The legal framework on freedom of association is broadly in line with EU standards. However, the authorities exercise excessive controls and continue to launch closure cases against LGBT associations.

In response to our public notice, we received 52 submissions from individuals, consumer groups, broadcasters, distributors and industry associations, and we commissioned three independent research studies.

The membership of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) reflects the changing face of European society. The presence of the Various interests Group, alongside the Employers' Group and the Employees' Group, ensures that the Committee is able to give full voice to the concerns of the different social, occupational, economic and cultural organisations that make up civil society. The unique feature which forges Group’s III identity is the wide range of categories represented within it: its members are drawn from farmers' organisations, small businesses, the crafts sector, the professions, cooperatives and non-profit associations, consumer organisat ...[+++]ions, environmental organisations, and associations representing the family, women, persons with disabilities, and the scientific and academic community.

[4] The consultation resulted in 25 responses from Member States (Luxembourg and Malta did not provide a response), two responses from Iceland and Norway and 76 responses from stakeholders, including 20 European Consumer Centres (‘ECCs’), 9 Consumer Associations and 47 business stakeholders (these included Chambers of Commerce, business ‘umbrella’ organisations / federations and self-regulatory bodies).

The business community, environmental and consumer organisations, trade unions and other interested groups and individuals were invited to provide their views on the obstacles they face when trading or investing in each other’s markets.

That food forum was open to the general consumer associations, the public, as well as independent stakeholders, to be able to provide assurances as to how we were proceeding with our regulatory practices and consequently the user fees that would be associated with them.