The EU’s internal market was put under scrutiny today, 9 March, when Members of the European Parliament debated a series of reports in their plenary session in Strasbourg. They concluded that there is no conflict between consumer rights and an economically efficient single market: they reinforce each other. This is the key message of three resolutions approved by Parliament that look at EU law on consumer protection, the internal market and the SOLVIT system for settling consumer disputes.
Two of the three own-initiative resolutions approved today, one by Róza Thun (EPP, PL) on the internal market scoreboard, the other by Anna Hedh (S&D, SV) on consumer protection, look at progress made in implementing EU law and the quality of implementation. The two resolutions aim to make the Commission and the Member States face up to their responsibilities with regard to the transposition and implementation of EU internal market and consumer legislation.
Polish MEP Róza Thuns resolution on the internal market scoreboard calls on the Commission to subject any planned legislation to an “internal market test”, a politically controversial issue in the eyes of some MEPs. The resolution was adopted by 530 votes to 85, with 3 abstentions. Thuns earlier report advocated increasing the accessibility of advice and problem-solving assistance as well as providing more information to citizens and businesses about their rights in the internal market. The MEP also suggests the establishment of an annual Internal Market Forum, which will be committed to application and enforcement of internal market legislation.
The resolution on consumer protection, by Anna Hedh, urges Member States to set up a special consumer ombudsman for the extra-judicial settlement of disputes and calls on the Commission to provide follow-up to its Green Paper on consumer collective redress as quickly as possible. The Swedish Social Democrats report insisted on strengthening market surveillance so that products on the EU market meet safety standards. The MEP also calls for periodic revisions of the Rapex guidelines.
The third resolution, by Cristian Silviu Busoi (ALDE, RO), calls for the SOLVIT network to be better promoted, and to be strengthened with more qualified staff at national level. SOLVIT is the online problem-solving network which was created in 2002 to solve problems that arise for citizens and businesses due to the misapplication of internal market law. The Romanian Liberal MEPs report pointed out that citizens turn to the European Ombudsman with their problems instead of consulting SOLVIT because they are unaware of it. Therefore, its capacity should be increased by creating a common European institution website that will refer EU citizens directly to the institution or body competent to handle their complaint.
The resolutions by Anna Hedh and Cristian Silviu Busoi were adopted by show of hands.
Texts adopted at the EP sitting of Tuesday, 9 March (Provisional edition)
