Brussels, 01/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - If any European programme brings progress for citizens at very low cost, it is indeed the EU consumer programme, the European Commission stated on Monday 31 March. For the modest sum of 5 cents per person per year, the new EU consumer programme, with its total budget of €188.8 million for the 2014-2020 period, will help citizens fully enjoy their rights on the single market. This is a programme that serves consumers in all member states, bringing coordination of EU legislation enforcement measures, co-financing of European consumer centres, and help to national authorities in resolving breaches of consumer laws. “It is an essential element in ensuring that the single market works to the benefit of consumers everywhere across Europe”, said Consumer Policy Commissioner Neven Mimica.
The new programme will focus on four priorities: - a single market of safe products to the benefit of citizens and in the interest of competitive businesses and traders; - a single market where citizens are well represented by effective consumer organisations; - facilitation of access to mechanisms to redress problems without needing to resort to court procedures that are lengthy and costly for both consumers and the public purse; - concrete and effective collaboration between national bodies to support the enforcement of consumer rights and provide consumers with advice.
Government entities and public bodies and national- and EU-level consumer organisations can also apply for support through these funds. (AN)