The 27 member states of the European Union, including Malta, are today marking Europe Day.

Few people know that on 9 May 1950 the first move was made towards the creation of what is today known as the European Union.

In Paris that day, a few years after the conclusion of World War II and against the background of the threat of a Third World War engulfing the whole of Europe, the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman read to the international press a declaration.

In this declaration he called France, Germany and other European countries to pool together their coal and steel production as “the first concrete foundation of a European federation”.

What he proposed was the creation of a supranational European Institution, charged with the management of the coal and steel industry, the very sector which was, at that time, the basis of all military power.

Everything, therefore, began that day…

Europe Day in Malta

Malta is looking forward to join all fellow Europeans in the celebration of this day of peace, unity and democracy.

Following a well-established tradition, the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Information Office in Malta have once again joined forces to organise a series of activities marking the day.

For the occasion, the streets of Valletta will be adorned and festooned, while bands will be marching along Republic Street to cheer up both residents and tourists.

In the meantime, a parliamentary debate will be held between Form III and Form IV students and serving Members of the Maltese and European Parliaments.

A total of 30 students from 6 schools will be presenting the results of their surveys on Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (the theme of the current European Year), and will have the opportunity to directly pose questions to the Members of Parliament.

On Gozo, a Citizens’ Forum will take place on the theme Gozo as an island region in the European Union, and will see contributions by Members of the European Parliament.

In the evening His Excellency the President of Malta will be visiting Dar l-Ewropa where he will address guests together with the Head of the European Commission Representation and the Acting Head of the European Parliament Office in Malta.

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