Reference is made to the article that appeared on The Malta Independent on December 5, 2012, entitled ‘Maltese Government does not budge’ written by Mr Vince Farrugia, Director General, General Retailers and Traders Union.

The main aim of this consultation session organised by the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) in collaboration with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) held on November 26, 2012 was not to discuss the issue of eco-contribution but to inform all stakeholders on the provisions and obligations resulting from Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This directive is repealing Directive 2002/96/EC and must be transposed into Maltese legislation by February 14, 2014. Furthermore, participants also had the opportunity to put forward comments and recommendations on some provisions which allow for an element of flexibility in the transposition.

This would in turn contribute to the production of a consultation draft which will include the initial proposed drafting of the relevant national regulations. The process will come to an end with another public consultation session, which would in turn be followed by a post-public consultation phase whereby all comments raised will be assessed such that the draft regulations will then be finalised.

In addition, MEPA has developed a draft WEEE Plan aimed at providing guidance to all stakeholders managing WEEE. This draft WEEE Plan, which was also issued for public consultation and even discussed during various meetings organised by MEUSAC in collaboration with MEPA, has now been finalised by MEPA and referred to the Government for final approval.

Norma Saliba
Media Coordinator

Malta-EU Steering & Action Committee