https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/95975 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:45:06 GMT 2026-04-07T07:45:06Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129742 Title: Europe day quiz night, 2019 Abstract: To celebrate Europe Day, the Institute for European Studies and the Europe Direct Information Centre (UM) held a series of events through-out the week of 6 th May. The events began with the inauguration of an exhibition in the main library celebrating 25 years of the Single Market. The exhibition ran throughout the week and outlined the main achievements on the road to creating the world’s biggest single market. On 8 May the Europe Direct Information Centre and the Institute for European Studies held the annual Europe Day ‘quiz night’ at Is-Suq Tal-Belt in Valletta. The annual event attracted 100 students from various courses and was compered by TV personality, Ronald Briffa. The event was opened by Dr Mark Harwood, Director of the Institute, as well as representatives from the European Commission’s Representation and the EP Office. The event was a fun evening of EU related questions with the winning team being awarded travel vouchers of EUR 100 each. Description: Event held at Is-Suq tal-Belt, Merchants Street, Valletta on Wednesday 8 May 2019 Wed, 08 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129742 2019-05-08T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129532 Title: Refugee journeys through the Balkan route(s) Abstract: The talk discussed recent changes in EU border management that have limited refugees’ movement across Europe, and as such, have resulted in outsourcing of refugee settlement and care to states previously described as ‘transit’ countries along the Balkan Route(s): Serbia, and Greece. The problems related to refugee provisions and accommodation in these countries and along the Balkan Route(s) towards Western Europe were talked about, highlighting the disparity of refugee services, housing and living conditions across the region, and acute and ongoing humanitarian crises. Based on the findings of a co-authored report written by Gemma Bird, Amanda Russell Beattie, Patryzia Rozbicka and Jelena Obradovic Wochnik the talk discussed the key factors affecting poor living conditions for refugees, including: overcrowding, fragmentation of services along the routes, and a lack of consistency in camp management. Subsequently, it discussed a range of other refugee housing options existing in transit countries: including informal and makeshift camps, squats, hotels and UN-supported housing schemes known as ‘urban shelters’, and notes the strengths and weaknesses of each. The findings are based on field research in Serbia, mainland Greece and the islands of Lesvos, Samos, Chios and Kos, between 2017 and 2019. Description: Public talk by Dr Gemma Bird (University of Liverpool) held at Dar l-Erwopa/Europe House on Thursday 11 April 2019. Thu, 11 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129532 2019-04-11T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129529 Title: Internal world, external relations Abstract: This Iranian-born artist with international recognition dissects with these pictorial works the idea of “Psycho-nationalism” which shows how national identity is built by the cherry-picking of existing characteristics. Born in Iran in 1977 Lida Sherafatmand lived life circumstances of war, revolution, and persecution, later on grew up as refugee dealing with statelessness, loss of wealth and poverty. Due to those experiences, she feels a responsibility in her artworks to contribute to her surroundings. As quoted in an interview with The Guardian her motto is: “The more I hear violent news, the more I paint gentle flowers.” Throughout the 20 years of career, this renowned artist has exhibited at Atrium Gallery, London School of Economics and Political Science in London, at Roerich Museum, in St Petersburg, Russia, at Tokyo International Art Fair and at Palais des Nations of the United Nations headquarter in Geneva, among others. In addition in 2018 she has been awarded fellowship "Artist in Residence" by HWK Institute for Advanced Studies in Germany, the Woman Art Award 2017, by Europe Art Awards and MUSA International Art Space in 2017, she was a finalist in Global Art Awards in Dubai in 2017/2018, also as "Artist for Peace" by the Association of World Citizens (AWC) at the United Nations in Geneva in 2010. Thu, 04 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129529 2019-04-04T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129523 Title: EU careers : are you ready for the challenge? Abstract: Do you want to work with the European Union? Ms Claudine Camilleri from the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) provided information on the current EU vacancies, how to apply for EU jobs and what to expect from the selection process. Description: Talk held on Friday 22 March 2019 at Gateway Hall D2. Fri, 22 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129523 2019-03-22T00:00:00Z