Consumer Days: Enhancing European Consumer Confidence
Meglena Kuneva, Luc Chatel
© Sircom
- from: 05.12.2008
- to: 06.12.2008
- In: Paris
1/ Proposal for a directive on consumer rights
On 8 October 2008, the College of European Commissioners adopted the proposal for a directive on consumer rights. This text harmonises several legislative provisions regarding consumer affairs, with a dual objective: first, it creates a regulatory framework for European consumers allowing them to benefit from the same level of protection, regardless of the EU country in which their purchases are made; second, this harmonisation of Community texts should also lead to lower charges for professionals due to the simplification of the legal framework. As there would no longer be any need to adapt contracts to the regulations of each Member State, it could reduce litigation costs. The proposed directive combines and revises four previous consumer rights directives and is in line with the more general context of the revision of the Community acquis.
The aim of the conference is to stimulate a debate on the Commission's proposals, ahead of discussions on the text in the Council and European Parliament. During round tables, experts will speak on these subjects (enforcement authorities and consumer associations), covering in particular the level of harmonisation, fields of application and the rights granted to consumers.
2/ Effectiveness of the rule of law and class action proceedings
Consumers should benefit from a high level of protection which is adapted to developing commercial practices. The action of enforcement bodies plays a vital role because, by participating in market regulation, they allow consumers to act in a more secure legal environment and have confidence in the market. Cooperation between these national enforcement authorities is essential for the development of cross-border purchasing.
It is also important for consumers to become market actors and be able to exercise their rights if they fall foul of illegal commercial practices. The Commission has conducted a study of class action proceedings which enable consumers to obtain compensation for damages suffered. It should publish a Green Paper by the end of the year presenting the different options that consumers have to obtain compensation. Some Member States have already implemented such procedures, while others such as France are still at a stage of reflection. The conference will provide an opportunity to take stock of current thinking in the EU about the implementation of collective procedures intended to ensure the effectiveness of the law, and will notably launch a debate based on the proposals and options studied by the Commission.
- Updated: 05.12.2008
