site.btaEconomy Minister Bogdanov, EU Justice Commissioner Reynders Discuss Consumer Protection Policies

Protection of consumer rights in the context of the digital economy and the green transition, as well as measures taken by the Government to fight inflation, were discussed during a meeting at the Ministry of Economy and Industry between Economy Minister Bogdan Bogdanov and visiting EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, who is also in charge consumer protection, Bogdanov's Ministry reported here on Thursday. 

The Bulgarian Economy Minister assured the EU Commissioner that creating a predictable and stable environment for consumers and businesses in Bulgaria is a priority for the Government. 

Bogdanov and Reynders also discussed improving consumer awareness and Bulgaria's preparations for the introduction of the euro.

They also talked about key legislative initiatives of the European Commission in the area of consumer rights protection and the progress in Bulgaria's work on their transposition at national level. 

"It is a priority for us that Bulgarian consumers have access to basic food products from the small consumer basket at the lowest possible prices on a competitive basis," Minister Bogdanov said. He pointed to the Affordable for You initiative as a positive example of ensuring competition on the market and improving awareness of Bulgarian consumers. The Minister briefed Commissioner Didier Reynders on the results of the campaign to achieve lasting low prices for essential products.

Bogdanov announced that efforts are being made to address the challenges related to the different levels of digitalization in different regions of Bulgaria. 

Digitalization was also identified as a key prerequisite for ensuring the competitiveness of Bulgarian business and for securing its access to foreign markets.The Minister of Economy and Commissioner Reynders opened the Consumer Dialogue under the motto "Consumer Protection in the Green Transition and in the Digital Era - Opportunities and Challenges".

The event is organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Industry. Consumer Dialogues in EU Member States are initiatives that provide an opportunity to discuss how close cooperation and partnerships at European and national level can lead to faster and more sustainable results.

The aim of these events is to listen to national law enforcement authorities as well as other stakeholders.