A fairer agro-food supply chain

The agro-food supply chain connects important and diverse sectors of the European economy that are essential for economic, social and environmental welfare as well as for the health of Europeans. However, in recent years there has been a shift in bargaining power in the supply chain, mostly to the advantage of the retail sector and some transnational companies and to the detriment of suppliers, in particular primary producers. This has a particularly negative impact on consumers and some operators, e.g. farmers, workers and SMEs (EESC Opinion - NAT 680 A fairer agro-food supply chain)

Launching a consultation on a European Pillar of Social Rights

Following the request from the President of the European Commission to the EESC for a contribution to the consultation on a European Pillar of Social Rights ("EPSR"), the Committee engaged in broad civil society consultations in the 28 Member States. In total, some 116 EESC Members and close to 1800 other representatives of civil society organisations participated in these national debates. (EESC Opinion - A European Pillar of Social Rights)

Towards Consumer protection and empowerment in Malta

There is the need for a National Strategy for Consumer Education not only to cater for the ‘intelligent ‘or ‘average’ consumer but also to reach out to vulnerable groups. Empowering consumers will ensure access to education and information thus providing them with the necessary tools to make informed choices and take positive action. (ACR resolution - Towards Consumer protection and empowerment in Malta)

Product lifetimes and consumer information

(Towards more sustainable consumption: industrial product lifetimes and restoring trust through consumer information) Planned obsolescence is associated with a form of deliberately built-in defects of industrial production that relies on a minimum renewal rate for its products. Although product renewal may be necessary, certain abuses need to be addressed. The EESC opinion advocates curbing the most flagrant cases and improving consumer guarantees. The recommendations concern technology, business, regulation, and information. (EESC Opinion CCMI 112 Product lifetimes and consumer information)

European Accessibility Act

Accessibility measures prevent or remove barriers to the use of mainstream products and services. It allows the perception, operation and understanding of those products and services by persons with functional limitations, including people with disabilities, on an equal basis with others. The demand for accessible products and services is high and the number of citizens with disabilities and/or functional limitations will increase significantly with the ageing of the European Union's population. (EESC Opinion SOC 527 A European Accessibility Act)

Environmental, social and health claims

Marketing communication is an important tool enabling companies to publicise their products and services in a transparent manner, ensuring that the internal market operates smoothly and offers a high degree of consumer protection. Some messages, however, are not reliable or contain inaccuracies, making environmental, social or ethical and health-related claims that are damaging to businesses that comply with all the rules and to consumers. (EESC Opinion INT 766 Environmental, social and health claims)

Latest News

Our Services

Mission Statement

"The Association is committed to safeguard the interests of consumers in Malta in all aspects. The Association shall use all its resources to achieve this aim."

Consumers in the EU

YOU HAVE RIGHTS!

Zooming in on Consumer Affairs