The new ‘Consumer Agenda’ 2021-2025 focusing on the green and digital transition, presented by the European Commission in November and already discussed by EU Member State Ministers in December (see EUROPE 12617/11), will guide the Portuguese Presidency of the EU Council in the field of consumer affairs.
Judging from its work programme, the Presidency wants both to ensure a high level of consumer protection in this dual transition and to make consumers capable of making informed choices, which means increasing their confidence in products and services on the EU market.
“Consumers access to information is key to confidence among consumers, who in turn play a decisive role in the transition to a circular economy in which digital transactions, including for products from third countries, are also increasing. In this context, the Presidency will pay attention to product traceability and improved market surveillance as well as food safety”, stresses the Presidency.
It will focus on the implementation of the new ‘Agenda’, the backbone of EU consumer policy, and other legislative proposals to help citizens adapt to the climate and digital transitions.
A consumer summit will be organised by the Portuguese Presidency and the European Commission in March in Lisbon to continue the discussion with consumers started in December at ministerial level.
The three-Presidency team had already prepared a document even before this Agenda was presented (see EUROPE 12585/16).
Conclusions will be adopted by the Council of the EU during the 6 months of the Portuguese Presidency.
In the area of financial services, the Presidency intends to follow up the consumer credit initiative.
A high level meeting on consumer protection is planned for March in Lisbon.
To read the work programme of the Portuguese Presidency https://bit.ly/38Xm0oS (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)