Consumer programme

Period: 2007 - 2013
Budget: EUR 156,8 million

The Consumer programme aims to contribute to protecting the health, safety and economic interests of its citizens. The programme intends to integrate consumer interests in all Community policies, and places a special focus on consumer protection and consumer awareness in the new Member States (countries that have acceded after 1 May 2004).

The main objectives of the programme are to:

• Ensuring a high level of consumer protection (through better representation of consumer interests)

• Ensuring the effective application of consumer policy rules (through enforcement cooperation, information, redress and education)

The following actions are supported under the Community action programme in the field of consumer policy:

• The collection, exchange and analysis of data and information that provide indication for the development of consumer policy and for the integration

• The development of assessment tools that provide a scientific support base on the safety of consumer goods and services

• Support for scientific advice and risk evaluation

• Preparation of legislative and other regulatory initiatives

• Financial support to the functioning of European consumer organisations

• Capacity building for regional, national and European consumer organisations through training for staff members

• Actions to improve the effective applications of Community consumer policy legislation

• Legal and technical expertise (including studies for the assessment of the implementation and enforcement of consumer protection legislation)

• Action on information, advice and redress

• Actions on consumer education

Following countries are eligible for support:

• Member States

• EFTA/EEA countries

• Third countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy

• Western Balkan countries

• Acceding and Candidate Countries

Following organisations are eligible for funding:

• Public bodies

• Non-profit organisations

• Non-governmental and non-profit making European consumer organisations

• Consumer protection officials

Funding rates:

• 50% of the cost of actions jointly financed by the Community and one or more Member State

• 85% of the costs of actions intended to develop master degree courses in consumer issues

• 50% of expenditure for the functioning of European consumer organisations

• 95% of expenditure for the functioning of European consumer organisations

More information