Consumer confidence in a high level of protection of their rights, the digital transition and the contribution of consumers to the sustainable post-pandemic recovery of the EU are at the heart of a joint paper on ‘Consumer protection in Europe – Lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic’, adopted by the Presidency Trio of the EU Council – Germany, Portugal and Slovenia.
This document was presented and discussed with stakeholder experts on 16 October (European Council day) in view of the ‘New Consumer Agenda’, which the European Commission is expected to present on 11 November (see EUROPE 12502/7).
It sets out strategic guidelines and measures to give impetus to this future European Agenda and will help pave the way for the informal Consumer Council meeting scheduled for 3 November.
The paper responds to the need to strike the right balance between the interests of business and consumers and to address the vulnerability of consumers made vulnerable or indebted by the crisis.
“During the pandemic, consumers’ trust in a high level of consumer protection is more important than ever, and will be a decisive factor in the recovery of Europe’s economy. The current situation has strengthened our awareness of the importance of cooperation between Member States and the European Commission in the field of consumer protection”, according to the German State Secretary Christian Kastrop.
“We want to see online sales platforms taking on more responsibility for tackling dishonest offers in future. We suggest that the new European Consumer Agenda should include a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. In particular, we must ensure more sustainable consumption and production patterns”, he commented.
One important area highlighted is the improvement of consumer protection in financial services.
“The digital area and Covid-19 have changed the single market. New opportunities and challenges for companies and consumers have emerged. This requires new legislation and enforcement methods, as well as a properly educated consumer, fully informed and capable to exercise his or her rights and duties”, stressed the Slovenian Secretary of State, Simon Zajc.
Among the measures advocated are:
– the revision and improvement of the rules of the Consumer Credit Directive (2008/48/EC), which should be adapted to the digital age while ensuring a high level of consumer protection. The review should also examine the risks of over-indebtedness in times of crisis.
– the need to address consumer vulnerability by sharing best practices and seeking common solutions.
– consumer protection on platforms by introducing a higher level of liability, in particular for major online platforms, in future Digital Services Act and by consumer information measures.
– promote sustainable consumption by encouraging consumers to be actors in the green transition.
– in the area of travel and passenger rights, examine how insolvency protection could be improved in the field of transport, in particular for air carriers.
– revise the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) taking into account the challenges posed by new technologies and online sales.
– strengthen enforcement of legislation.
BEUC delighted. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) welcomed this initiative. In particular, it recommends: – making consumer policy a driver for a sustainable recovery and a digital society; – adapting legislation, in particular to address the digital vulnerability of consumers; – focusing on enforcement through increased interdisciplinary cooperation between competent authorities and between consumer organisations and national public authorities.
Document of the Presidency Trio: https://bit.ly/35jwLQv
BEUC’s recommendations: https://bit.ly/3o4Fvm5 (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)