Malta meeting an example of ‘bloated’ European Union

I read with interest your report (November 6) regarding the annual general meeting in Malta of the Europe Direct Information Centres. Malta is to be commended for being chosen to host the 400 delegates, and for the positive impact this will have on local businesses and tourism.

I was not familiar with the Direct Information Centres, and when I checked their website it stated they were a source “if you’re looking for advice or help in your neighbourhood, or for a local forum promoting dialogue and awareness about EU policies”. That sounds all very well, but is it really necessary for member states to be sending funds to the EU so that it can then turn around and create centres providing advice and help in the local neighbourhood?

Wouldn’t such funds be more appropriately and efficiently managed by national governments? The whole thing strikes me as a prime example of EU ‘bloating’. Furthermore, does such an organisation really require 400 delegates to attend an annual meeting? That works out to 14 delegates per EU member state.

Whatever happened to the practice of sending one or maybe two delegates from an organisation, asking them to take notes, and then briefing their colleagues upon their return? It appears to me that the EU itself needs an austerity programme.