25 years of EU Internal Market: what European consumers have gained
On May 9, Europe Day, the Network of European Consumer Centers (ECC-Net) listed some of the most important changes.
With the creation 25 years ago of the Internal Market of the European Union (EU), European consumers have seen their rights evolve, highlighting, as key achievements, the right to repentance for harmonized online purchases; two years of legal guarantee throughout the EU, protection of passengers in travel by plane, train, boat or bus, among others.
Being marked on May 9, Europe Day, the Network of European Consumer Centers (ECC-Net) listed some of the most important changes that have occurred in the last quarter of a century in terms of consumption.
A single currency
The euro is one of the most important achievements of European integration. It is common currency in 19 of the 28 EU Member States, i.e. for 338.6 million people. Since January 1, 2002, it is possible to travel in the EU, compare the price of products or buy on European websites without having to convert the currency.
Shopping online: 14 days to change your mind
We solved the dilemma of knowing how long the consumer has, to return the order. Since 13 June 2014, for distance purchases or off-premises in the EU, the return period has been harmonized for 14 days. During this minimum period, the European consumer may return his purchase if it has been made through a European electronic site.
Passenger rights
Passengers traveling by plane, train, bus or boat from the EU are protected by European standards. The EU has established rights in case of travel incidents regardless of mode of transport, such as ticket reimbursement, re-routing to final destination, financial compensation.
Assistance in cross-border disputes
The European Commission and Member States set up the Network of European Consumer Centers in 2005 to inform citizens about their rights in the EU and to help them resolve consumer disputes that oppose them to a professional based in another EU country. There is one Center in each EU Member State, Iceland and Norway.
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