Yesterday, the European Commission announced an action plan to improve the enforcement of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC). By doing so, the Commission aims to improve consumers' confidence to shop abroad.
The action plan is as follows:
• Strengthening the efficiency of the European consumer protection network and further promoting coordinated enforcement actions ("sweeps");
• Assisting Member States in effectively applying the Directive with guidance and sharing best practices;
• Developing enforcement indicators to detect shortcomings and failures that require further investigative and/or corrective action;
• Establishing regular thematic workshops between national enforcers and organising training for enforcers and the judiciary.
The European Commission also announced that particular attention will be paid to certain markets which are seen as particularly problematic. It concerns travel and transport, digital services, financial services and property markets. Moreover, stronger enforcement is promised in the field of environmental claims.
The action plan comes together with the Commission's report on the application of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive.
