site.btaConsumers' Rights in Focus of Citizens' Dialogue in Sofia with Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom

Sofia, February 26 (BTA) - Consumers' rights were in the highlight of Citizens' Dialogue with EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom in Sofia Monday. Responding to a question about double standards in food quality, she said European consumers should have equal rights anywhere they live.

The discussion sought to answer the question of whether the EU is a leader in global trade. Also participating was the chair of the parliamentary environment committee, Ivelina Vassileva.

The Trade Commissioner said that double standards in food quality is a sensitive issue and that some companies in Europe have adopted this practice. A detailed report on the matter is being prepared and will be presented soon, she added.

Ivelina Vassileva said that the Bulgarian authorities will do their best to ensure uniform food quality standards on the Bulgarian market. She added that all competent authorities are involved in this process.

Other issues that were discussed were the EU trade policy, the measures against unfair competition, tax policies and the combat against tax evasion.

In a symbolic vote by the participants taken after the discussion, a majority voted as optimists for the future of united Europe.

Vassileva noted that Bulgarians are among the biggest eurooptimists and over 80 per cent of them believe that the EU is a democratic and progressive community. "We need to stay together to address the challenges, to make Europe strong and prosperous," she said.