The 9th of May marks a very important recurrence for us and the whole of our continent, as Europe celebrates its ‘birthday’. Every year, on this date falls Europe Day, a celebration of peace and unity commemorating the historical ‘Schuman declaration.’

This year being the 70 year anniversary of the end of the 2nd World War this message of peace takes on further relevance particularly in the current context of strife and wars close to our shores.

How it all started… At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.

His vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. A treaty creating such a body was signed just under a year later. Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.

Europe Day celebration in Malta and Gozo…..As per an established tradition, the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Office in Malta have joined forces to organise a calendar of activities to make Europe Day a memorable recurrence on our islands.

In Gozo, the Representation has teamed up with the Europe Direct office in Victoria to celebrate unity and peace through mutual understanding, by organising a language event for the Gozitan Secondary Schools.

‘Languages – A Road to Opportunities’ will involve the participation of around 250 students in the event, which will take place on Tuesday, the 5th of May, at the Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria. The full programme for the morning is shown at the bottom of the page. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the atmosphere.

In Malta, The eve of Europe Day will be dedicated to the younger generations, with two half days of fun and learning activities on the 7th and the 8th May for year 5 primary school children. On each day 6 classes from 6 different schools will be invited to take part in an animated tour of the newly restored Fort St Elmo, and to participate in art and music activities on the theme of peace and unity.

During the second part of the morning the children will be invited to follow a drama production and to participate in a fun quiz on Europe and European countries. These activities are being organised with the kind cooperation of Heritage Mata and of the Curriculum Management Department within the Ministry of Education and Employment.

Commissioner Karmenu Vella, Members of Parliament and Members of the European Parliament will also be visiting and interacting with the children during these days.

On the day itself, 9th of May, a free public concert will take place in Great Siege Square in Valletta, in front of the Law Courts. From 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, the King’s Own Band, directed by Mro Etienne Spiteri and with the collaboration of singer Maria Spiteri, will entertain the audience with a varied repertoire ranging from classical pieces to jazz and film music.

Gozo Europe Day event ‘ Languages – A Road to Opportunities’

Programme of events for Tuesday, the 5th of May, Villa Rundle Gardens:

10.00 Introduction

Mr Michael Grech, President GBC

Ms Diane Spiteri, Acting Head of Commission Representation in Malta

Mr Victor Galea, Gozo College, Principal

10.15 Presentations by students on different languages

Gozo College Girls’ Secondary School – German Language

Sacred Heart Minor Seminary School – Italian Language

Bishops Conservatory Secondary School – French Language

Gozo College Boys’ Secondary School – Spanish Language

10.35 Quiz: Curiosities on Languages

11.20 Entertainment

Academia Alegria – Flamenco Spanish Dance

Mnarja Folk Group – Maltese Traditional Dance

Spiro Sillato – Various Countries’ Traditional songs

11.50 Closing Speech

H.E. Mons. Joe Vella Gauci, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate to UNESCO

12.00 Promotional Material and Traditional Food Tasting from Different Countries

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