Malta is being invited to identify the six songs to represent the country in the first EU Songbook. 

A total of 48 Maltese songs have been nominated in six song categories by Maltese music students and teachers. Nominations are open on www.eu-songbook.org with voting open until December 23.

The six song categories – decided among 17 music academies from 14 member states – are: 'Love songs', 'Nature & Seasons', 'Freedom & Peace', 'Folk songs', 'Songs of faith' and 'Children songs'.

Maltese music students and teachers from The School of Performing Arts, University of Malta, and Malta School of Music have nominated the 48 Maltese songs that have made it to the Maltese Song Voting Bill.

Among the many cherished tunes are titles such as Xemx by The Tramps, Paċi u Sliem by David Azzopardi, Iddeċidejt and Fonzu l-Fenek by Michael Piscopo.

"Some songs, particularly in a small country like Malta, have an almost iconic status for the local population. It is a fascinating idea to have these songs shared with other fellow citizens of the European Union," EU Songbook editor for Malta, Dr Albert Pace said.

The EU Songbook is an unparalleled democratic pioneer project initiated by a non-profit organisation without any political or financial ties to Brussels.

The first edition of the EU Songbook is planned for publication in December 2019 featuring 162 songs printed in both national languages and in singable English translation, side by side.