Posted on 14 Jun, 2018
New legislative package for European consumers
New legislative package for European consumers discussed in Malta
The European Commission Representation in Malta, in collaboration with the MCCAA, organised a Consumer Dialogue event at Europa House in Valletta.
Since marketplaces are changing fast, last April, the European Commission adopted a ‘New Deal for Consumers’ package to empower consumers, promote fairness, and build trust across the single market.
Throughout 2018, the European Commission is organising a series of Consumer Dialogues in all EU member states to explain to stakeholders and citizens what the EU is doing for them as consumers and to listen to their views on how the EU can better tackle their concerns.
The main aims of the legislative package proposed include: modernising consumer rules to respond to current challenges, better redress opportunities for consumers and supporting effective enforcement of public authorities, better knowledge on consumer rights, and equal treatment to consumers.
European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Věra Jourová delivered a keynote speech on what the European Commission is doing for consumers.
During his address, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that,“we are currently discussing the new legislative proposals, which aim to modernise the EU consumer acquis to reflect modern technologies on the one hand, and strengthen the enforcement of consumer protection rights while providing redress mechanisms on the other”.
Minister Bonnici welcomed the Commission’s proposal as it “takes into account the need to strengthen consumer protection whilst aiming at striking a balance between consumer protection and traders’ interests in Malta”. “We are committed to the ongoing well-being of our consumers, which we actively address from various perspectives”, continued the Minister.
Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta Elena Grech delivered the welcome speech together with Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista.
“Today’s consumers are facing new types of products, and marketing tools are becoming more sophisticated. Hence, the importance of ensuring that our consumer protection tools are fit to deal with emerging challenges”, noted Deo Debattista. He also said that, “ongoing education and information awareness initiatives, combined with a strong legislative package that is effectively enforced are the key to best safeguard European consumers”.