Every European project for young people that takes place in Malta must involve a group of Maltese youth. The Dingli project included nine Maltese people from the local Labour youth association and this gave them the chance to talk about their perception of the European Union two years after accession. Some study, others already work, so their perception is bound to differ.

As part of the European commission funded project, one would have thought that they would have a more positive view of Europe. One positive opinion is that since joining the European Union they have more opportunities to travel. “With this exchange, we can meet foreign people here, get to know each other and then travel to meet them in their country,” says one. “We have more choices if we want to work abroad,” says another.

But that is where the positive part ends. What is negative for them? Almost everything. They are so enthusiastic talking about this they can hardly control themselves; they all talk at the same time in a loud voice. They almost all agree that they are disappointed and bitter mainly about the economic factors.

“We don’t feel integrated,” says one as the others nod their head in agreement. To explain this assessment the youngsters say they regret the increase of imports to Malta. “The farmers cannot compete with foreign produce,” says the son of a farmer. They have noticed that many shops and factories have closed, “especially in textiles”. The cost of living has gone up since entering the EU. “Wages remain the same while prices, like electricity, are higher and with the euro it will be even worse,” they added.

“So many promises have been made, but none have been kept so far,” says one tough guy from Dingli.

In fact, they would like the government to give more information about Europe. “There is no organisation to explain how it works. Almost no youngsters are aware that possibilities such as this exchange exist,” says one.

The disappointment went even deeper when irregular immigration was discussed. “Europe does absolutely nothing for us; money and support are needed,” they say. On this issue, they don’t all agree with the policy to deal with irregular immigration. “We should shoot them,” says one. Another doesn’t share his opinion. “We have to welcome them as they face difficulties.” But they all agree on one thing. “Yes, irregular immigrants take our jobs, they want to impose their culture and we don’t feel safe.”

One of the aims of European youth exchange is to “help combat negative prejudices and stereotypes” as written in the Commission brochure – a goal that is sometimes hard to achieve.