Network of Networks meeting held by Europe Direct Valletta

Bringing together EU-related national contact points and information providers in Malta, SEM and Europe Direct Valletta held the first Network of Networks meeting of 2024 on March 7.

During the meeting, participants discussed preparations for Europe Day 2024 on May 9, the 20th anniversary of Malta’s accession to the EU on May 1, and the upcoming European Elections on June 8.

Joe Sciberras, Manager of Europe Direct Valletta gave an overview of the previous events held on Europe Day in Valletta in 2023. This was then used as a springboard to discuss the preparations for these celebrations for May 9 2024, including the logistical aspects and the programme of activities. This programme includes performances by the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School and a quiz for students. Information stands will also be set up by different entities to promote their work in EU-related fields. The themes of collective European identity and active democratic participation were also presented as the core messages chosen for this year, which marks the 20th anniversary of Malta’s accession to the EU.

After this presentation, Europe Direct Gozo then explained the preparations for a public event to be held in Villa Rundle in Victoria, for Europe Day, which will take place on May 11.

Europe Direct CORE then followed up with a brief overview of their celebrations for Europe Day on May 1, using the Sustainable Development Goals as inspiration for their activities.

Mr Mario Sammut, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Malta, briefed participants on the visual campaigns, debates and other public events being held to promote a higher voter turnout during the upcoming 2024 European Elections. Joining the platform together.eu was also highly encouraged as a way for European citizens to make their voices heard.

Representatives from the following entities were present: Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta, Europe Direct Valletta, Europe Direct Gozo, Europe Direct CORE, European Parliament Liaison Office in Malta (EPLO), European Documentation Centre, European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), European Employment Services (EURES), EU Programmes Agency (EUPA), Strategy & Implementation Division (Ministry for European Funds), SOLVIT Malta, Entitlement Unit – Ministry for Health, Euroguidance, Creative Europe and the Social Security Coordination Unit of the Ministry for Social Policy.

Network of Networks meetings are organised on a quarterly basis with the aim of fostering stronger collaboration between the participating EU information providers and national contact points in the provision of several different EU related services to EU citizens in Malta.

Gallery