Why not more serious?

Yesterday I have mentioned that the EESC is soon expected to give four opinions related to consumer protection measures (Expecting opinions of the EESC). Today a press released was issued in which the EESC calls on the European institutions to take consumer rights more seriously (The EU should take consumer rights more seriously, says the EESC). After having voted on the newly drafted provisions on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and online dispute resolution (ODR), the EESC expressed its concern as to the setup and functionalities of the planned ODR platform. The criticism addressed the narrow scope of the platform, limits as to its practical usability, technical innovation and legal certainty. Moreover, the EESC believes that the European regulation should be more ambitious and broader in scope. They advocate for an ODR platform that would be available for all types of transactions, regardless of whether they are concluded online or offline, cross-border or inside one country only. Also the Consumer Programme 2014-2020 was criticised, since it does not provide for a sufficient budget to place consumers at the centre of EU policies.

Expecting opinions of the EESC

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) meets today on a plenary session. One of the points on their agenda relates to strengthening the protection of consumers in cross-border trade. To this aim the EESC is to give four opinions within the consumer package on: "Consumer programme 2014-2020", "Common European sales law", "Alternative dispute resolution" and "Online dispute resolution for consumer disputes".

EESC calls for more action on passengers' rights

Last week, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organized a public hearing on passengers' rights. Views were shared on the current problems and suggestions were made for the upcoming revision of the passengers rights. One of the problems is that passengers have little awareness of their rights and that if they do know about their rights and take action, their claims are often denied. There was also discussion on the problems disabled passengers currently face. Keith Taylor, Member of the European Parliament, promised to try to improve the position of people with disabilities and to fight for revised legal provisions that are clear, simple, transparent and fair. The EESC's opinion on the revision of the passengers' rights legislation is expected next month.

Photo: EESC website