Europe Day will be marked on 9 May with activities that will also conclude others marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome that set up the European Coal and Steel Community, the forerunner of the EU. The Department of Information pointed out that Malta was also marking the third anniversary of EU membership.

Foreign Minister Michael Frendo told a news conference that the planned activities were aimed more at involving children and young people.

On 4 May there will be a sports and cultural activity for school children at the Cottonera Sports Complex, which will include traditional dances from across Europe.

On 5 and 6 May there will be a children’s football tournament at Luxol Ground, with football nurseries in Malta representing EU member countries.

On 5 May there will be a song festival at the Tigullio car park from 8.30pm, aimed at young people. Various leading performers have already confirmed participation.

The annual activity held on 9 May will be repeated, when schoolchildren will be at the House of Representatives to express their views and put questions to ministers and members of parliament.

The children will later go to the Palace courtyard to be joined by the President of Malta for a ceremony at which the flags of Malta and Europe will be raised, followed by a reception.

Dr Frendo said this year the ministry would institute a Presentation about Europe, which will become an annual activity that includes a reflection on the European Union. The first talk this year will be given by Dr Frendo himself, who will reflect on the next 50 years of the European Union.