So what happens now?

Will our lives change dramatically come May 2004? I think not. What in my view will happen is that there will be a gradual change in our mentality, in the way we carry out business, in the way we offer a service, in the way we treat our environment.

This is not something that will happen overnight. It is a process that actually started a couple of years back when we began discussing the likely impact of EU membership on Malta. Over this time, we have had a very good look at ourselves, at our environment, agriculture and at our economy in general and there is no doubt that we have learnt a lot from the self-analysis we have made.

The next few years will continue to be a learning process for us all. Although we are the nation that has probably discussed EU membership most, working within the system will be a new experience altogether. It is important, however, that we get to grips with the system as early as possible because the quicker we do that the earlier we will be able to start reaping the benefits. And reap the benefits we must.

An important link in the chain that will make this happen is the civil service. The good element in it has to be brought to the fore in the work that lies ahead.

A key structure on which much will depend is the regional policy directorate, which will be responsible for the management of the structural funds.

The directorate has to ensure that the funds are spent well. The people within this directorate have already been handling the pre-accession funds and by all accounts they have done a sterling job.

They will now be handling more substantial funds than ever before but the experience they gained in the pre-accession stage should stand them in good stead.

All the other key structures would have to function just as well. If they do not, we are likely to lose out, something which we just cannot afford.

A minister who will need all the best resources he can get hold of is George Pullicino. He has landed agriculture and the environment, two areas, which in terms of the acquis require a huge amount of work.

Being given these two "tough" areas says a lot for the belief the prime minister has in the abilities of the man for they are also the two areas for which a lot of funds will be available and where the most visible results can be achieved. And no doubt the government will be hard pressed to deliver visible results, so a lot rests on the shoulders of this new minister.

But not only. What about all those people like myself who have for long advocated that it is in Malta's best interest to join the EU? Now that we are basically in, can we just wash our hands of all responsibility and say "I have done my part, now it's up to you"? That would indeed be a foolish attitude to take.

True, a number of people have given more than their fair share in trying to ensure that Malta's destiny lies within Europe but the signing of the accession treaty in Athens must be seen as the beginning rather than the end.

Making membership a success will require a lot of effort. All those who have already contributed positively must continue to do so even in the future.