European Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Meglena Kuneva met with BiH Ombudsman for Consumer Protection Mr. Dragan Doko in Mostar on 30 August 2009. During the meeting Commissioner Kuneva and Ambassador Dimitris Kourkoulas, Head of EC Delegation to BiH, discussed with Mr. Doko the European integration process, conditions from the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and European Partnership, related to the consumer protection as an important part of a functioning market economy.

„European Union started building internal market for everyone and the consumers must be proud of it. Believe me, we are larger than the largest companies. In the European countries, our GDP is 58% thanks to the consumers. So, this market depends on us. But we have a new value to this and the global market, and that is the trust. If the citizens don’t trust the market, they will not go to the banks, and that is how this crisis has started. It is difficult to earn money at this time because people want to get best value for their money. Us, the consumers, need cheaper goods at such times, but that does not mean that we are ready to compromise the safety of those goods”   stated Commissioner Kuneva after the meeting.

The issue of banking system was also raised, not only because of the current situation in BiH, but also because it is important element of the European Integration process. Commissioner Kuneva added that the services are one of the most important elements of the EU market and that 80% of the European economy goes to services market and that is why the banks, as well as the public utilities like electricity and water, are very important. European Commissioner for Consumer Affairs also sent a very important message to the banks “Respect the consumers”.

Ambassador Kourkoulas agreed to contribute to the translation of the brochures for the consumers which will give full information about the consumer protection in BiH and about their treatment at this market. He also commended the work of the Consumer Protection Ombudsman Mr. Doko and emphasised the importance of Commissioner Kuneva’s visit which shows the interest that the European Union has for BiH.

„Although this process looks very complicated, I believe that it is possible to make the necessary changes on BiH market just like it was possible to make them in Bulgaria where I had the opportunity to cooperate with Ms. Kuneva“, said Ambassador Kourkoulas.

Visit of Commissioner Kuneva to the BiH Ombudsman for Consumer Protection emphasised  the importance of this institution .   „Our mission is to do everything possible  to protect and improve position of consumers in BiH. I hope that this cooperation with the European Commission will bring better results in this process“, said Mr. Doko.