The European Economic and Social Committee approved in plenary session several opinions regarding EU consumer rights. The opinions concerned alternative dispute resolution and online dispute resolution for consumer disputes. According to the EESC, thanks to these opinions, the EU will establish a common framework for solving disputes resulting from buying abroad.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) approved several opinions during its March plenary session in which they send the message to EU decision-makers that consumer rights must not be financially marginalised, despite the economic crisis. According to the EESC members, consumer organisations must ensure the provision of enough resources to implement appropriate information campaigns and new pan-European tools.

To EESC solving disputes resulting from buying abroad is a matter of importance. Two opinions adopted in plenary session concerned this topic. According to the EESC, the new EU online platform for consumer disputes will serve as a standardised procedure for all consumers when buying abroad. Under the Commission proposal, traders would also be able to lodge a complaint against consumers through the platform. The EESC is, however, critical of the setup and functionalities of the planned platform. It finds it to be limited in scope, and further, that it lacks ambition in terms of practical usability, technical innovation and legal certainty.

With regard to the proposed Consumer Programme for 2014-2020, the EESC considers the proposed budget meagre given the importance of the programme. EESC members also added that there have been made insufficient actions for placing consumers at the centre of EU policies, despite the Commission's willingness.