Euro-MPs Debate Cross-Border Consumer Dispute Resolution

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Jul 2001

Diana Wallis MEP called for better protection for members of the public involved in cross-border consumer disputes in the European Parliament on Monday.

In her Legal Affairs Committee Report, Diana Wallis is suggesting ways of improving the European Commission's working paper on the creation of a European Extra-Judicial Network (EEJ Net) for the out-of-court-settlement of such disputes.

"The purpose of the network would be to enable the public to resolve cross-border consumer disputes - often involving relatively small sums of money - quickly, efficiently and economically," said Diana Wallis.

In its draft resolution the committee calls on the Commission to ensure better co-ordination of all involved parties as well as a better flow of information to, and involvement of, the European Parliament.

It adds that the clearing houses which would act as central contact points in each Member State must be in a position to give reliable preliminary legal advice by at least having access to trained lawyers with professional liability insurance.

"Consumers should be allowed to use their own language and complaint forms should be clear and simple," Diana continued. "The Commission must guarantee adequate start-up funding and long-term finance for the EEJ Net. It should also ensure that consumers are properly informed about the network and have easy access to it."