Association for Consumer Rights Malta
Budget
€10 — €0
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
6
2 FTE
EU Grants
None
Mission & Goals
Mission Statement 1. 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. Objectives 1. To act as a pressure group and see that legislation beneficial to consumers is enacted and relevant measures are implemented in an active and effective manner. 2. To create consumer awareness with regards to products, services and methods of production which may be supplied both by the private and public sector. 3. To represent consumers in the preparation, formulation and implementation of relevant policies in order to safeguard their interests. 4. To assist consumers in seeking adequate redress and compensation resulting from the purchase of goods and services. 5. To ensure that consumers are offered quality services including product safety, adequate standards and the protection of the environment.
EU Legislative Interests
IORP II PEPP- regulation 2022 IDD Review Solvency II SFDR Omnibus Directive European Green Deal Directive on single use plastics Directive EU/2024/825 on Empowering Consumers in the Green Deal Transition Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, European Green Deal Investment Plan [COM(2020) 1 final] National Digital Decade Policy Programme DDPP Sustainable Europe by 20230 - SDGs Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 EU New Battery 2023/1542
Communication Activities
ACR disseminates consumer information via TV, PR, ACR website, ACR Facebook page which has over 3400 followers, webinars, newsletters of local councils and responses to consumer complaints. ACR is represented on the MCCAA committee of a competition "Service with a smile" - to encourage an exceptional customer friendly service. Ms Cynthia Busuttil sits on the board. FB kept up to date by Ms Busuttil with current information for protection of consumers and answering complaints. Complaints via emails handled by Ms Attard, Ms Busuttil and Ms Azzopardi Elected in March 2025, Ms Catherine Camilleri brings strong expertise in sustainability and policy advocacy. She leads ACR’s strategic planning and represents the organisation in national forums. As Consumer Sector Representative on the Civil Society Committee (CSC), she has advanced transparency, civic engagement, and consumer rights. Key initiatives include: • A national impact assessment on cannabis decriminalisation • Elderly care reforms and conflict-of-interest rules • The ‘Resident First’ project promoting sustainable urban development • Contributions to labour migration and education policy • Budget proposals on healthcare, pensions, and legal safeguards • Support for car-free incentives through the Driving Licence Surrender Grant Ms Grace Attard, Ass Gen Sec represents consumers on the EESC/Consultative Commission on Industrial Change CCMI. She is also a member on ANEC Accessibility Working Group: ACR pleased to see that many of its proposals were taken up in the new Directive on Repair of Goods In March 2023, ACR gave feedback to MCCAA and also met up with DG Just Ms Perignon on the Proposed EU Directive Repair of Goods 2023/0083 (COD). ACR is in contact with Malta Association of Bankers MAB; the Arbiter for Financial Services; the National Pensioners Association; the new Minister for Consumer Protection, MCCAA, MCA, and the Arbiter for Financial Services. Ms Azzopardi, President, is a member of the EIOPA OPSG. She contributes to the European agenda on pensions and sustainable finance by attending the quarterly meetings and providing feedback to consultations. Current discussion on Capital Retention in the EU – Through the Savings & Investments Union; Behavioural Economics in Pensions; Multipillar System Typology: Clarification and classification of pension systems across Europe; IORP II Review & EC Consultation Ms Azzopardi represents ACR on the CPAG and BEUC. The President attended the following meetings: BEUC Enforcement Spring Online Meeting – 24 April 2025; European Consumer Summit 2025 – “A Better Future for Consumers” Brussels, 20 May 2025; BEUC Financial Experts Meeting – Brussels, 3 June 2025; BEUC Workshop- 29th November 2024 ACR Leads EU Action on Airline Hand Luggage Fees - Result: EU Council is now discussing hand luggage rights in ticket pricing during trilogue negotiations! ACR took part in a survey on Financial Literacy – MFSA & OECD Initiative ACR managed to obtain a response from Transport Malta on air quality & vehicle emissions. Results show that there are no real-time roadside monitoring equipment being used; Visual inspections are carried out during roadside stop; Opacity meter testing is done only at the VIU (Vehicle Inspection Unit) garage; SMS Emissions Alert is operational but underused Focus on Retail Banking Access: ECB & Central Bank of Malta Survey.On 29 January 2025, ACR submitted the completed survey, highlighting major issues—most notably, the alarming decline in customer service at bank branches. Action on Notarial Fraud: A Resolution in Motion. The President initiated advocacy following ACR’s Resolution on Payment Solutions to Prevent Notarial Fraud. It’s been a dynamic first half of 2025 for ACR, with ongoing engagement across EU institutions, consumer protection campaigns, and national advocacy.
Interests Represented
Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members
Member Of
BEUC ANEC EESC/CCMI EIOPA OPSG CPAG Strong networking with MCCAA (Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority), MCA (Malta Communications Authority), Banking Association and the Arbiter for Financial Services.
Organisation Members
No member organisations
Additional Information
We are a small organisation and we work voluntarily paying for our expenses except when we are invited for conferences abroad where flight and accomodation are paid for.
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.