In the first part of the current publication, we introduced you to the essence of the document that lays the foundations for new consumer policies in the European Union - the Consumer Agenda for the period 2020-2025. We talked about the main areas in which these policies are focused, and in particular about the measures that the European Commission is planning in connection with the new market conditions in times of pandemic.
In the second part we introduced you to the green and digital transition of European consumption and the activities planned in connection with it.
We will now introduce you to the measures planned for the effective implementation of consumer protection, meeting the specific needs of consumers and protection of rights in a global context.
This is the reason why measures need to be taken for effective protection. The Commission plans to:
The forthcoming Directive on Representative Actions allows consumers to join forces. This makes it easier for qualified authorities to bring cases before courts or administrative authorities in relation to consumers' collective interests, including in cross-border situations. This will facilitate consumers' search for joint protection in cases that are similar and of shared public interest.
The Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating the situation of many indebted consumers. Efforts are needed to establish good practices to support them. According to studies, every euro spent on debt advice can save more than two euros in the form of social benefits. Here are the measures taken by the Commission on the subject:
With the rapid development of e-commerce, cooperation with international partners, in particular China, has become even more important, especially in the matter of product safety.
The implementation of the program is based on intensive cooperation between the Member States, between the Commission and organizations of all stakeholders: consumer organizations, civil society, industry. Each year, short-term goals will be discussed at the European Consumer Summit, which traditionally takes place on World Consumer Rights Day, which is regularly attended by representatives of NAIS.
If, as a consumer, you believe that you have purchased a product that does not meet safety requirements or you are a user of a financial service that hides unsuspected conditions, difficult-to-understand clauses or you have been a victim of unfair commercial practices, you can always submit a complain in the ODR platform to try to solve the problem with the EU trader, either local or cross-border. The negotiations with the company will be aided by a third independent and impartial person, a mediator. We will be glad to help you if you choose NAIS as an ADR body. All this happens entirely online, in the form of a chat, from a convenient place for you and the merchant, at a time convenient for each of the parties.
Do not miss the next publications in the News section of nais.bg. In the section "Consumer Reader" we will tell you about the most interesting conclusions from the research of the European Commission, conducted in 2020, on consumer habits and the way the Covid-19 pandemic has affected European consumers.
In the section "Handbook for Trade Leaders" we will continue the series "ARE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS A GOOD THING AND HOW MUCH DOES AN UNDERRATED COMPLAINT COST"
Follow NAIS profiles on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest in online dispute resolution.