European consumers are only one step away from getting an efficient system of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Today, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) of the European Parliament voted in favour of a legislative report aiming to offer a simple, quick and affordable alternative to conventional ways of resolving claims of consumers against businesses. So far, many disputes become lengthy, expensive court cases. An ADR system for all European citizens should offer a cheaper and less bureaucratic alternative for both consumers and businesses to a court solution. The foreseen ADR system could also give a particular boost to the online economy which is currently hampered by a perception amongst consumers and traders that eCommerce across borders is risky.

Cristian Silviu BUSOI (PNL, Romania), who is the rapporteur for the opinion in the Legal Affairs Committee, comments: "I warmly welcome the outcome of today's vote because this text is a major step forward for consumer empowerment and for enhancing consumer trust in e-commerce and in the single market in general. This text ensures the balance between the need to guarantee that consumers across Europe have access to ADR procedures which abide by the same quality standards and the need to preserve the diversity of the ADR entities. Consumers will now be better armed in their disputes with traders, which they will be able to solve by using effective, quick and affordable redress mechanisms. This will also ease the burden on our justice systems, thus smoothing their operation. "

Robert ROCHEFORT (Modem, France), who is the ALDE shadow rapporteur for the IMCO Committee, comments: "I am very glad that we have found a broad compromise on the ADR directive proposal today. One aspect of paramount importance in this proposal is the information that must be given to consumers by traders about the ADR system they are covered with. Indeed, consumers’ awareness of the ADR mechanism will encourage them to resolve possible disputes by these means instead of going to court. Of course we paid attention not to add significant administrative burdens on the traders - especially SMEs or microenterprises - while ensuring relevant information for consumers. I think we found the right balance in this respect."