The European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) and ECC Malta recently issued their annual reports for 2010. The network’s report, with a foreword by Commissioner John Dalli, provides a summary of the main activities during 2010.

It details some of the main problems identified by the centres which cross-border shoppers face, together with data and conclusions based on the information collected from the cases handled by the network. The report also contains information about the ECC, its purpose and services and how it works.

Several case studies showing how the network has helped consumers have also been included.

Over half of all complaints handled by the network were related to online shopping. Many other complaints were about air passenger rights; the air space closure caused by the volcanic ash cloud had a considerable impact.

ECC-Net Malta’s annual report gives an overview of its activities and work carried out last year.

It includes information about the distribution of promotional materials to the public; statistics related to the centre’s direct information and assistance to consumers, and the notification of local Alternative Dispute Resolution schemes to the Commission.

Last year, ECC Malta cooperated with a number of organisations and stakeholders; details about this collaboration are featured in the report.

A number of examples of ECC’s successful intervention in solving consumers’ complaints and joint network projects are also highlighted.