E.E.K.E. in the area of consumer affairs and policies, intervenes on various consumer issues and offer consultations at national and political level.
In 2024, the ΕΕΚΕ participates in the transposition of DIRECTIVE (EU) 2020/1828 on representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers and repealing Directive 2009/22/EC
By decision of 19/03/2024, it participates in the “Establishment of a working group for the transposition into national law of Directives:
(a) 2023/2225 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 on credit agreements for consumers and repealing Directive 2008/48/EC, and
(b) 2023/2673 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 November 2023 amending Directive 2011/ 83/EU with regard to distance contracts for financial services and repealing Directive 2002/65/EC.
- Submission to the parliamentary parties in Greece and to the relevant Greek Ministries and Authorities, with ideas, proposals and action plans to deal with inflationary prices and food supplier profiteering. On January 25, 2023 the President of E.E.K.E. participated at the press release conference of the Ministry of Development and submitted a set of proposals. In addition, on January 23 2023, responding in an invitation from a major Greek parliamentary party in the Greek parliament E.E.K.E. presented its proposals to deal with inflationary prices and food supplier profiteering
- On January 31st 2023, a request was submitted to the CEO of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE), for the disclosure of the data regarding the number of households included in the Social Household Tariff (SOT), the number of households that consume more than 500 KWh per month, the number of farmers for whom the subsidy is reduced compared to January 2022 and the number of professional and commercial electricity tariffs with a power supply of up to and above 35 kVa.
- On February 2nd 2023, a request submitted to the Head of Labeling and E-Commerce of EFET/Greek National food Supervision Agency to explain the meaning of the numerical marking (e.g. 1,2,3,4 etc.) on the base of the plastic packaging (bottle) of MILKO chocolate milk of the company DELTA Anonymous Industrial and Commercial Food Company.
- On February 5th 2023, E.E.K.E. submitted proposals to a Major Parliamentary Party for the Supreme Court’s Ruling Decision for the NPLs/Non Performing Loans
- On February 10th 2023, as part of E.E.K.E. participation in the National Strategy for Financial Literacy, all E.E.K.E. actions (educational programs, management of NPLs/bad loans, etc.) were updated. A relevant list of actions was sent to the Special Secretariat for Private Debt Management of the Ministry of Finance and the OECD, which is responsible for the implementation of the project.
- On February 14th 2023, the E.E.K.E. responding to a telephone complain received from/citizens of Agia Paraskevi suburb, submitted a question about public lighting to the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi, which remained open at all 24 hours of the day for the seventh (7th) time in a row. E.E.K.E. requested the immediate intervention of the Municipality for the operation of the lighting at the scheduled times when at the same time thousands of citizens are trying to save energy in Greece.
- On February 24th 2023, E.E.K.E. published a special report with the title: “The Effects of Overindebtedness on Consumers 2019-2022. Analytical Presentation of E.E.K.E. Financial Services 2019 – 2022”.
- At the same time , in the context of the incorporation of Directive (EU) 2020/1828 into the national legislation, E.E.K.E submits to the Production and Trade Committee its observations in the parliamentary consultation on the following issues:
- The ability of consumer associations to submit class action suits or other representative actions
- Definition of the right for city Mayors to define the number of Sundays and in other areas he wishes for the operation timetable of retail shops.
- E.K.E observations and comments regarding the efficiency of the Government imposed measure to limit inflationary prices with the title “Household Basket”
- On February 20th 2023 a statistical study of the consumer complaints received and managed by EEKE in the year 2022 is published
- On February 22nd 2023, E.E.K.E presented to a major parliamentary party its extended proposals to deal with inflationary prices, food supplier profiteering and status of NPLs in Greece
- On February 23rd 2023, a complete file is submitted to the General Secretariat of Consumer Affairs, which includes information on the Certification of the Operation of the Union of Consumer Workers of Greece
- On April 12, EEKE co-signs the policy text proposed by Finance Watch on the topic: “The EU must stick to its commitment to fully implement Basel III and contribute to strengthening financial stability”
- In April, he submits to the Permanent Production Committee and its analytical viewpoints of the Ministry of Development plan titled “Incorporation of Directive (EU) 2021/2101 of the Council of November 24th 2021 to amend Directive (EU) 2013/34 regarding the disclosure of information of taxation by certain enterprises and branches – Update of national legislation on company tax imports and other urgent provisions’ (2nd meeting – hearing of non-parliamentary persons).
- On November 16th 2023, published the toxicological study received by EEKE from the partner organization SAFE, referring to the dangerous effects (including carcinogenesis, neurotoxicity, multigenerational effects, organ toxicity, endocrine. of prenatal developmental toxicity) of the widely used herbicide with the brand name “glyphosate”.
- EEKE participates in the transposition of DIRECTIVE (EU) 2020/1828, on representative actions for the protection of consumer collective interests and Directive 2009/22/EC abolition
- On 18/02/2022, ΕΕΚΕ submits its views to the Questionnaire for industries and Sectors of Circular Economy of the Ministry of Environment in the framework of the Special Actions Plan for Circular Economy Financing.
- On 26/01/2022 it publishes “Consumers’ rights in – road and track-based transport” in the context of the bad weather called “ELPIS” that covered a large part of Greece and created serious traffic problems on most important Attica region highways, on the city ring motorway of Attiki Odos, and regional rail system.
- On 04/03/2022 submits a proposal to the Special Secretariat for Private Debt Management of the Ministry of Finance- Government Private Debt Management Council, submits comments, observations and proposals regarding the implementation of the new Bankruptcy Law 4738/2020 – On 03/08/2022 submits to the General Secretariat of Commerce DG Market and Consumer Protection Directorate for Consumer Policy and Information, the proposed issues under discussion at the upcoming Meeting of the Members of the National Consumer and Market Council (ESKA)
- On 12/09/2022 EEKE submits its viewpoint and positions to the meeting of the National Consumer and Market Council (ESKA)
- On 3/10/2022 it publishes a survey with title “Malfunctions in the courier system in Greece – Evaluation Survey of Courier Services in terms of their Obligations to Consumers”, which it submits to the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the co- Consumer products Ministries and Authorities.
- On 14/10/2022 submits a request to the Ministry of Digital Governance and the co-competent Ministries for: The financial support of the Elderly for the purchase of technological equipment
- On 24/10/2022 it publishes survey with title “Consumer products Guarantees: how the consumer is misled”. The survey of EEKE describes the Legal and Commercial Guarantee of Consumer products, with the findings submitted to the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the co-responsible Ministries and Authorities.
- On 3/11/2022, it publishes data for the evaluation of benefits of the “Household Basket” and submits the results of the investigation to the Ministry of Development and the co- responsible Ministers and services
- On 8/11/2022, following relevant invitation, EEKE submits its proposals on the price level increases issues to the Parliamentary Party President of the PASOK/KINAL
- On 14/11/2022 EEKE together with Florina Labor Centre co-signs a Joint Letter for high heating costs in Florina region and holds meetings with all the Political Leaders of the Parliamentary Parties and the responsible vice-Minister of Finance
- On 7/12/2022 EEKE submits proposals and action plans to the OECD in the context of the National Strategy for Financial Literacy
- On 14/12/2022 EEKE it thoroughly study and publish comments and requests in cooperation with the GSEE on the relevant law of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs with the title “My House – housing policy for young people, utilization of public property for social housing, housing rehabilitation of fire victims in the “Mati” area and other provisions”
- During year 2022, following special parliamentary invitations, EEKE submits its proposals on the energy crisis, NPLs and the increase in price levels for goods and services to Parliamentary Parties.
- Facilitate the compliance of small and medium enterprises with the GDPR and promote of data protection from design in ICT products and services, Hellenic Data Protection Authority
- Green paper on ageing, European Commission
- Public consultation – education for environmental sustainability, European Commission
- Public Consultaion for the Directive 2020/1828 on representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers and repealing Directive 2009/22/EC, Ministry of Development and Investments General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Comments and opinions regarding the National Strategy for Private Debt Settlement, S. S. for Private Debt Management
- Proposals on the draft Bill “Arrangements for the acceleration of the trial of pending cases of Law 3869/2010 in accordance with the requirements of article 6 par. 1 of the ECHR regarding the reasonable duration of the civil trial, amendments to the Bar Code and other provisions”, Hellenic Ministries
- Proposals on the draft Bill for “debt settlement and on the provision of a second chance” New Greek bankruptcy law, Hellenic Ministries
- Annex of the proposal for a Directive on representative lawsuits / legislation, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Comments on retail electricity tariff issues, Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE)
- Proposals on regulating the so-called red loans, Hellenic Ministries
- Proposals on the benchmarks of the New Consumer Agreement Package – Proposal II, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Attendance of the event for the “New Consumer Agreement” – regarding the promotion and information on consumer rights in the European Union, Ministry of Economy and Development, European Commission
- Public consultation on measures to further improve the effectiveness of the fight against illegal online content, European Commission
- Comments on EU consumer law – New Deal for Consumers, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Public consultation on the Commission’s ‘better regulation’ approach, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Consultation on issues that arise and affect consumer protection, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Consultation for the amendment of the Greek Consumer Protection Law L2251 / 94, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Consultation on the targeted revision of EU Consumer Law Directives, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Proposal on the text of the Code of Consumer Ethics that was incorporated in no. 8 par. 5 regarding the obligation of pre-contractual information of the banks, Consumer Advocacy
- Consultation on “Comments and remarks on the text of the guidelines of the European organization BEREC in the implementation of Regulation EU.2120 / 2015”, Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commissions
- Consultation on the amendment of the Greek Consumer Protection Law L2251/94, Parliament Legislative committee
- Proposals on product safety issues, the active role of consumers in online transactions, the Rapid Alert website improvement, European Legislation and its role in relation to national and European union law, European Consumer Consultative Group
- Proposals on the Draft Code of Ethic for e-commerce, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Participation to the event titled: “Over-indebtedness and the Right to the protection of the main residence”, Hellenic League for Human Rights (HLHR)
- Opinions on the context of the Regulation (Brussels, 25.5.2016 COM (2016) 289 final 2016/0152 (COD) REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Remarks on Sub-Chapters A and D of Chapter E of Greek Law L.4389 / 22-05-2016, Ministry of Finance
- Comments and remarks regarding the context of the guidelines of the European organization BEREC in the implementation of the EU Regulation.2120 / 2015, Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commissions
- Submission of relevant case law on the possibility of adjusting the floating interest rate to greater than the change of the reference interest rate, at a reasonably limited rate, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers
- Participation in the meeting with the competent bodies of Greece for the evaluation of the EU Law on Consumer Protection and Trade, European Economic and Social Committee
- Participation in the meeting concerning the: 1. Improvement of consumer protection with REFIT REVISION and through policies of maximum harmonization, 2. Information campaigns for electronic platforms for all age groups of consumers, 3. Improvement of European legislation on consumer compensation, European Consumer Consultative Group, DG Justice and Consumers
- Proposals on Loans in Swiss Franc, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness
- Proposals on the European Digital Single Market Strategy – National Priorities in e-Business and E-Commerce, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers, Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness
- Request for the main residence drastic protection by auctions, Prime Minister, Leaders of Political Parties
- Participation to the European Commission’s event on “European Strategy for the Digital Single Market”, Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Intervention on the amendments to Greek bankruptcy Law 3869/10, Hellenic Ministries
Theses and Proposals on “Draft National Strategy for Corporate Social Responsibility”, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers, Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness
- Participation in meeting regarding the “Facilitation Program for Informed Borrowers and amendments to Greek bankruptcy Law 3868/2010”, Committee on Production and Trade of the Parliament
- Participation in meeting regarding: A. Economy, Investments, Competition, Labor Relations, Unemployment, B. Health and consumer protection, Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO)
- Proposals on European Consumer Rights Directive and on the Regulation for a Common European Sales Law, Online consultation
- Three remarks regarding Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Electronic Dispute Resolution (EDR), Online consultation
- Proposals on Consumer Protection, Hellenic Ministries
- Proposals on improving the provisions of Greek bankruptcy Law 3869/2010 for the relief of over-indebted households, Hellenic Ministries
- Proposals on concrete measures to combat the black trade, Ministry of Development and Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks
- Proposals on Removing Barriers to Entrepreneurship and Improving Market Competition, Ministry of Development and Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks
- Proposals on improving the provisions of Greek bankruptcy Law 3869/2010 for the relief of over-indebted households, Hellenic Ministries
- Product warranty, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers, Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping
- Interest rate increase, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers, Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping, Ministry of Social Labor and Insurance
- Announcement of the trade name of the company that violates consumer protection legislation, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers, Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping
- Comments and proposals in the draft law concerning the consolidation of transparency in the operation of the insurance market, the strengthening of consumer protection and the protection of debtors from unfair collective methods, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers, Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping
- Amendment Proposal on the Discount Law, General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumers, Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping
- Proposals on policies and measures to address the issue of high proves and to achieve appropriate operation of the market, Permanent Committee on Production and Trade of the Greek Parliament