Redress addressed

Consumers across the EU could be given new powers to join forces to sue businesses.

The proposals, announced by the European Commission this week, are designed to address situations where large numbers of consumers have been harmed by a single trader’s practice.

Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva believes consumers who are victims of illegal activities, such as overcharging, misleading advertising or outright scams, have a right to compensation.

“There is a justice gap in our redress system that is leaving consumers with nowhere to go,” she says.