site.btaBEUC Presents Memorandum of Priorities for Bulgarian EU Presidency

Sofia, December 5 (BTA) - Bulgaria declares that consumer protection is a main priority, Deputy Economy Minister Alexander Manolev said Tuesday. He was speaking before European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) President Orjan Brinkman handed over a Memorandum with the priorities of the organization for Bulgaria's Presidency of the EU Council.

Manolev assured Brinkman that this country is making a lot of efforts to protect consumers, bearing in mind the work of the Consumer Protection Commission which carries out an average 40,000 inspections a year. He specified that these inspections mainly focus on product safety, prevention of unfair trade practices, as well as protection from unfair contractual relations, among others. "It is important to say that the trend is for an increasing number of people who turn towards this institution - over 20,000 in the last three years," he added. In addition, citizens more frequently turn to the Commission for consultations on consumer matters, without necessarily being involved in a dispute with a trader.

Brinkman guaranteed that the organization he represents will be part of the quality checks of goods and services offered to Bulgarian consumers. He specified that BEUC is the umbrella organisation for 43 independent consumer organisations in 31 European countries. Its member in Bulgaria is Association Active Consumers chaired by Bogomil Nikolov.

The Memorandum has three main benchmarks - the legislation related to the New Deal for Consumers, the legal guarantees for consumers and the safety of products. In 2016 BEUC made a review of consumer rights which showed that the laws protect consumers on paper but it is actually very difficult to protect their right and for them to receive compensation when necessary. The application of legislation should change, as well as some means of consumer protection. On the matter of the New Deal, Brinkman specified that the EC is preparing new proposals which will become effective in the spring of 2018. BEUC has also found that online platforms create numerous problems for consumers.

Consumer rights are not protected by authorities to a sufficient degree. Some of the existing means of protection should be improved, with better options for resolution of disputes, Brinkman said. The Bulgarian Presidency will contribute not only to consumer subjects, but also to other important issues such as vehicles, more efficient housing, as well as the telecommunications market.