REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a consumer programme 2014-2020

Draft legislative resolution

Amendment

1a. Recalls its resolution of 8 June 2011 on Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe¹; reiterates that sufficient additional resources are needed in the next MFF in order to enable the Union to fulfil its existing policy priorities and the new tasks provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon, as well as to respond to unforeseen events; points out that, even with an increase in the level of resources for the next MFF of at least 5 % compared to the 2013 level, only a limited contribution can be made to the achievement of the Union’s agreed objectives and commitments and the principle of Union solidarity; challenges the Council, if it does not share this approach, to clearly identify which of its political priorities or projects could be dropped altogether, despite their proven European added value;

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¹ Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0266.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1b. Stresses that the proposed total budget of the consumer programme 2014-2020, amounting to EUR 197 million (at current prices) is modest and points out that the financial envelope specified in the legislative proposal constitutes only an indication to the legislative authority and cannot be fixed until agreement is reached on the proposal for a regulation laying down the MFF for the years 2014-2020;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1c. Considers EUR 20,65 million for administrative expenditure, arising from the implementation of the programme, to be high;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2a) The Consumer Programme for the period 2014-2020 (‘the Programme’) should help ensure a high level of protection for consumers and fully support the ambitions of Europe 2020 as regards growth and competitiveness by integrating specific Europe 2020 concerns on the digital agenda for Europe to ensure that digitalisation actually leads to increased consumer welfare, on sustainable growth by moving towards more sustainable patterns of consumption, on social inclusion by taking into account the specific situation of vulnerable consumers and the need of an ageing population, and on smart regulation through consumer market monitoring to help design smart and targeted regulations.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2b) The Commission Communication of 22 May 2012 entitled 'A European Consumer Agenda - Boosting confidence and growth' sets out a strategic framework for Union consumer policy in the years to come by supporting consumer interests in all Union policies. The aim of the Consumer Agenda is to create a strategy in which political action will efficiently and effectively support consumers throughout their lives by ensuring the safety of the products and services made available to them, by informing and educating them, by supporting bodies that represent them, by strengthening their rights, by giving them access to justice and redress and by compliance with legislation.

Draft legislative resolution

Amendment

(2c) The recent economic downturn has exposed a number of shortcomings and inconsistencies in the single market, which have had adverse implications for consumers' and citizens' confidence. Whilst it is necessary to acknowledge the budgetary constraints under which the Union is currently operating, the Union should nevertheless provide adequate financial means to support a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2d) The elimination of direct and indirect obstacles to the proper functioning of the internal market and improving citizens' trust and confidence in the system, in particular when buying cross-border, is essential for the completion of the internal market. The Union should aim to create the right market conditions to empower consumers by providing them with sufficient tools to make considered and informed decisions and by raising consumer awareness.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3) This Regulation takes into account the economic, social and technical environment and the concomitant emerging challenges. In particular, actions funded under this programme will seek to address issues linked to globalisation, digitalisation, the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption, population ageing, social exclusion and the issue of vulnerable consumers. Integrating consumer interests into all Union policies, in accordance with Article 12 TFEU, should be given high priority. Coordination with other Union policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies. In order to promote synergies and avoid duplication, other Union funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields.

(3) This Regulation takes into account the economic, social and technical environment and the concomitant emerging challenges. In particular, actions funded under this programme will seek to address issues linked to globalisation, digitalisation, the growing level of complexity of decisions that consumers have to make, the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption, population ageing, social exclusion and the issue of vulnerable consumers. Integrating consumer interests into all Union policies, in accordance with Article 12 TFEU, is a high priority. Coordination with other Union policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies. In order to promote synergies and avoid duplication, other Union funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3a) The Programme should ensure a high level of protection for all consumers, devoting particular attention to vulnerable consumers, in order to take into account their specific needs and strengthen their capabilities, as called for in the Resolution of the European Parliament of … on a strategy for strengthening the rights of vulnerable consumers¹. In particular, the Programme should ensure that vulnerable consumers have access to information on goods and services, in order to have equal opportunities to make free and informed choices, especially since vulnerable consumers may have difficulties in accessing and comprehending consumer information, and therefore risk being misled.

¹ OJ ...

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3b) Stakeholders should commit to responsible advertising towards minors, in particular by refraining from aggressive and misleading TV and online advertising.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) These actions should be laid down in a consumer programme for the period 2014 – 2020 (hereinafter 'the Programme'), providing a framework for funding Union actions. In accordance with Article 49 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, this Regulation is to provide the legal basis for the action and for the implementation of the Programme. This Regulation builds on and continues the actions funded under Decision No 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).

(4) These actions should be laid down in a consumer programme for the period 2014 – 2020 (hereinafter 'the Programme'), providing a framework for funding Union actions. In accordance with Article 49 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities and its subsequent revision by Regulation (EU) No XXX/201Y¹, this Regulation is to provide the legal basis for the action and for the implementation of the Programme. This Regulation builds on and continues the actions funded under Decision No 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).

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¹ COM(2010)0815.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5) It is important to improve consumer protection. To achieve this general objective, specific objectives should be set as regards safety, consumer information and education, rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights. The value and impact of the measures taken under the Programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated. For the purposes of evaluating consumer policy indicators should be developed.

(5) It is important to improve consumer protection. To achieve this general objective, specific objectives should be set as regards safety, consumer information and education and support for consumer organisations at Union level, rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights. The value and impact of the measures taken under the Programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated to facilitate smarter policy design. To evaluate consumer policy and particularly the precise impact of the measures taken, indicators should be developed that may be supplemented by background details.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5a) It is important to improve consumer confidence. In order to achieve that objective, it is necessary to strengthen the scope for action, particularly through appropriate financial support to intermediaries such as European consumer organisations and European consumer centres, taking into account their major role in providing information and assistance to consumers about their rights, supporting consumers in consumer disputes, in particular with regard to access to appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms, and promoting consumer interests in the construction of the internal market. Those organisations and centres should have the capacity to enhance consumer protection and confidence by taking action on the ground and tailoring aid, information and education to the individual.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) It is necessary to provide for the eligible actions by which those objectives are to be achieved.

(6) It is necessary to specify in advance the eligible actions by which those objectives are to be achieved

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9a) In the spirit of the principles of sound financial management, transparency and flexibility in the implementation of the Programme, the continuation of the executive agency should be permissible only on the basis of a clearly positive result of a new, independent cost-benefit analysis.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9b) Expenditure of Union and Member States’ funds in the area of consumer safety, education, rights and enforcement should be better coordinated in order to assure complementarity, better efficiency and visibility, as well as to achieve better budgetary synergies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11) In the context of the implementation of the Programme, where appropriate, cooperation with third countries not participating in the Programme should be encouraged, taking into account any relevant agreements between those countries and the Union.

(11) In the context of the implementation of the Programme, and given the globalisation of the production chain and the increasing interdependence of markets, cooperation with third countries not participating in the Programme should be encouraged, taking into account any relevant agreements between those countries and the Union.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12) In order to amend certain non-essential elements of this Regulation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the adaptation of the indicators set out in Annex II. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and Council.

(12) In order to amend and supplement certain non-essential elements of this Regulation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the adoption of the annual work programmes and the adaptation of the indicators set out in Annex II, in order to supplement the list of actions in Annex I, and to adopt variations of more than 20 % to the indicative amounts specified in Annex IIa. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations throughout its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and Council.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission in respect of the adoption of annual work programmes. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers. Given that the Programme does not set out criteria for the safety of products but aims at providing financial support to tools for the implementation of product safety policy, and given the relatively small amount concerned, it is appropriate that the advisory procedure applies.

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Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The aim of the Programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market. The Programme will do so by contributing to protecting the health, safety and economic interests of consumers, as well as to promoting their right to information, education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests. The Programme will complement, support and monitor the policies of Member States.

The aim of the Programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market. The Programme will do so, within the framework of an overall strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, by contributing to protecting the health, safety, economic and legal interests of consumers, as well as to promoting their right to information, education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests. The Programme will complement, support and monitor the policies of Member States.

The Programme shall also be complemented by other Union instruments and policies, in particular under the 2014-2020 Multiannual "Rights and Citizenship" programme which includes, as one of its objectives, the empowerment of consumers¹.

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Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

This objective will be measured in particular through the activity of the EU rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products (RAPEX).

This objective will be measured in particular through the activity and effectiveness of the EU rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products (RAPEX).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

b) Objective 2 - information and education: to improve consumers' education, information and awareness of their rights, to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations

b) Objective 2 - information and education, and support to consumer organisations: to improve consumers' education, information and awareness of their rights, to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

c) Objective 3 - rights and redress: to consolidate consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to redress including alternative dispute resolution.

c) Objective 3 - rights and redress: to develop and reinforce consumer rights in particular through smart regulatory action and improving access to simple, efficient, expedient and low-cost individual and, where appropriate, collective redress including alternative dispute resolution.

This objective will be measured in particular through the recourse to alternative dispute resolution to solve cross-border disputes and through the activity of a Union-wide on-line dispute resolution system.

This objective will be measured in particular through the recourse to alternative dispute resolution to solve cross-border disputes and through the activity of a Union-wide on-line dispute resolution system, and by the percentage of consumers taking action in response to a problem encountered.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

This objective will be measured in particular through the level of information flow and cooperation within the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network and the activity of the European Consumer Centres.

This objective will be measured in particular through the level of information flow and the effectiveness of cooperation within the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network and the activity of the European Consumer Centres, how well known they are to consumers and how satisfied consumers are with the assistance they received during the most recent dispute resolution procedure.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

High-quality consumer information and participation is a cross-sectoral priority and, therefore, shall be expressly provided for, whenever possible, in all sectoral objectives and actions financed under the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 15 to adapt the indicators set out in Annex II.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 15 to adapt the indicators set out in Annex II or to establish new ones.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3a) Improvement of product traceability and enhancing access to information concerning dangerous products;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) building the evidence base for policy-making in areas affecting consumers;

(4) Building and improving access to the evidence base for policy-making in areas affecting consumers, for designing smart and targeted regulations and for detecting any market malfunctioning or changes in consumers’ needs;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) under objective 2 – information and education:

(b) under objective 2 – consumer information and education, and support to consumer organisations:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5) support to consumer organisations;

(5) support through financing of European consumer organisations and through capacity building for consumer organisations at Union, national and regional level, increasing transparency and stepping up exchanges of best practice and expertise, consumer research and consumer information;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) enhancing the transparency of consumer markets and consumer information;

(6) enhancing the transparency of the internal market and consumer information, providing consumers with comparable, reliable and easily accessible data including for cross-border cases, to help them compare not only prices, but also quality and sustainability of goods and services;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7) enhancing consumer education;

(7) enhancing consumer and business education as a life-long process, with a particular focus on vulnerable consumers;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8) preparation by the Commission of consumer protection legislation and other regulatory initiatives, monitoring the transposition by Member States and the subsequent evaluation of its impact, and the promotion of co-regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives;

(8) preparation by the Commission of consumer protection legislation and other regulatory initiatives, monitoring the transposition by Member States and the subsequent evaluation of its impact, and the promotion of co-regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives and monitoring the real impact of those initiatives on consumer markets;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8a) support the development of alternative dispute resolution ('ADR') entities as well as the creation of an electronic, Union-wide platform which offers consumers and traders a single point of entry for the out-of-court resolution of online disputes, supported by the availability of quality ADR entities across the Union;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9) facilitating access to and monitoring of the functioning and the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers, in particular of alternative dispute resolution schemes, including on-line, also through the development and maintenance of relevant IT tools;

(9) facilitating access to individual and, where appropriate, collective dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers, in particular of alternative dispute resolution schemes, including on-line, paying specific attention to adequate measures for vulnerable consumers' needs and rights;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9a) monitoring of the functioning and the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers, also through the development and maintenance of relevant IT tools and the exchange of existing best practice and experience in the Member States;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11) financial contributions for joint actions with public or non-profit bodies constituting Union networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution, including out of court online resolution schemes (the European Consumer Centres Network).

(11) financial contributions for joint actions and signature of partnership agreements with public or non-profit bodies constituting Union networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution, including out of court online resolution schemes (the European Consumer Centres Network).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

A more detailed description of the content that those actions may have is included in Annex I.

A more detailed description of the content that those actions may have is included in Annex I. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, in accordance with Article 15, in order to complete the list set out in Annex I with additional actions of similar type and impact pursuing the specific objectives mentioned in Article 3.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) they are mandated to represent the interests of consumers at Union level by organisations in at least half of the Member States that are representative, in accordance with national rules or practice, of consumers, and that are active at regional or national level.

(b) they are mandated to represent the interests of consumers at Union level by organisations that are representative, in accordance with national rules or practice, of consumers, and that are active at local, regional or national level.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) they are non-governmental, non-profit-making, independent of industry, commercial and business or other conflicting interests, and have as their primary objectives and activities the promotion and protection of the health, safety, economic and legal interests of consumers in the Union;

(Does not concern English version)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

7. Grants for action may be awarded to a public body or a non-profit-making body selected through a transparent procedure and designated by a Member State or a third country referred to in Article 7 of this Regulation. The designated body shall be part of an Union network which provides information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution (the European Consumer Centres Network).

7. Grants for action may be awarded to a public body or a non-profit-making body selected through a transparent procedure and designated by a Member State or a third country referred to in Article 7 of this Regulation, and partnership agreements may be concluded with those bodies. The designated body shall be part of a Union network which provides information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution (the European Consumer Centres Network).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

8. Grants for action may be awarded to complaint handling bodies established and operating in the Union and in countries of the European Free Trade Associations participating in the European Economic Area, which are responsible for collecting consumer complaints, or attempting to resolve complaints, or giving advice, or providing information to consumers about complaints or enquiries, and which are a third party to a complaint or enquiry by a consumer about a trader. They do not include consumer complaint handling mechanisms operated by traders and dealing with enquiries and complaints directly with the consumer or mechanisms providing complaint handling services operated by or on behalf of a trader.

8. Grants for action may be awarded to complaint handling bodies established and operating in the Member States of the Union and in countries of the European Free Trade Association participating in the European Economic Area, which are responsible for collecting consumer complaints, or attempting to resolve complaints, or giving advice, or providing information to consumers about complaints or enquiries, and which are a third party to a complaint or enquiry by a consumer about a trader.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Financial framework

Budget

The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme shall be EUR 197,000,000 in current prices.

The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme, within the meaning of point [17] of the Interinstitutional Agreement of XX/201Y between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and sound financial management¹, shall be […] in current prices. The annual appropriation shall be authorised by the budgetary authority.

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¹ OJ…^.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. The indicative distribution of funds between the specific objectives listed in Article 3 is set out in Annex IIa.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The financial allocation for the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives; in particular, studies, meetings of experts, information and communication actions, including corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.

1. The financial allocation for the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. The total amount allocated to cover the expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities and for technical and administrative assistance referred to in paragraph 1 shall not exceed 10,5% of the financial envelope allocated to the programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall implement the Programme by means of the management modes referred to in Article 53 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

The Commission shall implement the Programme by means of the management modes referred to in Article 53 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 or its modified version under Regulation (EU) No XXX/201Y¹.

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¹ COM(2010)0815.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall implement the Programme by adopting annual work programmes in the form of implementing acts setting out the elements provided for in Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 and in particular:

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 15 in order to adopt annual work programmes setting out the elements provided for in Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 and in particular:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) the implementation priorities and the actions to be undertaken, including the allocation of financial resources;

(a) the implementation priorities and the actions to be undertaken, including the indicative allocation of financial resources;

(b) the essential selection and award criteria to be used to select the proposals receiving financial contributions;

(b) the essential selection and award criteria to be used to select the proposals receiving financial contributions;

(c) the time schedule of the planned calls for tenders and calls for proposals;

(c) the time schedule of the planned calls for tenders and calls for proposals;

(d) where appropriate, the authorisation to use lump sums, standard scales of unit costs or flat-rate financing in line with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002;

(d) whenever possible, the authorisation to use partnership agreements lump sums, standard scales of unit costs or flat-rate financing in line with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 as revised by Regulation (EU) No XXX/201Y;

(e) the criteria for assessing whether or not exceptional utility applies.

(e) the criteria for assessing whether or not exceptional utility applies.

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¹ OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 16.

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Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall communicate the results of those evaluations, accompanied by its comments, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The results of those evaluations shall, where appropriate, be accompanied by proposals for modifications of the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The delegation of power referred to in Article 3 shall be conferred on the Commission for the period of the Programme 2014-2020.

2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 3, 4 and 12 and in Annex IIa shall be conferred on the Commission for the period of the Programme 2014-2020.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 3 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

3. The delegation of power referred to in Articles 3, 4 and 12 and in Annex IIa, may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 3 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or the Council.

5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 3, 4 or 12 and Annex IIa, shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or the Council.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 16

deleted

Committee procedure

1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) development and maintenance of IT tools (e.g. databases, information and communication systems);

(a) development, modernisation and maintenance of IT tools (e.g. databases, information and communication systems) in particular so that the efficiency of existing systems can be improved by increasing the potential for data export, statistical sorting and extraction, and facilitating the electronic exchange and use of data between Member States;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) exchanges of enforcement officials and training;

(c) exchanges of enforcement officials and training focusing in particular on high-risk sectors;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(f) administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries other than the ones falling under Article 7;

(f) administrative, enforcement and product traceability cooperation, plus development of preventive actions, with third countries other than the ones falling under Article 7, and in particular with those third countries which are the source of the majority of products notified in the Union for non-conformity with Union legislation;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Objective II – Information and education: to improve consumers' education, information and awareness of their rights, to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations

Objective II – Consumer information and education, and support for consumer organisations: to improve consumers' education, information and awareness of their rights, to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. Building the evidence base for policy-making in areas affecting consumers

4. Building and improving access to the evidence base for policy-making in areas affecting consumers, for designing smart and targeted regulations and for detecting any market malfunctioning or changes in consumers’ needs

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) Union-wide studies and analysis on consumers and consumer markets;

(a) Union-wide studies and analysis on consumers and consumer markets in order to design smart and targeted regulations, to detect any market malfunctioning or changes in consumers’ needs;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) development and maintenance of databases;

(b) development and maintenance of databases, in particular to make the data collected available to stakeholders (for instance consumer organisations, national authorities and researchers);

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5. Support to consumer organisations

5. Support through financing of European consumer organisations and through capacity building for consumer organisations at Union, national and regional level, increasing transparency and stepping up exchanges of best practice and expertise, consumer research and consumer information

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) capacity building for regional, national and European consumer organisations, notably through training and exchange of best practice and expertise for staff members, in particular for consumer organisations in Member States which demonstrate a relatively low level of consumer confidence and awareness as evidenced by monitoring of consumer markets and the consumer environment in the Member States;

(b) capacity building for local, regional, national and European consumer organisations, notably through training available in various languages and throughout the Union and exchange of best practice and expertise for staff members, in particular for consumer organisations in Member States where they are not sufficiently developed or which demonstrate a relatively low level of consumer confidence and awareness as evidenced by monitoring of consumer markets and the consumer environment in the Member States;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ba) greater transparency and more exchanges of good practice and expertise, in particular through the setting up of an online portal for consumer organisations to provide an interactive exchange and networking area and make materials produced during training courses freely available;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

6. Enhancing the transparency of consumer markets and consumer information

6. Enhancing the transparency of the internal market and consumer information, providing consumers with comparable, reliable and easily accessible data, including for cross-border cases, to help them compare not only prices, but also the quality and sustainability of goods and services

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) actions increasing consumers' access to relevant information on products and markets;

(c) actions increasing consumers’ access to relevant comparable, reliable and easily accessible information on products and markets, particularly on prices, quality and sustainability of goods and services, whether this be offline or online, including through the development and monitoring of a certification label for price comparison websites utilising a harmonised methodology for price comparisons, including for cross-border purchases;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(g) support to Union-wide bodies for the development of codes of conduct/best practices/guidelines for price/quality/sustainability comparison;

(g) support to Union-wide bodies for the development of price comparison websites, codes of conduct/best practices or guidelines for price/quality/sustainability comparison;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(h) support for communication on consumer issues, including through support to the media to drive consumer empowerment and enforcement.

(h) support for communication on consumer issues, including by encouraging, particularly through training programmes, the media to provide correct and relevant information, raise awareness and empower consumers;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

7. Enhancing consumer education

7. Enhancing consumer and business education as a life-long process, with a particular focus on vulnerable consumers

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) development of an interactive platform for exchange of best practices and consumer education materials directed to key target groups in particular young consumers, in synergy with the European financing programme in education and training;

(a) development of an interactive platform for exchange of best practices and materials for life-long consumer education with a particular focus on vulnerable consumers that have difficulties in accessing and comprehending consumer information, in order to ensure that they are not misled;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) development of education measures and materials on e.g. consumer rights including cross-border issues, health and safety, Union consumer legislation, sustainable consumption, financial literacy.

(b) development of education materials in collaboration with stakeholders (for instance consumer organisations, national authorities and those active at grass-roots level) in particular by making use (for instance collection, compilation, translation and diffusion) of materials produced for previous initiatives, such as Dolceta, on various media including digital, which are likely to be of value to all categories of the population; materials on e.g. consumer rights including cross-border issues, health and safety, Union consumer legislation, the meaning of the Union’s logos, sustainable consumption, forms of ethical consumption and financial literacy .

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Rights and redress: to consolidate consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to redress including alternative dispute resolution

Rights and redress: to develop and reinforce consumer rights in particular through smart regulatory action and improving access to simple, efficient, expedient, and low-cost individual and, where appropriate, collective redress including alternative dispute resolution

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

8. Preparation, transposition assessment, monitoring, evaluation, implementation and enforcement by Member States of consumer protection legislative and other regulatory initiatives and the promotion of co-regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives, including

8. Preparation, transposition assessment, monitoring, evaluation, implementation and enforcement by Member States of consumer protection legislative and other regulatory initiatives, promotion of co-regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives, and monitoring the real impact of these initiatives on consumer markets, including

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) studies, ex ante and ex-post evaluations, impact assessments, public consultations, evaluation of existing legislation;

(a) studies and smart regulation activities such as ex ante and ex-post evaluations, impact assessments, public consultations, evaluation and simplification of existing legislation;

(d) seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings of stakeholders and experts;

(b) seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings of stakeholders and experts;

(e) development and maintenance of easily and publicly accessible databases covering the implementation of Union legislation on consumer protection;

(c) development and maintenance of easily and publicly accessible databases covering the implementation of Union legislation on consumer protection;

(ca) the promotion of action that benefits consumer protection in order to reduce the administrative burdens on SMEs;

(f) evaluation of actions undertaken under the Programme.

(d) evaluation of actions undertaken under the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

9. Facilitating access to and monitoring of the functioning and effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers, in particular of alternative dispute resolution schemes, including on-line, also through the development and maintenance of relevant IT tools

9. Facilitating access to individual and, where appropriate, collective dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers, in particular of alternative dispute resolution schemes, including on-line, paying specific attention to adequate measures for vulnerable consumers' needs and rights; monitoring of the functioning and the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers, also through the development and maintenance of relevant IT tools and the exchange of existing best practice and experience in the Member States

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ba) grant for the action and support for networking national bodies handling complaints, and for their exchanging and disseminating good practice and experiences;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(bb) development of specific tools to facilitate access to redress for vulnerable people, who are less inclined to seek redress.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries which are not participating in the Programme.

(d) administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries which are not participating in the Programme and with international organisations.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

11. Financial contributions for joint actions with public or non-profit bodies constituting Community networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution, including out of court online resolution schemes (the European Consumer Centres Network), including

11. Financial contributions for joint actions and the signing of partnership agreements with public or non-profit bodies constituting Community networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution, including out of court online resolution schemes (the European Consumer Centres Network), including:

the development and maintenance of IT tools (e.g. databases, information and communication systems) necessary for the proper functioning of the European Consumer Centres Network.

a) the development and maintenance of IT tools (e.g. databases, information and communication systems) necessary for the proper functioning of the European Consumer Centres Network;

b) actions to raise the profile and visibility of European Consumer Centres.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

11a. Financial support for the co-ordination and networking of consumer organisations to undertake joint action against unfair business practices with a Union dimension.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

This list might be completed with additional actions of similar type and impact pursuing the specific objectives mentioned in Article 3.

deleted

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Information and education: to improve consumers' education, information and awareness of their rights, to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations

Consumer information and education, and support for consumer organisations: to improve consumers' education, information and awareness of their rights, to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Objective 3: Rights and redress: to consolidate consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to redress including alternative dispute resolution

Objective 3: Rights and redress: to develop and reinforce consumer rights in particular through smart regulatory action and improving access to simple, efficient, expedient and low-cost individual and, where appropriate, collective redress including alternative dispute resolution

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Target

Target

50 % in 7 years

75 % in 7 years

38.500 (+120 %) in 7 years

200.000 (+1140 %) in 7 years

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Effectiveness of cooperation within the CPC Network:

- Number of files processed (via the network’s computing base)

- Number of files finalised or resolved (i.e. resulting in the trader being given formal notice of legal requirements)

- Number of cases referred to legal authorities

- Number of judgments

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

ANNEX IIa

Indicative distribution of funds between the specific objectives listed in Article 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The amounts specified are indicative. In its annual work programmes, the Commission may decide on variations of +/- 20 % among the objectives. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 15 to adopt variations of more than 20 % to the indicative amounts specified in this Annex.

Draft legislative resolution

Amendment

1a. Recalls its resolution of 8 June 2011 on Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe¹; reiterates that sufficient additional resources are needed in the next MFF in order to enable the Union to fulfil its existing policy priorities and the new tasks provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon, as well as to respond to unforeseen events; points out that, even with an increase in the level of resources for the next MFF of at least 5 % compared to the 2013 level, only a limited contribution can be made to the achievement of the Union’s agreed objectives and commitments and the principle of Union solidarity; challenges the Council, if it does not share this approach, to clearly identify which of its political priorities or projects could be dropped altogether, despite their proven European added value;

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¹ Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0266.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1b. Stresses that the proposed total budget of the consumer programme 2014-2020, amounting to EUR 197 million (at current prices) is modest and points out that the financial envelope specified in the legislative proposal constitutes only an indication to the legislative authority and cannot be fixed until agreement is reached on the proposal for a regulation laying down the MFF for the years 2014-2020;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1c. Considers EUR 20,65 million for administrative expenditure, arising from the implementation of the programme, to be high and calls on the Commission to justify and re-evaluate that expenditure;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) These actions should be laid down in a consumer programme for the period 2014 – 2020 (hereinafter 'the Programme'), providing a framework for funding Union actions. In accordance with Article 49 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, this Regulation is to provide the legal basis for the action and for the implementation of the Programme. This Regulation builds on and continues the actions funded under Decision No 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).

(4) These actions should be laid down in a consumer programme for the period 2014 – 2020 (hereinafter 'the Programme'), providing a framework for funding Union actions. In accordance with Article 49 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities and its subsequent revision by Regulation (EU) No XXX/201Y¹, this Regulation is to provide the legal basis for the action and for the implementation of the Programme. This Regulation builds on and continues the actions funded under Decision No 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).

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¹ COM(2010)0815.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5) It is important to improve consumer protection. To achieve this general objective, specific objectives should be set as regards safety, consumer information and education, rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights. The value and impact of the measures taken under the Programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated. For the purposes of evaluating consumer policy indicators should be developed.

(5) It is important to improve consumer protection, with particular focus on vulnerable groups in order to achieve the objective of inclusive growth. To achieve this general objective, specific objectives should be set as regards safety, consumer information and education, rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights. The value and impact of the measures taken under the Programme should annually be monitored and evaluated, and reported to the European Parliament. For the purposes of evaluating consumer policy, indicators should be developed. In addition, the Commission should establish a set of appropriate statistical indicators at Union level, for instance for cross-border sales or online sales, in order to assess results and progress in improving of the functioning of the single market.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9a) In the spirit of the principles of sound financial management, transparency and flexibility in the implementation of the Programme, the continuation of the executive agency should be permissible only on the basis of a clearly positive result of a new, independent cost-benefit analysis.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9b) For 2007-2013, the Programme of Community Action in the field of consumer policy was allocated approximately EUR 157 million (in 2011 constant prices). The proposed financial envelope of EUR 175 million (in 2011 constant prices) for the 2014-2020 Consumer Programme represents a modest increase while the Union needs to effectively implement its ambitions in the field of consumer policy, as set out in the Commission Communication of 22 May 2012 entitled "A European Consumer Agenda - Boosting confidence and growth", supported by all Union institutions;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9c) Expenditure of Union and Member States’ funds in the area of consumer safety, education, rights and enforcement should be better coordinated in order to assure complementarity, better efficiency and visibility, as well as to achieve better budgetary synergies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The aim of the Programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market. The Programme will do so by contributing to protecting the health, safety and economic interests of consumers, as well as to promoting their right to information, education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests. The Programme will complement, support and monitor the policies of Member States.

The aim of the Programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market. The Programme will do so by contributing to protecting the health, safety and economic interests of consumers, as well as to promoting their right to information, education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests. The Programme will complement, support and monitor the policies of Member States. The Programme shall also complement and create synergies with other Union instruments and policies, in particular under the 2014-2020 Multiannual "Rights and Citizenship" programme which includes, as one of its objectives, the empowerment of consumers¹.

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¹ Objective [(e)] of Regulation (EU) No XXX./201Y [establishing for the period 2014 to 2020 the Rights and Citizenship Programme].

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

High-quality consumer information and participation is a cross-sectoral priority and, therefore, shall be expressly present, whenever possible, in all sectoral objectives and actions financed under the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3a) establishment of a European Accreditation Centre for Online Companies in order to improve transparency, legal certainty and safety of consumers while engaging in financial transactions online, following a cost-benefit analysis;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9a) creation of an electronic, Union-wide platform, through which consumers can file complaints, share and receive information, rank products and receive expert advice;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Financial framework

Budget

The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme shall be EUR 197,000,000 in current prices.

The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme, within the meaning of point [17] of the Interinstitutional Agreement of XX/201Y between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and sound financial management¹, shall be EUR 197 000 000 in current prices. The annual appropriation shall be authorised by the budgetary authority.

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¹ OJ…^.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall implement the Programme by means of the management modes referred to in Article 53 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

The Commission shall implement the Programme by means of the management modes referred to in Article 53 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 or its modified version under Regulation (EU) No XXX/201Y¹.

________________

¹ COM(2010)0815.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall implement the Programme by adopting annual work programmes in the form of implementing acts setting out the elements provided for in Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 and in particular:

The Commission shall implement the Programme by adopting annual work programmes in the form of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers¹. Those implementing acts shall set out the elements provided for in Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 as revised by Regulation XXX/201Y and in particular:

(a) the implementation priorities and the actions to be undertaken, including the allocation of financial resources;

(a) the implementation priorities and the actions to be undertaken, including the indicative allocation of financial resources;

(b) the essential selection and award criteria to be used to select the proposals receiving financial contributions;

(b) the essential selection and award criteria to be used to select the proposals receiving financial contributions;

(c) the time schedule of the planned calls for tenders and calls for proposals;

(c) the time schedule of the planned calls for tenders and calls for proposals;

(d) where appropriate, the authorisation to use lump sums, standard scales of unit costs or flat-rate financing in line with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002;

(d) whenever possible, the authorisation to use lump sums, standard scales of unit costs or flat-rate financing in line with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 as revised by Regulation (EU) No XXX/201Y;

(e) the criteria for assessing whether or not exceptional utility applies.

(e) the criteria for assessing whether or not exceptional utility applies.

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¹ OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. No later then mid-2018, an evaluation report shall be established by the Commission on the achievement of the objectives of all the measures (at the level of results and impacts), the efficiency of the use of resources and its European added value, in view of a decision on the renewal, modification or suspension of the measures. The evaluation shall additionally address the scope for simplification, its internal and external coherence, the continued relevance of all objectives, as well as the contribution of the measures to the Union priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. It shall take into account evaluation results on the long-term impact of the predecessor programme;

2. No later then mid-2018, an evaluation report shall be established by the Commission on the achievement of the objectives of all the measures (at the level of results and impacts), the efficiency of the use of resources and its European added value, in view of a decision on the renewal, modification or suspension of the measures. The evaluation shall additionally address the scope for simplification, its internal and external coherence, the continued relevance of all objectives, as well as the contribution of the measures to the Union priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. It shall take into account evaluation results on the long-term impact of the predecessor programme. On the basis of that evaluation, and if appropriate, the Commission may present a proposal to amend this Regulation.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3) This Regulation takes into account the economic, social and technical environment and the concomitant emerging challenges. In particular, actions funded under this programme will seek to address issues linked to globalisation, digitalisation, the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption, population ageing, social exclusion and the issue of vulnerable consumers. Integrating consumer interests into all Union policies, in accordance with Article 12 TFEU, should be given high priority. Coordination with other Union policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies. In order to promote synergies and avoid duplication, other Union funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields.

(3) This Regulation takes into account the economic, social and technical environment and the concomitant emerging challenges. In particular, actions funded under this programme will seek to address issues linked to globalisation, digitalisation, the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption, population ageing, social exclusion and the issue of vulnerable consumers. Integrating consumer interests into all Union policies, in accordance with Article 12 TFEU, is a high priority. Coordination with other Union policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies. In order to promote synergies and avoid duplication, other Union funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5) It is important to improve consumer protection. To achieve this general objective, specific objectives should be set as regards safety, consumer information and education, rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights. The value and impact of the measures taken under the Programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated. For the purposes of evaluating consumer policy indicators should be developed.

(5) It is important to improve consumer protection. To achieve this general objective, specific objectives should be set as regards safety, consumer information and education, rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights. Differences do, however, still exist at national level in those areas, and the measures taken under the Programme should be targeted at areas of maximum harmonisation, in order to provide clarity for consumers and businesses. The value and impact of the measures taken under the Programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated and the benefits of simplification, smart regulation and the minimising of cost for consumers and administrative burdens for SMEs should always be taken into consideration. For the purposes of evaluating consumer policy indicators should be developed.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The aim of the Programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market. The Programme will do so by contributing to protecting the health, safety and economic interests of consumers, as well as to promoting their right to information, education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests. The Programme will complement, support and monitor the policies of Member States.

The aim of the Programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market. The Programme will do so by contributing to protecting the health, safety and economic and legal interests of consumers, as well as to promoting their right to information, education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests. The Programme will complement, support and monitor the policies of Member States.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) Objective 2 - information and education: to improve consumers' education, information and awareness of their rights, to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations.

(b) Objective 2 - information and education: to improve consumers' as well as SMEs' education, information and awareness of their rights, to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) Objective 3 - rights and redress: to consolidate consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to redress including alternative dispute resolution.

(c) Objective 3 - rights and redress: to strengthen consumer rights in particular through smart regulatory action and improving access to affordable alternative dispute resolution.

This objective will be measured in particular through the recourse to alternative dispute resolution to solve cross-border disputes and through the activity of a Union-wide on-line dispute resolution system.

This objective will be measured in particular through the recourse to alternative dispute resolution to solve domestic and cross-border disputes and through the activity of a Union-wide on-line dispute resolution system.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) Objective 4 - enforcement: to support enforcement of consumer rights by strengthening cooperation between national enforcement bodies and by supporting consumers with advice.

(d) Objective 4 - enforcement: to support enforcement of consumer rights by strengthening cooperation between national enforcement bodies and with third countries and by supporting consumers with advice.

This objective will be measured in particular through the level of information flow and cooperation within the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network and the activity of the European Consumer Centres.

This objective will be measured in particular through the level of information flow and cooperation within the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network and the activity of the European Consumer Centres as well as the level of cooperation with international organisations.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7) enhancing consumer education;

(7) enhancing the education of consumers and SMEs;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

8. Preparation, transposition assessment, monitoring, evaluation, implementation and enforcement by Member States of consumer protection legislative and other regulatory initiatives and the promotion of co-regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives, including

8. Preparation, transposition assessment, monitoring, evaluation, implementation and enforcement by Member States of consumer protection legislative and other regulatory initiatives and the promotion of co-regulatory and self- regulatory initiatives, including

(c) studies, ex ante and ex-post evaluations, impact assessments, public consultations, evaluation of existing legislation;

(a) studies and smart regulation activities such as ex ante and ex-post evaluations, impact assessments, public consultations, evaluation and simplification of existing legislation;

(d) seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings of stakeholders and experts;

(b) seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings of stakeholders and experts;

(e) development and maintenance of easily and publicly accessible databases covering the implementation of Union legislation on consumer protection;

(c) development and maintenance of easily and publicly accessible databases covering the implementation of Union legislation on consumer protection;

(ca) the promotion of action that benefits consumer protection in order to reduce the administrative burdens on SMEs;

(f) evaluation of actions undertaken under the Programme.

(d) evaluation of actions undertaken under the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries which are not participating in the Programme.

(d) administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries which are not participating in the Programme and with international organisations.