The dilemma of European consumer representation in deliberative networks: The democratic deficit in the context of the drafting of the common European sales law

Abstract

Stefan Wrbka engages with the Proposal for a Regulation on a Common European Sales Law presented by the European Commission in late 2011 in his contribution The Dilemma of European Consumer Representation in Deliberative Networks: The Democratic Deficit in the Context of the Drafting of the Common European Sales Law. Wrbka analyses this Proposal from the perspective of the role that consumer interest representation played in the drafting of the text. To be more precise it focuses on the impact the European Consumers’ Organisation (BEUC) had (and was allowed to have) in this context. The chapter covers key points of interest in this regard, such as the perceived ‘democratic deficit’ in European law making, the question of transparency of policy-making, ad hoc transnational networks installed by the Commission to craft new legislation and the role of lobbying groups and interests representatives in relation to EU consumer protection.