Frankfurt/Oder, 2024-01-02 — WhizzBang, the European network dedicated to consumer and data protection for expatriates, emphasizes the critical need for robust cross-border enforcement of consumer rights within the EU. This call to action follows the European Commission’s recent reports highlighting the necessity for strengthened enforcement at the EU level.

The reports reveal that, despite existing regulations, consumers—particularly expatriates who relocate for work or study—continue to face challenges due to inconsistent enforcement of consumer protection laws across member states. These inconsistencies undermine the EU’s single market principles and impede the seamless experience that expatriates are entitled to when engaging in cross-border activities.

Iwona Szczeblewski, Chair of EuroConsum/WhizzBang Viadrina, stated: “The European Commission’s findings underscore the pressing need for a unified approach to consumer protection enforcement. Expatriates, who are at the forefront of embracing the EU’s fundamental freedoms, often encounter obstacles that could be mitigated through more cohesive and stringent enforcement mechanisms.”

WhizzBang fully supports the Commission’s recommendations to enhance cooperation among national authorities and to allocate adequate resources for the effective implementation of consumer protection laws. Such measures are essential to eliminate national barriers and to ensure that all consumers, regardless of their country of residence within the EU, enjoy equal protection and access to their rights.

As an organization committed to upholding the interests of expatriates, WhizzBang remains dedicated to advocating for policies that promote transparency, fairness, and the seamless operation of the EU single market. We urge policymakers to prioritize the swift adoption and implementation of the proposed enforcement enhancements to safeguard consumer rights across all member states.