MIC launches new scheme for journalists

As Malta enters a crucial stage in its European Union negotiations, the Malta-EU Information Centre yesterday launched a new scheme under which each media house will be asked to send one of its journalists to cover EU affairs in Brussels for one month.

The scheme, starting in September, will give journalists first-hand experience on EU-related issues in Brussels.

Details of the scheme were given at a press conference by MIC head Simon Busuttil, who also announced the renewal of the two-week stay programme in Brussels for other journalists.

Dr Busuttil said the success of the scheme could be judged by the first stage which took place from January until this month. Twelve journalists took part.

He said the participating journalists had unanimously agreed the "stage" had helped them achieve a better understanding of the EU, the enlargement process and the way its major institutions functioned.

This time, MIC will be sending 13 journalists until the end of the year, when the Danish presidency is expected to formally announce the list of countries that will make it for the first enlargement.

During their stay, journalists will be bound to report about the EU and act as a contact point for other Maltese journalists.

Journalists will be chosen through a selection board composed of MIC, The Malta Press Club, the Strickland Foundation and the Department of Information.

Letters inviting applications have been sent to all holders of a valid DOI press card. Applications are open until August 2.