Launch of the Socrates Programme The launch of the Socrates Programme for Malta next Thursday, 25th May 2000, marks a very important step in the formal establishment of major European Union Programmes on our island.  Together with the Socrates National Agencies Meeting being held between 26th and 27th May, this will be attracting around 50 foreign delegates from Socrates National Agencies and the European Commission.
The Socrates Programme will be formally launched in Malta by Dr. Irving Mitchell, Head of the Higher Education Unit at the Directorate-General Education & Culture.   The Minister of Education, The Hon. Dr. Louis Galea and H.E. Giorgio Boggio, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission in Malta will be delivering speeches.
To mark the occasion, the Maltese artist, Mr. Ray Pitreí, has donated a work of art symbolising the theme of 'Mobility.'  On Friday afternoon, this painting is to be presented by the French Ambassador, H.E. Didier Destremeau, to the Head of the French National Agency which will be hosting the next meeting of National Agencies.
The 'Euro Info-booths Project,' a joint venture between Melita Cable plc and the University of Malta is to be formally initiated on Friday during lunch to be held at the Big Blue Restaurant, Crowne Plaza.  Appropriate booths will soon be available at the University of Malta library for students and staff seeking to gain on-line information on European Union matters.  This project which is going to be fully-funded by Melita Cable is a bright step ahead in availability of on-line information through European Union channels.  Furthermore, the provision of these specialised services to the University of Malta by Melita Cable is a positive move towards the establishment of cooperation with such corporate entities.
The busy programme includes a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic on Friday followed later, by a vocal and piano concert and reception at the Maritime Museum.  On Saturday, the Meridiana Winery has been chosen as the venue for the final reception including wine-tasting hosted by the University of Malta.
These activities have been jointly organised by the University of Malta's Socrates Office, the Ministry of Education, the Malta EU-Information Centre and the European Union Programmes Unit.

24 May 2000