On 12 March 2013, the European Parliament adopted two key legislative measures regarding ADR in respect of consumer disputes. The first Resolution deals with the proposed Directive on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the second Resolution deals with the proposed Regulation on online dispute resolution (ODR). The EU Parliament adopted the amendments proposed in 2012 by the EU council (see our previous post on these proposals).
Both of these aim to increase the use of ADR schemes in the EU by giving consumers a quicker, cheaper and more informal way to settle disputes with traders. It applies to any purchase made domestically or across EU borders. The consumer ADR Directive will be supported by an ODR mechanism through the setting up of a free, interactive website accessible electronically in all languages of the EU.
The ADR Directive and ODR Regulation still need to be formally adopted by the Council. They will enter into force on the 20th day after they have been published in the Official Journal. The ADR Directive requires domestic implementation and should apply in all Member States within 24 months of its entry into force. The ODR platform will be available shortly thereafter.
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