Empowering Consumers: A Spotlight on Education at the EU Parliament

Tiziana Toto and Cinzia Pollio Advocate for Consumer Education in European School Curricula

Discussing the necessity of incorporating consumer education in school curricula across Europe, Tiziana Toto, Head of National Consumer Policies, and Cinzia Pollio, Senior Project Manager at Cittadinanzattiva APS, highlight the importance of empowering young individuals in the digital age.

As the European Union emphasizes the protection of youth in the online environment, the role of schools in fostering informed citizenship becomes paramount.

Recent developments, such as the State of the Union address by the Commission President on September 16, 2026, underscore the need for legislation like “EU KIDS” to address online risks, including restrictions on social media use for minors under 13.

However, a balanced approach combining restrictions with comprehensive education on responsible technology usage is essential to effectively tackle digital challenges.

Advancing Consumer Literacy through Education

Highlighting the significance of consumer literacy and rights protection, an event titled “Consumer Education in School Curricula: Challenges, Lessons Learned and Policy Recommendations” is scheduled for October 14, 2026, at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Organized by Cittadinanzattiva APS and hosted by MEP Denis Nesci, the event seeks to integrate consumer education into school curricula as a structured element throughout Europe.

Empowering European Classrooms with Consumer Literacy

The event serves as the culmination of the CoRe – Consumer (Re)Generation project, a collaborative effort involving Cittadinanzattiva APS, EEKE (Greece), and InfoCons (Romania), supported by iliad and co-funded by the EU Single Market Programme.

Insights from School Initiatives and Student Engagement

Presenting policy recommendations derived from a pilot program in Italy involving 16 schools, 667 students, and various stakeholders, the event will feature testimonials from educators and students involved in the project.

Experts from the European Consumer Union, Iliad, and representatives from the European Commission will join the discussion on promoting consumer rights education in schools.

Fostering Empowered Digital Citizens

The proposal to integrate consumer rights education into school curricula stems from an 18-month journey, including a recent EU webinar on defining consumer rights education.

The exchange emphasizes the importance of empowering minors through education on digital literacy, data management, and ethical consumer practices to cultivate active and critical citizens.

Presenting Recommendations to the European Parliament

For registration and additional information, visit the official page on the Active Citizenship Network website to participate in the event at the European Parliament on October 14, 2026.