The government has set up a foundation with the aim of organising national festivities in the run-up to each one.

A statement issued by the government stated that during the next five years, Malta is set to celebrate a number of historic anniversaries.

Next year, Malta will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its accession to the EU, the 35th anniversary of Freedom Day and 50 years since Malta’s Independence.

Prof. Oliver Friggieri will head the foundation. Other members include Malta Council for the Arts and Culture chairman and vice chairman of the Public Broadcasting Services Albert Marshall, Simone Mizzi, Philip Farrugia Randon, John Zarb, Jason Busuttil, Lou Bondi, Lino Farrugia, Andrea Cassar, Gianni Zammit, Ray Mangion and Mario Farrugia Borg.