EU Mapping


Book Description

This paper prepared by the Policy Department A Economic and Scientific Policy and the Secretariat of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) provides a graphic overview on core legislation in the area of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. The presentation essentially covers the areas within the responsibility of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, hence it starts with core IMCO areas but also displays neighbouring areas of other Committees' competences which are closely connected to and impacting on IMCO's work.




The Impact of COVID-19 on the Internal Market


Book Description

This study assesses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the Internal Market and consumer protection, including the impact of measures introduced at national and EU level to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic. What further measures should be considered in order to reinforce the resilience of the EU's Internal Market in the face of future crises? This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).




The Impact of COVID-19 on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection


Book Description

These proceedings summarise the presentations and discussions that took place during the IMCO webinar held on 9 November 2020 on the impact of COVID-19 on the Internal Market and consumer protection. The webinar was structured in two panels, each consisting of two presentations and two Q&A sessions. The first panel focused on the free movement of goods and people. The second panel was devoted to consumer protection and provision of services. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies for the committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).




The Legal Framework for E-commerce in the Internal Market


Book Description

This study presents an overview of the current state of play in the area of e-commerce. It discusses the existing legislative framework of the Digital Single Market as well as the technology-driven changes of market and economy that have taken place over the last twenty years. The analysis identifies areas prone to producing a positive reaction to legislative intervention. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).




The E-commerce Directive as the Cornerstone of the Internal Market


Book Description

The e-commerce Directive was adopted in 2000 and has played a key role in the development of online platforms in Europe. The study assesses the effects of the Directive as a cornerstone of the Digital Single Market. On that basis, it proposes some reforms for the future Digital Services Act.




How to Fully Reap the Benefits of the Internal Market for E-commerce?


Book Description

This paper provides a framework for maximising current and potential benefits of e-commerce for the single market while minimising economic and societal costs. It takes stock of the role of the e-Commerce Directive and analyses new challenges arising in the age of platforms. Forward-looking solutions are presented to enhance cross-border e-commerce in the EU, facilitate access to digital copyrighted content and improve the sustainability of online platforms. Finally, the paper reflects on the planned digital services act, outlining policy recommendations. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).




The Performance of the Package Travel Directive and Broader Consumer Protection Issues in the Implementation of Passenger Rights


Book Description

This study evaluates the implementation and enforcement of the Package Travel Directive (PTD) in the EU with a focus on ten EU Member States. It identifies areas for improvement, such as adapting the definition of package travel to accommodate evolving industry trends, addressing pre-contractual information gaps, improving payment practices, tackling challenges in the digital environment, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, promoting alternative dispute resolution, and increasing consumer awareness. The study aims to enhance the PTD's effectiveness, protect travellers' rights, and foster a consumer-friendly package travel market in the EU. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies for the committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).




Identifying Optimal Policy Making and Legislation


Book Description

This Briefing focusses on tools for use in the identification of optimal policy making and their application in the area of the internal market and consumer protection. It uses the smart Single Market regulation concept - developed in earlier research for the IMCO Committee - to present the tools for optimal policy making and to assess the development of policy for the internal market and consumer protection. First, some context is provided with a discussion of the Europe 2020 targets, the "Contribution to growth" report and the Juncker Plan. Second, the smart Single Market regulation concept is introduced and finally policy developments and legislation for the internal market and consumer protection are discussed with recommendations for improvements to the policy-making process.




Consumer Protection in the Context of Overdraft Facilities and Overrunning


Book Description

Using available data, the study examines the practice of granting credit on the legal basis of credit agreements in the form of an overdraft facility and overrunning in the whole EU and, in more depth, in selected Member States. Furthermore, the study analyses the state of consumer protection in the currently valid Consumer Credit Directive on these types of credit agreements and identifies a number of possibilities for future regulations to improve the so far limited protection in this credit sector. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).