Debating Europe's future together

The KSU, in conjunction with the European Unit (University of Malta) is currently organising a series of debates on the future of Europe, involving both students and academics at University.

It will be based on three sessions, to be held on October 31, November 27 and December 10. The event is supported by the Delegation of the European Communities in Malta and the EUPU (European Union Programmes Unit).

James Scicluna, president of KSU, said the objectives of these debates was to raise awareness about the key issues that are dominating the current debate on the future of Europe. Important subjects, such as "the European Citizen", "the Role of National Parliaments" and "Foreign Policy: The role of the EU in a Globalised World" will be discussed.

The panel for the debates will consist of Maltese and foreign speakers and all student organisations have been encouraged to contribute to this event.

Adrian Camilleri, KSU international commissioner, said the KSU and the European Unit (University of Malta) will also set up a special commission composed of students and academics. This is a new structure set up by the KSU's International Office composed of the international officers of all student organisations, the KSU and the European Unit.

These members will attend all the sessions and their task is to formulate a final document, which would then be presented to the Maltese representatives at the European Con-vention.

Also present for the announcement was Dr Joe Mifsud, who not only showed his backing for the debates but also launched Erasmus Week.

Erasmus has been working to offer students the opportunity to harvest experience abroad since 1987. Now, after 15 years, the Erasmus Programme, which is present in over 30 participating countries, is celebrating the international Erasmus Week in commemoration of the millionth Erasmus student who participated in the programme.

The European Commission will be organising the main event, which will take place in Brussels where student associations, Socrates national agencies and academic networks have been invited to join forces and ensure the coverage of the Erasmus Week at national and local level.

The main event will be organised locally on October 25 and will focus mainly on the unveiling of a plaque in Students' House - the centre of student life on campus.

There will be short speeches by Dr Mifsud, Joe Sammut (EUPU co-ordinator), Mr Scicluna (KSU president), Professor Charles J. Farrugia (Pro-Rector), and Education Minister Louis Galea.

All students following Erasmus programmes at the University of Malta, former Erasmus students and Ambassadors representing the EU member countries will be invited to attend.

The European Commission is stressing the improved employability of University students whose curriculum vitae boasts a period of study abroad. Recent surveys show that former Erasmus students often succeed in undertaking positions or tasks at work that are related to the skills and the competencies developed during their stay at the host universities.