I would like to address the European commissioners in Malta for the EPP-ED conference and I trust they will relay my message to their fellow colleagues in Brussels, principally Commissioner Margot Wallström responsible for institutional relations and communications strategy.

Dear commissioners, you share the responsibility of communicating Europe to its citizens. A very difficult task indeed, and while I'm sure you are doing your very best, yet I feel that the results do not match up with your hard work.

Just like millions of my fellow EU citizens, I am disappointed that the goody goodies of a united Europe seem clouded by what people now believe are Brussels dictated regulations, even if this perception is not always correct.

It's not that EU membership has not been translated into huge benefits for my country, far from it, however, a lot needs to be done so that a committed European like myself be convinced that EU membership, save the very welcoming influx of funds and loads more to come, is not simply about red tape, excessive bureaucracy and one big talking shop. This is the impression I get every time I attend an EU-related conference in Brussels. Each and every time young people like myself voice their genuine concern that Brussels and it numerous institutions seem far too distant from the people. Politicians promise us, now I say ad nauseam, their commitment that this will change and that they will do their utmost to communicate Europe better to the people. We always end up very disappointed.

Certainly, member state governments are to blame too for this sense of not belonging. Whatever they deem as unpopular they blame it on Brussels. "Because Brussels says so" seems to have become the most favoured common excuse among politicians all over Europe. Yet, this must be corrected through better communication by the Commission even it if its members do not have the privilege of direct contact that local politicians have. However, you commissioners must do that extra effort if you are to get Europe closer to its citizens.

Then there is another big problem which, I believe, is one of the main reasons why EU citizens feel detached from the EU. People are not really interested in discussions on institutional matters. The overzealous EU officials/politicians who concentrate all debate on the EU institutions lose contact with the people.

People throughout Europe are interested in bread and butter issues. They want to know how unemployment will be tackled and more jobs created, how education can become accessible to all and how we can have a better environment. In other words, people want substance.

I sincerely doubt whether the common man in the streets of Valletta, Rome and London bothered with the outcome of the recent EU summit and this either because many people feel that EU politicians and officials are talking above their heads or because for them a European Treaty is no bread and butter issue or else because the EU is failing to communicate with its citizens in a simple and clear manner.

Whatever the reason, I trust you acknowledge that citizens need to get on board and, so far, the results leave a lot to be desired.

Ask European citizens what comes in mind when they hear the word Brussels and I can assure you that the most common answers would be taxes, regulations and prohibitions.

Europe offers much more than that. Nobody speaks about the whole lot of opportunities the EU offers its citizens, especially young people. Nobody mentions the European Ombudsman and the right to take your government to the European Court of Justice.

As time goes by I feel the EU institutions, primarily the Commission, is getting too distant from its citizens. Perhaps the Commission is becoming too elitist in its approach or else, and this I believe is the main reason, it is seriously lacking in communicating with its citizens. This is a pity indeed because the past 50 years of European integration have meant a better standard of living, peace of mind, stability and security for all Europeans.

Getting the people on board should be priority number one for the Commission. Explaining the advantages of European integration to the public, channelling their views back to the EU decision-makers and making sure they listen is indispensable.

Europe's Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate needs to be given more flesh. What's it about? Never heard of it, I'm sure many will say(!)