Consumer Organisations as a Form of Civil Self-organisation

Abstract

The article examines the role of civil society organizations in protecting consumer rights. The history of civic activism in the last century and the current understandings of the functions and roles of consumer organizations are synthesized. Some characteristics of the institutional systems of the EU countries are considered, as well as the importance of consumer rights and organizations at Union level. Finally, the developed thesis leads to the conclusion of increasing consumer participation on the account of state control and supervisory authorities.