Kuneva sets out priorities for EU consumer rights

Europe's citizens must learn about their rights as consumers, according to Bulgaria's new EU commissioner Meglena Kuneva.

Kuneva, who took office on January 1, unveils her priorities as consumer protection chief in an interview published in the latest issue of the Parliament Magazine.

One key focus will be to ensure that all Europeans are aware that their consumer rights are protected equally across the EU.

“I do not believe that every piece of information that the EU produces will be of interest to every citizen, but it is clear that all Europe's citizens do need to know more about what the future holds and they should also know more about their rights,” she says.

“They should understand that they can expect the same service across Europe,” she adds.

“This principle is very important for the future of consumer protection.”

Kuneva says communication will be at the forefront of her priorities as commissioner, and notes that blogging “is definitely a possibility”.

“I must explain what the commission is doing and I will not spare any efforts in doing that,” she says.

She also plans to work closely with the European parliament.

“I really have received genuine support from the parliament and I will be more than rewarded if I continue to receive this support,” says Kuneva.

“I firmly intend to keep up dialogue with the parliament.”

Kuneva and her Romanian colleague Leonard Orban join the commission at a turning-point for the EU, with growing uncertainty about Turkish EU accession and any future wave of enlargement.

“I have never accepted this notion that Europe is tired of enlargement,” declares Kuneva. “I think that idea is counterproductive.”

As for those EU countries such as the UK that have erected temporary barriers against Bulgarian and Romanian workers, Kuneva’s message is clear.

“Those member states that were wise enough to open up their labour markets will enjoy the benefits,” she says in a reference to Sweden and Finland.

“It will increase their competition and will have a positive impact.”

• Previous article
• Next article