the complexities of the political landscape.

“Consumer Champs is about empowering voters,” says Frederik Roeder, Managing Director of the Consumer Choice Center. “We want to make sure that people have access to the information they need to make informed decisions on Election Day.”

A Call for Informed Decisions

As the 2024 European Parliament elections approach, the ‘Consumer Champs’ campaign serves as a reminder of the importance of informed decision-making. By providing voters with a comprehensive resource on consumer rights and choice issues, the CCC is fostering a more engaged and knowledgeable electorate. In a world where the stakes are high and the choices are many, the ‘Consumer Champs’ campaign is a beacon of hope for those seeking clarity amidst the chaos.

With the ‘Consumer Champs’ campaign, the Consumer Choice Center is not only helping voters navigate the political landscape but also encouraging candidates to prioritize consumer rights and choice. As the elections draw near, the campaign’s impact will undoubtedly be felt, shaping the future of European politics and empowering voters to make choices that truly reflect their values.

As I delve deeper into the world of ‘Consumer Champs,’ I am reminded of the power of information and the importance of transparency. In a time where the noise of politics can be deafening, the Consumer Choice Center has offered a clarion call for informed decision-making. And as a journalist, I am honored to play a part in sharing this story with the world.

Originally published here

The Consumer Choice Center is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking “Consumer Champs” campaign, dedicated to helping European voters navigate the complex landscape of political candidates vying for seats in the European Parliament in 2024. 

With over 12,000 candidates running, Consumer Champs aims to be the go-to resource for voters curious about where their political candidates stand on issues vital to consumer rights and choice. The campaign is designed to guide voters through the labyrinth of public policy positions, focusing on critical areas such as trade, digital freedom, sustainability, and more. 

The heart of the campaign lies in an interactive website that allows voters to explore candidates in their country, understand their views on pressing consumer issues, and make informed choices on Election Day.

“Our mission is to spotlight the values and stances of parties and individual politicians at the European level. Will they uphold bureaucratic norms with a centralized approach, or will they champion change by prioritizing consumer rights and choice, limiting the overreach of centralized institutions?” commented Zoltan Kesz, Government Affairs Manager at Consumer Choice Center.

Consumer Champs encourages active participation from voters by urging their political candidates to transparently outline their preferences on crucial consumer rights issues before the European Parliament elections. The campaign believes in the power of transparency and the role voters can play in influencing candidates and parties to prioritize consumer-centric policies.

Originally published here