Institute for European Studies - University of Malta

Latest publication by Professor Roderick Pace & Dr Marta Migliorati

Entitlted Still second order? The 2024 European Parliament election in Malta, this article examines the fifth European Parliament election since Malta joined the European Union through the lens of second-order election (SOE) theory.

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Still second order? The 2024 European Parliament election in Malta This article examines the fifth European Parliament election since Malta joined the European Union through the lens of second-order election (SOE) theory. Drawing on party manifestoes, media, citiz...

Join us on Wednesday for the very last Anthropology Seminar of this academic year. At lunchtime, 11.30am-13.00 Lucas Puygrenier will be presenting research on migrants in Malta.

Walk out, walk free? The ambivalence of migrants’ freedom post-detention, or the making of proletarians

Abstract: Migration scholars have extensively analysed the growth of the population deprived of their liberty in the name of border control. Focusing on Malta, the communication shifts attention to the transformations of state-sponsored coercion once migrants get “free”. It shows that the gradual release of former detainees has resulted not in their emancipation but in their proletarianization as the loss of means of subsistence through eviction from state facilities compels them to enter the local labour force. State violence is not subsumed merely in the act of incarceration. Analysing the power relations that emerge in the reverse move of excarceration, this communication suggests investigating a type of constraint that arises not against the freedom of an unwanted population but through its very extension, when the granting of liberty of movement is coupled with the imperative to serve as productive workers.

Lucas Puygrenier is a postdoctoral researcher at the Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. He completed his PhD at Sciences Po (Paris, France) on the transformation of migration policies in Malta in response to growing labour demands, and the shifts from policies of rejection to policies of subaltern inclusion. He published several articles and co-edited the book States and the Making of Others (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024).

The Institute for European Studies, as a partner of the Bertelsmann Foundation, curates the Malta Module of the Transatlantic Periscope.

As part of this ongoing project partnership, and with the contribution of the Institute, the Bertelsmann Foundation has recently launched a deep dive section on the upcoming 2026 Maltese General Election.

As Malta prepares to vote, what are the major concerns for voters? How is the campaign unfolding?

Find out more in this link: https://transatlanticperiscope.org/deep-dives/deepdive-maltese-parliamentary-election-2026

The Institute for European Studies recently welcomed Dr. Joshua Skoczylis from the University of Lincoln. Dr. Skoczylis engaged with our students to explore and discuss the complex concept of terrorism. The Institute extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Skoczylis for his insightful lectures, and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future.

Attention: European Studies third year students - summer paid internship with Malta Enterprise

As the country’s economic development agency, Malta Enterprise is the engine behind the nation’s industrial growth. It attracts new Foreign Direct Investment, nurtures local start-ups, and supports established industries. Malta Enterprise is the link between the Maltese business community, government and the global market paving the way for a sound business climate.

In recent years, Malta Enterprise has intensified its efforts to strengthen its role on EU Affairs matters. Namely, we monitor emerging EU legislation screening high-level dossiers to assess the potential impact of proposed policies on our enterprises. We act as a point of contact with our client base on EU-related matters, foster our network with EU institutions and organise events/information session on upcoming topics to keep the industry abreast with particular EU developments.

Within this context, Malta Enterprise is currently looking to engage a University student enrolled in their 3rd year of studies to carry out a summer-paid internship to join the Economic Intelligence, Research and EU Affairs team. The selected candidate will be integrated into the team, gaining experience in how economic policy is drafted and implemented. The internship will provide the opportunity to carryout various tasks that will enable the person joining to get a hands on experience of what working in an EU and research environment entails. The student will be mentored throughout the internship.

Interested students are kindly requested to send their CV and a motivation letter on [email protected]

On May 9, Europe Day, the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta hosted an international colloquium on theology and peace, entitled “Paths to Peace: Theological Reflections in a Fractured World.”

Led by Rev. Dr. Mark Joseph Zammit, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology, the event brought together ten scholars—primarily theologians—to present papers across three core sub-themes:

The Foundations of Peace: Scriptural wisdom, theological depth, and historical witness.
The Ethics of Peace: Dialogue, forgiveness, and global responsibility.
Voices of Peace: Faith, dialogue, and shared humanity.

Professor Roderick Pace from the Institute of European Studies bridged the gap between theology and political science with his paper titled “The EU’s Quest for Peace and Security in a Turbulent Geo-political Context and the Challenge of ‘Principled Pragmatism’.”

The high-quality presentations and subsequent panel discussions offered profound insights for further reflection, with the proceedings slated for future publication. Reflecting on the outcome, Professor Pace highlighted the immense value of interdisciplinary dialogue, noting how remarkably inspiring it is when seemingly unrelated disciplines navigating different paths, so often converge on the same truths.

Paul Edgar Heywood (1933–2026): A Legacy of Wisdom, Leadership, and Educational Vision - appreciation by Professor Roderick Pace

The recent passing of Paul Edgar Heywood marks the end of an era for Maltese education and public service. While the widespread tributes rightfully celebrate a lifetime dedicated to the intellectual development of the nation, a particularly defining chapter of his later years deserves closer recognition: his invaluable tenure on the Board of the Institute for European Studies at the University of Malta between 2001 and 2018.
His appointment to the Board by the University Senate was itself a testament to his standing. It followed progressive amendments to the university’s statutes that empowered boards and institutes to recruit "scholars of repute." Heywood fit this definition perfectly. A lawyer by training, a remarkable polyglot, and a seasoned educationalist, he brought an extraordinary interdisciplinary depth to the Institute.
Throughout those seventeen years, his contributions to the development of courses, research, and institutional activities were foundational to their success. In board meetings, his insights were most worthy — always arriving at the precise moment they were most needed. He commanded the room not through volume or authority, but through a calm, respectful, and exemplary manner of debating. He mastered the rare art of exhibiting true leadership without ever being forceful, earning the deep appreciation and enduring respect of all his colleagues.
Paul Edgar Heywood’s life was defined by a belief that education should elevate the citizen, not just the worker. Whether shaping national policy or quietly guiding a university board meeting with his trademark poise, his legacy remains permanently woven into the fabric of Malta's intellectual heritage and not least in that of the Institute for European Studies.

Last week, our EDC Manager, Stefan Bezzina, participated in the 10th Erasmus Staff Training Week, hosted by the Biblioteka Biblioteka Politechniki Gdańskiej / Gdańsk Tech Library between May 11th and 15th, 2026. This year's five-day program centered around a vital theme: "Library as the Heart of the Academic Community."

The training week consisted of workshops, presentations, meetings, tours of libraries and departments, networking, and experience sharing, providing a dynamic opportunity to collaborate on modern academic library practices with international colleagues.

During the participants' presentation session, Mr. Bezzina gave a presentation on the Institute's library and the Institute for European Studies, showcasing our library resources and academic contributions to the wider international community.

Academics, students and members of the general pubilc participated in the event 'Connected Continents: A new epoch for Australia-EU relations', hosted by the Institute for European Studies and supported by the International Office, University of Malta. The speakers, the High Commissioner for Australia to Malta, His Excellency Mr Matt Skelly and Dr Maria Elena Despott, Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta, noted the long-standing and deep relationship between Australia and the EU, reflecting their common values. They discussed how the agreements reached last March mark a new phase in their strategic partnership. These include a new free trade agreement, a security and defence partnership and the start of negotiations for Australia to become an associate member of Horizon Europe. These developments are especially important in the current geopolitical climate, as this partnership contrasts with the division and isolation that is increasingly characteristing international relations.
The Institute thanks the distinguished speakers for their valuable insights and reflections on the evolving relationship between Australia and the EU.