Attention all students, educators, and EU enthusiasts! We are thrilled to announce the launch of the European Bench campaign in Malta! We are inviting anyone interested to the unveiling of the first European Bench, which will be taking place on May 12th at the University of Malta near the Old Humanities Building.

The European Bench campaign is all about celebrating the values and unity of the European Union. As part of the Panchine Europee in Ogni Citta campaign, people from all over Europe will paint benches in the colours or form of the EU in their home countries. The launch event will showcase the start of this exciting initiative and provide an opportunity to learn more about the values that unite us as Europeans.

The European Bench project was initially promoted by the Italian branch of the Young European Federalist organization, with the support of the offices of the European Parliament and the European Commission in Italy. It was created in response to the unfortunate vandalization of the European bench in Lecco, which was marked with Nazi symbols in July 2021. After this incident, a group of JEFers from the local section launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to collect funds for the necessary materials to repair the damaged bench in Lecco. Thanks to their efforts, there are now more than 50 benches throughout Italy as part of this initiative.

The bench is also being created as part of JEF Europe’s #EURHOPE for the Future campaign, which aims to put the 2024 European Elections at the forefront of national discussion.

We are honoured to have the support of the European Parliament Liaison Office, whom will be assisting in the unveiling of the bench on campus grounds. The European Bench Initiative aims to promote European values and unity in the face of hate and intolerance. Join us on May 12th at the University of Malta grounds in order that we celebrate our shared values and the hope that the EU brings to us all.

📍UM Old Humanities Building
🕣12th May | 1:30pm to 2:30pm