Sowing the seeds of political change: How Cyrus Engerer invested in Malta's progressive future

Cyrus Engerer sponsors 100 Maltese citizens' trips to Europe's political hubs, fostering policy influence and networking, documented in a film highlighting their transformative experiences and progressive aspirations

An elected politician has a choice when it comes to using funds to spread their message. Oftentimes, we see handouts, faces on mugs and maybe a few grocery items here or there. 

Cyrus Engerer instead sponsored 100 Maltese people from all walks of life to visit Europe's political centres in Brussels and Strasbourg and share their ideas, learning from their peers - and maybe even influencing policy. 

The former MEP for the Socialists and Democrats describes his 'Walk with a Progressive' initiative as one of his most "valuable" creations, and it's easy to see why. 

The pioneering and unique use of funds to give back to the country shows a clear focus on the future of the island - and a creative, engaging way of doing it. 

From plumbers to artists to students to minorities and everyone in between, the incredible investment into Malta's future through this learning experience has had real world affects. 

And the political networking opportunities given to Maltese youth cannot be understated.  

Cyrus didn't stop with the initial 100 people, going on to invite 80 social justice and environment activists to Brussels to make their voice heard inside the European Parliament.  

Some of the key individuals who took part in the initiative speak on the valuable lessons and eye-opening experiences they had in a new documentary exploring Engerer's incredible 4-year stint as an MEP. 

In the documentary, Maltese youths with a passion for a better Malta speak on what it was like to leave the island and find themselves surrounded by a group of like-minded peers - all working towards improving the European Union. 

Kurt, a self-employed plumber who dreams of a better Malta for his young daughter, spoke of going up to Strasbourg, France, after reaching out to Cyrus over some green ideas he had. Over the years, he’s developed some interesting ideas for more sustainable construction - but hadn’t found the right people to speak to about it. 

Imagine how he felt going to Strasbourg to find that not only was he not alone in his dreams, but there were scores of others right there with him - ready to take action.