EU Consumer rights: a test for BR principles

An updated version of the EU’s Consumer Rights Directive was approved by the European Parliament on 24 March, but MEPs postponed adopting a final position on the new law to buy themselves more time to reach agreement with member states on the most controversial issues (and possibly secure Council approval at first reading). The reform proposal aims to update protection rules, especially for on-line commerce, which are currently spread across four separate directives and pre-date the digital revolution. It is supported by business because it could usher in a EU wide level playing field. Full harmonisation is however difficult as some MS already have stricter rules than the planned common regulations. And it has not been fully established that the new rules would overall reduce administrative burdens. For more, see excellent Euractiv dossier.