Former President and Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami said he is honoured to be bestowed with the prestigious Robert Schuman Award for his vision to secure Malta’s membership in the EU.
I look back on those years with satisfaction, even though it was uphill
“It is unexpected but, of course, welcome. I look back on those years with a great sense of satisfaction, even though it was uphill,” he told The Sunday Times when contacted.
The public award-giving ceremony will take place next Sunday at Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens where Joseph Daul, president of the European People’s Party – the largest political group in the European Parliament – will present Dr Fenech Adami with the medal.
The award is assigned by the EPP to public figures who made an outstanding contribution to the cause of European integration. German chancellors Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel, as well as Pope John Paul II, European Commission president José Manuel Barroso and the late President Emeritus Gudio de Marco, are among the recipients.
Dr Fenech Adami reactivated Malta’s application for EU membership – it had been frozen by the Labour government in 1996 – when he returned to power in 1998.
He then embarked on four years of tough negotiations that paved the island’s future.
Joining the EU became a highly politicised issue when the Labour Party insisted on a “partnership” with the Union, as opposed to full membership.
Despite the tension and the division this subject instilled, Dr Fenech Adami never had any sleepless nights ahead of the 2003 referendum that sought society’s seal to join the EU.
“I was always sure the Maltese would vote to join the EU. The big risk, of course, was calling the referendum, but once it was won I think the road was plain from there on,” he said.
“I was rather pleased the Opposition wanted to have the referendum’s result confirmed through an election... It was unthinkable the people would not confirm their decision in an election.”
His fondest memory during this period was signing Malta’s Accession Treaty with the EU in Greece on April 16, 2003, just days after winning the election – the island would go on to become a member on May 1, 2004.
“The signing in Greece was the most important event because it clinched the whole work we had been doing for years,” he said.
Malta has since viewed the EU as the Promised Land. How was he envisaging the EU’s future in the present economic turmoil?
“Well, I’m not a pessimist at all. I think Europe is there to stay, to continue developing and in time more people will realise the benefits of it all.
“Even those who are really critical of the EU never seriously thought of leaving the Union – I believe its future is ensured.”
Dr Fenech Adami also believes the EU should continue expanding and once a country qualified for membership there was no reason why it should not be accepted as a member state.
“There will be difficulties... But in life one always has to face challenges.”
Asked what values of the EU he held most dear, Dr Fenech Adami said democracy, freedom and the economic prospects.
“Even though we’re going through a bleak period I think the fact the European countries are coming together in an economic way is something beneficial in itself and ultimately will bring fruit to member countries,” he added.
Sunday’s award ceremony, which will be held at 6.30 p.m., is open to the public but prior reservation is required by calling AŻAD on 2122 8585.
It will be followed by a gala dinner at Casino Maltese.