Minister Bogdanov and European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders discussed consumer protection policies

Protection of consumer rights in the context of the digital economy and the green transition, as well as measures to combat inflation, which the government has taken, were discussed during a meeting at the Ministry of Economy and Industry by Minister Bogdan Bogdanov and European Commissioner Didier Reynders, with the Department of Justice and consumer protection". Minister Bogdanov assured the European Commissioner that the priority is the creation of a predictable and stable environment for consumers and businesses in our country. The Deputy Ministers of Economy and Industry Ivaylo Shotev and Nikolay Pavlov took part in the meeting.

Minister Bogdanov and Didier Reynders also talked about improving consumer awareness. Emphasis was placed during the meeting on the preparation of our country for the introduction of the euro. "We must have an active mechanism so that there is no speculation with the prices during currency conversion," emphasized Bogdanov.

The two also discussed key legislative initiatives of the European Commission in the field of consumer rights protection. The progress in Bulgaria's work on their transposition at the national level was reported. The new legislation aims to provide more rights to consumers in the context of the ecological and digital transition and to give more legal certainty and stability to businesses.

"For us, it is a priority that Bulgarian consumers have access to the basic food products from the small consumer basket at the lowest possible prices on a competitive basis," said Minister Bogdanov. He pointed to the "Affordable for you" initiative as a positive example of ensuring competition in the market and improving the awareness of Bulgarian consumers. The Minister informed European Commissioner Didier Reynders of the results of the campaign aimed at achieving permanently low prices of essential products.

Bogdanov announced that work is being done to address the challenges associated with the different level of digitization in different regions of Bulgaria. Digitization was also defined as a key prerequisite for guaranteeing the competitiveness of Bulgarian business and ensuring its access to foreign markets.

The Minister of Economy and European Commissioner Reynders opened a "Consumer Dialogue" under the motto "Consumer protection in the green transition and in the digital age - opportunities and challenges". The event is organized by the European Commission in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Industry. "User dialogues" in the EU member states are initiatives that give the opportunity to discuss how close cooperation and partnerships at the European and national level can lead to faster and more lasting results. The purpose of these events is to hear from national law enforcement authorities as well as other interested parties.