Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today was in Florence to take part in a conference on the future of the European Union.

The government did not announce the visit. No release was issued by the Department of Information about the event, and the media were not invited.

However, this evening TVM carried a lengthy report about the PM’s speech, even though no official statement was issued via the normal channels.

Dr Muscat was reported to have laid stress on the importance of a strong economy for Europe to overcome its difficulties.

Dr Muscat, who had campaigned heavily against Malta’s membership in the EU, is now pleading the British not to exit the union. Britain will be holding a referendum on the subject next month.