The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, is counting on the cooperation of the European Parliament to contribute to the successful implementation of the New Consumer Agenda, which he presented to MEPs on Monday 23 November.
Focusing on the green and digital transitions and the post-Covid-19 economic recovery, this agenda will guide European consumer policy over the next five years (see EUROPE 12602/14, 12601/6).
“It takes on board many of the European Parliament’s suggestions”, the Commissioner stressed, citing in particular the sustainability of the internal market and product safety, which are on the agenda of this plenary session, but also priorities put forward in other debates and resolutions.
In Mr Reynders’ view, “Europe is known for its high level of consumer protection. This agenda sets the bar very high”.
It will allow consumers to benefit from the single market despite the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Agenda sets out a roadmap and a long-term project “so that the consumer is a key player in the environmental and green transitions”, transitions that will be “the engines of the post-pandemic growth economy”.
The five-year agenda will contribute to the implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Digital Agenda, in particular through safer and more sustainable products and services.
It provides for better information on the environmental characteristics of products and their lifespan, ensuring that consumers are protected against ‘greenwashing’ and premature obsolescence.
“We will ensure that we respond to a strong legal framework on artificial intelligence to ensure a high level of consumer protection and fundamental rights online”, the Commissioner assured.
Due to the global dimension of the challenges, Didier Reynders insisted that some of the 22 proposed actions require the involvement of all stakeholders, including the European Parliament. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)