The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has taken on the presidency of the European Federation of Press Clubs (EFPC) for the first time in its 35-year history.
The official handover from the previous presidency, the Galician International Press Centre, occurred during the EFPC’s annual general meeting, hosted by the IGM in Malta. The IGM will lead the federation for a year, with representatives from 14 European press clubs attending the event.
As part of the program, the delegation visited President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, at San Anton Palace on Friday morning, where they discussed the vital role of journalism.
Malta was proposed as the next seat for the EFPC presidency during the last meeting in Santiago de Compostela, in recognition of the IGM’s efforts to enhance press and media freedom in Malta following the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
“It is a great honour for Malta to be chosen as the EFPC’s headquarters. This is also a prestigious milestone for the IGM, as it marks our first time presiding over a European journalism body. We are filled with determination to continue advocating for changes in the local media landscape and greater respect for journalists and the profession,” said Matthew Xuereb, President of both the IGM and EFPC.
The EFPC’s annual general meeting was held at the newly inaugurated Drawing Room at Attard and Co’s head office in Marsa, which features a collection of old Maltese newspapers dating back to the early 1900s. The AGM was supported by VisitMalta, eCabs, and Attard and Co.
Founded in 1989 by the Press Club de France, the EFPC promotes dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among press clubs and international journalism associations, while also defending media freedom.
#MaltaDaily