The discussion was held at the EC office in Zagreb as part of Mimica's first visit to Croatia since being appointed European commissioner.
He said a relatively low culture of consumer protection was typical of transition countries which had governed and not market economies, whereas the highest consumer protection can be found in Great Britain, for instance. That is why "education is important," said Assistant Economy Minister Vedran Kruzic.
Representatives of the Potrosac consumer protection association refuted his claim that the national programme for consumer protection had been passed through the cooperation of all stakeholders. Its president Jadranka Kolarevic said Croatia's problem was a "horrible collision" of regulations.
Mimica said his wish was for the Council and the European Parliament to adopt by the end of his term important legislation, including in banking, health and product safety. The other priorities are better communication with consumers, a platform to solve disputes online, and simpler legal protection via courts, he added.
Responsibility in consumer protection is divided, with the EU passing laws and member countries enforcing them, he said.
Potrosac's counsel Mladen Dragicevic said the Croatian "judiciary does not follow consumer problems."
Mimica underlined the importance of transparency for consumer protection.
Josip Kos, president of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce court of honour, said 30 per cent of 150 consumer protection disputes a year were settled.