Dr Gonzi began by recalling Dr Gorg Borg Olivier’s address to the Council of Europe in 1965 when the late statesman had laid the foundations for greater co-operation with Europe and with it, the possibility of friendly dialogue and participation.

The Prime Minister also reflected on the fact that Dr Borg Olivier had addressed the council in English but when Dr Fenech Adami signed the EU Accession Treaty, he had spoken in Maltese. This was the European family that brought together national identity and cultural diversity, and the ability to use our language, which was now an official European language, could be seen as the apex of our achievments on a global scale, said Dr Gonzi.

Dr Gonzi also spoke about the tough negotiation process in which everyone had done their utmost to acquire the best conditions for Malta. He also mentioned our past history with the sieges, the fortress mentality and the emigration exodus that were now behind us as we continue marching forward to find our way in Europe. Dr Gonzi also stressed the importance of the EU project to create a strong economic block to meet the challenges of globalisation.

The Prime Minister said Malta is ready to tap the opportunities that the union with Europe will provide, namely a better standard of living, a better environment, removal of all social and racial discrimination and high levels of welfare sustainability. He said that Malta now has the EU to help us achieve these goals through financial and other resources. Dr Gonzi also stressed the importance of peace in the Mediterranean and insisted that with Malta’s entry into the EU, this process would be strengthened.

In his conclusion, Dr Gonzi said that when we were a colony, we could not achieve what we wanted as we were not independent. After achieving independence, we could not participate in the decision making process for Europe as we were not members of the bloc that made these decisions. Now, these obstacles have been overcome.

‘We are now in the European port. The 40-year voyage is finally over. “ Now the work begins because when the ship arrives in port, it unloads its merchandise for transportation to different destinations. And so will we, through EU membership, work with energy and commitment, united together, so that through our energies and with the help of God we will achieve what we want for ourselves and our children.”