EU proposes new rules to protect online shoppers

The European Commission adopted a proposal on Wednesday to strengthen consumer rights and make it easier and safer to shop online across borders. About one-third of the European Union's consumers, or some 150 million people, already shop on the Internet. But only 30 million of them do it cross-border, and the new rules are intended to encourage more of them to look for goods abroad. The EU's executive Commission wants to tear down barriers to competition in cross-border goods and services, offer businesses a bigger market and cut prices for consumers. Wednesday's proposal by the bloc's Consumer Affairs Commissioner Meglena Kuneva will guarantee consumers, wherever they shop in the EU, clear information on price and additional charges and fees before they sign a contract.