On July 29, 2024, the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC) signed, together with the National Disability Council of Romania (CNDR), the Partnership Agreement "Equal opportunities for an independent life", which benefits from the patronage of the Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu . The main purpose of the document is to ensure compliance with accessibility requirements for products and services for all consumers, including people with disabilities.

The event took place at the Victoria Palace and enjoyed the presence of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Radu Oprea, as well as representatives of various associations of people with disabilities and the business environment.

During the meeting, some of the objectives of the agreement were briefly presented, namely the implementation of information campaigns and joint research projects to innovate solutions in the protection of consumers, people with disabilities, but also improving the legislative framework in the field and monitoring the way in which the rights of this category of consumers are respected by economic operators.

The representatives of the business environment spoke about the pilot projects for the accessibility of the products and services that they make available CONSUMER with disabilities, also presenting their intentions for the development of these approaches.

The meeting included the emotional moment of the signing of the agreement by Daniela Tontsch, president of CNDR, and Sebastian Hotca, vice-president with powers of president of ANPC, endorsed by Prime Minister Ciolacu and Minister Oprea.

"This project is my soul project, both for me and for my colleagues. I met, in the CNDR representatives, wonderful people, from whom I learned a lot of things, about a "different" way of life, which until now I have thought about, but I admit that I did not imagine it, in the true sense size.

Our partners today told me that they want nothing more than an independent life and want to be treated the same as all other citizens of Romania. They want nothing but equal rights. I am glad that, through the agreement signed today, we can start a stage together where the rights of consumers with disabilities are no longer just a wish.

I think that, in the very near future, other companies will also join in the effort to create an environment conducive to an independent life, normal and legal actions, as is happening in all EU countries" - Sebastian Hotca, vice-president with powers of president of ANPC.

Up to this moment, the economic operators who have carried out pilot projects of special design, to ensure the accessibility of consumers, persons with disabilities, to their products and services are Auchan, OMV, Mol, KFC, City Grill, Altex, Banca Transilvania, Catena and Medlife.