EU Consumer Policy Financial Programme

Every year, the European Commission establishes its annual work programme setting out the various budget items for consumer policy to be absorbed on that given year. The Consumer Programme 2007-2013 was adopted by the Council and the European Parliament on 18 December 2006.

The Consumer Programme 2007-2013 adopted by the Council and the European Parliament on 18 December 2006 ( Decision 1926/2006/EC) constitutes the financial framework of Consumer policy with a total of €156.8 million in funding for its duration.

This programme replaces the former Programme 2004-2006 (Decision 20/2004/EC).

Every year, the Commission establishes its annual work programme setting out the various budget items for consumer policy to be absorbed on that given year. This annual programme is then submitted to an Advisory Committee provided for under Article 10 of Decision 1926/2006/EC. This committee, the Consumer Financial Programme Committee (CFPC), composed of representatives of the 27 Member States of the EU meets formally the last quarter of every year in order to give its opinion on the annual work programme through a vote.

Aims

The Consumer Programme 2007-2013 aims primarily to ensure:

• a high level of consumer protection, notably through improved information on consumer-related data, better consultation and better representation of consumers’ interests.
• the effective application of consumer protection rules, notably through cooperation between authorities and organisations responsible for the implementation of consumer legislation, information, education and dispute resolution.

The Consumer Programme will be implemented via the 11 actions listed in Annex I and according to the priorities set out in the current Annual Work Programme.

2009 Annual Work Programme

2008 Annual Work Programme

2007 Annual Work Programme

In addition to the Consumer Programme 2007 - 2013, the Budgetary Authority (European Parliament and Council of Ministers) allocated in the 2008 Community budget 1 million euro for a pilot project concerning monitoring measures in the field of Consumer policy.

Legal background

Decision 20/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 December 2003 on financing Community actions in support of consumer policy for the years 2004 to 2007 was adopted.

On 4 May 2006, the Commission adopted a report concerning the implementation of Decision 20/2004/EC.

Decision 1926/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a programme of Community action in the field of consumer policy (2007-2013).

Source: European Commission