From 22 to 23 October 2026, Commissioner Serafin will visit Malta alongside Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. From dialogue with Malta’s leaders to investment in young people and the celebration of Europe’s cultural diversity, the visit will highlight how European cooperation turns shared ambitions into opportunities that reach every corner of the Union.
STOP 1: Finding common ground, shaping a common future (22 October)
As negotiations on the European Union’s next long-term budget for 2028–2034 enter a decisive phase, Commissioners Serafin and Micallef will meet Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, alongside Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance, and Christopher Fearne, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs. Following the Irish Presidency’s presentation of its negotiating box on October 10 2026, discussions take place at a critical moment for Europe’s future priorities and the resources needed to deliver them.
The European Commission continues to act as an honest broker between Member States and the European Parliament, working to build consensus around a budget that is fit for the future. The next EU budget must strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and cohesion while investing in the people who drive its progress: empowering young generations, nurturing cultural and creative talent, promoting sport, and fostering fairness between generations. These investments go hand in hand, helping build a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient Union where everyone can participate, communities can thrive, and Europe’s shared values are brought to life.
STOP 2: Cultural heritage in the Island of Islands (23 October)
On the same day, Commissioner Serafin will also visit Victoria, the capital of Gozo, to celebrate its launch as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2031. During the launch event, both Commissioner Serafin and Commissioner Micallef will deliver a speech.
Since 1985, this flagship European initiative has given cities across the continent a platform to celebrate their heritage, bring communities together, and build lasting connections through culture. Under the theme “Island of Islands”, Victoria’s vision places Gozo’s distinctive identity at the heart of a wider European story, connecting its landscapes, traditions and communities while creating new opportunities for artists, young people and residents.
The recognition also offers the prospect of support through the EUR 1.5 million Melina Mercouri Prize, funded by the EU budget, through its Creative Europe programme.
The launch event will take place in the Cittadella of the city, which received 12,167,295 EUR from the EU Budget through the European Regional Development Fund, from 2012 to 2015. This financing made possible the creation of a Visitors’ Centre, the restoration of principal public buildings, the rehabilitation of public spaces and the related infrastructural works within the Cittadella precincts.
By protecting the past while opening new possibilities for the future, Gozo shows how Europe’s cultural heritage can remain a living source of identity, creativity and connection.
STOP 3: A bridge to the future, built on an island (23 October)
The following day, the two Commissioners will visit Gozo College Ninu Cremona Secondary School, the island’s only state secondary school. Welcoming students from Gozo, Malta and beyond, the school offers a broad education that combines academic subjects with vocational training, helping young people develop the skills and confidence to shape their futures.
Investment from the EU budget has helped strengthen vocational education infrastructure through the INVEST project of the European Regional Development Fund. Running from 2014 to 2023, the EUR 3 million project supported the creation of 78 specialised vocational education and training laboratories across 13 schools in Malta and Gozo, giving students more opportunities to learn through practical experience and explore alternative pathways into further education and employment.
The school also received 24,896 EUR from the EU budget, through the Erasmus+ Programme from 2019 to 2022 as part of the ACTIVE project. The initiative promoted digital skills, physical activity, and innovative teaching methods.
