Alternative dispute resolution schemes usually use a third party such as an arbitrator, mediator or an ombudsman to help the consumer and the trader to reach a solution in case of a dispute. Their advantage is offering more flexibility than going to court and better meeting the needs of both consumers and professionals. Compared to a court case these schemes are cheaper, quicker and more informal.
In view of the fact that these out-of-court mechanisms have been developed differently across the European Union and that consumers often refrain from cross-border purchases because of uncertainty about who to turn to in case of a problem with a foreign trader, the need for regulatory action at the European level was identified.
IMCO is currently working on two legislative proposals related to alternative dispute resolution (ADR): a Directive on ADR that aims to ensure that quality out-of-court entities exist to deal with any contractual dispute between a consumer and a business, and a Regulation on online dispute resolution (ODR) that would establishing a European ODR platform offering a single point of entry to those who seek to resolve a dispute which has arisen from a cross-border e-commerce transaction.
In view of the fact that these out-of-court mechanisms have been developed differently across the European Union and that consumers often refrain from cross-border purchases because of uncertainty about who to turn to in case of a problem with a foreign trader, the need for regulatory action at the European level was identified.
IMCO is currently working on two legislative proposals related to alternative dispute resolution (ADR): a Directive on ADR that aims to ensure that quality out-of-court entities exist to deal with any contractual dispute between a consumer and a business, and a Regulation on online dispute resolution (ODR) that would establishing a European ODR platform offering a single point of entry to those who seek to resolve a dispute which has arisen from a cross-border e-commerce transaction.
Rapporteurs: ADR Louis Grech (S&D), ODR Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein (EPP)
Shadows rapporteurs: ADR Hans-Peter Mayer (EPP), ODR Mitro Repo (S&D), ADR/ODR Robert Rochefort (ALDE), ADR/ODR Heide Rühle (Greens/EFA), ADR/ODR Ashley Fox (ECR), ADR Denis de Jong (GUE/NGL), ODR Kyriacos Triantaphyllides (GUE/NGL), ADR/ODR Matteo Salvini (EDF)
Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP