Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1519535
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 24 APRIL 2024 NEWS MATTHEW VELLA mvella@mediatoday.com.mt These articles are part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author's view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action. REVISED rules to prevent and combat human trafficking and protect its victims will give EUY member states enhanced coordination to assist asylum seekers exploited by traffick- ers. MEPs adopted with 563 in fa- vour, 7 against, and 17 absten- tions a law that expands the EU's current powers to combat and prevent human traffick- ing beyond labour and sexual exploitation, by criminalising forced marriage, illegal adop- tion and exploitation of surro- gacy at the EU level. The Council also needs to for- mally approve the agreement. It will also criminalise the use of services provided by a traf- ficking victim, where the user knows that the victim is exploit- ed, to reduce the demand driv- ing exploitation; introduce pen- alties for companies convicted of trafficking, for instance by excluding them from tendering processes and from reimburse- ment for public aid or subsidies; and ensure prosecutors can choose not to prosecute victims for criminal acts they were co- erced into committing. Victims will receive support regardless of whether they co- operate with investigations or not, including access to shel- ters and safe accommodation, with a special focus on the most vulnerable groups. "Twelve years after adopting the directive, MEPs have had to overhaul EU rules, as traf- ficking has become more so- phisticated and the resources at our disposal remained rudi- mentary," said co-rapporteur Eugenia Rodríguez Palop (The Left). "We need to be able to find victims early, and protect and support them. Trafficking is torture; perpetrators must pay for what they have done and victims must receive compen- sation and redress for their suf- fering." Co-rapporteur Malin Björk (The Left) said: "We achieved progress during these negoti- ations; new forms of exploita- tion will be criminalised, and the rights of victims, including those that are migrants, will be improved. We are also reduc- ing demand with provisions on sexual exploitation. We have started a change, and now the member states must make the most of this directive and en- sure that women and girls are not bought and sold in Eu- rope." Trafficking in human beings: MEPs adopt more extensive law to protect victims Making repair easier and more appealing to consumers across the EU Revisions to existing rules are aimed at preventing and combating human trafficking and protecting its victims ON Tuesday, Parliament adopt- ed the directive on the so-called "right to repair" for consum- ers with 584 votes in favour, 3 against and 14 abstentions. The rules clarify the obliga- tions for manufacturers to re- pair goods and encourage con- sumers to extend a product's lifecycle through repair. These new rules ensure that manufacturers provide timely and cost-effective repair servic- es and inform consumers about their rights to repair. Goods repaired under the warranty will benefit from an additional one-year extension of the legal guarantee, further incentivis- ing consumers to choose repair instead of replacement. After the legal guarantee has expired, the manufacturer is still required to repair common household products, which are technically repairable under EU law, such as washing ma- chines, vacuum cleaners, and even smartphones. The list of product categories can be ex- tended over time. Consumers may also borrow a device whilst theirs is being re- paired or, if it cannot be fixed, opt for a refurbished unit as an alternative. A European information form can be offered to consumers to help them assess and compare repair services (detailing the nature of the defect, price and duration of the repair). To make the repair process easier, a European online plat- form with national sections will be set up to help consumers easily find local repair shops, sellers of refurbished goods, buyers of defective items or community-led repair initia- tives, such as repair cafes. Revitalising the repair market The rules aim to strengthen the EU repair market and re- duce repair costs for consum- ers. Manufacturers will have to provide spare parts and tools at a reasonable price and will be prohibited from using contrac- tual clauses, hardware or soft- ware techniques that obstruct repairs. In particular, they cannot im- pede the use of second-hand or 3D-printed spare parts by independent repairers, nor can they refuse to repair a product solely for economic reasons or because it was previously re- paired by someone else. To make repairs more af- fordable, each member state will have to implement at least one measure to promote re- pair, such as repair vouchers and funds, conducting infor- mation campaigns, offering re- pair courses or supporting for community-led repair spaces. Rapporteur René Repasi (S&D, DE) said that consum- ers' right to repair products will now become a reality. "It will be easier and cheaper to repair instead of purchase new, expensive items. This is a significant achievement for Parliament and its commit- ment to empower consumers in the fight against climate change," he said. "The new legislation extends legal guarantees by 12 months when opting for repair, gives better access to spare parts and ensures easier, cheaper and faster repair." Once the directive is formally approved by Council and pub- lished in the EU Official Jour- nal, member states will have 24 months to transpose it into national law.