Dispute resolution
The ECC network provides information and advice to consumers and, in some cases, can assist by attempting to mediate between the consumer and the company. Mediation is always voluntary, which means the company must be willing to participate for it to work. Since the network has no authority to enforce a solution, not all cases can be resolved with a result. In some situations, it may therefore be necessary for the case to be examined in court or through an alternative to court.
Alternative dispute resolution and dispute resolution in court
In cases when the legal situation is unclear or the trader does not cooperate or respond, the advisers can provide information on alternative possibilities to move on with the case. This can take place in a complaint board or similar dispute resolution outside court (alternative dispute resolution, ADR) or in court in a European small claims proceeding. If the claim is non-contentious, but one can still not get paid according to the claim, one can consider a European payment order.
About Consumer Redress in the European Union at the European Commission website
About European payment orders at Your Europe
About European Small Claims procedure at Your Europe
In cross-border financial disputes, consumers can turn to FIN-NET for guidance on where the dispute can be handled. FIN-NET is a network of complaint bodies and organizations that resolve financial disputes.