“A new collective action directive will create a whole new world of litigation in Europe and it is crucial that EU lawmakers get it right the first time.
“The new directive must be for the benefit of European consumers and not import the abuses of the U.S. class action system, which primarily benefits lawyers and profit-seeking third-party investors in lawsuits.
“The European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee report is poorly written and lacks clear safeguards to prevent fraud and abuse. Still missing is a requirement that consumers give their consent or “opt-in” to join a collective claim and clear criteria to eliminate meritless claims.
“Members of the European Parliament and Council should not rush this proposal through the legislative process and must address these and other critical issues.”
