Press Release: Making rights a reality: New Europe-wide support network for consumers

David Byrne, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, on 28 October 2004 announced plans for a new EU-wide network to advise citizens on consumer protection issues. The new network was planned to be created by merging two existing networks: the European Consumer Centres or 'Euroguichets', which provided information and assistance on cross-border issues; and the European Extra-Judicial Network which helped consumers to resolve their disputes through alternative dispute resolution schemes such as mediators or arbitrators. The new network, due to be launched in early 2005, is supposed to build on initiatives by Commissioner Byrne and Commissioner Pavel Telicka to raise citizens' awareness of how EU law protects their consumer rights.