This year’s edition of the Europe Close to you Fair was held between the 20th and 24th January and the themes chosen were the Renewed Social Agenda and the 2009 European Parliament elections.

The Fair is organised annually by the European Commission Representation in Malta and the European Parliament Information Office in Valletta, in collaboration with various EU-info providers including MEUSAC.  An additional attraction to this year’s setup was a Circus Road Show to help promote the EU’s Renewed Social Agenda.

A 30-minute play aimed at promoting the EU Social Agenda among school children was produced and presented by the Education Drama Unit.  The play’s target audience were 12 and 13 year olds.   Youths aged 14 to 30 were invited to attend a debate on Friday evening, which was followed by a live concert by the popular local band Winter Moods. Topics for discussion included lowering the voting age to 16, the environment, stereotyping, smoking, drinking and drugs.

A political debate which focused on improving working conditions, working for more and better jobs and promoting social inclusion and opportunities for people of all ages was held on Saturday 24^th.