Weekly Report, 2024-04-22 to 2024-04-28

During the week from April 22, 2024, to April 28, 2024, the Service Juridique undertook a total of 24 consumer consultations. The means of communication utilized by consumers included e-mail, reddit, mastodon, telegram, video call, and messenger.

The consultations primarily revolved around various aspects of consumers’ rights, with a significant focus on travelers’ rights. Specifically, nine cases addressed issues related to train travel. Consumers were typically advised to review the terms of their tickets and familiarize themselves with the EU regulations concerning compensation and assistance in cases of delays or cancellations.

Another seven consultations involved air travel. Consumers sought guidance on their entitlements under EU Regulation 261/2004, concerning compensation for flight delays and cancellations. In these instances, we advised on the procedural steps needed to lodge a formal complaint with the airline and highlighted the documentation required to substantiate their claims.

The remaining consultations were centered around package holiday concerns, accounting for six cases. These involved disputes over cancelation policies and service discrepancies. In these situations, consumers were encouraged to refer to the Package Travel Directive and were advised on how to document discrepancies meticulously, emphasizing the importance of written records when pursuing claims.

In two rare cases, the issues presented by the consumers did not fall within the scope of our agency. One pertained to real estate rent disputes, and the other involved a matter outside EU jurisdiction. In these instances, consumers were informed of the limitations of our service and the boundaries of our consulting scope.

Throughout all consultations, our objective remained to empower consumers with the necessary knowledge and guidance to independently navigate the challenges presented, while ensuring a clear understanding of their rights and obligations under current EU consumer protection laws.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Maas-Rhein.

The Service Juridique serves as the Legal Department of and for all members of the WhizzBang network. It’s professionals are located in Belgium, Slovakia, Estonia and Finland.

About WhizzBang: WhizzBang is a European network focused on consumer and data protection, uniquely dedicated to representing the interests of expatriates—individuals living in an EU country different from where they were socialized. With offices in Frankfurt/Oder (WhizzBang Viadrina), Aachen (WhizzBang Meuse-Rhine), and Brussels, WhizzBang actively supports the EU single market and opposes national barriers, striving to ensure that consumers exercising their fundamental freedoms receive the protection and support they need.