EU Consumer Programme 2014-2020: new call published

CHAFEA, the Consumers, Health and Food Executive Agency has opened a specific call under the Consumer Programme 2014-2020. The closing date for applications is September 12, 2017. The call CONS-JA Joint Action - CONS-CPC-JA-2017 has a budget of € 1.000.000. The closing date for applications is September 12, 2017.

The joint actions may cover one or more of the following aspects of administrative cross-border co-operation activities related to strengthen cross-border enforcement capacities in the Member States (EFTA/EEA countries):

• Preparing action for the modernisation of the functioning of the CPC regulation and notably improvements of the efficiency of the network when it comes to alert gathering and sharing of enforcement plans and prioritisation, work with representatives of various stakeholders groups such as other concerned authorities, trade and consumer associations;
• Tackling effectively infringements in e-commerce, more investment in e-enforcement capacities in the Member States is needed (such as for internet investigation laboratories).

In particular, it should cover one or several of the following activities:

• Collection and analysis of information;
• Cooperation or training workshops for different authorities and stakeholders ;
• Studies;
• Legal analysis and assistance;
• Consultancy support and investment in hard and software for internet investigations; and operational expenditure to support coordinated surveillance;
• Enforcement actions (including test-purchases).

For further information about this call and documents please click here. 

The Consumer Programme 2014-2020 will support EU consumer policy in the years to come. It aims to help the citizens fully enjoy their consumer rights and actively participate in the Single Market, thus supporting growth, innovation and meeting the objectives of Europe 2020. Build on the previous programme (2007-2013), Consumer Programme 2014-2020 will focus on four key areas:

• a single market of safe products for the benefit of citizens and as a component of competitive businesses and traders; 
• a single market where citizens are well represented by professional consumer organisations whose capacity is built to meet the challenges of today's economic environment; 
• a market where citizens are aware and exercise their rights as consumers so that they contribute to the growth of competitive markets, citizens must enjoy access to redress mechanisms in case of problems without needing to resort to court procedures which are lengthy and costly for them and the governments; 
• a concrete and effective collaboration between national bodies to support the enforcement of consumer rights, support the consumers with advice.