Consumer Association the Quality of Life-EKPIZO
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EKPIZO – Consumers’ Association “The Quality of Life” established in 1988 protects consumer rights and improves their quality of life; it is a nongovernmental, nonprofit and accredited association. It is administered by a Board of 7 members, has members, 8 employees (2 freelancers) and 43 volunteers. Our financial resources, strictly identified by law, are only allowed from members’ fees, collective actions, and subsidies from national / European/international public institutions and Foundations.
EKPIZO operates according to its 6 basic principles (Serving- motivating consumers, Independence from political and economic interests, Scientific knowledge-documentation-reliable and accountable information to consumers, Objective and realistic views and suggestions, Cooperation with any private or governmental entity).
Also there is in place an established methodology and basic guidelines are followed when dealing with any issue (Theoretical approach, Study of the legal framework, Providing simplified scientific knowledge and practical guidance usable in consumers’ everyday life, Disclosure of results, publications, Lobbying competent authorities, Intervention to professionals for amicable settlement of consumer disputes.
During its 30 years lifetime, EKPIZO activities have been multilevel and varying, covering comparative testing of food/products, financial-banking, health, food, energy, consumer education issues, legal advice-support, collective and group actions, participation in national-EU consultations and representation in several official bodies
Gradually EKPIZO focused on misleading-abusive-illegal practices while since the 2010 economic crisis onset was exclusively occupied with financial-banking sector, especially with over indebted natural persons.
EKPIZO’s multiannual work has resulted in creation of jurisdiction and legal reforms for consumer benefit enhancing thus their protection.
Over individuals have been provided with tailor made reliable-accountable information and services.
Since 2000, court and out of court actions have helped EKPIZO members to get back over 21 million euro illegally withheld by companies.
EKPIZO has so far carried out over 100 mainly EU and some national projects, is represented in 39 committees,has web visitors/month and ; Facebook followers
EKPIZO is member of POMEK (Greek Federation of Consumer Associations), BEUC ( The European Consumer Organization) , ANEC (European Organization for the consumers representation to Standardization), , EU Health Alliance , Finance Watch, Consumers International, and Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue, .