The Maltese language continues to reflect Malta’s cultural identity on a European legal level

The Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform Jonathan Attard addressed the seminar ‘Malta and the Court of Justice of the European Union’, organized by the Bar Association in collaboration with the Division of the Maltese Language at the Court of Justice of the European Union on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Malta’s membership in the European Union.

During this seminar the head of the division Joseph Izzo Clarke presented the second volume of the publication of the Court of Justice called ‘Malta and the Court of Justice of the European Union’ – a publication that is being collected it contains Malta’s rich history in the European Union and its collaboration with the Court of Justice of the European Union. Minister Attard explained that this publication emphasizes the crucial role of language in facilitating legal discourse and to ensure that all citizens have access to justice.

“Language is not only a means of communication but it is a reflection of our cultural identity and historical heritage, and it is our responsibility to preserve and celebrate it,” said Minister Attard as he recalled the 90th anniversary since Maltese became the official language of our country and our courts of justice.

While thanking all those who contributed to the creation of this publication, Minister Attard reiterated that “your collective efforts have all created a comprehensive and intuitive resource that will undoubtedly serve as a reference valuable for academics, practitioners and even law makers.”

This comprehensive volume deals in detail with the collaboration between the Maltese courts and the Court of Justice, where it offers knowledge on how this relationship has developed over the last 10 years and follows another publication that came out after the first 10 years of membership. From important judgments to procedural innovations, this publication offers a comprehensive view of this path to a more integrated and harmonized legal framework within the European Union.

Head of the Division, Joseph Izzo Clarke stressed the importance of the publication in the context of the legal profession, because it is a source of information of relevance for Malta. With the fact that the book collects the cases that involved Malta, citizens and residents of Malta, as well as companies registered in Malta, the level of cooperation between the Maltese courts and those of the European Union.

During the seminar, Mr Clarke presented a copy of the publication to Minister Jonathan Attard and Chief Justice Dr Mark Chetcuti. This seminar was also addressed by the Judge Emeritus at the European Court Dr. Anthony Borg Barthet, the Judge of the General Court of the European Union, Dr. Ramona Frendo and the President of the Bar Association Dr. Peter Fenech.

Photos: MJR