Three presentations on the theme ‘The role of the EU in the Western Balkans’ will be held on Thursday from 10am to 12 noon at the European Documentation Centre of the University’s Institute for European Studies, Msida campus.

The first, entitled ‘The instrument for pre-accession assistance in the Balkans: successful achievements of the Innovation Fund Serbia Project’, by Natalija Sandic, will examine the impact of an EU pre-accession assistance project aimed at in improving socio-economic conditions in the western Balkans.

The second presentation by Roderick Pace will focus on lessons learnt from Malta’s accession experience and will compare these to the situation in the Balkans.

Lastly, by Joe Tanti will look at the challenges and opportunities for Maltese business arising from Malta’s EU membership.

The event is being organised by the institute and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations.

Those wishing to attend are to e-mail their name, job title and organisation to edc@um.edu.mt by tomorrow. For more information call Daniela Callus on 2340 3386.

Insects of commercial value in Malta

A lecture on ‘Insects of commercial value in Maltese culture and tradition’ will be delivered by Paul Portelli on Thursday at 6.30pm at the National Museum of Natural History, St Publius Square, Mdina.

This is the first in the second series of public lectures about various aspects of Maltese culture and identity organised by the University’s Institute of Maltese Studies.

Institute director Henry Frendo will introduce the speaker.

The public is invited to attend.