Network of Networks Meeting 1

SEM and Europe Direct Valletta brought together EU-related national contact points and information providers in Malta in an online meeting on March 30, 2021. Such meetings serve as a platform to bring together entities that provide EU-related services locally to discuss issues of common interest and to find ways of collaboration to reach out to citizens in terms of rights, obligations, benefits and opportunities as European citizens.

The meeting follows other initiatives held in the past to make the EU more accessible to citizens. In 2018 and 2019, Europe Direct Valletta had organised a citizens’ fair at Freedom Square, Valletta. The Fair served as a one-stop-shop providing visitors with EU-related information, from job and EU career opportunities to EU citizens’ rights and EU funding opportunities. An online event on the same concept was held in November of last year as part of an activity week to promote the services of SEM’s predecessor MEUSAC.

During the meeting, SEM’s CEO Mandy Falzon gave an overview on the mission and functions of SEM, officially launched last week, to inform, engage and support citizens and organisations to reap the benefits of EU membership. Following this presentation, Glorianne Cini from the Ministry for the Economy and Investment, explained the benefits of the revamped ‘Your Europe’ portal of the European Commission, that serves as a useful tool for citizens and businesses to find more and ask questions about their rights and/or obligations.

The meeting fits in with the new agency’s function to serve as the main point of contact for citizens and organisations on EU-related matters. SEM and Europe Direct Valletta work closely with other entities that offer EU-related services in Malta to facilitate matters for citizens when they seek information and assistance on the EU.

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