Press Release: Consumers: Cheaper, faster, easier ways to settle disputes without going to court

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on alternative dispute resolution schemes (ADR) for consumers, January 2011. The Commission's aim is to increase consumer confidence in shopping in the Single Market by ensuring easier, faster and cheaper out-of-court (non-judicial) resolution of disputes between a consumer and a trader. Currently, there are at least 750 ADR schemes in the EU, but consumers cannot always get the help they need. It is estimated that losses incurred by EU consumers who had problems constitute around 0.3% of Europe's GDP.

The results of this consultation will be used to shape the Commission's legislative proposal scheduled for November 2011. The consultation is open until 15 March 2011.

EurActiv, 19.1.11: EU mulls out-of-court consumer dispute system http://www.euractiv.com/consumers/eu-mulls-court-consumer-dispute-news-501413

ESO: Background Information: Website: Helping consumers seek redress: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-solving-consumer-disputes/

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