President Juncker receives Malta's National Order of Merit (30/07/2019)

Cementing a long-lasting friendship, on 23 July Malta's President George Vella conferred European Commission’s President Jean-Claude Juncker with the National Order of Merit in the Grade of Companion with Star, showing the respect and gratitude of the people of the Maltese Islands.

Ursula von der Leyen, President-elect of the European Commission (30/07/2019)

With 383 votes in favour, the European Parliament elected Ursula von der Leyen President of the next European Commission in a secret ballot on 16 July. She is set to take office on 1 November 2019 for a five-year term. Read her political guidelines and more.

Fight against money laundering and terrorist financing: Commission assesses risks and calls for better implementation of the rules (30/07/2019)

On 24 July, the European Commission adopted a Communication and four reports that will support European and national authorities in better addressing money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

EU and Mercosur reach agreement on trade (30/07/2019)

The European Union and Mercosur reached at the end of June a political agreement for an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive trade agreement. The new trade framework - part of a wider Association Agreement between the two regions – will consolidate a strategic political and economic partnership and create significant opportunities for sustainable growth on both sides, while respecting the environment and preserving interests of EU consumers and sensitive economic sectors.

eTranslation: the Commission's automatic translation service for public administrations (30/07/2019)

eTranslation is the European Commission's automatic translation machine, offered for free until 2020 to public adminstrations in EU and EEA Member States. Following a targeted promotional campaign and a circular issed to government employees, many public officials and government entities have opted to gain access to this service that provides translation to and from all official EU languages plus Icelandic and Norwegian: over 500 possible language combinations!

The Council of the EU adopts the Commission's country-specific recommendations (30/07/2019)

The Council issued its 2019 recommendations and opinions to member states' on their economic, employment and fiscal policies, thereby concluding this year's European Semester exercise. The recommendations were discussed by the European Council in June and approved by the EPSCO Council on 8 July.

Summer 2019 Economic Forecast: Growth clouded by external factors (30/07/2019)

The European economy is set for its seventh consecutive year of growth in 2019, with all Member States' economies due to expand. Growth in the euro area was stronger than expected in the first quarter of the year due to a number of temporary factors such as mild winter conditions and a rebound in car sales.

Recent events of EDIC Gozo (30/07/2019)

Notwithstanding the summer heat, the Europe Direct Office in Victoria, Gozo, has been busy in initiatives and events well beyond the shores of our islands... Here are two recent ones.

Elena Grech goes ‘Back to School’ in Gozo (26/06/2019)

On 6th June 2019, our Head of Representation Dr Elena Grech visited students at Gozo College Secondary School. The students had the opportunity to engage directly with someone working for the EU and learn about living abroad, opportunities for young people, migration and the functioning of the EU and its history.

Meet the ‘hero’ who keeps your meals safe (26/06/2019)

7 June was World Food Safety Day, and for this occasion we met Prof. Charmaine Gauci. The Maltese food safety expert explains how EU-wide collaboration keeps threats off our plates.

Dual Food Quality: Commission releases study assessing differences in the composition of EU food products (26/06/2019)

On 25 June, the Commission published the results of a pan-European testing campaign of food products showing that some products are identically or similarly branded while having a different composition.

Energy Union: Commission calls on Member States to step up ambition in plans to implement Paris agreement (26/06/2019)

On 18 June, the Commission published its assessment of Member States' draft plans to implement the EU's Energy Union objectives, and in particular the agreed EU 2030 energy and climate targets.

2019 Innovation Scoreboards: The innovation performance of the EU and its regions is increasing (26/06/2019)

Europe needs to deepen its innovation capability to compete on global markets and maintain and improve the European way of life, as called for by the European Council as recently as June 2018 and March 2019. That is why the Juncker Commission has set a new level of ambition for the EU and its Member States and regions, and proposed Horizon Europe, the most ambitious research and innovation programme ever. This will keep the EU at the forefront of global research and innovation.

Juncker Plan reaches almost €410 billion in triggered investment across the EU (26/06/2019)

As of June 2019, the deals approved under the Juncker Plan amount to €75 billion in financing and are located in all 28 Member States. Some 952,000 start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are expected to benefit from improved access to finance.

European Semester 2019 Spring Package: Commission issues recommendations for Member States to advance sustainable and inclusive economic growth (26/06/2019)

The European Commission presented on 5 June the 2019 country-specific recommendations (CSRs), giving economic policy guidance to all EU Member States for the next 12 to 18 months. The Commission also recommends closing the Excessive Deficit Procedure for Spain and adopts a number of documents under the Stability and Growth Pact.

Cutting edge EU translation technology now available to civil servants (26/06/2019)

Maltese civil servants now have the opportunity of using eTranslation, a cutting-edge machine translation tool developed and used by the European Commission.

First 17 “European Universities” selected: a major step towards building a European Education Area (26/06/2019)

On 26 June, the European Commission announced the higher education institutions from all over Europe that will be part of the first “European Universities” alliances. They will enhance the quality and attractiveness of European higher education and boost cooperation between institutions, their students and staff.

Latest activities of the Language Office (27/06/2019)

The Language Office was very busy in these last few weeks with diverse activities concerning its varied remit. Between the 3rd and the 5th June, a course for public officials was organised in order to explore the linguistic dimension of EPSO tests for prospective EU officials.

European Elections 2019: The results (29/05/2019)

See all the results of the 2019 European elections, with a breakdown of seats per political group and detailed turnout information by country.

World Bicycle Day ride in Malta (29/05/2019)

On Sunday 2 June, the eve of #WorldBicycleDay, we are proudly supporting the Bicycle Advocacy Group ride from Ta' Qali to Mosta. Join us and show your support for a cleaner and healthier mobility!

European Innovation Council - Funding Innovators in Malta (29/05/2019)

Are you an innovator based in Malta looking to fund your great idea, innovation or startup? Are you interested in learning and discussing the innovation landscape in Malta and Europe? Then join us on 14 June for a presentation of the Enhanced European Innovation Council funding scheme supporting great ideas and innovation.

Wikipedia Editathon bil-Malti (29/05/2019)

The Representation's Language Office organised a three day Wikipedia editathon between the 16th and 18th of May as part of the EU-wide Translating Europe Workshops by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Translation.

Citizens' Dialogue with Commissioner Avramopoulos (29/05/2019)

On 7 May 2019, we held a Citizens' Dialogue on migration and security in Valletta, with the Commissioner in charge Dimitris Avramopoulos. If you missed the event, you can watch the recording here.

Circular Economy: Commission welcomes Council final adoption of new rules on single-use plastics to reduce marine plastic litter (29/05/2019)

The Council of the EU on 21 May adopted the ambitious measures proposed by the Commission to tackle marine litter coming from the 10 single-use plastic products most often found on European beaches, as well as abandoned fishing gear and oxo-degradable plastics.

Digital Single Market: Cheaper calls to other EU countries as of 15 May (29/05/2019)

As of 15 May, a new maximum price applies for all international calls and SMS within the EU. As a result, consumers calling from their country to another EU country will pay a maximum amount of 19 cents per minute (+VAT) and 6 cents per SMS message (+VAT).

Call for new contract for translation services with the European Commission (29/05/2019)

The European Commission is launching a new call for contracts for translation of EU documents from and into EU official languages with a total of 49 language combinations.

Spring 2019 Economic Forecast: Growth continues at a more moderate pace (29/05/2019)

The European economy is forecast to continue expanding for the seventh year in a row in 2019, with real GDP expected to grow in all EU Member States. As global uncertainties continue to weigh, domestic dynamics are set to support the European economy. Growth is expected to gather pace again next year.

Europe Day in Gozo (29/05/2019)

The Europe Direct Information Centre of Victoria, Gozo with the support of the European Commission Representation in Malta celebrated Europe Day on Sunday, 28th April with a family event at the Villa Rundle Garden in Victoria.

EU Citizens' Fair - Europe Direct Valletta (29/05/2019)

To mark Europe Day, Europe Direct Valletta transformed Freedom Square in Valletta into an EU Citizens’ Fair bringing together in one place EU-related national information offices and contact points.

Celebrating Europe Day with the Institute for European Studies and the Europe Direct Information Centre (29/05/2019)

To celebrate Europe Day, the Institute for European Studies and the Europe Direct Information Centre (UoM) held a series of events through-out the week of 6th May.

Digital Single Market: Commission publishes guidance on free flow of non-personal data (29/05/2019)

On 29 May, the European Commission published a new guidance on the interaction of free flow of non-personal data with the EU data protection rules.

Citizens' Dialogue on Migration with EU Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos (30/04/2019)

Join us in Valletta for an open discussion on one of the biggest challenges of our times, with the EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Celebrating 15 years of EU Membership (30/04/2019)

Together with Poland, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Cyprus, Malta joined the EU fifteen years ago, in what was described as the ‘big bang’ EU enlargement.

Europe Day Celebrations in Malta and Gozo (30/04/2019)

Find out what's happening in Malta and Gozo to commemorate the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, considered one of the founding acts of our European Union.

EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier to visit Malta (30/04/2019)

On Thursday 2 May, the European Union Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier will be in Malta for a Brexit-related visit.

Europe Day Debate on Malta's achievements in the EU (30/04/2019)

Debate at the University of Malta, organised in partnership with JEF Malta. A panel discussion on the 15 years of Malta's membership in the EU will take place between 12:00 and 13:00 at the Quadrangle. On the panel will be our Head of representation Elena Grech, Minister Helena Dalli and former Deputy Prime Minister and EU Commissioner Tonio Borg.

Translating Europe - Malta 2019 Wikipedia Editathon (30/04/2019)

The Language Office of the European Commission Representation in Malta and Wikimedia Community Malta are organising a 2019 European Parliament Election Edit-a-thon, in collaboration with the European Parliament Information Office in Malta and Spazju Kreattiv. This comprises three days of activities focusing on sharing knowledge about the European Parliament through Wikimedia projects, including Wikipedia and Wikidata.

European Youth Week 2019: "Democracy and me" (30/04/2019)

European Youth Week takes place every two years. It celebrates and promotes activities targeted at young people through events organised in all countries participating in the Erasmus+ programme. From 29 April until 5 May, the ninth edition of European Youth Week is taking place across Europe.

EU Justice Scoreboard 2019: results show the continuing need to protect judicial independence (30/04/2019)

On 26 April 2019, the European Commission published the 2019 EU Justice Scoreboard, which gives a comparative overview of the independence, quality and efficiency of justice systems in EU Member States.

EU-funded scientists unveil first ever image of a black hole (30/04/2019)

On 10 April 2019, the Commission revealed the first ever image of a black hole taken by Event Horizon Telescope, a global scientific collaboration involving EU-funded scientists. This major discovery provides visual evidence for the existence of black holes and pushes the boundaries of modern science.

Investment Plan: over EUR 2.3 billion to support companies in the food, energy efficiency, and cultural and creative sectors, and SMEs and VSEs (30/04/2019)

The European Investment Bank (EIB) agreed on 8 April to provide EUR 47 million to support expansion, upgrading and modernisation of Maspex Group's food and drinks production and storage facilities across Eastern Europe.

EU Citizens’ Fair with EDIC Valletta (30/04/2019)

As part of Europe Day celebrations, on May 9 between 9am and 1pm, a Citizens’ Fair will be organised at Freedom Square in Valletta. A number of stands will be put up, from where various EU national contact points will provide a one-stop EU information service to visitors, with information on citizens’ rights, consumers’ rights, EU funds, job opportunities in the EU and more.

Europe Day Quiz Night with EDIC University (30/04/2019)

The Europe Direct - University of Malta and the Institute for European Studies will host a Quiz Night as part of the 2019 Europe Day celebrations. On the evening of Wednesday 8 May, students will participate in a lively evening answering questions on the EU, Eurovision, Champions League, European Cinema and everything EU.

Commission's contribution to the informal EU27 leaders' meeting in Sibiu on 9 May 2019 (30/04/2019)

Ahead of the meeting of 27 EU leaders in Sibiu, Romania, on 9 May 2019, the European Commission set out policy recommendations on the future shape of Europe in an increasingly multipolar and uncertain world.

Students' Dialogue with Vice-President Jyrki Katainen - Watch now! (26/03/2019)

On Tuesday 5 March, the European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen visited the students and first-time votes at the G.F. Abela Junior Collegein Malta to discuss about the future of Europe and the importance of the upcoming European Elections.

Third Trans-National Dialogue Malta-Sicily (26/03/2019)

On 15 March, a group of 47 Maltese citizens joined citizens from Trapani, Palermo, Agrigento and Pantelleria for the third and final transnational dialogue on the Future of Europe. Following the first two dialogues in Palermo and Malta respectively, the third meeting was held at the Università degli Studi in Trapani.

Live on facebook this Friday: Citizens' Dialogue on Transport, Maritime affairs & the Future of Europe with Karmenu Vella and Violeta Bulc. (26/03/2019)

On Friday 29 March, EU Commissioners Karmenu Vella (Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) and Violeta Bulc (Transport) will meet the students of Malta's International Maritime Law Institute for a Citizens' Dialogue on Transport, Maritime affairs and the Future of Europe. The event will be live-streamed on our Facebook page, so make sure to tune in at 11am!

Discussing Malta's Country Report & Cohesion Policy Funding (26/03/2019)

On Thursday 21st March, the European Commission Representation in Malta organised an event at the Casino Maltese, Valletta, to discuss the European Commission’s 2019 Country Report for Malta and the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy Funding in Malta.

The Commission welcomes European Parliament's vote in favour of modernised rules fit for digital age (26/03/2019)

On Tuesday 26 March, the European Parliament voted in favour of the new Copyright Directive designed to bring tangible benefits to citizens, all creative sectors, the press, researchers, educators, and cultural heritage institutions.

Brexit preparedness: EU completes preparations for possible “no-deal” scenario on 12 April (26/03/2019)

As it is increasingly likely that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union without a deal on 12 April, the European Commission has on 25 March completed its “no-deal” preparations.

“Ġbejna” as a Protected Designation of Origin - Public consultation now open (28/02/2019)

Will the ġbejna make it? The “Xirka Produtturi Nagħaġ u Mogħoż” is putting forward a proposal to give the Maltese cheeselet the status of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). If successful, this would be the first Maltese foodstuff to acquire the prestigious EU mark. A public consultation is now open (scroll the linked page to reach it).

DG Comm Director General Timo Pesonen visits our Representation in Valletta (28/02/2019)

Ever wondered what a Representation of the European Commission does? Hear it from Timo Pesonen, the European Commission's Director General for Communication, who visited us in Valletta earlier this week. javascript:submitForm('mainform');

Juvenes Translatores: St. Aloysius' College Sixth Form hold on to the crown (28/02/2019)

Congratulations to the 28 winners in the 12th edition of the European Commission’s Juvenes Translatores translation contest for post-secondary schools! Francesca Vassallo, from the St. Aloysius' College Sixth Form, is Malta's best young translator for 2019, and together with winners from each of the EU’s 28 Member States, will now travel to Brussels to collect their awards and meet the European Commission’s professional translators.

European Semester Winter Package: assessing Member States' progress on economic and social priorities (28/02/2019)

In its annual assessment of the economic and social situation in the Member States, the European Commission on 27 February stressed the need to promote investment, pursue responsible fiscal policies and implement well-designed reforms.

Standard Eurobarometer 90 - National Report (28/02/2019)

The European Commission Representation in Malta is pleased to publish the National Report of the latest Standard Eurobarometer Survey (EB90). The national report outlines the main findings of the survey carried out in November 2018. A total of 503 face–to–face interviews were conducted. The report covers a number of topics, namely perceptions on the respondents’ own personal situation, Malta and its economic situation, and the European Union; the priorities of the European Commission; trust in institutions; media and sources of news; and opinions on the EU budget.

Towards a climate-neutral Europe: EU invests over €10bn in innovative clean technologies (28/02/2019)

On 26 February, the Commission announced an investment programme worth over €10 billion for low-carbon technologies in several sectors to boost their global competitiveness.

Brexit preparedness: Commission intensifies “no-deal” customs preparedness outreach to EU businesses (28/02/2019)

The European Commission has on 18 February stepped up its “no-deal” outreach to EU businesses in the area of customs and indirect taxation such as VAT, given the risk that the United Kingdom may leave the EU on 30 March this year without a deal (a “no-deal” scenario).

Winter 2019 Economic Forecast: 
growth moderates amid global uncertainties (28/02/2019)

The European economy is expected to grow for the seventh year in a row in 2019, with expansion forecast in every Member State. The pace of growth overall is projected to moderate compared to the high rates of recent years and the outlook is subject to large uncertainty.

European Film Nights (28/02/2019)

Europe Direct Information Centre Valletta, in collaboration with the European Parliament Liaison Office (Malta), is organising a series of European Film Nights circling on current issues within the EU, and the varied values and scenarios provided by the films.

This Time I’m Voting – Event in Gozo (28/02/2019)

This Time I’m Voting.EU – Come Share Your Thoughts was an event held on the 16th February 2019 at The Duke Shopping Mall in Gozo, organised by The Europe Direct Information Centre - Victoria Gozo and the Europe for Citizens Contact Point in Malta, with the support of the European Parliament Office in Malta.

BlueInvest turns to the Mediterranean to kick-start growth in the ocean economy (30/01/2019)

BlueInvest, the high-profile event from the European Commission to promote investment in the ocean economy, has set foot in Malta on January 24, 2019.

Call for Tenders - Cleaning services for the Europe House premises (30/01/2019)

The European Commission is looking for a provider of Cleaning services for the premises of the EU-House in Valletta, Malta. Tender with the reference number PR/2018-20-INF/LAV was published on 25 January 2019 in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Code of Practice against disinformation: Commission calls on signatories to intensify their efforts (30/01/2019)

The European Commission published on 29 January the first reports submitted by signatories of the Code of Practice against disinformation signed in October 2018. While the Commission welcomes the progress made, it also calls on signatories to intensify their efforts in the run up to the 2019 EU elections.

Work-Life Balance: Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached (30/01/2019)

On 24 January, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the European Commission's proposal for a new Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers.

Commission reports on the risks of investor citizenship and residence schemes in the EU and outlines steps to address them (30/01/2019)

For the first time, the Commission has presented a comprehensive report on investor citizenship and residence schemes operated by a number of EU Member States.

Reforming the decision-making process of EU tax policy (30/01/2019)

On 15 January, the European Commission launched a communication on how to gradually move from unanimity voting to qualified majority voting (QMV) on EU tax policy.

Euro: 20 years of the single currency (30/01/2019)

Celebrating 20 years of existence, the euro is the common currency to 19 Member states and 340 million Europeans. It was launched on the 1st of January 1999 together with an agreement on a shared monetary policy under the supervision of the European Central Bank; a milestone in the EU's history.

Towards a fully functioning Single Market (20/12/2018)

Co-organised by the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) and the European Commission Representation in Malta, a business seminar on the Future of the EU's Single Market was held on 23 November at the premises of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry. Gathering representatives from the Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, representatives from the European Commission as well as European and local businesses, the conference was also an occasion to commemorate the 25th anniversary of one of the EU's greatest accomplishments.

Happy festive season from all the staff at the EC Representation in Malta! (20/12/2018)

We wish you all a merry Christmas and a great beginning of 2019! Our offices will be closed from Monday 24 December until Wednesday 2 January included. Looking forward to a new year together!

Brexit: European Commission implements “no-deal” Contingency Action Plan in specific sectors (20/12/2018)

Given the continued uncertainty in the UK surrounding the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement, as agreed between the EU and the UK on 25 November 2018 – and last week's call by the European Council (Article 50) to intensify preparedness work at all levels and for all outcomes – the European Commission has today started implementing its “no deal” Contingency Action Plan.

EU budget 2019 approved: focus on the young, innovation and migration (20/12/2018)

For next year’s budget, MEPs have secured better support for students, unemployed youngsters and researchers. Commitment appropriations for 2019 total €165.8 billion; payment appropriations total €148.2 billion.

A Europe that Protects: Commission calls for more efforts to ensure adoption of security proposals (20/12/2018)

On 11 December 2018, the Commission reported on progress made in building a genuine and effective Security Union since the October European Council.

Member States and Commission to work together to boost artificial intelligence “made in Europe” (20/12/2018)

Delivering on its strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) adopted in April 2018 today the Commission presents a coordinated plan prepared with Member States to foster the development and use of AI in Europe.

A Europe that Protects: The EU steps up action against disinformation (20/12/2018)

To protect its democratic systems and public debates and in view of the 2019 European elections as well as a number of national and local elections that will be held in Member States by 2020, the EU presented an Action Plan to step up efforts to counter disinformation in Europe and beyond.

Towards a greater influence of the euro in the world (20/12/2018)

Celebrating 20 years of existence in 2019 the euro has become, in a short period of time, the second most used currency in the world. However, President Jean-Claude Juncker believes the European Union still needs a strategy to strengthen this currency's global role. In that context, the European Commission adopted a package of actions to reinforce the currency presence in the world.

Virtuous Circle: Malta’s Path to Material Efficiency and Waste Reduction (28/11/2018)

​How can we transform Malta's waste management into an opportunity producing health and wealth? This is the theme of Friday's conference Virtuous Circle: Malta’s Path to Material Efficiency and Waste Reduction.

The Coin Challenge to celebrate 10 years of € in Malta (28/11/2018)

Show us your €-knowledge and win a unique commemorative coin! To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Euro in Malta, in the coming weeks we will hold a contest/giveaway on our Facebook and Instagram profiles. Twice per week, we will present you with a question, a quiz or a fun fact about our common currency. For each entry, there will be 6 rare commemorative coins up for grabs.

Citizens' Dialogue with Commissioner Tibor Navracsics (28/11/2018)

On 15 November, the Representation in Malta held a Citizens’ Dialogue on Youth and Education with Commissioner Tibor Navracsics and Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo at the University of Malta. Students accepted the invitation and participated actively in a discussion that touched upon European integration, active citizenship, the European Parliament’s 2019 elections, Erasmus, migration and much more.

Digital Prospects for the Maltese Language - Conference at Europe House (28/11/2018)

What does the future have in store for the Maltese language? Will our language survive in the digital age? Watch the recording of Prospects for the Maltese Language, a conference held at Europe House on Saturday 24 November.

Fact-Finding Mission in the context of the 2018/2019 European Semester (28/11/2018)

On 13-14 November, the European Commission Representation in Malta organised a total of 23 meetings at the Intercontinental Hotel, St. Julian's, as part of the 2018-19 European Semester's fact-finding mission.

Call for Tenders: Security Guard and Reception/Switchboard Services for the EU-House Premises in Valletta, Malta (28/11/2018)

The European Commission is looking for a provider of Security Guard and Reception services for the premises of the EU-House in Valletta, Malta. Tender with the reference number PR/2018-19-SEC/LAV was published on 27 November 2018 in the Official Journal of the European Union in OJS 228.

The Commission calls for a climate neutral Europe by 2050 (28/11/2018)

On Wednesday 28 November, the European Commission adopted a strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy by 2050 – A Clean Planet for all. The strategy shows how Europe can lead the way to climate neutrality by investing into realistic technological solutions, empowering citizens, and aligning action in key areas such as industrial policy, finance, or research – while ensuring social fairness for a just transition.

President Juncker in the special meeting of the European Council on Art. 50 (28/11/2018)

On 25 November, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker participated at the special meeting of the European Council which endorsed the Brexit withdrawal agreement, as presented by the negotiators of the EU and the UK.

The Single Market: Europe's best asset in a changing world (28/11/2018)

On 22 November, the European Commission presented a fresh assessment of the situation in the Single Market and called on Member States to renew their political commitment to the Single Market.

Maltese enjoy the longest lifespan spent in good health among all EU countries (28/11/2018)

The 2018 Health at a Glance: Europe joint report of the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) issued on 22 November shows that the steady increase of life expectancy has slowed down and that large gaps across and within countries persist, notably leaving people with a low level of education by the wayside.

European Semester Autumn Package (28/11/2018)

Kicking-off the 2019 European Semester cycle of economic and social policy, the Autumn Package was been presented on 21 November by Vice President Dombrovskis, as well as Commissioners Moscovici and Thyssen. The package comprises, amongst others, the Alert Mechanism Report, the draft Joint Employment Report and the Annual Growth Survey (AGS).

Autumn 2018 Economic Forecast: sustained but less dynamic growth amid high uncertainty (28/11/2018)

On 8 November the European Commission published its Autumn 2018 Economic Forecast wherein it announced a sustained but less dynamic growth in the EU partly due to high uncertainties in the political global sphere.

Coming soon on our social media: The Coin Challenge (29/10/2018)

Show us your €-knowledge and win a unique commemorative coin! To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Euro in Malta, in the coming weeks we will hold a contest/giveaway on our Facebook and Instagram profiles. Once per week, we will present you with a question, a quiz or a fun fact about our common currency. For each entry, there will be 6 rare commemorative coins up for grabs.

Second transnational Citizens' Dialogue between Malta and Italy (26/10/2018)

In the run-up to the European Elections to be held in May 2019, the European Commission (EC) has embarked on a cross-border initiative which seeks to facilitate a true European public opinion. The initiative, organised with the three Europe Direct Information Centres (EDICs) in Malta and the EDICs in Trapani and Palermo, aims to bring citizens from Palermo, Trapani, Malta and Gozo together to discuss and highlight issues of common interest regarding the future of the EU.

Debate on the Future EU Budget: Businesses encouraged to tap more into direct EU funds (29/10/2018)

At a business seminar on ‘The Future EU Budget’ co-organised by the Malta Business Bureau and the European Commission Representation in Malta, stakeholders spoke of the private sector’s need to increase tapping into direct EU funds, so as to address challenges in the areas of innovation, environment and labour market, amongst others.

The European Pillar of Social Rights: what implications for Malta? (29/10/2018)

On 3 October 2018, the European Commission Representation in Malta, together with the Malta Business Weekly, organised a breakfast event to discuss the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and its implications for Malta. Various entities were invited to debate this topic with the European Commission including government, social partners, civil society and academia.

News from the Representation's Language Office (29/10/2018)

After the successful European Day of Languages events in September, the Language Office is currently organising its yearly edition of the Translating Europe Workshop, a conference which deals with translation issues and their relevance to society.

Commission Work Programme 2019: Delivering on promises and preparing for the future (29/10/2018)

On 23 October, the European Commission presented its Work Programme for 2019, setting out three main priorities for the year ahead: reaching swift agreement on the legislative proposals already presented to deliver on its ten political priorities; adopting a limited number of new initiatives to address outstanding challenges; and presenting several initiatives with a future perspective for a Union at 27 reinforcing the foundations for a strong, united and sovereign Europe.

The Commission welcomes the European Parliament’s vote on the legislative proposal to reduce impact of certain plastic products on the environment (29/10/2018)

On wednesday 24 October, the European Parliament endorsed the European Commission's initiative to tackle marine litter at its source, targeting the 10 plastic products that most often end up in the oceans, as well as lost and abandoned fishing gear.

Erasmus+: an expected budget of €3 billion to be invested in young Europeans and to help create European Universities in 2019 (29/10/2018)

For 2019, funds available for Erasmus+ are expected to increase by €300 million or 10% compared to 2018. On 24 October, the Commission published its 2019 call for proposals for the Erasmus+ programme. From an expected budget of €3 billion for next year, €30 million has been set aside for dedicated European Universities.

Latest news on the Investment Plan for Europe (29/10/2018)

On 5 October the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced the most recently approved projects under EFSI. The first of these consists in the construction of the Northwester wind farm off the Belgian coast amounting in a loan of EUR 210 million.

The European Union commits €300 million for clean, healthy and safe oceans (29/10/2018)

The European Commission has announced €300 million of EU-funded initiatives, which include projects to tackle plastic pollution, make blue economy more sustainable and improve research and marine surveillance. This important contribution comes on top of the over €550 million committed by the European Union, when it hosted the Our Ocean conference last year in Malta.

Draft Budgetary Plans: Why was Italy's rejected by the Commission? (29/10/2018)

On the 23rd of October, the European Commission announced that it rejected Italy's Draft Budgetary Plan (DBP) for 2019; this being the first time that the institution has activated this procedure. Italy was given three weeks to present a revised text to the Commission. Here is why.