a
what was at stake
b
green position
c
what we achieved
d
what we did not achieve

Towards a coherent European approach to collective redress

The sheer size of the European market makes it increasingly likely that a large number of persons can suffer as the result of a single unlawful practice.

The impact of the damage incurred may be scattered and widely dispersed, e.g. when a harmful product is marketed EU-wide. In such instances, collective redress could prove to be a useful legal instrument.

Having explored the possibilities for mechanisms of collective redress at European level for several years, the Commission drew up a draft strategy, in response to which Parliament set out its first position on the subject.

 

What was the Greens' position?

The Greens believe that collective redress is an important legal tool for consumer protection.

To make the best possible use of this instrument we advocate specific initiatives focussed on consumer and environmental benefits and enhanced competition.

We are also calling for remedies like injunctive relief, to prevent companies from being able to buy themselves out of an unlawful practice whilst simply continuing it.

The case for injunctive relief is especially strong in the environmental sector.

 

Did other MEPs accept the Greens' position?
The Greens succeeded in introducing our demands for injunctive relief into the final text which, as a compromise, also urges the Commission to look into ways of extending injunctive relief to the environmental sector.

 

Which points did the Greens lose?

The Greens were unable to muster enough support for a more strongly worded text.

But even though many of our demands were omitted, the overall direction taken in the report still constitutes a step in the right direction.

Reference(s)
Committee:JURI

Procedure:Own-initiative procedure

Reference(s):2011/2089(INI)

Lead MEP:Klaus-Heiner Lehne (EPP)

Green MEP responsible:Eva Lichtenberger

Voted:02.02.2012

Staff contact:Francesca Beltrame (Email)