2020

This cornerstone fixture in the European Parliament's diary is an intense democratic exercise that takes place every year. This edition will be a special one, not least due to the economic and social disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on European society.   On 15 September, MEPs unite in a standout plenary session that debates the foremost priorities for the EU's policy-making. What gives this event additional weight is its active involvement of citizens across all 27 member states. From the climate crisis to economic uncertainty, rising unemployment and concerns about migration, all the biggest issues are tackled by Parliament in response to the input of the people.

"If you want to become an MEP, you should be determined to make a positive difference (Miriam Dalli) and ideally have done something other than politics before (Alfred Sant)", the audience present were told in reply to a question on what qualities one should have to become a good MEP.   MEPs Miriam Dalli and Alfred Sant were kept on the ball in the first in a series of question-and-answer sessions between MEPs and the public at Valletta Food Market on Wednesday evening.