Strengthening the coordinated enforcement of consumer protection rules

The European Union has an important body of laws protecting the interests of consumers. These laws apply not only in national cases where consumers and traders are in the same Member State, but also in cross-border cases where consumers and traders are located in different countries. As consumers are increasingly shopping and dealing with businesses in a cross-border situation, the cross-border enforcement of EU consumer laws has become growingly relevant.

National consumer authorities throughout Europe are responsible for enforcing consumer protection rules. However, enforcement is particularly complex when it comes to cross-border cases. The CPC-Network was set up as an EU coordination mechanism on consumer protection enforcement between national authorities with a view of (among other things) addressing widespread infringements. Based on the experience gained so far, the coordination organised under the CPC Regulation needs improvements in order to stay relevant in the light of rapid market changes and new businesses practices.