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  • 22-01-2021 14:15

EU/Presidency: 'New Consumer Agenda' 2020 - 2025 to protect, empower consumers debated


Lisbon, Jan. 22, 2021 (Lusa) - The New Consumer Agenda, which aims to empower consumers in the current pandemic situation over the next five years, on Friday brought together members of the European Commission, Government, consumers and public and private partners in a virtual discussion session.

Co-organised by the consumer affairs authority with the European Commission, the debate focuses on one document, the New Consumer Agenda, which is one of the priorities of the Portuguese presidency of the EU Council, which started in January.

The new agenda sets out for the next five years the green switchover, digital transformation, redress and enforcement of consumer rights, specific needs of certain groups of consumers (such as children or those with special needs) and international co-operation.

The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, who attended the session, recalled the results of a survey conducted last year by the consultancy EY, with 91% of Portuguese consumers saying they have changed the way they buy and 54% admitting to having changed the products they usually buy.

"This requires the authorities to think very quickly about how to continue to respond to the needs of consumers," he said, pointing out that the commission continues to "do everything to protect consumers and their lives.

Mr Reynders pointed out that it is not only the pandemic that is changing consumers' habits and practices, but also the necessary path to the green economy, with conscientious consumer spending and recycling.

"Until consumers choose to buy sustainably, progress will not be made," he said, after talking about the industry's commitments on the road to sustainability and stressing the importance of consumers having the "right information" to make the most sustainable choices.

The session was attended by the Secretary of State for Trade, Services and Consumer Protection, João Torres, and the Minister of State, Economy and Digital Transition, Pedro Siza Vieira.

The minister spoke of the need to have "a society capable" of protecting consumers and said that the conclusions that would be subject to approval by the Competitiveness Council, which brings together EU member state economics ministers, at the next meeting, scheduled for 25 and 26 February, were being finalised.

The 'New Consumer Agenda', which aims to promote consumer rights while protecting and empowering consumers in the current pandemic circumstances and in the years ahead, was launched last November by the European Commission for the period 2020-2025 and focused on five priority areas.

VP/AYLS // AYLS

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