To the issue of consumer protection in the context of European integration and the development of digital rights

Abstract

Problem setting. Consumer protection is one of the key areas for ensuring social justice, economic security, and sustainable development in a modern state. The rapid digitization of social relations, the rapid growth of e-commerce, and Ukraine’s integration into the European legal space necessitate improvements to the legal framework governing consumer relations. This issue is particularly relevant in the context of Ukraine’s implementation of the provisions of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, which requires the adaptation of national legislation to the EU acquis in the field of consumer protection. In this context, the adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On Consumer Protection” marked an important milestone, as it establishes new approaches to regulating consumer relations and takes into account the contemporary challenges of the digital economy. Analysis of recent studies and publications. The issue of consumer protection has been the subject of research by many Ukrainian and foreign scholars. Specific aspects of the legal regulation of consumer relations have been examined in the works of O. Dzery, N. Kuznetsova, R. Maidanik, V. Lutsi, I. Spasibo-Fateyeva, and other scholars. At the same time, the adoption of the new Law of Ukraine “On Consumer Protection” has highlighted the need to rethink traditional approaches to consumer protection, taking into account the development of e-commerce, digital services, and European standards of legal regulation. Article’s main body. This article examines the characteristics of Ukraine’s current consumer protection legislation in the context of achieving sustainable development goals and fulfilling Ukraine’s obligations to align its national legislation with European Union law. The provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Consumer Protection” dated June 10, 2023, are analyzed, and its significance for the formation of a modern consumer protection system, the development of e-commerce, and ensuring an adequate level of protection for the rights of participants in consumer relations is determined. It is argued that the aforementioned Law is aimed at harmonizing Ukrainian legislation with European Union law, takes into account the modern challenges of the digital economy, and introduces new mechanisms for protecting consumer rights in the field of e-commerce, in particular the institution of a verified seller and the operation of the e-Buyer Portal. It is concluded that the introduction of new legal mechanisms will contribute to increasing consumer confidence in the market, fostering fair competition, and achieving sustainable development goals in Ukraine. Conclusions and prospects for development. The adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On Consumer Protection” is an important step toward harmonizing national legislation with European Union law and fulfilling Ukraine’s international obligations in the area of consumer protection.