MEPs gave the green light for informal negotiations with the Council on the 2014-2020 Consumer Programme while warning that the budget proposed for the 2014-2020 Consumer Programme (€197 million) is not enough to meet the new challenges that will face EU consumer policy in 2020.

The Internal Market Committee in the European Parliament approved a resolution which supports the main areas of the EU's next generation consumer programme, such as safety, consumer information and education, redress and enforcement of consumer rights. However, MEPs also agreed that the budget proposed for the 2014-2020 Consumer Programme (€197 million) is not enough to meet the new challenges that will face EU consumer policy in 2020. Also the negotiating mandate was approved with 24 votes in favour and one abstention.

MEPs want to guarantee adequate funding for European consumer organisations and centres as they have a major role in providing information and assistance to consumers. On the other hand, the resolution also proposes to finance the creation of an online portal for consumer organisations, which would help promote the exchange of good practice and expertise by freely sharing available training material and enhancing networking.

The resolution suggests funding the development of price comparison websites, as this tool could make consumers more independent and better informed by allowing them to compare data, including in cross-border cases. To increase consumers' faith in price comparison websites, funding could also support the development of a certification label for them, according to MEPs.