The European Commission announced today that it is continuing with the criminal proceedings against Bulgaria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania , Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden for not communicating what measures they have taken to implement consumer protection rules. 

European rules allow for common claims on behalf of consumers and give stronger punitive powers to consumer protection authorities in EU countries.

General claims enable, for example, a consumer organization to seek compensation, replacement or repair of a good or service for a group of consumers who have been harmed by a trader.

From the entry into force of the rules in December 2020, states had two years to implement them in their national legislation and report to the commission.

Although most EU countries are continuing work on adopting the changes, a large number of countries have failed to communicate what national measures they have taken to fully implement the rules by the deadline set for 25 December 2022.

The specified countries will receive official notification letters, the commission explains. 

Google is committed to providing users with clearer and more accurate information in accordance with EU rules