2019 marks a new step in this partnership as it is the first time that the convention is signed with a ministry dedicated exclusively to consumer protection.
On Wednesday, the ULC and Paulette Lenert, the Minister for Consumer Protection signed this year's convention and discussed the agenda.
Whilst nothing has changed in terms of the content of the convention, the significance of a dedicated ministry is one that the ULC has praised continuously. Lenert stressed that the two partners are keen to continue working in continuity.
At the meeting to sign the convention, the ULC's representatives and the minister spent ninety minutes discussing future points, notably the introduction of class-action suits.
The president of the ULC later confirmed that Lenert expressed her ambition of delivering a draft bill before the summer.
The parties also discussed the ULC's other concerns, such as food safety and bank fees.
The ULC represents around 120,000 members and draws its funding from membership fees and subsidies of €820,000 from the ministry.
Currently, the Ministry of Consumer Protection only has one civil servant, as the administrative organisation of the ministry is still undergoing a transition phase.
Previously, consumer protection belonged to three ministries - the economy, agriculture, and health. These ministries are currently in discussions concerning which civil servants should move to the new ministry. Seven civil servants will come from the Ministry of the Economy.
Lenert hopes to create a clear structure and is preparing an organisation chart for the next month.
