On 26 June 2025, the European Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement to update the existing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) framework. The most recent legislation for ADR consumer disputes was adopted by the European Commission (Commission) on 17 October 2023, amending Directive 2013/11/EU and the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform which have not been updated since.

The agreed rules will maintain the ADR Directive’s scope to consumer rights disputes stemming from a contract but will provide clarity on issues that occur before and after the end of the contract such as advertising or information provisions and the use of digital content. In addition, the agreement allows EU consumers who have contractual disputes with third-country traders to participate in ADR procedures.

Next Steps

The European Parliament and the Council have concluded an “early second reading agreement”, whereby the Council is expected to formally adopt their provisional agreement. After the Council’s adoption, the European Parliament will vote to endorse it in plenary.