DIMENSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES OF CONSUMER PROTECTION POLICY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

European consumer policy is central to one of the Commission's strategic objectives, that of contributing to a
better quality of life for all. The Member States adopted policies aimed to protect specific interests of consumers, which
play a key-role – economically and politically – within the society.
By empowering them with a number of rights, the Member States created policies for reducing inequalities, eliminating
unfair practices, promoting safety and optimizing general living standards. The methods used for ensuring these rights
depend upon the differences between legal systems, social and cultural traditions, institutional and political decisions.
As a distinct policy at the European Union level, the consumer protection policy evolved greatly over years, becoming
more and more articulate and coherent, aiming at creating an efficient and comprehensive foundation for ensuring
consumer rights.
The paper aims to underline the main dimensions and perspectives of this extremely important policy – which
contributes essentially to the wellbeing of Europe citizens.