Roberta Metsola receives award in Timisoara
Romanians sent "a pro-European signal" in the presidential election, said the head of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who was awarded the Timisoara Prize for European Values.
Sorin Iordan, 23.05.2025, 13:50
The President of the European Parliament, the Maltese Roberta Metsola, received the Timişoara Prize for European Values on Thursday, the highest distinction of the city in western Romania granted to personalities who support fundamental European values. The distinction was granted to her for her firm attitude in times of crisis, her unconditional support for Ukraine and Moldova and her continuous efforts for Romania’s accession to the Schengen area. During the ceremony, Roberta Metsola expressed her satisfaction that Romanians have elected a pro-European president, who shares the belief that Europe is a home of common values, and spoke about the need to continue defending these values and creating a stronger Europe.
Roberta Metsola: “Europe was forged by people who refused to accept the status quo, who dared to believe in something better. People who chose hope over fear, unity over division, possibility over pessimism. And few cities embody that European spirit more than Timisoara. A city of pioneers, of courage, of hope. A city that started the revolution of 1989. A city that knows the cost of freedom – and the power of new beginnings. This is why I am deeply honored that the city of Timisoara has awarded the EP this recognition, for European values. I accept this honour on behalf of the entire European Parliament, of my fellow Members, and all those working every day to defend the values that unite us as Europeans. Because this award is more than a recognition – it is a responsibility. A reminder that Europe, and the values that we stand for, can never be guaranteed but that they must be defended.”
Roberta Metsola thanked Romanians for the support they provided to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and stressed that Europe must strengthen its security in the context of the threat posed by Russia. Roberta Metsola: “Russia’s war in Ukraine changed everything. Every Member State in Europe now understands that we can no longer rely on others for our security. We must take that responsibility seriously, if we are to push for a real and lasting peace – on the basis of ‘nothing about Ukraine, without Ukraine’. A safer Europe also means getting serious about enlargement . Moldova and Ukraine must continue on their path towards membership, and the Western Balkans cannot be left waiting another decade. If we do not step up, others will step in.”
A reaction also came from the Romanian Foreign Minister, Emil Hurezeanu. He welcomed Roberta Metsola’s ability to discuss Europe with the general public in a direct manner, “with both the mind and the soul”, an ability that he considers extremely valuable in a period characterized by “disinformation, fake news, alternative facts and polarization, when truth and integrity become valuable commodities”. Regarding last Sunday’s election, following which the pro-Western mayor of Bucharest, Nicuşor Dan, was elected president of Romania, the head of the EP said that the Romanians sent a pro-European signal, adding that she was looking forward to working with president Dan. (LS)
