Switzerland's Federal Commission for Consumer Affairs (EKK) faces potential dissolution as part of a federal savings package for 2027. This move, aimed at saving approximately 37,000 Swiss francs annually, has sparked widespread concern among consumer rights advocates and even some industry representatives. They warn that abolishing the commission could weaken consumer protections and slow Switzerland's response to emerging issues compared to its European neighbors.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Commission for Consumer Affairs (EKK) is slated for abolition in 2027.
- The government cites cost savings of 37,000 Swiss francs annually and questions the commission's added value.
- Consumer rights experts and industry groups argue the abolition will weaken consumer protection.
- The EKK proactively addresses issues like food fraud and greenwashing, offering recommendations to the government.
- The decision requires parliamentary approval, meaning the final word is yet to be spoken.
Federal Council Justifies Abolition with Cost Savings
The Federal Council's plan to eliminate the EKK stems from its 2027 relief package. A primary reason cited is the commission's perceived infrequent generation of new insights for policy-making. The Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research (WBF), led by Guy Parmelin, argues that consumers and businesses can still voice their opinions through consultation processes. The WBF also states that consumer policy topics have gained significant importance within the federal administration since the early 2020s.
However, this position marks a shift. As recently as 2018, the WBF praised the commission, highlighting its strong necessity and various contributions in response to another interpellation. The current argument suggests that the internal expertise now covers the EKK's functions, rendering it redundant.
Commission Costs
- Annual direct cost to the federal government: 37,000 Swiss francs.
- This figure does not include additional costs for federal administration experts attending meetings.
- The EKK met five times in the current year.
Experts Warn of Weakened Consumer Rights
Alexander Brunner, a prominent figure in Swiss consumer law and former Vice-President of the EKK for 16 years, strongly criticizes the proposed abolition. He emphasizes that being an informed consumer extends beyond simple purchasing decisions. It includes ensuring product quality and fair online shopping practices, such as preventing automatic redirection to more expensive Swiss websites when foreign options are available.
"Being an informed consumer means much more than freely buying one product or another at Migros or Coop," Brunner states. "It also concerns whether one can be sure that a product has undergone sufficient quality control." He also points out that consumers contribute half of the country's GDP, yet their rights are often overshadowed by discussions about corporate interests.
Brunner is a co-signatory of a specialized article warning that consumer rights in Switzerland could be weakened "for the sake of 37,000 francs." He highlights the EKK's proactive role in identifying and analyzing important consumer issues, rather than merely reacting to government proposals.
Proactive Role and Key Recommendations
The EKK's history demonstrates its proactive stance. Several years ago, the commission recommended that Switzerland improve its legal framework for combating food fraud. It also suggested closer collaboration with neighboring countries after EU authorities identified an increase in such fraud. The EKK has also advocated for the introduction of collective lawsuits, giving consumers more power to address widespread issues. Furthermore, the commission advises individual departments on matters of consumer law.
Current EKK President Anne-Christine Fornage, a law professor from Lausanne, expressed surprise at the abolition plans. She noted that previous economic ministers had recognized the commission's important "radar function" in consumer affairs. She also pointed out that the EKK's existence is explicitly mandated by the Federal Act on Consumer Information.
What is the EKK?
The Federal Commission for Consumer Affairs (EKK) is an advisory body composed of representatives from trade, academia, and consumer organizations. Its mandate is to discuss consumer topics and provide policy recommendations to the federal government.
Addressing Future Challenges and Industry Concerns
Brunner points to emerging issues like artificial intelligence and the risk of greenwashing as crucial topics for the EKK. He warns that without the commission, Switzerland could fall behind the EU, which often moves faster on such matters. Fornage rejects the criticism that the commission rarely produces new insights. "We possess great expertise in important areas such as digitalization, energy, and health policy," she affirmed. She suggests that the need for federal offices to consult external experts indicates that some of this expertise is not readily available internally.
Surprisingly, even segments of the business community, generally critical of bureaucracy, oppose the government's plans. The Western Swiss pharmaceutical association Grip, alongside the consumer protection organization FRC, sent a letter to Guy Parmelin on November 3, urging a reconsideration of the decision. The letter's authors, who are also represented in the EKK, acknowledge the federal government's efforts to save money. However, they emphasize that the model of joint coordination among affected parties, including both business and consumers, has contributed to the stability of the Swiss economic system.
Parliamentary Approval Required
The Federal Council cannot simply abolish the commission. Since the EKK is established by law, the proposal must first be submitted to Parliament for approval. This means the final decision on the commission's future is still pending. The debate highlights a broader tension between fiscal austerity and the perceived value of specialized advisory bodies in safeguarding public interests.