The Malta delegation on behalf of Inġiniera Malta, comprising Engineers Europe’s Executive Board Member Inġ. Michelle Cortis and Chamber of Engineers Secretary General, Jean-Marie Darmanin, attended the ENGINEERS EUROPE Annual Business Meeting (ABM) held in Málaga, Spain, on May 21 and 22, 2026 hosted by the Instituto de la Ingeniería de España and the Instituto de Graduados en Ingeniería e Ingenieros Técnicos de España. The gathering brought together representatives from across Europe to strengthen collaboration, exchange views, and address key issues facing the engineering profession. The Chamber of Engineers through Inġiniera Malta holds an active role in the European engineering dialogue and supports initiatives that promote collaboration, professional mobility, and shared educational principles across the continent.

The meeting in Málaga formed part of the National Member Forum 2026 and the General Assembly 2026 of Engineers Europe, with the stated objective of deepening relations among engineering bodies from 33 member countries. The agenda highlighted the need for cooperation in a period of rapid technological change, short supply of talent and skills, and broader challenges to Europe’s economic welfare and global role. During the General Assembly, Inġ. Michelle Cortis, who served from 2023-2026 on the Executive Board of Engineers Europe, was unanimously re-appointed on the board for another 3 years. This affirms the quality and respect Maltese engineers hold beyond our shores. This re-appointment will continue strengthen the international relations between Malta and European counterparts.

During the sessions, the Malta delegation engaged with European counterparts on matters central to the future of the profession, including professional cooperation and the strengthening of engineering’s voice at European level. The Chamber of Engineers. reaffirmed Malta’s continued commitment to supporting Engineers Europe’s work in providing technical guidance and advancing the interests of European engineers.

The National Members Forum, held on May 21, allowed members to understand Spain’s involvement in European Space Agency Projects and the involvement of Women in Engineering especially the work undertaken in the discipline of Forest and Environmental Engineering. Engineers Europe Secretary General Mr Dirk Bochar together with Mr Hannes Treier provided an overview of the finalisation of the Engineers4Europe Project and the continuation of the Engineering Skills Council as it is instrumental to sustaining the momentum in the aspect of larger impact on European policy making in the area of education and employability. Mr Bochar also provided an update on the development of a possible new ERASMUS+ Project which will focus on diversity equity and inclusion within engineering.

The General Assembly (GA), held on May 22, featured discussions on financial matters, with approval of reports from the treasurer and auditors, and the continued commitment to increase revenue through broader EUR ING uptake and EU-funded projects. The Chamber congratulates Luca Scappini for his confirmation in being co-opted for the role of Treasurer by the Executive Board. During the GA there was the election of two Executive Board Members, Michelle Cortis and Jorge LIÇA. The Chamber of Engineers congratulates Inġ. Michelle Cortis and Jorge LIÇA on their unanimous election on the Executive Board of Engineers Europe. Inġ. Cortis’ re-election reflects the high regard in which she is held by her peers, and she will continue serving for the next three years, working with Engineers Europe to further strengthen the voice of European engineers. Michelle Cortis is already recognized as Malta’s first representative to secure a seat on the Engineers Europe Executive Board. Jorge LIÇA is a Portoghese Electrical Engineer with a distinguished career in the energy sector and he has held senior technical and management positions in major infrastructure organizations.

The ABM also included updates from various working groups. Notably, Inġ. Michelle Cortis presented the work of the Artificial Intelligence working group, which she chairs, attracting significant interest from participants. Engineers Europe President Ralph Appel organised an interesting panel session on heating and cooling districts as part of the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) Working Group which SDG aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030.

The Chamber is grateful for the opportunity to participate in these meetings and remains dedicated to international collaboration and engagement.

Anyone interested in international affairs of the engineering profession is encouraged to email the Chamber on international@coe.org.mt.

About ENGINEERS EUROPE

ENGINEERS EUROPE is a European engineering organization that brings together national member bodies to promote collaboration, strengthen the profession, and support common engineering priorities across Europe. Its 2026 Annual Business Meeting in Málaga focused on re-connecting in person and reinforcing cooperation among member countries.