The European Parliament today backed proposals to make it easier for citizens and small businesses to claim money owed to them in other EU states.

S&D MEP and author of the report, Lidia Gerninger de Oedenberg said:
 
"Reform of small claims procedures may not be the most pressing topic at the moment, but today's vote has significant practical effects for European citizens and businesses. Previously, if you bought a faulty product or service from another country claiming your money back could involve masses of paperwork and even travelling to the country of origin if the case went to court. This legislation is designed to rectify that by more than doubling the amount that can be claimed, to 5000 EUR, and creating a simplified procedure through which to make claims."
 
"These proposals should make it significantly cheaper and easier for citizens throughout the small claims procedure. Even in cases where a tribunal is necessary, it encourages the use of video-conferencing to prevent either party having to travel to another Member State and also calls for legal fees involved in taking a case to court to be proportionate to the claim. Ultimately this should increase consumers' confidence in buying products from other EU countries and make it easier for small companies to do business abroad, which benefits everyone."