NOVE counsel and UT Professor Karin Sein joined the Estonian EU presidency team for the coming six months and leads the contract law working party as a adviser of Ministry of Justice from 1 July 2017 until 1 January 2018.
The representatives of the EU member states discuss in the contract law working party the drafts of the directive on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content and the directive on certain aspects concerning contracts for the online and other distance sales of goods. Both drafts are directed to improve the functioning of the common market across the EU and to increase the protection of the consumer. Within the EU presidency, both drafts are important for Estonia, because they support the goal of developing an environment for the consumer that is safe for online shopping and for using the services of the digital age.
Estonia is the EU Council presidency from July 2017 until the end of December. Within the Council, 28 member states search for agreements in policies based on their national interests, which affect the wellbeing and safety of more than 500 million people. The task of the presidency is to be a fair mediator with common aims in mind and look for agreement between the different opinions of the member states and lead them towards agreement. The presidency also discloses the processes to the media and international audience broadcasting the processes of member states reaching agreements and topics discussed. More information on Estonian presidency is available at www.eu2017.ee.