It is almost surreal... today Malta and nine other countries joined the European Union in the largest EU enlargement ever.

To many, 1 May 2004 will be associated with celebrations, and cheering the political party which made this dream come true.

We hope the majority of those celebrating last night, today and for the rest of the week have thought about how they will make the best of EU membership, and why they are celebrating... hopefully thinking about the abundant opportunities which lie ahead in an enlarged European Union.

But for those who for years were directly or indirectly involved in the process which led to the accession of 10 new member states, 1 May signifies victory.

In Malta, they have triumphed over those who wanted to stay out of the EU, over those who tried to stop them paving the way for a better future for us, and more so for our children.

We are now European citizens, we have the right to stand up and be counted as EU members. However, we are not celebrating on our own. Nine other counties and 15 EU member states are celebrating with us – united we stand to work together, in a place where we belong: Europe.

The road ahead is challenging. The EU will help us achieve its high standards but “punish” us if we do not. There is no bargaining with EU legislation.

Today we celebrate EU membership together with Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Today we are all in.

Friends of mine from most of the accession countries told me why they voted in favour of EU membership for their country. My Hungarian and Czech friends are too busy organising campaigns for their candidates to the European Parliament and were unable to send in their contribution.

Political scientist, international law expert and an assistant to a member of parliament at the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, 28-year-old Kostas Psevdiotis tells me his vote in favour of EU membership is linked to many important issues including that of respecting the values of human dignity.

“Other important issues are liberty, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, the free movement of people, goods, services and capital in the EU, and last but not least the security of my country’s external borders, which is protected by the EU,” Kostas said.

Today he is celebrating together with 25,000 people in his home town. “I will be attending the biggest concert which has ever taken place in recent years. Over 25,000 people are taking part. A famous Greek (of Cypriot origin) singer Anna Vissi will entertain us as we celebrate the accession of Cyprus to the European family.”

Kostas read for a bachelor’s degree in international and European economic and political studies (political studies and diplomacy) at the University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece, and obtained a master of laws degree in international law from Liverpool University in the UK.

Twenty-five-year-old Marcin Rolnik from Warsaw, Poland, tells me he is in favour of EU membership because with membership Poland, he believes, will become a “strong and wealthy country. Membership will give Poland a chance for economic growth and future development. After accession it will be easier to study and work in Europe.” Marcin, who studied political science at the University of Warsaw, said he will join the EU celebrations at a friend’s wedding later on this evening.

He is currently a local council member of Srodmiecie, Warsaw, works for the implementation of the European Social Fund in Mazovia Region and is a member of the Civic Platform and Young Democrats Association.

Similarly, Maciek Krupa – the same age as Marcin but from Gdansk in Poland – voted Yes for Poland in the EU. “I believe the most important reason for European integration is globalisation. We cannot solve the problems of tomorrow on our own,” explained Maciek, who is currently reading for a master’s degree in business administration.

“Competitive economy, protection of natural resources are only a few examples. We have to work together. And last but not least, as a union there will never be a war in Europe again.”

What about Estonia? Twenty-four-year-old, Teele Taklaja, who studied business administration and works as a civil servant, says the new challenges and opportunities for both the “new” and “old” Europe, protect and guarantee Estonia’s independence.

“EU membership will develop our language and culture and give us access to one of the world’s most competitive marketplaces, the free movement of people, goods, services and capital and help to strengthen our economy,” she said.

In a nutshell: “I voted for EU membership because I believe we will benefit more from joining than not joining. Today I’m in Lithuania celebrating accession with my Estonian and Lithuanian friends.”

Agne Siusaite, a 24-year-old from Lithuania who is project manager in genocide at the Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania which investigates reports of genocide, said:

“EU membership is the perfect occasion to say goodbye to the ghosts of the Soviet Union which are still alive in the old generation. Standing near the door through which I can peep at the EU, I am much less inclined to step away and much more eager to open the door and say hello to Europe,” said Agne.

“Approximately 300 events have been organised in Lithuania to celebrate EU membership. Today there will be a concert with Lithuanian vocalists singing old and popular European songs.”

Agne read for a bachelor’s degree in contemporary history at Vilnius University and is currently studying for a master’s degree at the Lithuanian University of Law.

I spoke to 24-year-old lawyer, another Lithuanian, Jonas Urbanavicius with an LL.M in international and European law from the Vilnius University (Lithuania) and from the Riga Graduate School of Law (Latvia). He currently works as a lawyer linguist in the state institution called the Translation, Documentation and Information Centre.

“I voted Yes to Europe because while travelling in the EU I had seen the possibilities and opportunities available to EU citizens and I wanted the Lithuanian people to use them as much as they can,” said Jonas. “Today I will be somewhere celebrating with my friends (of course, we will not forget the concert from Warsaw, Berlin and Malta).”

For 30-year-old Sebastjan Apat, a lawyer from Ljubljana, Slovenia, who works for the Interior Ministry, EU membership means a vote in favour of a union of values.

In 2002 he was elected city councillor of the Slovenian Democratic Party on the Municipal Council of Velenje, and is also a member of the executive board of the Slovenian Democratic Youth. As a member of the board he was elected to the Congress of the Slovenian Democratic Youth in January.

“I firmly believe in the EU as being the union of values. If I can quote Robert Schuman, French Minister for Foreign Affairs, who presented his declaration about the future of a united Europe on 9 May 1950. His vision, in his own words, proclaims: ‘Only free united nations of Europe are able to assure lasting peace and prosperity in Europe’,” said Sebastjan.

“His idea became the foundation of the EU – a family of nations obliged to work for peace, support democracy and defend human and fundamental rights. Slovenia has a unique opportunity to participate in founding a new European identity followed by EU enlargement. The union is our common future, and cultural diversity will enrich Europe. Today I will join the local celebrations in my hometown.”

For 25-year-old Zsolt Gal from Slovakia, who graduated last year in political science from the Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia, and is currently a PhD student in international relations at the Economic University, Budapest, Hungary, “today is a unique historic opportunity for my country to (re)join Europe after 40 years of communism.

“At the time we were separated by the Iron Curtain. It is a good idea to have one common economic area with free movement of people, goods, services and capital, with one common currency, without internal borders. By the way, it is my generation (and the next ones), young, educated people speaking foreign languages, who will mainly benefit from the enlargement. We can study, travel and work all around Europe,” said Zsolt.

“And finally I see it as a historic necessity. Our countries have always been part of the European culture, sharing the same religion, the same state structure, the same historic movements (from gothic to humanism, reformation and enlightenment to modernisation). Then we were forced to isolate ourselves for 40 years in the name of communist ideology (and under Soviet pressure). Now we are putting together what really belongs together,” said Zsolt, who was in the Slovak city to celebrate EU membership for his country.

Twenty-three-year-old Dita Sile from Latvia works as a consultant in the European Affairs Office in Latvia and is currently reading for a masters degree in political science, specialising in European affairs. She tells me that voting in favour of EU membership for Latvia was a natural process for her ever since Latvia regained its independence after 50 years of USSR occupation.

“I have always seen my country as a full and integral part of the European community. I wanted to study political science ever since I was 12. Active participation in student representation at European level, and participation as a lecturer in a pre-referendum campaign, just strengthened my certainty,” said Dita. “Latvia, with its unique experience of being a highly developed country until the 1940s, and after that oppressed but fighting for its independence, can contribute fully towards a strong, unified Europe.”

Today, she tells me, she will celebrate what she refers to as greater and smaller victories. “This one day does not count so much, this is the beginning of everyday reality. Maybe I will enjoy the main open air event, or attend the classical music concert at the opera house, or celebrate my friend’s birthday... But no ostentatious manifestation is the true proof of what I will feel – a true European and a true patriot of my country!”

And last but not least Ivan Borg from Malta. Ivan is 29 and is currently working as an auxilliaire at the European Parliament in Brussels. He is a graduate in international relations and has an MSc Econ. Politics of the European Union from the University of Wales (Aberystwyth).

“I voted Yes for EU membership because it increases the growth prospects of Malta’s economy and also a greater political leverage in Europe and beyond. Membership is a big thing and I think Malta is well-prepared to exploit its new opportunities in a union of 25 member states,” said Ivan.

“A Yes vote for Europe is a Yes vote for Malta. I’ll celebrate Malta’s entry into the EU in Brussels, although I’ll watch the celebrations going on in Malta on TV.”

[email protected]

It is almost surreal... today Malta and nine other countries joined the European Union in the largest EU enlargement ever.

To many, 1 May 2004 will be associated with celebrations, and cheering the political party which made this dream come true.

We hope the majority of those celebrating last night, today and for the rest of the week have thought about how they will make the best of EU membership, and why they are celebrating... hopefully thinking about the abundant opportunities which lie ahead in an enlarged European Union.

But for those who for years were directly or indirectly involved in the process which led to the accession of 10 new member states, 1 May signifies victory.

In Malta, they have triumphed over those who wanted to stay out of the EU, over those who tried to stop them paving the way for a better future for us, and more so for our children.

We are now European citizens, we have the right to stand up and be counted as EU members. However, we are not celebrating on our own. Nine other counties and 15 EU member states are celebrating with us – united we stand to work together, in a place where we belong: Europe.

The road ahead is challenging. The EU will help us achieve its high standards but “punish” us if we do not. There is no bargaining with EU legislation.

Today we celebrate EU membership together with Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Today we are all in.

Friends of mine from most of the accession countries told me why they voted in favour of EU membership for their country. My Hungarian and Czech friends are too busy organising campaigns for their candidates to the European Parliament and were unable to send in their contribution.

Political scientist, international law expert and an assistant to a member of parliament at the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, 28-year-old Kostas Psevdiotis tells me his vote in favour of EU membership is linked to many important issues including that of respecting the values of human dignity.

“Other important issues are liberty, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, the free movement of people, goods, services and capital in the EU, and last but not least the security of my country’s external borders, which is protected by the EU,” Kostas said.

Today he is celebrating together with 25,000 people in his home town. “I will be attending the biggest concert which has ever taken place in recent years. Over 25,000 people are taking part. A famous Greek (of Cypriot origin) singer Anna Vissi will entertain us as we celebrate the accession of Cyprus to the European family.”

Kostas read for a bachelor’s degree in international and European economic and political studies (political studies and diplomacy) at the University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece, and obtained a master of laws degree in international law from Liverpool University in the UK.

Twenty-five-year-old Marcin Rolnik from Warsaw, Poland, tells me he is in favour of EU membership because with membership Poland, he believes, will become a “strong and wealthy country. Membership will give Poland a chance for economic growth and future development. After accession it will be easier to study and work in Europe.” Marcin, who studied political science at the University of Warsaw, said he will join the EU celebrations at a friend’s wedding later on this evening.

He is currently a local council member of Srodmiecie, Warsaw, works for the implementation of the European Social Fund in Mazovia Region and is a member of the Civic Platform and Young Democrats Association.

Similarly, Maciek Krupa – the same age as Marcin but from Gdansk in Poland – voted Yes for Poland in the EU. “I believe the most important reason for European integration is globalisation. We cannot solve the problems of tomorrow on our own,” explained Maciek, who is currently reading for a master’s degree in business administration.

“Competitive economy, protection of natural resources are only a few examples. We have to work together. And last but not least, as a union there will never be a war in Europe again.”

What about Estonia? Twenty-four-year-old, Teele Taklaja, who studied business administration and works as a civil servant, says the new challenges and opportunities for both the “new” and “old” Europe, protect and guarantee Estonia’s independence.

“EU membership will develop our language and culture and give us access to one of the world’s most competitive marketplaces, the free movement of people, goods, services and capital and help to strengthen our economy,” she said.

In a nutshell: “I voted for EU membership because I believe we will benefit more from joining than not joining. Today I’m in Lithuania celebrating accession with my Estonian and Lithuanian friends.”

Agne Siusaite, a 24-year-old from Lithuania who is project manager in genocide at the Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania which investigates reports of genocide, said:

“EU membership is the perfect occasion to say goodbye to the ghosts of the Soviet Union which are still alive in the old generation. Standing near the door through which I can peep at the EU, I am much less inclined to step away and much more eager to open the door and say hello to Europe,” said Agne.

“Approximately 300 events have been organised in Lithuania to celebrate EU membership. Today there will be a concert with Lithuanian vocalists singing old and popular European songs.”

Agne read for a bachelor’s degree in contemporary history at Vilnius University and is currently studying for a master’s degree at the Lithuanian University of Law.

I spoke to 24-year-old lawyer, another Lithuanian, Jonas Urbanavicius with an LL.M in international and European law from the Vilnius University (Lithuania) and from the Riga Graduate School of Law (Latvia). He currently works as a lawyer linguist in the state institution called the Translation, Documentation and Information Centre.

“I voted Yes to Europe because while travelling in the EU I had seen the possibilities and opportunities available to EU citizens and I wanted the Lithuanian people to use them as much as they can,” said Jonas. “Today I will be somewhere celebrating with my friends (of course, we will not forget the concert from Warsaw, Berlin and Malta).”

For 30-year-old Sebastjan Apat, a lawyer from Ljubljana, Slovenia, who works for the Interior Ministry, EU membership means a vote in favour of a union of values.

In 2002 he was elected city councillor of the Slovenian Democratic Party on the Municipal Council of Velenje, and is also a member of the executive board of the Slovenian Democratic Youth. As a member of the board he was elected to the Congress of the Slovenian Democratic Youth in January.

“I firmly believe in the EU as being the union of values. If I can quote Robert Schuman, French Minister for Foreign Affairs, who presented his declaration about the future of a united Europe on 9 May 1950. His vision, in his own words, proclaims: ‘Only free united nations of Europe are able to assure lasting peace and prosperity in Europe’,” said Sebastjan.

“His idea became the foundation of the EU – a family of nations obliged to work for peace, support democracy and defend human and fundamental rights. Slovenia has a unique opportunity to participate in founding a new European identity followed by EU enlargement. The union is our common future, and cultural diversity will enrich Europe. Today I will join the local celebrations in my hometown.”

For 25-year-old Zsolt Gal from Slovakia, who graduated last year in political science from the Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia, and is currently a PhD student in international relations at the Economic University, Budapest, Hungary, “today is a unique historic opportunity for my country to (re)join Europe after 40 years of communism.

“At the time we were separated by the Iron Curtain. It is a good idea to have one common economic area with free movement of people, goods, services and capital, with one common currency, without internal borders. By the way, it is my generation (and the next ones), young, educated people speaking foreign languages, who will mainly benefit from the enlargement. We can study, travel and work all around Europe,” said Zsolt.

“And finally I see it as a historic necessity. Our countries have always been part of the European culture, sharing the same religion, the same state structure, the same historic movements (from gothic to humanism, reformation and enlightenment to modernisation). Then we were forced to isolate ourselves for 40 years in the name of communist ideology (and under Soviet pressure). Now we are putting together what really belongs together,” said Zsolt, who was in the Slovak city to celebrate EU membership for his country.

Twenty-three-year-old Dita Sile from Latvia works as a consultant in the European Affairs Office in Latvia and is currently reading for a masters degree in political science, specialising in European affairs. She tells me that voting in favour of EU membership for Latvia was a natural process for her ever since Latvia regained its independence after 50 years of USSR occupation.

“I have always seen my country as a full and integral part of the European community. I wanted to study political science ever since I was 12. Active participation in student representation at European level, and participation as a lecturer in a pre-referendum campaign, just strengthened my certainty,” said Dita. “Latvia, with its unique experience of being a highly developed country until the 1940s, and after that oppressed but fighting for its independence, can contribute fully towards a strong, unified Europe.”

Today, she tells me, she will celebrate what she refers to as greater and smaller victories. “This one day does not count so much, this is the beginning of everyday reality. Maybe I will enjoy the main open air event, or attend the classical music concert at the opera house, or celebrate my friend’s birthday... But no ostentatious manifestation is the true proof of what I will feel – a true European and a true patriot of my country!”

And last but not least Ivan Borg from Malta. Ivan is 29 and is currently working as an auxilliaire at the European Parliament in Brussels. He is a graduate in international relations and has an MSc Econ. Politics of the European Union from the University of Wales (Aberystwyth).

“I voted Yes for EU membership because it increases the growth prospects of Malta’s economy and also a greater political leverage in Europe and beyond. Membership is a big thing and I think Malta is well-prepared to exploit its new opportunities in a union of 25 member states,” said Ivan.

“A Yes vote for Europe is a Yes vote for Malta. I’ll celebrate Malta’s entry into the EU in Brussels, although I’ll watch the celebrations going on in Malta on TV.”

[email protected] is almost surreal... today Malta and nine other countries joined the European Union in the largest EU enlargement ever.

To many, 1 May 2004 will be associated with celebrations, and cheering the political party which made this dream come true.

We hope the majority of those celebrating last night, today and for the rest of the week have thought about how they will make the best of EU membership, and why they are celebrating... hopefully thinking about the abundant opportunities which lie ahead in an enlarged European Union.

But for those who for years were directly or indirectly involved in the process which led to the accession of 10 new member states, 1 May signifies victory.

In Malta, they have triumphed over those who wanted to stay out of the EU, over those who tried to stop them paving the way for a better future for us, and more so for our children.

We are now European citizens, we have the right to stand up and be counted as EU members. However, we are not celebrating on our own. Nine other counties and 15 EU member states are celebrating with us – united we stand to work together, in a place where we belong: Europe.

The road ahead is challenging. The EU will help us achieve its high standards but “punish” us if we do not. There is no bargaining with EU legislation.

Today we celebrate EU membership together with Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Today we are all in.

Friends of mine from most of the accession countries told me why they voted in favour of EU membership for their country. My Hungarian and Czech friends are too busy organising campaigns for their candidates to the European Parliament and were unable to send in their contribution.

Political scientist, international law expert and an assistant to a member of parliament at the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, 28-year-old Kostas Psevdiotis tells me his vote in favour of EU membership is linked to many important issues including that of respecting the values of human dignity.

“Other important issues are liberty, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, the free movement of people, goods, services and capital in the EU, and last but not least the security of my country’s external borders, which is protected by the EU,” Kostas said.

Today he is celebrating together with 25,000 people in his home town. “I will be attending the biggest concert which has ever taken place in recent years. Over 25,000 people are taking part. A famous Greek (of Cypriot origin) singer Anna Vissi will entertain us as we celebrate the accession of Cyprus to the European family.”

Kostas read for a bachelor’s degree in international and European economic and political studies (political studies and diplomacy) at the University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece, and obtained a master of laws degree in international law from Liverpool University in the UK.

Twenty-five-year-old Marcin Rolnik from Warsaw, Poland, tells me he is in favour of EU membership because with membership Poland, he believes, will become a “strong and wealthy country. Membership will give Poland a chance for economic growth and future development. After accession it will be easier to study and work in Europe.” Marcin, who studied political science at the University of Warsaw, said he will join the EU celebrations at a friend’s wedding later on this evening.

He is currently a local council member of Srodmiecie, Warsaw, works for the implementation of the European Social Fund in Mazovia Region and is a member of the Civic Platform and Young Democrats Association.

Similarly, Maciek Krupa – the same age as Marcin but from Gdansk in Poland – voted Yes for Poland in the EU. “I believe the most important reason for European integration is globalisation. We cannot solve the problems of tomorrow on our own,” explained Maciek, who is currently reading for a master’s degree in business administration.

“Competitive economy, protection of natural resources are only a few examples. We have to work together. And last but not least, as a union there will never be a war in Europe again.”

What about Estonia? Twenty-four-year-old, Teele Taklaja, who studied business administration and works as a civil servant, says the new challenges and opportunities for both the “new” and “old” Europe, protect and guarantee Estonia’s independence.

“EU membership will develop our language and culture and give us access to one of the world’s most competitive marketplaces, the free movement of people, goods, services and capital and help to strengthen our economy,” she said.

In a nutshell: “I voted for EU membership because I believe we will benefit more from joining than not joining. Today I’m in Lithuania celebrating accession with my Estonian and Lithuanian friends.”

Agne Siusaite, a 24-year-old from Lithuania who is project manager in genocide at the Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania which investigates reports of genocide, said:

“EU membership is the perfect occasion to say goodbye to the ghosts of the Soviet Union which are still alive in the old generation. Standing near the door through which I can peep at the EU, I am much less inclined to step away and much more eager to open the door and say hello to Europe,” said Agne.

“Approximately 300 events have been organised in Lithuania to celebrate EU membership. Today there will be a concert with Lithuanian vocalists singing old and popular European songs.”

Agne read for a bachelor’s degree in contemporary history at Vilnius University and is currently studying for a master’s degree at the Lithuanian University of Law.

I spoke to 24-year-old lawyer, another Lithuanian, Jonas Urbanavicius with an LL.M in international and European law from the Vilnius University (Lithuania) and from the Riga Graduate School of Law (Latvia). He currently works as a lawyer linguist in the state institution called the Translation, Documentation and Information Centre.

“I voted Yes to Europe because while travelling in the EU I had seen the possibilities and opportunities available to EU citizens and I wanted the Lithuanian people to use them as much as they can,” said Jonas. “Today I will be somewhere celebrating with my friends (of course, we will not forget the concert from Warsaw, Berlin and Malta).”

For 30-year-old Sebastjan Apat, a lawyer from Ljubljana, Slovenia, who works for the Interior Ministry, EU membership means a vote in favour of a union of values.

In 2002 he was elected city councillor of the Slovenian Democratic Party on the Municipal Council of Velenje, and is also a member of the executive board of the Slovenian Democratic Youth. As a member of the board he was elected to the Congress of the Slovenian Democratic Youth in January.

“I firmly believe in the EU as being the union of values. If I can quote Robert Schuman, French Minister for Foreign Affairs, who presented his declaration about the future of a united Europe on 9 May 1950. His vision, in his own words, proclaims: ‘Only free united nations of Europe are able to assure lasting peace and prosperity in Europe’,” said Sebastjan.

“His idea became the foundation of the EU – a family of nations obliged to work for peace, support democracy and defend human and fundamental rights. Slovenia has a unique opportunity to participate in founding a new European identity followed by EU enlargement. The union is our common future, and cultural diversity will enrich Europe. Today I will join the local celebrations in my hometown.”

For 25-year-old Zsolt Gal from Slovakia, who graduated last year in political science from the Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia, and is currently a PhD student in international relations at the Economic University, Budapest, Hungary, “today is a unique historic opportunity for my country to (re)join Europe after 40 years of communism.

“At the time we were separated by the Iron Curtain. It is a good idea to have one common economic area with free movement of people, goods, services and capital, with one common currency, without internal borders. By the way, it is my generation (and the next ones), young, educated people speaking foreign languages, who will mainly benefit from the enlargement. We can study, travel and work all around Europe,” said Zsolt.

“And finally I see it as a historic necessity. Our countries have always been part of the European culture, sharing the same religion, the same state structure, the same historic movements (from gothic to humanism, reformation and enlightenment to modernisation). Then we were forced to isolate ourselves for 40 years in the name of communist ideology (and under Soviet pressure). Now we are putting together what really belongs together,” said Zsolt, who was in the Slovak city to celebrate EU membership for his country.

Twenty-three-year-old Dita Sile from Latvia works as a consultant in the European Affairs Office in Latvia and is currently reading for a masters degree in political science, specialising in European affairs. She tells me that voting in favour of EU membership for Latvia was a natural process for her ever since Latvia regained its independence after 50 years of USSR occupation.

“I have always seen my country as a full and integral part of the European community. I wanted to study political science ever since I was 12. Active participation in student representation at European level, and participation as a lecturer in a pre-referendum campaign, just strengthened my certainty,” said Dita. “Latvia, with its unique experience of being a highly developed country until the 1940s, and after that oppressed but fighting for its independence, can contribute fully towards a strong, unified Europe.”

Today, she tells me, she will celebrate what she refers to as greater and smaller victories. “This one day does not count so much, this is the beginning of everyday reality. Maybe I will enjoy the main open air event, or attend the classical music concert at the opera house, or celebrate my friend’s birthday... But no ostentatious manifestation is the true proof of what I will feel – a true European and a true patriot of my country!”

And last but not least Ivan Borg from Malta. Ivan is 29 and is currently working as an auxilliaire at the European Parliament in Brussels. He is a graduate in international relations and has an MSc Econ. Politics of the European Union from the University of Wales (Aberystwyth).

“I voted Yes for EU membership because it increases the growth prospects of Malta’s economy and also a greater political leverage in Europe and beyond. Membership is a big thing and I think Malta is well-prepared to exploit its new opportunities in a union of 25 member states,” said Ivan.

“A Yes vote for Europe is a Yes vote for Malta. I’ll celebrate Malta’s entry into the EU in Brussels, although I’ll watch the celebrations going on in Malta on TV.”

[email protected]