ACM’s activities in 2021
In 2021, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) will pay extra attention to three focus areas: the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the digital economy, and the energy transition. The digital economy and the energy transition had already been included on the 2020-2021 ACM Agenda. In those areas, many actions have already been taken, which will be continued and expanded this year. Attention for the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy is a logical expansion of ACM’s Agenda. ACM has published a list of its activities in 2021.
The energy transition
The Netherlands faces the daunting task of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. That is why the Netherlands focuses on transitioning to sustainable energy. ACM will offer system operators opportunities for experiments that promote the energy transition, for example, experiments with hydrogen.
The digital economy
The digital economy offers many benefits, such as comparing and ordering services and products with ease. ACM does its best to ensure that everyone has fast broadband connections. However, digital markets do not always work well for people and businesses. In 2021, ACM will take enforcement action against online misleading practices.
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has enormous consequences for the economy. For example, ACM will study the potential long-term effects of the crisis on retail markets. In addition, ACM will educate consumers about their rights through its consumer information portal ACM ConsuWijzer. In that context, ACM will devote extra attention to the protection of individuals in vulnerable positions, which have worsened as a result of the pandemic.
See also
14-01-2021 ACM: Ensuring that markets work well, also in 2021