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

Parliament adopted the report by Mr Josep VERDE I ALDEA (PSE, E) on injunctions for the protection of consumers' interests. Parliament called for a harmonization (whereas the Commission proposed a mere coordination) of rules with regard to protection of the collective interests of consumers, of persons exercising a commercial, industrial or craft activity and those of the public at large, against certain unlawful practices. Moreover, Member States should designate at national level the bodies and/or organizations qualified for the purposes of the Directive, including Europe-wide bodies or organizations established within their territory. Finally, where the Member States have established that there should be prior intervention by a national qualified entity with a view to initiating action, a deadline of not more than 20 working days should be set, to start upon presentation of the application for intervention to the competent body. After which, should the latter body fail to respond, the applicant would be entitled to bring an action before the competent authority without further notice. �