Over 500 delegates for Europe Direct meeting

Malta will host this year’s Europe Direct annual general meeting, welcoming over 500 delegates.

Europe Direct is an information network with about 500 centres based across the 27 EU member states. These act as a bridge between the EU and citizens at a local level, providing people with information about EU policies among others.

The initiative, launched in 2005, grew out of the European Commission’s target of creating a network of accessible information centres in all member states. Malta joined the network in 2009 and its two centres, in Floriana and Mosta, complement the work carried out by the European Commission and its representation in Malta.

The Europe Direct office in Floriana, hosted by the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin, handles about 55 queries a month.

Manager Andrew Grima said the centre served as an information-giver. “We act as a bridge between European institutions and the people. Sometimes we feel people do not engage with some things issued by the EU. The centre, therefore, disseminates the EU’s message in an interactive way,” he explained.

The centre holds public seminars incorporating information about EU directives. It organises visits to schools and provides students with information publications.

Its main focus is answering queries sent either to agrima@uhm.mt or by calling 2123 4009, or when people visit the centre located in St Thomas Street, Floriana.

The information centre in Mosta, operated by the Genista Research Foundation, aims at providing practical information on complaints about unsafe products and EU policies among others. It actively promotes local and regional debate about the EU, giving people the opportunity to send feedback to EU institutions.

www.europedirectfloriana.com

www.europedirectmalta.eu