Julie and Ludwig's EU celebration song

A catchy song to mark Malta's entry into the European Union has been specially commissioned by WelcomEurope and officially launched yesterday.

Fil-Port ma' l-Ewropej, composed by Philip Vella and penned by Joe Chircop, is sung by Julie Zahra and Ludwig Galea, Malta's representatives at this year's Eurovision song contest.

Mr Vella said that together with Mr Chircop, they had tried to create a popular tune that people could sing along to, with lyrics that marked this historic moment.

WelcomEurope, the consortium responsible for the May 1 celebrations, has created a video which was entirely shot in the Grand Harbour by Andrew Sultana.

Julie and Ludwig were yesterday laughing at the close brush they had with the law, when they were temporarily "arrested" by the Armed Forces during the filming on Thursday.

Consortium chairman Lou Bondì, who also plays the guitar for the song, said the idea was to market the song commercially in the near future.

The grand event in the Grand Harbour on April 30, the eve of Malta's EU membership, is expected to be watched by hundreds of millions of viewers.

As a member of the European Broadcasting Union, Public Broadcasting Services will be transmitting these celebrations to be included in a programme connecting similar activities in the other nine acceding countries.

Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, who was present for the launch at St James Cavalier, said the song tied in brilliantly with Malta's history and was a great way to usher in this significant moment.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that the celebrations had to showcase the capabilities and talents of the Maltese.

"What makes an event a success is the attention to detail and this has been clearly evident so far," he said, heaping praise on the organisers.

Dr Zammit Dimech reminded reporters that an agreement had been reached with soprano Miriam Gauci and tenor Joseph Calleja, together with the National Orchestra, to record a new version of Malta's national anthem.

The tickets for this concert, which will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on April 30, will go on sale tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Mr Bondì said that whoever wished to enter Grand Harbour by boat on April 30 should call 7980-0144 to get the necessary permit.