Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 12 March 2013 - Strasbourg

11.9. Online consumer dispute resolution (A7-0236/2012 - Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein) - Alternative consumer dispute resolution (A7-0280/2012 - Louis Grech)

  Anna Maria Corazza Bildt (PPE), in writing. − I voted in favour of the new legislation on alternative dispute resolution and online dispute resolution, which will enhance the possibilities for consumers and businesses to solve claims outside of court through quicker, easier and cheaper procedures. I welcome that this proposal does not reinvent the wheel, but rather builds on existing dispute resolution mechanisms in the Member States, while encouraging those countries which do not have one to put one in place. It is also important to raise awareness about these mechanisms and make them known across borders. I therefore support that companies are encouraged to inform customers about which ADR they operate under. In addition, I welcome the creation of an online platform, in which standard forms and electronic translation will further facilitate matters for business and consumers. These rules are about making the internal market work more effectively in practice, without tampering with legal certainty.