The President of the European parliament, Roberta METSOLA, opens the plenary session by observing a minute of silence in memory of David Sassoli, former EP President (2019-2022) and to Miroslav ČÍŽ (S&D, SK) (passed away on 29/12/2022).

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

SASSOLI, David Maria (S&D, IT, S&D, IT)

president's agenda

Resumption of session and order of business: minute of silence for David Sassoli, former EP President (2019-2022) and to Miroslav ČÍŽ (S&D, SK) (passed away on 29/12/2022)

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, We start by recalling that last week marked one year since our friend and President David Sassoli passed away. I have lost count of the number of times this year that I wanted to pick up the phone to ask his opinion, his clarity of thought, his vision for a Europe of equality and justice. His championing of the most vulnerable in our societies are things that define our common European mission and this European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, David left his mark on our project, and for all of us in his last public address, he referred to Europe as a project of Hope project to unite us all, a project that embodies our union, our values and our civilisation. I promised one year ago that this Parliament will continue to honour his legacy, and I know that we will keep that promise.