Most young people read about the European Union in books…. The JA Malta Alumni walked straight into the Hemicycle two weeks ago.
Between the 12th and the 14th of November, more than 30 JA Malta alumni accompanied by JA Malta collaborators and team, travelled to Brussels on a programme funded by the European Parliament to explore how the European Union works not just on paper, but in action.
The day kicked off with an information session that helped us all take a step back and understand how the European Union actually came to be; from the history, to the achievements, the challenges, the moments that shaped it, and the issues it is addressing today. The dynamic session was led by Ms Janet Barthet – Visits Administrator and Lecturer at the Visitors’ Groups and Hemicycle Visits Unit – who stayed with us throughout the entire visit.
Ms. Barthet walked us through what it means to be part of the EU, how the Parliament works, how MEPs are chosen, and how decisions are made in the building we were yet to explore.
President Roberta Metsola joined the students during the visit and spoke to them about their role in Europe and how their voices feed into the bigger picture. This honest chat gave our alumni a closer look at the person behind the role as President Metsola reminded them that the EU institutions exist to serve all its citizens, especially its youth.
One of the biggest highlights came right after while walking through the Parlamentarium and then stepping into the Hemicycle during a live session.
For most of our students, it was the first time they’d ever seen voting happen in real time. And to their surprise, they later found out that one of the issues on the agenda that same day was related to maternity leave and ensuring that MEPs on leave don’t lose their vote.
In the afternoon, the group shifted into JA style mode: a Youth Budget hands-on workshop. We were joined by MEPs Peter Agius and Thomas Bajada as well as Ms Michaela Findeis, the editorial coordinator at the Relations with Committees and Content Coordination Unit, who supported the group throughout the session. Together, the participants worked through the EU budget, what it prioritises now, what’s coming next, and how young people can actually influence these decisions.
The students then teamed up, chose EU priorities they believed in, and from there they discussed how to implement practical strategies to influence and mobilise. Within minutes, the space shifted from a workshop to a proper working room. The students began sharing thoughts, challenging each other, and testing ideas… exactly the energy JA loves.
Underneath all of this, our purpose was helping young people understand that Europe is not something happening out there… It’s theirs. They have a place in it, a voice in it, and surely a right to shape it.
Working with youth, the JA team is constantly reminded that our students’ growth isn’t one dimensional. Yes, they learn entrepreneurship, grow their financial capability and learn essential skills… but they’re also figuring out their role in society all for the betterment of their communities.
By the end of the trip, the students came back to Malta with a better understanding of how the EU works and how they can take part in it. For JA Malta, that’s the ultimate goal; giving young people the tools and opportunities they need to feel confident stepping into a world they’re inheriting.
