Europe in Brussels part 1: We meet the Maltese

The island state of Malta may the smallest EU member in size, but it will soon become one of the most important, as it will be thrust into the spotlight on 1 January 2017, when the Mediterranean nation takes over the presidency of the European Union for the first time since joining in 2004.

While celebrations and events are being planned surrounding the presidency takeover, there’s another celebration for the country to hold first. Today, Malta commemorates its independence from the United Kingdom.

"In Malta we hold the commemorations in the capital Valletta, to remember our achievement in gaining independence. In 2014 we celebrated the 50th anniversary with a spectacular light show in the old harbour," says Stefan Muscat, first secretary at the embassy of the republic of Malta to Belgium and Luxembourg.

The Maltese Embassy is marking the event with a lunch reception at its offices for the Maltese community. "Usually we have a reception or a concert for the Maltese community here in Belgium. Holding events like these helps us to remain united," adds Muscat.

Latest statistics suggest there are 455 Maltese nationals in Belgium, in addition to another 200 diplomats and their families working in the embassy and at the State’s Permanent Representation to the EU. While a small number of Maltese moved to areas such as Liege and Western Flanders in the 1960s, its community in Belgium expanded greatly after Malta joined the EU in 2004.

"It’s a relatively small community mostly concentrated in Brussels, but for Malta it’s a substantive community," says Muscat.

Pia Micallef is a Maltese national based in Brussels, who first arrived three years ago to work as an intern in the European parliament. She was then offered a full time job as an MEP's administrative assistant and has since become a policy advisor on migration and human rights.

Hailing from Paceville, the nightlife district of Malta, Micallef does pine for the sea air and sunshine of her homeland. “I return to Malta every four months, because I can’t stay away. I miss the sea air, sun, my family and friends, so I tend to go back quite often. I do remain attached through social media.”

However she has grown to love Brussels and its variety: “The one thing I love is that I can walk down the street and not necessarily know other people walking by. I love the diversity - that we get food from all around the world and meet people from all around the world. This opportunity gives me a new perspective on things and broadens your horizon.”

While appreciating the city’s major tourist zones, Micallef likes nothing more than going off the beaten track: “I love to get lost in the streets of Ixelles, to have a drink in St Gilles, to go for a walk along the city’s canals - Brussels has everything.”

One important regular event that takes place, which is dear to the heart of Maltese expats such as Micallef, is a monthly mass at the embassy. “We’re a strongly Catholic country and this mass is a community thing that brings all the Maltese expats together”, she says.

Muscat explains: “The embassy invites Monsignor Alfred Vella, the Director of the Emigrants Commission of the Maltese Curia, to celebrate mass for the community here. He will be here for the national day as well. This is one of the joys of a being a Consul General."

Aside from the Independence Day celebrations, the embassy will be a hive of activity preparing for the forthcoming EU presidency, with many events and concerts highlighting Maltese culture being planned during the presidential term.

Going to one of these events is something that Micallef can recommend: “I went to an amazing event recently where an orchestra of young people from Malta put on a beautiful performance. Some of these had already performed at Maltese ‘festas’ over the summer and they played beautiful Maltese music for us.”

Muscat concludes: “During these activities, the Maltese people attending will be celebrating the hard work and persistence of generations of Maltese that have made it possible for a small island state in the Mediterranean to become an EU member.” He hopes that “the people of Brussels and Belgium can come along and experience our culture”.

www.foreignaffairs.gov.mt