[6] The government of Malta announced in January 2003 that a non-binding referendum on membership would be held on 8 March 2003 at the same time as local elections.

[9] The Labour opposition feared that EU membership would cost jobs due to the lowering of trade barriers and jeopardise Malta's independence.

One billboard for the no campaign showed the Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami wearing a Diaper made of the flag of Europe.

"[3] Supporters of the Nationalist party celebrated the result of the referendum but the Labour leader Alfred Sant did not concede defeat and said the issue would be settled at the upcoming general election.

[11][13] The main issue in the 2003 election was EU membership and the Nationalist party's victory enabled Malta to join on 1 May 2004.