The EU Study Visit 2025, held from 25–28 March 2025, was an outreach programme organised by Dr Anne Marie Thake of the Department of Policy, Politics, and Governance, FEMA at the . A total of 32 students, including five Gozitan public officers, participated in this unique opportunity to engage directly with key EU institutions such as the European Parliament, European Commission, European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), Committee of the Regions (CoR), European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the Directorate-General for Home Affairs (DG HOME), among others. Dr Thake, in collaboration with the Permanent Representation of Malta and Servizzi Ewropej Malta (SEM), carefully prepared a detailed programme that offered participants an in-depth view of EU governance and decision-making.
The visit catered to both undergraduate and postgraduate students from various degree programmes, including B. Com (Policy Studies), B.A. (Hons) Politics and Governance, B.A. (Hons) Public Management, M.A. Public Policy Leadership, M.Sc. Public Policy and Strategic Management, and the International MBA with a focus on Public Management. Students were exposed to the structure and functions of the EU, engaging in both broad introductions to EU policies and more in-depth research discussions on governance and policy analysis. High-level talks were held with DG Home Affairs on Migration and Integration, and with the DG for Interpretation (DG SCIC) on Maltese language and interpretation within the European Commission. The students also had the opportunity to meet MEPs Thomas Bajada and Dr Peter Agius, gaining insight into the legislative duties of Members of the European Parliament.
A key highlight of the visit was the meeting with Dr Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, who took time out of her busy schedule to welcome the group into her office. During their discussion, Dr Metsola shared her insights on her role as EP President, as well as the EU’s response to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, offering students a glimpse into EU foreign policy and international diplomacy. The group also had the pleasure of meeting Mr Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, who provided valuable insights into the EU's work in fostering intergenerational equity and promoting youth engagement in policymaking. Ambassador Neil Kerr also delivered a welcome speech. Technical attachés from the Permanent Representation of Malta further enriched the programme with presentations on Renewable Energy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Climate Change, followed by engaging Q&A sessions.
This enriching EU study visit provided students not only with academic knowledge but with invaluable career insights into EU institutions, NGOs, and policy advisory roles. It served as a networking platform, connecting students with professionals and bridging the gap between academic learning and practical policymaking. The visit left participants with a deeper understanding of EU governance, decision-making, and the complex challenges faced by policymakers in a rapidly changing world. The programme was led by Dr Anne Marie Thake, alongside Prof. Mario Thomas Vassallo, Dr Marguerite Camilleri, Jennifer Vella, and Josian Grech from the FEMA Dean’s Office, ensuring its smooth and successful implementation.
