The European Parliament Office in Malta and the Forum Malta in Europe are marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which gave birth to what is today the EU, with two exhibitions in Valletta.

An outdoor exhibition of 18 posters by young Maltese journalists and designers was put up in Great Siege Square yesterday and will run until Europe Day on May 9.

The head of the European Parliament's office in Valletta, Julian Vassallo, said the exhibition sought to convey the message that Europe was not just a political project but one that had been largely shaped by cultural, societal and economic changes of Europe.

"The founding fathers did not dictate the political finality of Europe which is still being defined 50 years later. This has allowed our priorities to change from reconciliation and reconstruction, to economic development, to the reunification of Europe and most recently, climate change," Dr Vassallo said.

Thirty-four banners have also been put up along Republic Street with portraits and quotations from 17 personalities who made a contribution to the Construction of Europe including the founders like Robert Schuman and Winston Churchill and contemporaries like Czech President Vaclav Havel, former European Commission President Jacques Delors and even Pope John Paul II, who is credited with bringing together East and West.

"Looking at the personalities that have shaped the continent, it becomes clear that Europe is a project of the left and of the right," Dr Vassallo said, adding that the exhibitions would prove particularly useful for schoolchildren.

The treaty was signed on March 25, 1957, and this weekend has been dedicated by EU members to celebrating this landmark event.

The European Parliament has also funded a three-day party in Nadur, the Gozitan village famous for its carnival.

The event, entitled Flimkien which is being organised by the Nadur council, will incorporate different activities such as concerts, exhibitions, folk dances, and a traditional market in the main square and other venues in the centre of Nadur.

The highlights are expected to be performances by the Italian popular group Matia Bazar tomorrow and Riccardo Fogli on Sunday. Other performers include Olivia Lewis, Klinsmann and Band and the Mark Spiteri Lucas Band, while three choir and instrumental concerts will also be held at the Nadur Basilica over the three days.

Dr Vassallo said: "Even if we did not know it, the Treaty of Rome brought peace and prosperity that the Maltese have also enjoyed. Malta suffered the ravages of war. Today it has every right to celebrate with the rest of Europe the dividend of 50 years of peace."