Europe should not close itself, but work in other contexts in which citizens feel abandoned. This was the principal message of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat during a citizen dialogue in Rome, which was held on the eve of the EU celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

The Prime Minister, together with Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, discussed Europe’s future with many youths and students, who participated in the Erasmus+ educational programme which is commemorating its 30th anniversary.

Dr Muscat said that such dialogues should also be carried out with people who never participated in educational programmes and with people who don’t know what Erasmus+ is due to their living situation. “This is the way to expand Europe and for the rEUnion project to spread hope and a purpose,” said the Prime Minister.

He added that Europe needs to decide whether to move forward or not. The best decision is to focus discussions on the way forward. “We shouldn’t only recall the EU’s best work but also redefine Europe with an ambitious project. It will then be our task to move this project forward,” stated the Prime Minister.

“The attack on London and the global and European reaction to it, shows that there cannot be a soft Brexit. The European institutions’ endeavours throughout the coming months and years must build on the Union’s unity. The European Project is greater than any other signed agreement,” concluded Dr Muscat.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, complimented Malta’s valuable work during the six months of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. She said we should be proud of Europe for being one of the most successful parts of the world. What we need now is a peace project to show us the way forward.

Photograph: DOI/Clifton Fenech

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