Consumer Rights

MEP Alex Agius Saliba spoke to Claire Agius Ordway, describing a whole range of work that he led in the EP, also in his capacity as Vice-President of the S&D political group.

“As a member of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) I pushed legislation in various fields. Following the battle for a common charger for digital devices, I insisted for better safeguards on online platforms, the regulation of AI and the right to repair,” he said. “I take a strong interest in matters in my native Malta, where I called for investigations in hidden increases in tariffs in mobile phone contracts and requested the Commission to investigate artificial inflation in food prices”.

Referencing the AI Act and Digital Services Act (DSA), he stated: "the European continent is the first continent to succeed and today there are other countries like the US that are aiming to replicate what we have done."

In his experience at the heart of European law-making, he became aware of how much work can be done impacting not only Europe, but also third countries – as Europe has shown with its work on AI, GDPR, and the DSA, which safeguard people on digital platforms both as citizens and as consumers.

MEP Agius Saliba urged the use of the right of petition to the EP, which anyone can easily access through this online form and submit directly without the need for legal assistance or payment. He reminded people that the EP reimburses people to go and present their petitions in person.