Recitals

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 114 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee [OJ C 440, 6.12.2018, p. 66.],

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions [OJ C 461, 21.12.2018, p. 232.],

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure [Position of the European Parliament of 26 March 2019 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and position of the Council at first reading of 4 November 2020 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Position of the European Parliament of 24 November 2020 (not yet published in the Official Journal).],

Whereas:

(1) Globalisation and digitalisation have increased the risk of a large number of consumers being harmed by the same unlawful practice. Infringements of Union law can cause consumer detriment. Without effective means to bring unlawful practices to an end and to obtain redress for consumers, consumer confidence in the internal market is reduced.