Project: "Consensus - Solutions for Transparency and International Par - CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION "CONSENSUS"

Project

"Consensus - Solutions for Transparency and International Partnership" ("Consensus TIPS")

Implementation Period

01.05.2024-30.04.2025

Budget

64,852.70 euros with 90% funding from the European Commission through its Single Market Program and 10% own participation of the association.

Goals and tasks

The project aims to increase the trust and popularity of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods both among traders who deal with consumer complaints against them and among citizens who, as consumers, often need protection for their violated rights. An associated partner of the association is the Regional Ministry for Sustainable Development of the Castilla-La Mancha province in Spain (Consejería de Desarrollo Sostenible de Castilla-La Mancha), which has a department for handling consumer issues.

The project aims to increase the capacity of the Consensus CARS to conduct fast and effective conciliation procedures, thus facilitating consumers’ access to effective and efficient alternative dispute resolution bodies in accordance with Directive 2013/11/EU. It includes awareness-raising activities based on the idea of increasing the transparency and capacity for cross-border cooperation of ADR bodies, developing established networks of national alternative dispute resolution bodies at national and pan-European level.

Results

The collection and systematization of information on consumer case handling practices carried out under the project will be of great benefit and will stimulate politicians, experts and legal practitioners to conduct more analysis of complaints and identify common problems. The implemented campaign, analytical work, meetings with members of the Consensus NETS network contributed to the implementation of the partnership’s objectives. The project increased the operational capacity of the Consensus CARS by developing policies and implementing working and organizational models that help the organization better fulfill its mission. The information campaign among consumers included activities to disseminate knowledge about the practical aspects of the work and experience of the conciliators from the Center and other ADR bodies participating in the Consensus NETS network, established within the framework of a successfully implemented, previous project of the organization.