• The UOKiK expert mission to Yerevan marked the second event delivered within this year’s assistance project for Armenia.
• The training sessions focused on the latest EU regulations and current market challenges.
• The project aims to support Armenia in its reform process and closer alignment with the European Union in the area of competition and consumer protection.

From 27 to 29 October, UOKiK carried out another stage of the project “Institutional Support of the Competition Protection Commission in the development of the consumer and competition protection in the Republic of Armenia”, financed under the development cooperation programme Polish Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. This was the second component of this year’s cooperation – in September, representatives of the Armenian Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) had participated in a study visit to Poland. This time, UOKiK experts travelled to Yerevan to deliver a three-day series of intensive training sessions.

On the first day, theoretical and practical aspects of assessing prohibited contractual terms were presented, including the evolution of the Polish system of abstract control and actual cases of violations in the e-commerce sector and real-life infringements in the e-commerce sector and in agreements with intermediaries. The sessions also covered unfair commercial practices and the most common issues faced by consumers in the short-term vehicle rental market.

The second day focused on the implementation of EU consumer protection regulations. Participants discussed the key requirements of the Omnibus Directive, in particular the obligations of online marketplaces. Special attention was devoted to cybersecurity and unauthorised payment transactions, illustrated through examples of violations and the current regulations on the liability of banks and consumers. The agenda further included the conformity of goods and digital content with the contract, drawing on Poland’s experience with the transposition of Directives 2019/770 and 2019/771. The day concluded with an overview of the upcoming changes to the conformity of goods in the EU.

The last day addressed areas that have gained strategic importance in recent years – the digital market and consumer education. The sessions covered influencer marketing, including advertising disclosure obligations and UOKiK’s cooperation with global social media platforms. Experts also discussed risks related to alternative investments – particularly crypto-assets and unregulated crowdfunding – supported by examples of actions taken by the President of UOKiK. An important element of the meeting was the presentation of the Office's communication strategy and a discussion on international cooperation in the field of consumer protection, including potential opportunities for Armenia's involvement in initiatives implemented by the OECD and UNCTAD.

The expert mission is a further step in strengthening Armenia’s institutional capabilities and supporting it in the process of aligning with European Union standards. UOKiK reaffirmed its readiness to continue the cooperation, including within the framework of Polish Aid, TAIEX, and joint initiatives with the European Commission and international organisations.

More information about the Polish Aid programme: https://www.gov.pl/web/polishaid.