Consumer organisations' involvement in EU policy-making is a clear priority of the Commission as set out in the Consumer Policy Strategy. Specific actions, such as training, aim at improving the effectiveness of consumer organisations. This is particularly relevant in view of the pursuit of the "integration" of consumer concerns in all EU policy areas.

• If they are to be stronger at national and European level, consumer organisations should work together on certain issues, exchange best practices and reinforce their networking.
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• DG SANCO has, therefore, organised training courses for the personnel of consumer organisations in Management, Lobbying and European Consumer Law. These courses are given by professionals and are open to personnel of consumer organisations in the 25 EU Member States, the candidate countries and the EEA.

For further information and on-line registration: www.trace-beuc.org

Report on the impact of the training courses for European Consumer Associations organised by BEUC, the European Consumers Association, over a 3 year period (2004-2006)