At a time that is not the best one can aspire for in Malta, V18 presents this country with a unifying factor. It is managed by the Labour government while having had its origin in a Nationalist administration as, for instance, the commitment of Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli bears witness.

It is good to see even Jason Micallef today speaking so highly on the Renzo Piano project, now that it is being appreciated by an overwhelming majority of the people. From the outset, it was the vision of the Gonzi administration to entrust this grand project to an internationally-recognised genius in architecture.

Within the V18 context, it is disappointing to note that works on the landscaping of the ditches had to be delayed by six months. Hopefully, no more obstacles will prevent its completion, when it will fully enhance the beautiful baroque aspect of this splendid city.

The research carried out by the Piano management team is reflected in the resulting spaces and poetic features created not only for Malta, its culture and its people but for every traveller visiting this World Heritage Site.

This unique cultural experience is today a reality, again thanks to PN foresight, this time the Fenech Adami administration, in relation to EU accession. It is good that today the opportunity of promoting Valletta is being grasped by Labour in government.

It is with so much pride that it was made possible for Malta to host the title of European Capital of Culture 2018, another advantage of what it means to be an EU member state.