We need to come together like never before - Metsola to students at the College of Europe 

 

Today, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola was invited to address the Opening Ceremony of the David Sassoli Promotion at the College of Europe in Bruges. In her speech, President Metsola encouraged students to stand up, serve and lead. "This is Europe's time to lead. This is your time to lead," she said.

© European Union | The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola addressing the Opening Ceremony at the College of Europe, in Bruges

Dear Rector,
Dear Vice-Rector,
Dear Alessandra,
Dear Students of the David Sassoli Promotion, 

Let me start by thanking the Rector of the College of Europe, Federica Mogherini, for inviting me to address you today. And particularly, for giving me the opportunity - and privilege - of honouring the legacy of the 2022-23 College of Europe academic year Patron of promotion, my predecessor and my friend: David Maria Sassoli. 

David Sassoli was a champion of democracy, a passionate European and a fighter for Europe. He believed, unreservedly, in the power of Europe to forge a new path in this world. In doing so, he fought hard to bring people around the same table - I was one of those people. His legacy is one that I carry with me as President of the European Parliament. In these troubled times, I often find myself looking over his speeches, his words to find a way through. The world could use more of his clarity of principle. 

David had a vision of a more united Europe. One that was closer to people and more authentic to its values: values of human dignity, freedom and solidarity. A distinguished writer once said 'Great lives are those in which people feel a calling, have a sense of a vocation.' David felt that calling. That sense of service - which he delivered on, always with a smile. 

That is the responsibility that I carry as his successor - but now one that you all must carry too. That is now on your shoulders. That is the privilege you have. You are the class of David Sassoli. Be inspired by his example. I know that you will honour him and honour yourselves by going out and making the world a better, fairer, more just place. By respecting the values of humanity. By reaching out to the most vulnerable. By standing up for the principles of Europe - as David did.

I must say that returning to Bruges, to the College, is particularly moving for me. Not only because it is my alma mater - and before you start googling, I’ll tell you myself that I was under the John Locke promotion - but also because I was here when I decided to submit my candidature for the European elections for the first time in 2004.

As a student, I got involved in politics because I believed my generation’s place was Europe. I believe still. We are the generation that sees no old and no new Europe. We know no big and small States. We understand that Europe can function in a way that respects the diversity of opinions, ideologies, religions, languages and nations, while remaining anchored in our core-shared values. 

It is not always an easy balance to find but in our Europe it is the strength of your arguments that matter not the volume of your voice. The depth of your integrity, not the number of short-term populist gains. The College taught me that. David Sassoli showed me that. 

And this I believe is a message that needs to resonate more. Especially in this very dangerous time we are living in where the democratic world order is under threat. Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war has fixated all eyes on Europe. History will judge us by our response. And make no mistake, the proportionality, speed and unity of our reaction plays into this response. 

I am proud that the European Union has provided financial, military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and its people. And we will continue to do so. We have welcomed 7 million women, children and men into our homes and our hearts. And we have adopted 8 packages of sanctions to impede the financing of Russia’s war machine. We need to find that spirit again when we are called to face migration challenges. When we look at people as human beings, rather than as statistics. Lives not numbers. 

Today marks eight months since Russia’s tanks rolled into independent and sovereign Ukraine. In this time, we’ve seen brave Ukrainian men and women fighting for their country and their liberty. Defiant Ukrainian grandmothers learning how defend their homes and their families. But we need to be clear: the Ukrainian people are also risking their lives for Europe. To safeguard the values we all believe in: freedom, democracy, the rule of law. 

Values David Sassoli worked so hard to preserve and strengthen. And so it remains our duty to continue helping Ukraine and its people, to make sure they ultimately win this war. It is what is right.  It is what is necessary. It is what must happen. 

Dear students of the David Sassoli promotion, 

Europe has done a lot. But there is no time for complacency. We will be called upon to do yet more. 

I know that with a war still raging at our borders, political instability, climate change, the rise of fake news, high electricity prices and inflation increasing, young people are exposed to more uncertainty than many generations ever had to contend with. 

And so what Europe needs now - what the world needs now - more than ever, are leaders. And here let me say, that being elected is not simply what makes you a leader. 

Being a leader is someone who is ready to serve and who is ready to stand up for what we believe in. Who will not shy away from difficult discussions and decisions. Who is honest about our failings and the frustrations of our processes. But who is also honest about our Union’s achievements - and here we have had a few. 

There is virtue in leadership, as there is in service. Politics for me has always been a force for good. It is the best avenue for change. At its core, it is about strengthening our community. About leaving no one behind. About understanding that the common good is greater than the one of the individual. About realising that we are not safe until we are all safe- and that the weakest, the most marginalised in our societies are as much a part of our community as everyone else. 

So if you take one message from me today it is this: Stand up. Serve. Lead. 

Stand-up by making your voice heard.
Serve by being active.
Lead on the issues that matter most to you - whether that is in politics, in local communities, in NGOs, in business, in academia or in arts. 

And if you encounter resistance - which you will - stand your ground. Stand on Europe’s ground. Because our project is one worth fighting for. I recalled earlier about my first European elections. What I didn’t say then was that I did not get elected on my first try. It took more knocking on doors, countless discussions, hundreds of debates and another shot 5 years later to earn citizens’ trust. 

I am convinced that you are also up to the challenge. In this upcoming year, you will receive a rich and multicultural learning experience thanks to your professors and academics. You will not only study Europe, but live Europe too. Take full advantage of it. It passes quicker than you think.

Dear friends, 

I am convinced that together, we can find a way forward that is fit for the next generation. European leaders must stand united to confront cynicism and stand firm against aggression. It is a question of political will. And let me assure you that the European Parliament has it.  

David Sassoli once said “the European Union is not an accident of history”. He was right of course. Our Union is not an accident, but the tangible result of a group of visionaries. The ideas, efforts and strength of the founding mothers and fathers of the world’s greatest peace project. 

That is the bigger picture we cannot lost sight of. They started the machinery and the responsibility lies squarely on us to keep it running.

We need to come together like never before. 
This is Europe’s time to lead.
This is your time to lead. 

Thank you. 

President Metsola's speech in Italian can be found here.