Watch: “A Very Emotional Moment” – Roberta Metsola Receives Honoris Causa Award
The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola was awarded with an Honoris Causa Doctorate in recognition of her academic, scientific, and professional merit in the area of International Relations by the University of Lisbon in Portugal.
“It is the first time that a citizen from a small island has managed to occupy the presidency of one of the main European institutions, which in some way translates a change in the current power structure within the European Union, in addition to the protagonist’s intrinsic value,” Professor Carla Margarida Barroso Guapo da Costa said when presenting the award.
The prestigious degree was described as “a way of indelibly associating democracy and the European project, while simultaneously reinforcing both dimensions in Portugal and Europe, and alerting young people to the need to actively participate in the next European elections, as a form of civic duty, but also to guarantee their basic rights as European citizens.”
Guapo da Cost referred to several reasons, “which undoubtedly confirm Roberta Metsola’s contribution to the consolidation and progress of the European project.”
She said that it is particularly relevant that Metsola was able to bring the representation of such a small country, in a latitude that does not always occupy a central place in decision-making processes in the European Union, to the main stage of European institutions.
Listing Metsola’s credentials when it comes to her work in favour of more gender equality, Guapo da Costa said that “Metsola’s path and convictions share essential values with her predecessors, it is essential to mention the role of women in European construction, namely the two women who preceded Roberta Metsola as Presidents of the European Parliament, Simone Veil and Nicole Fontaine, without forgetting the pioneer, Louise Weiss. Because the role of women is absolutely fundamental in European construction.”
She added that from the beginning of her civic life and political career, Metsola proved to be “a tireless fighter for the defence of democracy, individual freedoms and the rule of law.”
On receiving the Honoris Causa, Metsola said that beyond a recognition of the European Parliament’s work, she sees it as a responsibility to continue standing up for Europe.
“As a renewed impetus to push ahead in championing our shared European values of freedom, democracy, equality and justice – that perhaps too often we take for granted. And that are increasingly coming under threat.”
“I believe in Europe – in our power to change lives and shape the future. I believe in our way. I believe that we are better when we act together. I believe as much now as I did twenty years ago. Politics did not dampen my passion for change. It lit a fire under it.”
She concluded with an appeal: “Stand up, be the change, make your voice heard. Stop waiting for someone else to do it.”
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
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