Background
The Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD) is a forum of U.S. and EU consumer organisations which develops and agrees on joint consumer policy recommendations to the US government and European Union to promote the consumer interest in EU and U.S. policy making.
The TACD was launched in September 1998, at the end of the inaugural meeting which took place in Washington and gathered more than 60 consumer representatives from the U.S. and the EU. It is in the context of the New Transatlantic Agenda (NTA; launched in 1995) and in particular of the New Economic Partnership (launched in 1998), that the TACD, along with several other transatlantic dialogues, was born.
TACD’s vision
A transatlantic society where people are protected, treated fairly, and can trust that robust policies and effective cooperation between policymakers and enforcers are in place to safeguard and advance their rights. In such a transatlantic marketplace and society:
- Consumers have meaningful choices and benefit from open, transparent and fair markets for products and services.
- Consumers are protected against unfair practices both online and offline.
- Consumers are empowered to make more sustainable choices.
- Products on the transatlantic market are safe.
- Consumer and digital rights are preserved and further advanced.
- People can trust that rules are enforced.
- Companies are accountable.
TACD’s mission
To achieve this vision, TACD brings together consumer, digital rights and other public interest organizations across the EU, the UK and the U.S. TACD provides a platform to enable these groups to take joint action to protect consumers. TACD facilitates a dialogue between consumer groups, policymakers and regulators with a view to develop a better environment and living conditions for people on both sides of the Atlantic.
Members and Governance
TACD membership is open to all European or U.S. consumer organisations working on a national and/or international level that are independent of business and political interest.
TACD members participate in its work through Policy Committees: Food, Intellectual Property, Digital, Trade and Financial Services.
TACD’s strategic direction is led by the Steering Committee and the Chairs of the Policy Committees.
Funding
The Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue is currently operating thanks to partnerships with philanthropies: Ford Foundation and Luminate. This support allows European and American public interest groups to exchange, learn from each other and cooperate on consumer protection around digital and trade policies