The Swedish minister, Mrs Britta Lejon, and I have recently become responsible for consumer policy in Sweden. Apart from consumer policy our dossier also covers issues regarding democracy, public administration and young people. There are, as I see it, several links between these areas. The purchasing power of the European consumers is enormous. This means that if European consumers decide to change there purchasing habits in one way or another, the effect on the European market may be immense.
Recent studies show that the consumers have a lot to gain from increased price transparancy.
On a number of goods Swedes pay substantial more then consumers in other member states. Of course, you, the consumer organisations, play an extremely important role in making sure that the consumer voice is heard. I understand that you have had two intense days. You have dealt with important consumer issues. Issues that are also crucial for building consumer confidence in the market-place.