The European Parliament’s consumer affairs (IMCO) committee voted this evening on a proposal on new EU consumer rights rules (Schwab report on the Consumer Rights Directive). The Greens expressed disappointment with the outcome, which could risk diminishing consumer rights throughout the EU. After the vote, Greens/EFA shadow draftsperson (rapporteur) Emilie Turunen said:

“The outcome of this evening’s vote would not strengthen EU consumer rights, which is the ultimate goal of this legislation.  On the contrary, these proposals for maximum harmonisation risk being based on the lowest common denominator for consumer rights and could reduce these rights for all EU consumers. While the Greens worked constructively to try and ensure this ambitious legislation would lead to stronger consumer rights, ultimately we could not support the draft voted as it goes in the wrong direction."

Commenting on rumours of a 'first reading agreement' between the European Parliament and Council on the directive, Emilie Turunen said:

“Concluding a first reading agreement would be at the expense of improving consumer rights.  It would also be part of a growing trend to rush through legislation at the first reading which undermines the democratic process and continually fails to ensure the best outcome for EU citizens.

“We will work hard to ensure today’s result is dramatically improved when the EP votes in Plenary."
 
Richard More O'Ferrall,
Press and media officer,
Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament
Mobile: +32-477-443842 - Ph. +32-22841669 (Brussels); +33-388174042
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