The Images of the Consumer in EU Law

Abstract

This is an introductory chapter to a book consisting of contributions exploring from different perspectives the 'images' of the consumer as the foundation for various EU policies, more or less directly oriented towards the goal of consumer protection. The purpose of the volume was to establish what visions of the consumer there are in different contexts of EU law, whether they are consistent, and whether EU law's engagement with with consumer-related considerations is sincere or merely instrumental to the achievement of other goals.

Keywords: consumer welfare, consumer interest, EU law, consumer law, free movement, competition law, trade mark law, consumer empowerment, ethical consumption