A European Consumer Center (ECC) designed to protect and inform consumers about their rights and amicable settlement of disputes was officially opened in Moldova. The Center will assist Moldovan citizens in the case of disputes arising from the purchase of products and services from the European Union and, conversely, will facilitate access to justice for European citizens who have problems with products or services purchased in Moldova, IPN reports.
"We want to provide free assistance to consumers to resolve cross-border conflicts between them and companies. Each EU member state has a European Consumer Protection Center and, through this network, we will be able to help Moldovan consumers benefit from advice when they encounter difficulties in providing services or products purchased in the EU and vice versa, if European citizens encounter problems related to the quality of products purchased in Moldova", explained Mihaela Pascal, Executive Director of the ECC.
The creation and management of such a center is part of Moldova's commitments in the European integration process, aiming to improve the quality and safety standards of products and services on the national market. This is another definite step for Moldova to continue its advancement on the road to accession.
Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Moldova Mate Csicsai underlined the importance of consumer protection in the context of integration: "Consumer protection is an essential topic on the association agenda of the Republic of Moldova. We want every consumer in the EU to be protected from non-compliant products and services. It is vital to ensure that every family, every child, benefits from European quality standards. Effective consumer protection guarantees the smooth functioning of the European Single Market and allows the rights of citizens in all corners of Europe to be respected in a uniform manner."
The official noted that this center will contribute not only to the mediation of cross-border disputes, but also to the facilitation of compensation for inappropriate services, such as delayed flights or unsafe products. "It is essential for parents to know that toys are safe for their children and that the food on each family's table meets quality standards. At the same time, an integrated structure, capable of regulating various areas – from food safety to telecommunications – will allow a more efficient application of European legislation," he added.
Mate Csicsai said that currently the Republic of Moldova has over 10 institutions that operate in various consumer protection sectors, such as food, telecommunications, transport and others. The fragmentation of this service makes it difficult for consumers to find effective solutions quickly. Therefore, the EU Delegation considers that strengthening the institutional capacities of the Republic of Moldova is crucial for an integrated and effective management of consumer protection.
In IPRE's view, a robust consumer protection system contributes essentially to the harmonization with the acquis communautaire and, thus, to the strengthening of Moldova's European accession path. In an analysis, the Institute for European Policies and Reforms stresses the importance of ensuring a coherent consumer protection system in the Republic of Moldova, given that an effective integration with the European Single Market requires the harmonization of standards for the protection of consumers' rights and interests.
IPRE also noted that an effective protection system is essential for Moldovan citizens to benefit from the same rights and security in purchases as those in EU member states. IPRE considers the launch of the European Consumer Center is an essential step to ensure rapid alignment with the requirements of the Single Market and to increase the level of consumer protection, improving access to quality services and reducing the risk of non-compliant products.
The European Consumer Center of the Republic of Moldova was created within the project "Strengthening the consumer protection framework in the Republic of Moldova", implemented by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup", as consortium leader, in partnership with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE). The project is funded by the European Union and Soros Foundation Moldova and aims to support consumers in cross-border commercial relations and strengthen the national legislation in order to facilitate integration into the European Single Market.
