An analysis of Maltese perspectives on European integration from the 19th century

Abstract

Thinkers who have elaborated an idea of European Unity have hailed from all over Europe since the 16th Century. They include Duc de Sully, William Penn, John Bellers, the Abbé de Saint-Pierre Giuseppe Mazzini, Victor Hugo, Aristide Briand and Winston Churchill. Their influence spread its roots across the whole European continent, possibly reaching the Island of Malta. It is known that some Maltese writers, politicians and opinion leaders expressed views on European unity in their works. The earliest reference we have so far discovered to the quest for European Unity dates to 1892.

The aim of this dissertation is to trace evidence of the idea of European unity in Malta. This shall refer to the discussion of Europe found in Maltese publications, such as books, journals and newspapers. This dissertation examines two research questions. The first is: Is there a recurrence of European Unity ideas in Malta across time? The second is: Have Ideas from the Continent Influenced Malta? The emphasis is placed on ideas and their voyage through geographical and temporal distances. Both research questions are answered via the same method, through an analysis of the primary sources. Primary sources are used for both the European and the Maltese idea of a united Europe. For this reason, the sources consulted are of a literary nature spanning the whole of the 19th century up till the early 1970s. The findings show that Maltese actors did discuss European unity time and again, however the frequency was limited. Furthermore, correlations between the ideas held in Malta and those in continental Europe are evident. Ideas which were promoted in Malta had counterparts in the European continent, confirming plausibly or concretely that their influence came from Europe. It was also found that international crises spurred Maltese authors to discuss this concept. This can occur either prior to, or after an event occurs, with unity being suggested as the remedy to international conflicts. It was also found that the political leanings of the actors also played a role on their outlook on the topic. The aim of this dissertation is to act as a starting point for more research on the topic in the future.