Over 400 delegates were in Malta between 6 and 8 November to attend this year's Annual General Meeting of the Europe Direct Information Network, held at Grand Hotel Excelsior. A number of high-profile speakers addressed the representatives of Europe Direct centres from all over Europe, amongst whom were EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli, and the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou.

The proceedings also included interventions by the Vice-President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Anna Maria Darmanin, the Parliamentary Secretary for Consumers, Fair Competition, Local Councils and Public Dialogue, the Hon. Chris Said, and the European Commission's Director General for Communication, Jean-Pierre Vandersteen.

The European Commission Representation in Malta was key for the event to be held in Malta. Following the 3 days all participants had very positive comments on their stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior and on the time spent in Malta to the extent that the organisers expressed the intention to hold another meeting in Malta in the future.

The Europe Direct Information Centres are present in varying numbers in all EU Member States. Their role is to inform citizens on EU policies and to receive queries on EU-related issues. Malta has two such centres hosted by the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin (Floriana) and the Genista Foundation (Mosta).

This year's meeting discussed the centres' work programme for 2012 in the context of the current European political scenario. Delegates exchanged ideas on ways to improve working practices and to enhance the added value of Europe Direct centres.