Brussels, 22/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 22 April, the Council of the EU concluded the legislative procedure on two regulations that will enable online purchasers to resolve their trade disputes, particularly those in a cross-border context, without having to take matters to court. This will become possible from the middle of 2015 (see EUROPE 10804). Germany and Spain abstained from voting on the issue.
The first text relaters to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which introduces compulsory extrajudicial systems in all member states. By establishing minimum standards for quality, it calls on national bodies competent in this field to act both impartially and transparently. These national bodies will be expected to make their decision within three months of receiving a complaint. Almost all areas of activity are covered by the future directive, particularly online transactions.
Future legislation on ADR will be completed by new rules on the online dispute resolution (ODR). This mechanism sets up a European online platform, which is available free in all EU languages through the “Your Europe” portal. (MB/transl.fl)