MEP Nicolae Ștefănuță (Verts/ALE) has asked the European Commission whether consumers affected by anti-competitive practices in the banking sector can be compensated through collective or administrative mechanisms without having to bring individual lawsuits. The question, submitted on 10 June 2026, follows a Romanian Competition Council decision to fine 10 credit institutions a total of RON 3.73 billion for coordinating the ROBOR index-setting process, which is used to calculate variable interest rates on loans. The MEP argues that individual legal actions are costly and inefficient for mass-impact cases, and seeks clarity on whether direct restitution or collective redress is possible under EU law. The question also asks whether the Commission plans to promote simplified compensation mechanisms for such consumers. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal the EU executive's stance on collective redress in competition cases, potentially affecting millions of Romanian borrowers and setting a precedent for other member states.
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