Brussels, 28/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - The United Kingdom is being sent a Reasoned Opinion (second stage in the infringement proceedings) for failing to respect EU consumer rights because it has not yet communicated to the European Commission details of its national laws to introduce the consumer credit directive (Directive 2008/48/EC).
The decision to enter the next stage of action against the UK was taken by the European Commission on Thursday 27 January. The UK authorities now have two months to meet their obligations, failing which they could be taken to the European Court of Justice. Directive 2008/48/EC harmonises various aspects of national rules and regulations to provide enough consumer protection for them to feel confident about their purchases.
The deadline for transposition of the directive was 11 June 2010. In a press release, the Commission points out that it is crucial to introduce more transparent and effective credit rules for EU consumers to enable them to make an informed choice among the credit options available in the 27 member states. (A.N./transl.fl)