Vulnerability of consumers as regards business practices in the single market

Key points:

The EESC:

• considers that the gradual erosion of the purchasing power of the middle classes and of all consumers in general, and the financial difficulties threatening small and medium-sized enterprises, have made it necessary to review standard commercial market practices;
• points out the need for systemic measures by the public authorities to save consumers from their gradual weakening and fall in consumption;
• stresses the need to correct the existing imbalances, in order to improve the position of producers and small and medium-sized enterprises;
• recommends measures to be adopted in the areas of prevention, protection, mitigation and recovery on both, EU and Member States level.

For more information please contact the INT Section Secretariat