EU Local Councillors network members promote less plastic, ocean sustainability in Malta and Italy

Plastic-free initiatives and the prevention of coastal erosion will be promoted in Malta, Gozo and Sicily thanks to a protocol signed in Gozo on February 4, 2025, in collaboration with the EU Local Councillors network (formerly known as Building Europe with Local Councillors (BELC). Furthermore, a declaration to drive and encourage active citizenship was signed in Malta on February 5, 2025.

The protocol and declaration were signed as part of a gathering, bringing together academics, local and regional representatives and civil society representatives from Sicily, Malta and Gozo. The Transnational Meeting on Active Citizenship and Mare Nostrum was held to discuss ways to address common challenges and seek opportunities of collaboration in two areas of relevance to Sicily and Malta and the EU: active citizenship and the promotion of ocean sustainability in the Mediterranean Sea (Mare Nostrum).

A collective declaration was signed in Malta, reflecting values, goals and commitments of participants regarding their active role in society and it will serve to consolidate ideas that have emerged, giving everyone a common vision to carry forward in the coming years. In Gozo, a protocol was signed to promote plastic free initiatives and coastal erosion prevention as well as to raise awareness about the importance of oceanic algae in both regions.

Patricia Camilleri, St Julian’s councillor and EU Local Councillors network member praised the meeting for its valuable insights and connections. “The event provided key takeaways for me and our local council,” she explained, highlighting benefits, such as knowledge exchange, learning from successful community engagement models; networking and building partnerships for sustainability projects; awareness for prioritizing coastal erosion and plastic pollution, as well as best practices - gaining strategies for waste management and environmental stewardship.

Pietro Cavasino, councillor from Marsala, Sicily and EU Local Councillors network member commented on the educational aspect of the meeting:

“I had the opportunity to engage with several experts in the field. It was useful to understand best practices already implemented in other contexts, which we could adapt to our local reality.” Along with other EU Local Councillors network members from Trapani, the Italian councillor is already planning initiatives to raise awareness and involve citizens – particularly young people – in environmental protection projects, with a particular focus on issues related to plastics and coastal erosion. Together with the heads of EUROPE DIRECT centres, they are planning to organize events to raise awareness about plastic-free practices and initiate concrete activities to prevent coastal erosion.

Financed by the European Commission, the event was organised by EUROPE DIRECT centres of Trapani, Gozo and Valletta.