Enhancing the role of consumer organizations

GRAŻYNA ROKICKAKEY EXPERT ON CONSUMER PROTECTION

Consumer policy:

measures taken to implement consumer interests.

measures taken to implement consumer interests

HorizontalInterdisciplinaryCommon EU policy

Consumer protection system

Institutional system of consumer protection

Public authorities : parliament, government, local governmentCourts / lawyersSelf-regulatory bodiesAcademicsMedia BusinessConsumers, consumer organisations

Role of consumer organizations:

measures taken to implement consumer interests.

ADVICEEDUCATION AND INFORMATIONREPRESENTATION

Conditions to fulfill the roles:Sufficient RESOURCESAdequate COMPETENCESFriendly ENVIRONMENT

Advice

measures taken to implement consumer interests.

Education and information

measures taken to implement consumer interests.

No school

education

Low consumer awareness

No tradition to search

for knowledg

e

No resources

Consumer representation

measures taken to implement consumer interests.

How to enhance the role of consumer organizations (COs)?

measures taken to implement consumer interests.

GOVERNMENT:Clearly define the role of all stakeholders in the

systemBuilt-up effective information channelsGuarantee impact of COs on decision making

processSupport ideas and activities of importance for

consumersProvide funding in transparent way

How to enhance the role of consumer organizations?

measures taken to implement consumer interests.

RESOURCES TASKS

How to enhance the role of consumer organizations?

measures taken to implement consumer interests.

ORGANISATIONS: - Indepence from business and policy- Professional management and work- Permanent capacity building- Survey consumers needs- Work on organization image- Real co-operation with stakeholders

Consumer organisation – group of people who:

measures taken to implement consumer interests.

• want to make problems for government?• want to lead to bankruptcy all poor, hard

working business?• want to get public money for nothing? • want to protect consumers’ rights and

help them solve consumer problems?• want to advice, educate and represent

consumers ?

Thank you for your attention!

Questions welcome …

g.rokicka@zapotrosace.rs