natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
There are, however, still some very important issues to address and it seems clear that at least some of the ten new Members States do not put consumer issues as high on the agenda as is necessary if the Internal Market is to function properly both for consumers and for businesses.
There are, however, still some very important issues to address and it seems clear that at least some of the ten new Members States do not put consumer issues as high on the agenda as is necessary if the Internal Market is to function properly both for consumers and for businesses.
Legal infrastructure
Legal infrastructure
The general picture is that the acquis communitaire is well transposed in the new Member States at the overall level, as EU preparation in these countries before accession had already brought improvements in contract laws, statutory rights and product safety.
The general picture is that the acquis communitaire is well transposed in the new Member States at the overall level, as EU preparation in these countries before accession had already brought improvements in contract laws, statutory rights and product safety.
Knowledge is however still lacking as to whether all details of consumer legislation are transposed fully into national legislation.
Knowledge is however still lacking as to whether all details of consumer legislation are transposed fully into national legislation.
At the same time, the formal transposition of Community consumer law is one thing.
At the same time, the formal transposition of Community consumer law is one thing.
This does not automatically lead to practical implementation as such.
This does not automatically lead to practical implementation as such.
Many of the stakeholders from the new Member States working with consumer issues in the ten new Member States who have been involved in this report have expressed concern that consumers in the new Member States are not aware of their new rights and that thus very few people go to court to exercise these rights.
Many of the stakeholders from the new Member States working with consumer issues in the ten new Member States who have been involved in this report have expressed concern that consumers in the new Member States are not aware of their new rights and that thus very few people go to court to exercise these rights.
Equally, it seems to be a more or less general tendency that politicians in the new Members States very seldom raise the question of consumer rights unless a legislative proposal directly concerns consumers.
Equally, it seems to be a more or less general tendency that politicians in the new Members States very seldom raise the question of consumer rights unless a legislative proposal directly concerns consumers.
Therefore, one might argue that the acquis communautaire is not really sufficiently implemented on all levels.
Therefore, one might argue that the acquis communautaire is not really sufficiently implemented on all levels.
Consequently, there is a need for strengthening consumer awareness and stimulating “political” behaviour amongst consumers – a strong consumer culture should be created.
Consequently, there is a need for strengthening consumer awareness and stimulating “political” behaviour amongst consumers – a strong consumer culture should be created.
Consumer culture
Consumer culture
The political consumer
The political consumer
As the situation is now, most consumers in the new Member States are behaving "non-politically".
As the situation is now, most consumers in the new Member States are behaving "non-politically".
Consumers are not very demanding with regard to the quality of the products and services they buy.
Consumers are not very demanding with regard to the quality of the products and services they buy.
Moreover, institutionalised practise to complain about defects or problems in relation to a product or a service does not exist or only exist to a limited extent.
Moreover, institutionalised practise to complain about defects or problems in relation to a product or a service does not exist or only exist to a limited extent.
Thus, on account of the different historical experience and the different prevailing socioeconomic conditions, there is currently a lower level of consumer awareness than in the old Member States.
Thus, on account of the different historical experience and the different prevailing socioeconomic conditions, there is currently a lower level of consumer awareness than in the old Member States.
However, this does not mean that one should abstain from focusing on strengthening consumer culture and trying to identify instruments that could help improving it.
However, this does not mean that one should abstain from focusing on strengthening consumer culture and trying to identify instruments that could help improving it.
Consumer organisations
Consumer organisations
Consumer organisations in the new Member States are aware of the unique opportunities the single market could offer them.
Consumer organisations in the new Member States are aware of the unique opportunities the single market could offer them.
Most of the organisations are optimistic that being a Member of the EU means greater choice, higher quality and improved standards for consumers.
Most of the organisations are optimistic that being a Member of the EU means greater choice, higher quality and improved standards for consumers.
Still, consumer organisations in the new Member States as well as the EU draw attention to the lack of support for independent consumer organisations and the minimal efforts made by governments to encourage consumer awareness.
Still, consumer organisations in the new Member States as well as the EU draw attention to the lack of support for independent consumer organisations and the minimal efforts made by governments to encourage consumer awareness.
One major problem, which many of the consumer organisations in the new Member States point to, is lack of money.
One major problem, which many of the consumer organisations in the new Member States point to, is lack of money.
Only in some countries does the ministry responsible foresee funding, and even if funding is possible, the amount is often very small.
Only in some countries does the ministry responsible foresee funding, and even if funding is possible, the amount is often very small.
Besides government funding, another possibility is EU funding for consumer projects through the European Commission.
Besides government funding, another possibility is EU funding for consumer projects through the European Commission.
The conditions which are set up for getting a tender or receiving support from the European Commission are however quite strict, especially when it comes to the professional background of the staff of the organisations.
The conditions which are set up for getting a tender or receiving support from the European Commission are however quite strict, especially when it comes to the professional background of the staff of the organisations.
In many of the new Member States mainly volunteers are working in consumer organisations; they are enthusiastic but unfortunately do not meet the European Commission's conditions.
In many of the new Member States mainly volunteers are working in consumer organisations; they are enthusiastic but unfortunately do not meet the European Commission's conditions.
A second problem is that the political influence of consumer organisations is often quite low.
A second problem is that the political influence of consumer organisations is often quite low.
This can be explained by different factors.
This can be explained by different factors.
First of all, many organisations have difficulties securing a sufficient amount of support from the public - both due do their weak economic situation and the relatively low awareness of consumer issues among the population.
First of all, many organisations have difficulties securing a sufficient amount of support from the public - both due do their weak economic situation and the relatively low awareness of consumer issues among the population.
Secondly, the formal channels for NGO influence on political decision taking - for example hearings of consumer organisations in the law-making process - are often few.
Secondly, the formal channels for NGO influence on political decision taking - for example hearings of consumer organisations in the law-making process - are often few.
In some of the old Member States consumer organisations are also involved in the implementation of new consumer law.
In some of the old Member States consumer organisations are also involved in the implementation of new consumer law.
Additionally, consumer organisations often lack qualified staff and they can therefore have major difficulties in promoting consumer issues to the public.
Additionally, consumer organisations often lack qualified staff and they can therefore have major difficulties in promoting consumer issues to the public.
On the EU level, there are programs training consumer organisations staff with regard to these issues.
On the EU level, there are programs training consumer organisations staff with regard to these issues.
It is clear that the sharing of knowledge between the organisations in the new and the old Member States is essential.
It is clear that the sharing of knowledge between the organisations in the new and the old Member States is essential.
With regard to this, consumer organisation in the new as well as the old Member States and the European consumer association have recommended putting more focus on twinning projects between organisations in the new and the old Member States.
With regard to this, consumer organisation in the new as well as the old Member States and the European consumer association have recommended putting more focus on twinning projects between organisations in the new and the old Member States.
Moreover, there are great differences as to how consumer organisations in the new Member States are organised.
Moreover, there are great differences as to how consumer organisations in the new Member States are organised.
Sometimes many small consumer organisations exist, competing against each other instead of joining their efforts.
Sometimes many small consumer organisations exist, competing against each other instead of joining their efforts.
This make it very difficult for the organisations to take a strong position in the decision-making process and in public debate.
This make it very difficult for the organisations to take a strong position in the decision-making process and in public debate.
Consumer information
Consumer information
Generally speaking, it is important to focus on raising consumer awareness - also through other means than strengthening consumer organisations.
Generally speaking, it is important to focus on raising consumer awareness - also through other means than strengthening consumer organisations.
This could be done by strengthening information in schools, supporting the creation of test magazines, which has proven an effective tool in raising consumer awareness in some of the old Member States, and by launching consumer policy information campaigns in all the Member States.
This could be done by strengthening information in schools, supporting the creation of test magazines, which has proven an effective tool in raising consumer awareness in some of the old Member States, and by launching consumer policy information campaigns in all the Member States.
At the moment the responsible DG within the Commission (DG SANCO) is starting a campaign in Poland but due to money restrictions they can only afford to campaign in one country each year.
At the moment the responsible DG within the Commission (DG SANCO) is starting a campaign in Poland but due to money restrictions they can only afford to campaign in one country each year.
Businesses and consumers – a well functioning Internal Market
Businesses and consumers – a well functioning Internal Market
Another point worth stressing is the lack of interest some businesses have in consumer issues.
Another point worth stressing is the lack of interest some businesses have in consumer issues.
Many companies in the new Member States do not realise their importance.
Many companies in the new Member States do not realise their importance.
Many of them see consumer organisations as opponents.
Many of them see consumer organisations as opponents.
Therefore, it is vital to make the private sector and the authorities in the new Member States understand that competition and consumer protection are not contradictory but can be seen as preconditions.
Therefore, it is vital to make the private sector and the authorities in the new Member States understand that competition and consumer protection are not contradictory but can be seen as preconditions.
Companies in the 21st century have to realise that high consumer standards can be one of the most important factors in raising their competitiveness in the Internal Market.
Companies in the 21st century have to realise that high consumer standards can be one of the most important factors in raising their competitiveness in the Internal Market.
Furthermore, business can play a major role in advancing a consumer culture and in so doing strengthen competition and open markets for honest traders, and it is therefore important to encourage business organizations in the new Member States to work closely with consumer organizations and governments to establish a framework for self-regulation that will complement consumer and government activities.
Furthermore, business can play a major role in advancing a consumer culture and in so doing strengthen competition and open markets for honest traders, and it is therefore important to encourage business organizations in the new Member States to work closely with consumer organizations and governments to establish a framework for self-regulation that will complement consumer and government activities.
From a more general point of view, it should be stressed that a very important factor in strengthening the consumer culture is better awareness of the benefits that well-functioning markets can bring to consumers.
From a more general point of view, it should be stressed that a very important factor in strengthening the consumer culture is better awareness of the benefits that well-functioning markets can bring to consumers.
The Internal Market stands or falls on consumer confidence.
The Internal Market stands or falls on consumer confidence.
Without it, it cannot function properly.
Without it, it cannot function properly.
Across the EU it must be a top priority to achieve a high common level of consumer protection so that the consumer has more confidence in the functioning of the Internal Market.
Across the EU it must be a top priority to achieve a high common level of consumer protection so that the consumer has more confidence in the functioning of the Internal Market.
Mutual trust will promote cross-border transactions and will make sure that consumers take advantage of the Internal Market.
Mutual trust will promote cross-border transactions and will make sure that consumers take advantage of the Internal Market.
Dispute resolution
Dispute resolution
From the point of view of making the internal market work for consumers, the resolution of consumer disputes is an important issue.
From the point of view of making the internal market work for consumers, the resolution of consumer disputes is an important issue.
Consumers will lose their faith in market mechanisms if their disputes with suppliers are not resolved effectively.
Consumers will lose their faith in market mechanisms if their disputes with suppliers are not resolved effectively.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is out of court dispute resolution which is usually conducted by a third party.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is out of court dispute resolution which is usually conducted by a third party.
Some types of ADR result in binding and enforceable decisions, but not all ADRs have that status.
Some types of ADR result in binding and enforceable decisions, but not all ADRs have that status.
Examples of ADR are arbitration, mediation, complaint boards and the ombudsman.
Examples of ADR are arbitration, mediation, complaint boards and the ombudsman.
ADR is regarded as being cheaper, faster and more effective than Court litigation, yet it is relatively unknown.
ADR is regarded as being cheaper, faster and more effective than Court litigation, yet it is relatively unknown.
The institutions of the EU have repeatedly declared ADR a political priority.
The institutions of the EU have repeatedly declared ADR a political priority.
The tradition of ADR differs throughout Europe, mirroring the Member State's variety in litigation, culture and historic development.
The tradition of ADR differs throughout Europe, mirroring the Member State's variety in litigation, culture and historic development.
Only some of the countries have so far notified an ADR body to the European Commission, within the framework of the ECC network.
Only some of the countries have so far notified an ADR body to the European Commission, within the framework of the ECC network.
These bodies should of course be established in all countries throughout the EU.
These bodies should of course be established in all countries throughout the EU.
Generally speaking, many of the new Member States are facing the unwillingness of businesses to enter ADR schemes and have to face low consumer awareness about its possibilities.
Generally speaking, many of the new Member States are facing the unwillingness of businesses to enter ADR schemes and have to face low consumer awareness about its possibilities.
Many ADR mechanisms issue non-binding or non-enforceable recommendations only.
Many ADR mechanisms issue non-binding or non-enforceable recommendations only.
If the company does not comply, the consumer has to go to court anyway.
If the company does not comply, the consumer has to go to court anyway.
This is a costly procedure that the consumer wants to avoid; here lies a possible role for enforcement of ADR rulings by consumer protection authorities.
This is a costly procedure that the consumer wants to avoid; here lies a possible role for enforcement of ADR rulings by consumer protection authorities.
Some of the new Member States plan to start a reform that should widen the competence of ADRs, either through specialisation or generalising competencies in several sectors.
Some of the new Member States plan to start a reform that should widen the competence of ADRs, either through specialisation or generalising competencies in several sectors.
It might be recommended that a comprehensive study of the existence and functioning of ADR bodies be conducted by the European Commission to identify the needs for other European initiatives and support which could be supplement the ECC network and which could also be more targeted towards the specific situation in the new Member States.
It might be recommended that a comprehensive study of the existence and functioning of ADR bodies be conducted by the European Commission to identify the needs for other European initiatives and support which could be supplement the ECC network and which could also be more targeted towards the specific situation in the new Member States.
Prosazování a ochrana zájmů spotřebitelů v nových členských státech
Promotion and protection of consumers' interests in the new Member States
Henrik Dam Kristensen 27.9.2004
Henrik Dam Kristensen 27.9.2004
Mia De Vits, Janelly Fourtou, Evelyne Gebhardt, Malcolm Harbour, Christopher Heaton-Harris, Anna Hedh, Edit Herczog, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Pierre Jonckheer, Henrik Dam Kristensen, Alexander Lambsdorff, Kurt Lechner, Lasse Lehtinen, Toine Manders, Arlene McCarthy, Manuel Medina Ortega, Bill Newton Dunn, Zita Pleštinská, Zuzana Roithová, Luisa Fernanda Rudi Ubeda, Heide Rühle, Leopold Józef Rutowicz, Andreas Schwab, Eva-Britt Svensson, József Szájer, Marianne Thyssen, Jacques Toubon, Bernadette Vergnaud, Phillip Whitehead, Joachim Wuermeling
Mia De Vits, Janelly Fourtou, Evelyne Gebhardt, Malcolm Harbour, Christopher Heaton-Harris, Anna Hedh, Edit Herczog, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Pierre Jonckheer, Henrik Dam Kristensen, Alexander Lambsdorff, Kurt Lechner, Lasse Lehtinen, Toine Manders, Arlene McCarthy, Manuel Medina Ortega, Bill Newton Dunn, Zita Pleštinská, Zuzana Roithová, Luisa Fernanda Rudi Ubeda, Heide Rühle, Leopold Józef Rutowicz, Andreas Schwab, Eva-Britt Svensson, József Szájer, Marianne Thyssen, Jacques Toubon, Bernadette Vergnaud, Phillip Whitehead, Joachim Wuermeling
Datum předložení
Date tabled – A6
o návrhu rozhodnutí Rady o uzavření smlouvy mezi Evropským společenstvím a Dánským královstvím, na jejímž základě se na Dánsko vztahují ustanovení nařízení (ES) č. 343/2003, kterým se stanoví kritéria a postupy pro určení členského státu příslušného k posuzování žádosti o azyl podané státním příslušníkem třetí země v některém z členských států, a nařízení (ES) č. 2725/2000 o zřízení systému „Eurodac“ pro porovnávání otisků prstů za účelem účinného uplatňování Dublinské úmluvy
on the proposal for a Council decision on the signing of the Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Denmark extending to Denmark the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national and Council Regulation (EC) No 2725/2000 concerning the establishment of “Eurodac” for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of the Dublin Convention
PE 362.605v02-00
PE 362.605v02-00
– s ohledem na návrh rozhodnutí Rady ( KOM(2004)0594 )
– having regard to the proposal for a Council decision ( COM(2004)0594 )
– s ohledem na zprávu Výboru pro občanské svobody, spravedlnost a vnitřní věci ( A6‑0379/2005 ),
– having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs ( A6‑0379/2005 ),
Les deux propositions en discussion (accord et protocole) visent à élargir au Danemark les dispositions du système Eurodac et de la détermination de l'Etat membre responsable de l'examen d'une demande d'asile dit règlement Dublin.
The purpose of the two proposals under consideration (Agreement and Protocol) is to extend to Denmark the provisions of the Eurodac system and the procedure for determining the Member State responsible for examining a Dublin Regulation asylum application.
Le Protocole sur la position du Danemark annexé au traité d'Amsterdam prévoit que le Danemark ne participe pas aux mesures relevant du Titre IV TCE sauf en ce qui concerne la politique des visas.
Pursuant to the Protocol on Denmark which is appended to the Amsterdam Treaty, Denmark does not take part in measures based on Title IV of the EC Treaty other than those relating to visa policy.
Concernant le développement de l'acquis de Schengen, le Danemark décide dans un délai de six mois après toute décision arrêtée par le Conseil s'il transposera cette décision dans sa législation nationale.
As regards the development of the Schengen acquis, Denmark decides within six months of any decision adopted by the Council whether or not it will incorporate that decision into its laws.
Etant donné que les règlements Eurodac
Since the Eurodac
Règlement (CE) n° 2725/2000 du Conseil, du 11 décembre 2000. et Dublin II
Council Regulation (EC) No 2725/2000 of 11 December 2000. and Dublin II
Règlement (CE) n° 343/2003 du Conseil, du 18 février 2003. ne font quant à eux pas partie du développement de l'acquis de Schengen, il est impossible pour le Danemark d’avoir recours à un opt-in afin de participer à ces règlements.
Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003. regulations are not part of the development of the Schengen acquis , Denmark cannot resort to an opt-in in order to participate in those regulations.