ARMS class action group stage protest ahead of Van Rompuy’s visit

EU nationals residing in Malta are still at a standstill with the government as they continue to face discrimination over "significantly higher" utility bills and bus fares than those charged to the Maltese.

EU residents in Malta are charged higher rates because their Maltese residency is not accepted by Arms Ltd on the basis of their identity cards.

The ARMS class action group has also filed a judicial protest against Arms Ltd and the Malta Resources Authority, complaining to the courts that the two entities were in breach of the European Commission Directive on the free movement of EU citizens.

The European expats have also petitioned the government, and presented it to Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi.

"Since the meeting with the minister we have heard nothing from the government, despite the repeated emails we sent," group spokesperson Patricia Graham told MaltaToday.

She pointed out that while in the run up to the general election political parties were "open" to their concerns, after the election things change completely. Pointing out that the Labour Party had indeed kept communication open during the electoral campaign, while "no replies" were sent by the Nationalist Party, Graham said the Labour government is now keeping mum.

The EU nationals are also disappointed with the European Commission, as repeated questions filed to the Commission keep receiving the standard reply that that a letter of formal notice was sent to the government of Malta and that the Commission was now considering the reply.

"How long does it take and why are the Commission not on top of this already?  It has gone on far too long. As everyone knows, the charges are illegal and yet they keep dragging their feet? What are we not being told?" Graham said.

The class action group is currently running a campaign to encourage every EU National residing in Malta to make sure they have their EU voting rights. Graham said that before, voting rights used to be offered with the issuance of the old ID card.  

"That isn't happening anymore in many instances," Graham said.

Taking the opportunity to make their voice heard ahead of European Council President Herman Van Rompuy's visit to Malta, the group organised a protest outside Auberge de Castille.

"Every day we have people queuing for the new e-card that Malta insisted we have.  What's the point of that card?  The Freedom of movement and the right to reside for EU Nationals is there in black and white.

"I can understand the government wanting to keep a check on non-EU Nationals. But since the card is not a requirement for residency why put everyone through this? I feel more sorry for the people from Gozo who in this heat travel for hours just to get this insignificant card," Graham said.

She went on to add that once the card is issued, this is still not accepted everywhere. "Moreover, once apply, receipts are no longer being given leaving those who applied in limbo for identification purposes until they eventually receive the new card," Graham said.

EU nationals are still being referred to as "A" (aliens) on the new e-card.

The group who yesterday braved the sun and scorching temperatures, donned alien masks, to the amusement of onlookers.

The group were protesting the continued discriminatory pricing inflicted on EU Nationals: 35% more for electricity and 60% more for water.