Protection of consumers: injunctions for the protection of consumers' interests

Aadopted at first reading under the codecision procedure was the report by Josep VERDE I ALDEA (PES, E) on legal steps to drop proceedings connected with protection of consumers' interests. The object is to protect consumers against infringements of certain Union directives and enable consumer associations to bring actions in another EU state. Rights of appeal of this type exist in all the Member States. Whereas the Commission was merely proposing coordination, the committee is calling for harmonization of the rules. A party has to establish a 'legitimate interest' in order to exercise its right of appeal. �