ZAGREB, 9 April (Hina) – Retailers and service providers across the EU deceive consumers by reducing the quantity or quality of products in order to maximise profits, Croatian MEP Biljana Borzan (SDP) said on Wednesday following the adoption of her resolution on consumer rights in the European Parliament.

According to my research, 95%В of Croatian citizens have noticed shrinkflation – the reduction in product weight while the price remains the same or increases, she said.

Borzan said services are being downgraded as well. “87% of citizens have noticed a decline in service quality in hotels, restaurants and hair salons, without any reduction in price.”

The European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection adopted her resolution on the new challenges facing the EU market, following what she described as “quite difficult negotiations”.

“The political climate is such that most are opposed to new legislation, but I will not give up the fight against all forms of inflation in the market,” she said.

She considers it unacceptable that large multinational companies are reducing product size and quality while maintaining or increasing prices. “This is consumer deception aimed at boosting profits.”

Eighty percent of Croatians have noticed a decline in the quality of cosmetic or food products, despite prices staying the same or rising. This phenomenon is known as skimpflation, where manufacturers cut back on key ingredients.

Borzan gave the example of weaker performance of detergents or personal hygiene products, where the proportion of the most expensive active ingredients has been reduced.

More than half of Croatians are buying less food due to inflation, she said, adding: “Research shows that even what they do buy is no longer what it used to be. Regardless of the political circumstances, we must ensure that citizens get the best value for their money.”