MCCAA projects assisted by European funds that put the consumer at the heart of the economy

With the help of MEUSAC, the MCCAA has applied for European funds to run two projects that put the consumer at the heart of the economy.

The first project, with an investment of around €120,000, will lead to a better alternative remedy system. This includes an IT system, new processes that are ISO 9001 quality system qualified and accredited level 5 training for the Authority’s staff.

In the second project, a new Digital Investigations Unit will be set up with an investment of around €150,000. The unit will be monitoring the placing of unsafe products on the market, fraudulent commercial practices and unfair clauses in consumer-seller contracts, among others. The work of this unit will ensure and safeguard consumer rights and fair competition, without hampering innovation and sustainable economic growth.

These projects are 50% co-financed and also include information campaigns to make consumers and traders more aware of their rights and obligations.

During a visit to the MCCAA offices, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela, responsible for MEUSAC, stated how the projects being implemented by the MCCAA will ultimately be beneficial for Maltese and Gozitan families and businesses, as these funds assist government entities in improving their operations.

“MEUSAC assistance is crucial to ensure that entities such as the MCCAA succeed in developing worthwhile projects and initiatives. The history of the MCCAA is a success story, as this entity has applied for two projects under the Consumer Programme and both projects have been selected to be awarded European funding for their implementation,” said Minister Abela.

He also emphasized that an important project on which the Authority is working on is that of improving human resources, and he mentioned how important this is for it to continue to provide an efficient service. In Minister Abela’s view, this improvement is also possible with European funds, and therefore urged governmental and other entities to continue investing in human resources.

Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Public Cleansing Deo Debattista said that the government truly believes in the strengthening of consumer rights and in effective competition. “From a budget of €3,750,000 in 2012, this was doubled to €7,400,000 in 2021.” He explained that the financing of this project was extended through European funds. The Parliamentary Secretary ended his intervention by stating that the Authority will have greater tools to continue being a story of success.