Students' body lends formal support to EU accession

The Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, the largest students' organisation, has formally declared it is in favour of Malta joining the European Union at the next enlargement.

In the run-up to the referendum on EU accession, the KSU will on Friday approve an action plan aimed at convincing as many students as possible about the benefits of membership.

The students' organisation's stand was formalised in a motion, adopted on Monday with 19 votes in favour, two against and three abstentions.

The KSU's policymaking wing, the social policy commission, discussed the motion and gave the thumbs up in favour of Malta becoming a member of the EU in May, 2004.

The commission is composed of the student organisations representing students from faculties and various interests including political, social, religious and sports interests.

KSU president James Scicluna said the council wanted to wait for the conclusion of Malta's negotiations before declaring itself on membership.

"Over the past years, it has striven to provide information and create a debate on this issue on campus. However, it feels it is now imperative for it to actively contribute to the national debate," Mr Scicluna said.

"KSU has taken into consideration the effects of EU membership on Malta and the fact that, according to a survey commissioned by KSU, the vast majority of Maltese university students are informed about the effects of membership and would vote in favour of Malta joining the EU in the referendum."

The motion says that negotiations with the EU have been successful in a number of areas.

It also notes "the great opportunities that the EU shall bring to students and young people locally, most notably by facilitating their mobility for purposes of research, study and work but also by enhancing competition and providing a greater choice to the consumer".

Maltese students were already benefiting and would benefit further from the EU's educational programmes as a result of membership.

The motion says the referendum result must be respected by all and it emphasises that membership will affect future generations - in particular today's youths.

A recent survey commissioned by KSU to gauge student views on EU membership shows that 62.5 per cent of university students favour EU membership.

When contacted, Mr Scicluna said the KSU's primary concern was the remaining students who opposed membership. KSU would continue to organise educational events in an effort to inform these students about the benefits.