The Amsterdam Treaty specifically addresses the interests of consumers and the need for a high level of consumer protection through the following commitments: protection of the health, safety and economic interests of consumers, promoting their right to information and education, and enshrining their right to representation.
These advances are very significant in themselves. In my view, however, the more important breakthrough is that consumer protection requirements must now be taken into account in defining and implementing all other Community policies, such as trade, agriculture, food, environment and commercial policy, each of which in turn impacts on the lives and well-being of consumers.
The European Commission has drawn up a Consumer Policy Action Plan, 1999-2001, which focuses on a more powerful voice for the consumer throughout the EU, a high level of health and safety for EU consumers, and full respect for the economic interests of EU consumers.
The action plan was endorsed by the Consumer Affairs Council in April of this year.