Memorandum for cooperation and partnership

MEMORANDUM

FOR COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIP

between the bodies and organizations for alternative resolution of consumer disputes and consumer protection in Bulgaria

Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution "Consensus" and the bodies and organizations involved in the out-of-court resolution of consumer disputes and consumer protection in the Republic of Bulgaria

accede to this Memorandum of Cooperation and Partnership. Considering that:

• the application of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods in the field of consumer protection has benefits for both consumers and traders, simultaneously improving access to justice and easing the work of the judicial system;
• ADR authorities can involve the public in the dispute resolution process, through traders' associations and consumer protection organizations, which will strengthen public participation in the decision-making process;
• ADR authorities should be responsible for the role they have chosen to play for the development of society and their structure, work processes, financial and human resources should be transparent, accountable, adaptable and innovation-oriented;
• ADR authorities should be active in the process of approving ADR methods in civil turnover and work to popularize these methods, taking into account that they are aimed at building constructive solutions while preserving relations between the parties;
• there is an urgent need to improve the image and attractiveness of the procedures for out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes;
• the development of new technologies requires the modernization of all areas of economic activity, including the services offered for ADR;
•  joint efforts of all interested parties in the process of resolving consumer disputes are needed to update and synchronize the legal framework in order to improve the legal environment in which the ADR authorities can function effectively;
• accelerated decentralization of consumer protection services and strengthening of support for local ADR authorities is necessary;
• networking of partners with a common vision and mission greatly contributes to increasing the quality of both the services offered and the capacity of the partner organizations

the partners agreed to support the construction and development of the NETWORK OF AUTHORITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR ALTERNATIVE RESOLUTION OF CONSUMER DISPUTES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION IN BULGARIA "CONSENSUS NETS", considering that it has the potential and will contribute significantly to:

• achieving an integrated national policy in the field of consumer protection, based on the principles of sustainable development, partnership and legality;
• improving the quality of the offered services for alternative dispute resolution, within the framework of the already existing ADR bodies, which will contribute to increasing the attractiveness of alternative dispute resolution methods among consumers and merchants in Bulgaria and in other countries;
• innovating existing services for alternative dispute resolution by introducing new dynamic elements to improve communication between the parties, shorten the dispute resolution process and increase its efficiency;
• raising public awareness of the role of ADR means in the system of legal protection methods in Bulgaria and the EU by preparing trainings, campaigns, exchange of good practices, participation in meetings and networks, as well as other activities and initiatives involving engagement and advocacy;
• expanding the target audience of mediation and conciliation services as quick and effective methods for ADR;
• increasing the effectiveness of the information provided through a centralized, online platform of the network;
• attracting new members of the network from Bulgaria and third countries, who in turn will contribute to raising public awareness of ADR methods and improving access to consumer protection;
• attracting new investments for the development of online, cross-border services and partnerships in the field of consumer protection.

The authorities and organizations - partners in the network - jointly develop the practical details for the implementation of this memorandum.