EU commissioner calls for better enforcement of EU laws

EU commissioner Meglena Kuneva has urged member states to do "much more" to enforce consumer protection legislation.

Speaking in Brussels on Monday, the Bulgarian official suggested that enacting new laws at EU level was of little use unless member states enforced it.

Kuneva, who is responsible for consumer protection, said, "We have got to ensure that EU consumer legislation is applied at member state level.

"This has been one of the top priorities of the outgoing commission and must be one of the top priorities of the incoming commission."

Kuneva, addressing a European Policy Centre debate, said that the issue of cross-border enforcement was particularly important.

"Too often we find that rules are being passed here in Brussels but not enacted. That is why we need closer cooperation when it comes to enforcement."

Speaking at a debate on enforcing consumer protection across Europe, Kuneva – who is credited as having been a big success in her term in office – said, "What we need are fewer rules but better enforcement."

The rapid development of the internet and new sales channels represent a challenge to the effective and uniform implementation of EU consumer law.

Kuneva was elected an MEP in the recent European elections but will remain a commissioner for the time being. However she has refused to rule out the possibility of serving a second term with the commission.

Her spokesperson said she is likely to make a final decision after the upcoming elections in Bulgaria, with Bulgaria's choice of commissioner likely to depend on the outcome of the election.

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