“Ask the President of European parliament” was the event organized by IE University for students and faculty in Madrid on Friday, January 28.
Roberta Metsola, President of European parliament. The citizen of Malta, the citizen of Europe. She studied law at the University of Malta and was one of the first students from her country to participate in the Erasmus program in Rennes. She received her doctorate in 2003. In 2004, she completed a master's degree at the College of Europe. She served as Malta's Legal and Judicial Cooperation Attaché at the Permanent Representation of Malta to the European Union and from 2012 to 2013 as legal advisor to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Member of EU parliament since 2013. President of EU Parliament since 2022.
After meeting with Philip VI King of Spain she drives to students` auditorium on the 24th floor of “IE tower”, leading the discussion and answering the questions of youth during 2 hours against planned 1. “Hope, nobody had prepared questions and answers in advance. Please, forgive me to interrupt your weekend that starts this Friday`s eve’ - were her first words addressed to students. And dialog begins. The problems of migration and European policy towards people with disabilities, students exchange and ERASMUS role in it, future possibilities of youth status and role in EU development, trends in EU economy and ecology development, significance of digitalization and green deals, reflect the main trends of discussion. One of the central points that was debated many times during this dialog was war in Ukraine and role of EU policy and economy in counteracting aggression of RF. Madam President firmly showed the significance of helping to victims of RF invasion to Ukraine in different ways and manners, understanding and promoting human rights and freedoms. She stressed on her proud that EU legislators make some valuable steps condemning aggression and demanding justice and prosecution for war criminals and help to Ukrainian refugees, under her presidency. National university ‘Odesa law academy” professor Viacheslav Tuliakov represents UA community in this summit. “The enthusiasm and determination I saw in a lot of young people today in Madrid is so encouraging.
Young men and women full of ideas, energy, hope, eager to shape the future of Europe. You are the change-makers. You can make a real impact. We will make sure to match your ambitions with our action. Thank you all for the very warm welcome. Thank you for believing in Europe, and for working to make Europe a better place” was summarized at the end of the discussion.