The EU’s biggest investment is in its people and Spring Day brings a sense of “hope in the future that is you,” Joanna Drake, head of the European Commission representation in Malta, told a group of teenaged boys from Mikiel Anton Vassalli Junior Lyceum yesterday.

M.A. Vassalli is one of the participating schools in this year’s Spring Day for Europe, intended to stimulate interest and debate about the principles, achievements and future of the EU.

Since the EU is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome this year, “Together since 1957: Schools celebrating Europe” is the chosen theme for Spring Day 2007.

The new edition of Spring Day for Europe is being held from yesterday – celebrating the 50th anniversary of the signature of the Rome Treaties – to 30 June, with a special focus on 9 May, Europe Day.

Dr Drake chose this school to launch Spring Day 2007. Following a stimulating presentation on the EU’s 50th anniversary, given by four boys from the school – Clifford Zahra, Glendon Falzon, Nathan Cassar and Joseph Micallef – Dr Drake led a discussion on justice, freedom and security in Europe.

However, Dr Drake did not restrict the discussion to these topics alone. She prompted the 30-or-so participating students to speak about the draft EU Constitution, irregular immigration, the Berlin Declaration and the EU’s relevance for the coming years, the Schengen Agreement – which Malta will soon form part of – and the role of the European Commission as a watchdog of the EU Treaty, among others.

“While I am happy to see you taking such an interest in the EU, it is also comforting that people like you are committed to learn more about the EU and reflect on its future,” enthused Dr Drake, adding that as German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at the weekend, it was important not to take the EU for granted.

M.A. Vassalli Junior Lyceum offers students the possibility to prepare themselves for the ordinary level examination in European Studies. At present, 45 students from Forms 3, 4 and 5, have chosen to take up this subject.

Further information may be obtained at www.springday2007.

net.