Association for Consumers Rights (ACR), Malta AGM 2023

Association for Consumers Rights (ACR), Malta AGM 2023 addresses the Challenges of the Digital Future and Consumer Protection Legislation

The AGM of The Association for Consumer Rights (Malta), was held on 18 March 2023. In her introduction President Pauline Azzopardi stated that ACR is committed to safeguard the interests of consumers in Malta in all aspects. She highlighted the importance of all consumers to become familiar with developments in the financial sector, in particular the most vulnerable and the elderly, both men and women and emphasised the importance of training skills sessions to address their needs.

ACR (Malta) aims to raise awareness and provide consumer education on the need for sustainable consumption in Malta, another crucial area. ACR is working with authorities and other stakeholders concerned to encourage consumers to reduce using single-use-containers and switch to reusable alternatives, use public transport instead of private vehicles, repair disused wells and then harvest and use rainwater and reduce carbon emissions from vehicles which is still a major issue in Malta.

Hon Treasurer, Mario Chetcuti presented the 2022-2023 Annual Financial Accounts

This was followed by the Annual Report of the Association’s initiatives and activities for 2022-2023, by General Secretary, Grace Attard.

Cynthia Busuttil, Administrator of the ACR Facebook page, gave an overview of the fast-developing page which currently includes 1100 participants. ‘Friend’ invites are sent on a regular basis to residents of Malta. Recently Cynthia Busuttil has introduced some postings in Maltese alongside the English version. The following are some areas of information that were posted on our page during 2022 and 2023: Tips to avoid Scams; Recycling of Beverage Containers refund scheme (article); News from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC); Locally Sourced Foods ‘survey’; What to look out for when buying toys; Repairability in Europe (currently being revised by the EU Commission)

One of the highlights of the AGM was a very interesting and useful presentation by MCCAA General Director on Consumer Affairs during which she addressed the topic of Safeguarding consumers’ wellbeing in the digital age. The presentation explained the European Commission two new proposals, namely the proposal on green claims which  sets common criteria against greenwashing and misleading environmental claims. It aims to provide consumers with more clarity and stronger reassurance, whilst businesses will benefit from a level playing field that prevents unfair competition. The proposal for a new right to repair, inter alia, aims to reduce waste and provide savings for consumers. It will make it simpler and more affordable for consumers to repair rather than replace goods, which in turn will support the repair industry. Additionally, this will encourage producers and retailers to establish more sustainable business models.

Safety of Lifts was the second presentation during which MCCAA Director Grace Stivala highlighted the new regulations including the responsibilities of Inspectors of Lifts as well as of the appointed representative of the condominium.

ACR activities include press releases, webinars, TV discussions and meetings with Government Ministers on various topics. Every year, ACR participates in Consultation Sessions on Government White Paper on various topics with stakeholders. The following were the Resolutions submitted to Government for 2023: Consumers and the Green Transition; No Green Deal without an Integrated Social Deal; Sustainability of Construction Works; Improving Public Transport in Malta; Digital Identity and the Path to a Just Digital Transition for Citizens, EU Youth Strategy – Equipping Young People with Skills for the Future

During the 2023 AGM the following Resolutions were approved:

• Promoting a More Comprehensive and Transparent Surveillance System of Pesticide Residues in Food sold in Malta,
• Consumers and the Green Transition,
• Sustainability of Construction Works in Malta,
• New Legislation on Batteries,
• Revised Strategy to Promote Financial Literacy in Malta,
• A Sustainable Food Labelling Framework to Empower Consumers to make Sustainable Food Choices.

Participants enthusiastically shared in the discussions, coming forward with their queries and more important proposing additional views.

In her concluding remarks ACR President thanked the participants for their important contributions to the discussions on the proposed resolutions and invited all present to keep in touch with ACR initiatives on ACR website: www.acrmalta.com