Brussels, 03/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - The consumer market scoreboard published on 2 February by the European Commission (see EUROPE 9831, p6), was given a warm welcome by the European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC). According to Monique Goyens, BEUC Director General, this scoreboard analyses the problems confronting consumers correctly but is only a first step. She concluded: “It is time to draw conclusions from the scoreboard and restore consumer confidence in consumer markets, by taking the right consumer policy decisions”.
BEUC points out that: 1) in the telecommunications sector - it is no surprise that consumers mainly complain about the cost of fixed and mobile telephony, and they therefore support the Commission's goal to regulate “termination rates”. BEUC believes this will bring down prices and is calling on the Commission to resist possible pressure from telephone operators; 2) in the bank services sector - BEUC highlights the importance of effectively implementing the code of conduct adopted by the EBIC (European Banking Industry Committee) in 2008. Consumers are still experiencing difficulties when they want to change bank; 3) in the energy sector - the current review of the energy package must guarantee consumers' access to their consumption data and ensure they are provided with clear bills.
BEUC indicates that 76% of consumers would go to court if they could join actions, as individual actions are too costly and lengthy. BEUC concludes that this clearly calls for the establishment of a judicial mechanism for collective consumer redress - a Group Action. BEUC points out that the White Paper on collective redress and uncompetitive practices will be subject to a vote at the European Parliament in March. (L.G./transl.rh)