Malta celebrates its Independence Day on 21 September – a date that means much more to the small Mediterranian island than just a national celebration. It marks the moment when Malta became a modern state after centuries of foreign rule, establishing it as a sovereign member of the international community. Today, more than 60 years later, the meaning of independence in an increasingly interconnected world is called into question. Malta’s history has been shaped by its strategic location between Europe and North Africa. The Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and, finally, the Knights of St John all ruled over the island. In 1814, Malta officially became a British colony and an important base for the empire in the Mediterranian. Malta’s importance became especially clear during World War II, where the island endured heavy bombing and was later awarded the St George’s Cross for Bravery. After the war, the desire for independence grew as the population’s view of the British presence shifted from protective to restrictive. In the 1950s, Malta considered integration similar to that of Northern Ireland and Scotland. However, this idea failed due to the Maltese people’s strong desire to become a sovereign nation. This vision became a reality in 1964. Malta gained independence on 21 September following negotiations with London. While Great Britain kept military bases, Malta maintained full state sovereignty. In 1974, the island declared itself a republic, and the British military presence ended completely in 1979.
Malta’s Independence Day is strongly connected to the national identity. It symbolises the idea that even a small country can forge its own path despite geopolitical dependencies. In the nations’s cultural memory, the day is associated with the resilience of the Maltese people, who preserved their language, culture, and religion in spite of centuries of foreign rule. Malta’s membership in the European Union, is strongly tied to the Commonwealth, reflecting a dual identity of independence and integration into larger structures. The 21 September festivities usually include official speeches by presidents and prime ministers, flag ceremonies, military parades and cultural events, with the capital city of Valletta at the heart of it all. However, the memory of independence is not without controversy. Some historians refer to Malta’s economic dependence on Britain after its independence from the latter, which later transformed into a dependence on European support. Others emphasize that it is these relationships that have led to Malta’s contemporary stability and success.
Today, Independence Day is not just an opportunity to look back, but also to reflect: What does independence mean in an era when Malta is part of the EU? This does not necessarily equate to contradiction, but rather to historical continuity: claiming sovereignty while being part of a larger political project. 21 September therefore raises a question that is central to Europe and the EU: How can independence coexist with integration?