S.L. 437.43 Art. 2Interpretation.

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires

(i) "the Act" means the Veterinary Services Act;

(ii) "applicant" means any person from a Member State applying to the Council for authorisation to practise the profession in Malta;

(iii) "application" means a request submitted by an applicant to practise the profession in Malta;

(iv) "competent authority", in relation to -

(a) any document, certificate, diploma or qualification, or attestation of competence; or

(b) a period of professional experience, means the authority, body or person in a Member State authorised under the legislation or established practice of that State to issue, award or recognise such document, certificate, diploma or qualification, or attestation of competence, or to certify any such period of professional experience;

(v) "diploma" includes a degree;

(vi) "EEA" means the European Economic Area;

(vii) "European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System" or "ECTS credits" means the credit system for higher education used in the European Higher Education Area;

(viii) "European Union" means the European Union referred to in the Treaty;

(ix) "Member State" means a State which is a member of the European Union;

(x) "Nationals" means nationals of Member States of the European Community and also includes nationals of EEA States and Switzerland;

(xi) "qualifications" means qualifications obtained in Member States, as well as those obtained in States which are part of the EEA and Switzerland;

(xii) "the Treaty" has the same meaning as is assigned to it in article 2 of the European Union Act;

(xiii) "the Council" means the Veterinary Surgeons Council as established under article 39 of the Veterinary Services Act;