Socialists take consumers’ side in services directive showdown

Consumer-friendly amendments to the services directive proposed by Socialist MEPs are to face stiff opposition from opposition MEPs and the Finnish presidency in the European Parliament next week (4 October). Opponents of any changes to the current version of the directive claim that further amendments could upset the delicate compromise reached by member states in July.

German Socialist MEP Evelyne Gebhardt, who is drafting Parliament’s response, claims that the 11 amendments being proposed will bring much-needed legal clarity to the text. "The amendments apply wherever it is necessary to bring legal certainty to avoid disputes later at the European Court of Justice," she said. On consumer protection, she proposes that relevant definitions contained in article 4 of the directive be extended to article 5. According to Gebhardt, the amendment would make it easier for consumers to demand of service providers the same rights that they enjoy in their own country.

The Finnish presidency, which will be represented in the debate hosted by Parliament’s internal market and consumer protection committee, is anxious to preserve the sensitive balance achieved in the Council of Ministers and disputes Gebhardt’s insistence that changes are merely technical. "It is clear we do not have any room for negotiation," said one diplomat. "Our main priority is to defend the common position of the Council.

"The current text is the best version as it has the support of all member states in council. We are well aware of the amendments, but at the same time it is important to realise the Conservatives and Liberals did not propose or ask for any amendments, so I don’t think there is any room for discussion in Parliament either."

UK centre-right MEP Malcolm Harbour proposed that the European Commission could satisfy any need for legal clarity with a declaration accompanying the directive. "We are unconvinced that any of these amendments are really necessary…We think the issue of consumer protection is absolutely covered anyway. If the Council opens the whole package, the whole thing could become unravelled," he warned. "We know which articles are the most difficult. Some of those amendments do affect the carefully negotiated compromise."

The amendments will be discussed again on 9-10 October before being voted on by the internal market and consumer protection committee on 23 October. The full parliament is due to vote on the directive, which is at second reading stage, in November.

Consumer-friendly amendments to the services directive proposed by Socialist MEPs are to face stiff opposition from opposition MEPs and the Finnish presidency in the European Parliament next week (4 October). Opponents of any changes to the current version of the directive claim that further amendments could upset the delicate compromise reached by member states in July.