Question 1

How much compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight in the EU?

Accepted Answer

For a cancelled flight, denied boarding or a delay of three hours or more, passengers are entitled to €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 up to 3,500 km and €600 for longer flights. The right to compensation for delay follows from the case law of the Court of Justice. No compensation is due for extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided.

Question 2

How long is the right of withdrawal for online purchases in the EU?

Accepted Answer

For distance and off-premises purchases the consumer has a 14-day right of withdrawal without giving any reason. For goods the period runs from delivery. The trader must refund within 14 days. If information about the right of withdrawal is missing, the period is extended by up to twelve months.

Question 3

How long is the legal guarantee on goods in the EU?

Accepted Answer

The seller is liable for defects that become apparent within at least two years of delivery. Defects that appear within one year are presumed to have existed at delivery, and member states may extend that period to two years. The consumer is first entitled to repair or replacement, and then to a price reduction or termination.

Question 4

When do I have the right to have my data deleted under GDPR?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to have your data erased, for example when it is no longer needed for the purpose, when you withdraw consent, when you object and there are no overriding grounds, or when the data has been processed unlawfully. The right does not apply where processing is required by law or for the establishment or defence of legal claims.

Question 5

When must a data breach be reported under GDPR?

Accepted Answer

The controller must notify the supervisory authority without undue delay and, where feasible, within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach, unless it is unlikely to result in a risk to people's rights. If the risk is high, the individuals affected must also be informed. All breaches must be documented.

Question 6

Do I pay roaming charges in another EU country?

Accepted Answer

Within the EU and EEA you call, text and use data at the same price as at home. Operators may apply a fair use policy against permanent roaming and very large data volumes. The rule applies until 30 June 2032.

Question 7

What compensation do I get for a delayed train in the EU?

Accepted Answer

For a delay of 60 to 119 minutes at the final destination the passenger is entitled to at least 25 percent of the ticket price, and for 120 minutes or more at least 50 percent. Compensation must be paid within one month. Railway undertakings may apply a minimum threshold of €4.

Question 8

What are the EU working time rules?

Accepted Answer

Average working time may not exceed 48 hours a week including overtime, calculated over a reference period of up to four months. Workers are entitled to at least 11 consecutive hours of daily rest, 24 hours of weekly rest and at least four weeks of paid annual leave. Member states may provide more favourable rules.

Question 9

Am I covered for healthcare when visiting another EU country?

Accepted Answer

A person insured in one EU country is entitled to necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country on the same terms as residents there. The right is shown with the European Health Insurance Card. Planned treatment generally requires prior authorisation.

Question 10

Which country's law applies to my inheritance in the EU?

Accepted Answer

As a main rule, the law of the country where the deceased had their habitual residence at the time of death governs the whole succession. A person can choose in a will that the law of their nationality applies instead. A European Certificate of Succession can be used to prove inheritance rights in other EU countries.

EU: everyday rights for consumers, travellers and employees