The impact assessment (IA) underpinning the revision of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) framework presents a robust intervention logic. It puts forward four policy options (including a non-regulatory option) with varying degrees of ambition; however, the description of the different policy options would have benefited from more depth and detail. The IA assesses the policy options in terms of their economic, social and environmental impacts and their effects on fundamental rights. While large parts of the analysis are mainly qualitative, the section on economic impacts is also supported by quantitative data and estimations. Although the IA acknowledges that most businesses concerned are SMEs, the impact on SMEs is not further assessed. Similarly, more reflection on the impact of extending the directive's scope to third-country traders would have been warranted. The IA's evidence base appears solid: in addition to a comprehensive stakeholder consultation, it drew on an ex-post evaluation (conducted 'back to back' with the IA), Commission reports on the application of the current ADR/ODR framework, and several highly relevant and up to-date studies. The legislative proposal appears to follow broadly the IA's preferred option, despite some clear differences.Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP