Malta will be hosting this year’s Congress of the International Association of Former Officials of the European Union (AIACE), which will be taking place between tomorrow and Monday.

Over 250 former officials of the EU Institutions will be staying at a five-star hotel and participating in the various working sessions and meetings. Their programme, prepared with the assistance of the European Commission Representation in Malta, includes a call on the President of the Republic and a number of cultural visits. This will allow the participants to explore Malta and to familiarise themselves with the island’s history, architecture and cultural treasures.

AIACE, counting almost 9000 members, was created in 1969 by 35 former officials of various nationalities. It has always worked to promote the European ideal and to improve the well-being of all pensioners who previously served in EU institutions. Among its aims, the association strives to nurture, in a spirit of friendship and good humour, the links amongst its members and with the administrative services of the EU Institutions.

The congress seeks also to provide in-depth knowledge of the member countries. The General Assembly held once a year during the congress is attended by members of the association coming from the 15 national sections. The first congress took place in Luxemburg in 1970 and the most recent in 2011 in Riga, Latvia.

Further information regarding AIACE and the congress can be found on the association’s website www.aiace-europa.eu and the congress website www.aiace-assises-europa.eu.