The main focus of the article is the analysis of the concept of European Union consumer policy in the context of specific policy, economic policy and public policy. The scope of EU consumer policy is examined in terms of its subject matter and actors. The subject matter of EU consumer policy is a set of legal and organisational activities undertaken by EU institutions and international consumer NGOs in accordance with consumer policy programmes for a given period of time. One overarching subject, the consumer, is identified in the subjective context. The definition of the ‘consumer’ in a socio-legal context is analysed.