In creating an independent authority for market supervision and protecting the consumerreported by the Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakosduring a meeting, organized by New Democracy MEP Dimitris Tsiodras, a member of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee.
At the heart of the government strategy are the protection of the consumer and the cost of life costs, Takis Theodorikakos said during the “Round Bank for Consumer Protection” debate. The event took place at the Plaza Hotel in Syntagma Square.
Mr Theodorikakos stressed that the strategic priority of the government is the transformation of the Greek economy, with the aim of reducing life costs and ensuring the competence of basic goods. He highlighted the need for reforms for faster investment evaluation and upgrading of certification infrastructures, while reiterating that procedures for significant changes in the operation of market control mechanisms were proceeding.
In particular, he referred to the creation of an independent supervision authority, with commander and three deputy governors, under the umbrella which would operate basic mechanisms, such as the TIMEA and the Consumer Ombudsman. The new beginning will be equipped with digital tools and sufficient staff, and will have increased responsibilities.
The minister emphasized the importance of the inter -party support of this new authority, pointing out that the law balances society and the market “and that the independence of the institution will ensure consistency and continuity in implementing consumer protection policies, regardless of government changes.
On his side, MEP Dimitris Tsiodras highlighted the challenges facing European consumers. As he said, the European Union is preparing a new regulatory framework, with emphasis on protection from Chinese digital platforms, quality of products and boosting customs controls for imported unsafe products. Particular emphasis will also be placed on the protection of underage consumers.
THE Secretary General of Commerce, Sotiris Anagnostopoulosnoted the need to intensify citizens’ information on their rights, giving particular attention to the safety and quality of the products, as well as the transparency of prices.
THE Secretary General of Industry, Lefteris Cretanreferred to the preparation of interventions for the quality of products through standardization, accreditation, metrology and checks. As an example, he referred to the creation of a national register for lifts, which is done by a simple procedure and reminded that the registration deadline expires by the end of November.
THE General Manager of TIMA, Spyros Peristerispresented the work of the service, noted the contribution of cooperation and reminded that since its establishment, DIMEA has destroyed more than 2 million dangerous products.
OR Consumer lawyer, Anna Stratinakishighlighted the importance of consumer education from an early age, while stressing the significant increase in complaints, which are already 15,000 this year, mainly concerning e -commerce, banking products, telecommunications and insurance contracts.
OR Vice President of the Competition Committee, Hara NikolopoulouHe described the establishment of the new independent authority as crucial, while underlining the importance of the committee’s preventive role. As he noted, interventions have already been made in many areas of the economy, from banks and food, to ferry transport and booking platforms. At the same time, the Commission focuses on research and cooperation with other bodies to more effectively protect competition.
The debate has highlighted the need for a national strategy that combines social protection with market functioning and strengthening the institutional framework, centrally focused on up -to -date and active consumer.
The other interlocutors were in the discussion by the Chairman of the National Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) Konstantinos Masselos, the Special Scientist-Law Scientist of the National Council of Radio and Television Persia Lambropoulou, the President of the National Accreditation System Tasos European E -Commerce Federation Makis Savvidis, the President of the Hellenic E -Commerce Association Katerina Fraidakis, the President of EKIZIO Panagiotis Kalapotharakou, the President of the Association of Business and Retail IELKA goods Lefteris Kioses.