Malta and the EU

• European Union (EU)


  A political and economic union of 27 member states (excluding the UK) that are located primarily in Europe
• The EU has a combined area of 4.233 million km² and an estimated total population (2021) of about 447 million
• The EU has developed an internal single market through a standardised system of laws that apply in member states which have accepted these
• In June 2016 the United Kingdom decided to stop being part of the European Union. So from 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union
• The 27 EU countries


  • Austria
  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Germany
  • Hungary
  • Latvia
  • Malta
  • Poland
  • Romania
  • Slovenia
  • Croatia
  • Czechia
  • Estonia
  • France
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Lithuania
  • Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Malta
  • Sweden
• The simplified goals of the EU are: to ensure peace, good lives for people, fairness for all, respect for languages and cultures, and a strong economy with a common currency
• After the EU was created, there were no more wars between the countries that are part of the EU. In 2012, the EU won the Nobel Peace Prize for its good work in keeping peace in Europe
• Values of the EU

  • justice
  • tolerance
  • inclusion
  • solidarity
  • non-discrimination
• There are three main EU institutions: The Council of the European Union, The European Parliament, and The European Commission
• European Council


  The major institution in the EU responsible for decision making, with each EU member state leading the council for a period of 6 months
• European Parliament


  The citizens of each EU country are represented, with elections taking place every 5 years
• European Commission


  This entity has commissioners which are appointed for a period of 5 years, chosen from different member countries, and is politically independent from the Council and Parliament
• Helena Dalli is Malta's current Commissioner for Equality
• Schengen visa


  A short stay visa allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen area, which covers 26 countries without border controls between them
• Malta joined the EU in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2008
• Malta has been a member of the European Union since May 2004.
• The population of Malta is around 450,000 people.
• Malta is the smallest member state, with an area of only 316 km2.
• On January 1st, 2008, Malta adopted the euro as its official currency, becoming the eighteenth member state to do so.
• Malta is one of the most densely populated states within the EU.
• Malta became independent from Britain on September 21st, 1964.
• Malta's economy is based primarily on services, including financial services, tourism, manufacturing, and information technology.