EU Commission demonstrates affinity with holidaymakers

ANYBODY watching the mayhem that was the European Parliament in Strasbourg yesterday could be forgiven for believing the whole EU project is surreal and has little connection to the normal world.

But as the 300-plus new MEPs found their way around the labyrinthine building they will spend three days a month in during the Parliament year, the European Commission was getting down to brass tacks.

For instance, Irish Commissioner David Byrne, who has responsibility for consumers for another three months, issued a list of ten basic principles for the holiday-maker.

As millions of people travel from one EU country to another on their holidays during the traditional holiday months of July and August, consumer protection law is probably the last thing on their minds, the commissioner believes.

“But what happens if the package tour operator they are travelling with goes bankrupt? Or if they are pressured into signing an unfair contract while on holiday in another EU country?” he asks.

To help consumers “know their rights” in situations like these, Mr Byrne has published an information note which is available to download from the European Commission’s website at http://europa.eu.int/comm /consumers/index_en.htm.

The former Irish Attorney General says it outlines the key ways in which EU law protects consumers’ rights. It also tells citizens how they can get further advice and information about their rights.

The note gives practical examples of how EU laws help citizens under 10 headings:

1. Buy what you want, where you want.

2. If it doesn’t work, send it back.

3. High safety standards for food and other consumer goods.

4. Know what you are eating.

5. Contracts should be fair to consumers.

6. Sometimes consumers can change their minds.

7. Making it easier to compare prices.

8. Consumers should not be misled.

9. Protection while you are on holiday.

10. Effective redress for cross-border disputes.

The Commission are also willing to go into battle on behalf of consumers, and specifically British shoppers who purchase alcohol and tobacco on a so-called “booze cruise”.

British customs frequently seize alcohol and cigarettes being brought into the country by citizens, and sometimes seize their vehicles as well.

The European Commissioner responsible for Taxation and Customs, Dutchman Frits Bolkestein, has said this is going too far and has sent Britain a formal request to change its policies.