TRACE - training for consumer empowerment

History of the TRACE programme

The first TRACE programme (2002-2007) was set up under the European Commission's Consumer policy strategy to support and enhance the role of consumer organisations representatives in decision-making. In the beginning of 2008, a second program (2008-2011) has started also under the European Commission's Consumer policy strategy with the purpose of empowering consumer organisations through training.

TRACE courses are open to consumer organisations in the EU, candidate countries and the EEA countries (BEUC and non BEUC members).

TRACE activities are fully funded from the EU budget and are run under the auspices of the European Commission's Directorate General for Health & Consumer Protection (DG SANCO).

This project started with three main themed courses: Management, Public Relations & Lobbying and Consumer Law, which consisted of an introductory approach to these topics.

As from 2008, further to participant's feedback and the expressed call for more in-depth courses new specialised courses have started.

We now offer both Introductory and Specialised interactive courses allowing opportunities to discuss and debate with your colleagues from consumer organisations around Europe.