Consumers: financing Community actions 2004-2007, general framework

PURPOSE : to set out the arrangements for the financial support provided by the Community to organisations and bodies active in the area of consumer protection so that they could be a more effective driving force in raising consumer awareness. LEGISLATIVE ACT : Decision No 20/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a general framework for financing Community actions in support of consumer policy for the years 2004 to 2007. CONTENT : This Decision establishes a general framework for Community actions in support of consumer policy. The actions to be undertaken under this framework will supplement the actions undertaken in the Member States to protect the health, safety and economic interests of consumers and to promote their right to information and education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests. The actions to be undertaken under this framework concern the following specific areas: - protection of consumer health and safety with respect to services and non-food products; - protection of the economic and legal interests of consumers; - promotion of consumer information and education; - promotion of the capacity of consumer organisations to contribute at European level. The actions are listed in the Annex. Certain actions are directly implemented by the Commission, and others are jointly financed by the Community and one or more Member States, or by the Community and the competent authorities of the third countries participating. Still others benefit from financial contributions by the Community. The financial framework for the implementation of this Decision for the period from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2007 is set at EUR 72 million, of which EUR 54 million will cover the period until 31 December 2006. For the period following 31 December 2006, the amount proposed will be deemed to be confirmed if it is consistent with the financial perspectives in force for the period commencing in 2007. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 12/01/04.�