2024 EU Consumer ADR Conference: Insights, Ideas, and Inspiration
On 5 and 6 December, the charming city of Leuven hosted the 2024 EU Consumer ADR Conference, bringing together experts, ADR practitioners, and ECC representatives from across Europe. The event was held at the stunning Faculty Club, where discussions unfolded about the future of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and its role in supporting consumers and businesses.
As a panel speaker, Lars Arent, Director of ECC Denmark, shared valuable insights on consumer protection and the cross-border ADR landscape. With representatives from ADR bodies and ECCs in attendance, the conference provided a fantastic platform to exchange ideas and collaborate on common challenges.
Tackling today’s challenges
The conference, organised by Professor Stefaan Voet (KU Leuven, Belgium), included a powerful keynote by Professor Emeritus Christopher Hodges OBE (Oxford University). His talk focused on how ombuds systems can build trust in markets while adapting to new demands.
Discussions centred on removing barriers and creating systems that better meet consumers' needs. In line with this theme, Professor Emeritus Maurits Barendrecht (Tilburg University) offered fresh perspectives on aligning ADR with people-focused justice, ensuring consumer empowerment stays at the forefront.
Panels throughout the two days explored themes like accessibility, innovation, and trust. The session on making ADR more accessible across borders, led by Pieter-Jan De Koning (COD, Belgium), featured Lars Arent (ECC Denmark) alongside other experts.
Lars Arent stressed the importance of ECCs being appointed as ADR Contact Points. With 20 years of experience in cross-border consumer assistance, ECC-Net is ideally positioned to serve as ADR Contact Points under the revised ADR Directive. Every year, ECCs guide thousands of individuals to the right organisations and encourage the use of ADR mechanisms to settle conflicts quickly and fairly. These activities are central to the responsibilities of ADR Contact Points, making ECC-Net a natural fit for this role.
ECC-Net's expertise in dispute resolution, networking, and data collection makes it a trusted partner for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. By improving access to fair and efficient dispute resolution, ECCs contribute to an even more effective and cohesive ADR system across the European Union. Appointing ECCs would ensure continuity, foster collaboration across borders, and promote a fair and reliable system for resolving consumer disputes. This step would not only strengthen ADR mechanisms but also reinforce trust and access to justice for all Europeans.
A look ahead
One of the conference’s key themes was how ADR systems can become more user-friendly and impactful. With EU legislation on ADR under review, these discussions were both timely and essential. Attendees emphasised the need for modernisation, transparency, and inclusivity in dispute resolution processes.
This year’s conference was a true celebration of collaboration, with contributions from ADR bodies, ECCs, and thought leaders from across Europe. Participants carried forward new ideas, strengthened partnerships, and a shared commitment to improving ADR for all.