Out of the jargon jungle. The role of the European Parliament President?

The role of the European Parliament President?

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as well as with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Discussions are likely to focus on the EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive partnership, EU macro-financial assistance, human rights and the geopolitical situation in the region, including the need to reinvigorate the Middle East Peace Process and the situation in Gaza, as well as recent developments in Syria.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Cairo (Egypt)

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Egypt Hanafy El Gebaly and the President of the Senate of Egypt Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razeq.

The visit takes place against the background of strengthening relations between the European Union and Egypt, ongoing discussions on EU macro-financial assistance and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East and the neighbouring region.

The meetings provides an opportunity to discuss interparliamentary relations, including the organisation of the next EU-Egypt Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) in Cairo, the EU's macro-financial assistance to Egypt, currently under discussion in the European Parliament, migration flows and asylum.

EP President participates at European Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in a series of events to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. She participates in the commemoration at American Military Cemetery of Hamm (Luxembourg), meets with Belgian and Luxemburgish authorities at Senningen Castle (Luxembourg) and joins the ceremony in Bastogne (Belgium).

The Battle of the Bulge, or Ardennes Offensive, was the final significant German offensive on the Western Front in World War II, occurring from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945. It was launched in the heavily forested Ardennes area, situated between Belgium and Luxembourg. The goal of the offensive was to disrupt the Allies' use of the Belgian port of Antwerp and to divide their lines, enabling the Germans to encircle and defeat the four Allied armies, ultimately forcing the western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty favorable to the Axis powers.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the ceremony for the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge

High-Level Conference - Standing with the People of Belarus

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, receives the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia SANDU

EP President Roberta Metsola visits Malta, where she meets students from the Mediterranean College of Sport and St Albert the Great College and takes part in a discussion organised by the Malta Business Network.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Malta

Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Metsola and political groups’ leaders) travel to Warsaw to meet with Poland’s government well as political group members of the Sejm to prepare the upcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will run from January to June 2025. EP President Metsola also has a bilateral meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (Thursday).

Conference of Presidents in Poland

EP President Roberta Metsola meets Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola conducts an official visit to Paris, underscoring the strong ties between the European Union and France. During her visit, Metsola holds high-level discussions with Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the Assemblée Nationale, and Michel Barnier, the French Prime Minister, focusing on European priorities and France’s role within the Union.

The Assemblée Nationale plays a crucial role in France’s legislative process, shaping national policies, while the Prime Minister coordinates national policy. The visit reflects the mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation on key issues affecting Europe’s future.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Official visit to Paris (France)

The European Parliament holds an extraordinary plenary session to mark 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, underscoring its steadfast support for the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses MEPs, following a statement by EP President Roberta Metsola. Political group leaders also participate, highlighting the Parliament’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and democracy.

Since the invasion began in February 2022, the EU has strongly condemned Russian aggression, implemented robust sanctions, and provided extensive humanitarian, military, and financial aid. Parliament remains a key advocate for Ukraine’s EU membership and calls for the use of frozen Russian assets to compensate for the destruction caused by the war.  

The Parliament has adopted more than 40 resolutions since 2021, emphasizing its ongoing support for Ukraine, including temporary trade liberalization, sanctions enforcement, and preparations for EU accession talks. This extraordinary session reinforces the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine and its dedication to achieving a just and lasting peace.

Extraordinary Plenary Sitting - 1000 days of Russia´s invasion of Ukraine

EU Leaders meet in Budapest for an informal European Council meeting. Competitiveness is on top of the agenda and is discussed in depth during an informal meeting of Heads of State or Government on 8 November 2024, which is expected to result in a ‘Budapest Declaration’.

Informal European Council in Budapest

The European Political Community (EPC) is a political platform designed to foster cooperation among European countries that share the European Union's fundamental values. Proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron during the closing ceremony of the Conference on the Future of Europe in May 2022, the EPC held its first meeting in Prague in October 2022.

The discussions will be on the security challenges, followed by four breakout sessions on the topics of migration and economic security. The session on migration will cover all aspects of migration, while the one on economic security will also discuss connectivity in terms of energy, transport, IT and also global trade.

5th European Political Community Summit

EP President Roberta Metsola participates at the Santander International Banking Conference 2024 "Growth in a Disrupted World" in Madrid. She also delivered a message on catastrophique floods  in Spain.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President official visit to Madrid (Spain)

The president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is in Rome to celebrate the anniversary of Alcide De Gasperi’s passing. In honour of the noble father of Christian Democracy, the foundation that bears his name is organizing a series of events to be attended by Italian and foreign institutional guests.

The 2024 was decreed “De Gasperi year” by the De Gasperi Foundation, established in 1982 to gather the legacy of the Italian statesman. On the 70th anniversary of his death, a commemorative event has been organized at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome to be attended by, among others, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Alcide De Gasperi's Passing

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announces the winner of this year’s Sakharov Prize 2024 for Freedom of Thought in the hemicycle. The laureate is María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans fighting for the reinstitution of freedom and democracy from both inside and outside the country;

Named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, who agreed to his name being used, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the EU’s highest human rights award.
The Sakharov Prize ceremony will be held on Wednesday 18 December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. To learn more about the nominees for the 2024 Sakharov Prize, click here.

María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia awarded 2024 Sakharov Prize

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017, sparking outrage and political upheaval, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

In the same session, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The prize, endorsed by the European Parliament in 2020, rewards journalism that upholds the EU’s core values, including democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The €20,000 prize is open to professional journalists from any EU country, and the winner will be chosen by an independent jury.

This debate underscores the EU’s commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law, both within its borders and in candidate countries, as part of the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: Award Ceremony

Roberta Metsola European Parliament President meets with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, during his official visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. The meeting marks a significant moment as both leaders discuss ongoing support for Ukraine amid Russia's aggression. The visit includes a formal welcome ceremony with national anthems and high-level talks on strategic cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.

Prior to his visit to the European Parliament, Zelenskyy participated in the European Council summit, where EU leaders focused on key issues, including Ukraine's defense and security strategy. During his Brussels visit, Zelenskyy presents his "plan for victory," a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes Ukraine’s NATO membership, strengthening defense, deterring future Russian aggression, fostering economic growth, and building a robust security architecture post-war. This visit underscores the continued European commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term security.

Roberta Metsola, EP President meets with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Cairo (Egypt) - Meeting with Badr Ahmed Mohamed ABDELATTY, Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Cairo (Egypt) - Meeting with Abdel Fattah AL-SISSI, President of Egypt

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Cairo (Egypt) - Meeting with Abdel-Wahab ABDEL-RAZEG, President of the Senate

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Cairo (Egypt) - Meeting with Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razeq, President of the Senate.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Cairo (Egypt) - Meeting with Hanafy EL GEBALY, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Victoria Gozo ( Malta ) - Meeting with the Gozo Business Chamber

European Council meeting (19/12) - Press Conference

European Council meeting (19/12)

Pre- summit EPP

EU-Western Balkan Summit

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Andrej PLENKOVIC,  Prime Minister of Croatia

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with António COSTA, President of the European Council

EP Plenary session - Formal sitting with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia

EP Plenary session - Ceremony of the 2024 Sakharov Prize

Press conference on European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2024

Commemoration marking the 6th anniversary of the 2018 Strasbourg terrorist attack

Peace Light Ceremony

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola travels to Egypt on 8-9 January 2025, the visit takes place against the background of strengthening relations between the European Union and Egypt, ongoing discussions on EU macro-financial assistance and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East and the neighbouring region. This video shows the meeting between Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament and Abdel Fattah AL-SISSI, President of Egypt

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Cairo (Egypt): meeting with Abdel Fattah AL-SISSI, President of Egypt

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Badr Abdelatty, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Cairo (Egypt): Badr Ahmed Mohamed ABDELATTY, Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets with the President of the Senate, Mr Abdel-Whab Abdel-Razeq in Cairo. The visit takes place against the background of strengthening relations between the European Union and Egypt, ongoing discussions on EU macro-financial assistance and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East and the neighbouring region.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Cairo (Egypt): meeting with Abdel-Wahab ABDEL-RAZEG, President of the Senate

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, travels to Egypt and meets with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hanafy El Gebaly. The meeting provides an opportunity to discuss interparliamentary relations, including the organisation of the next EU-Egypt Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) in Cairo, the EU'smacro-financial assistance to Egypt, currently under discussion in the European Parliament, migration flows and asylum.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Cairo (Egypt): meeting with Hanafy EL GEBALY, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Roberta METSOLA, EP President New Year’s message

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, answers journalists questions following her participation at the European Council meeting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: Q&A

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, speaks to the press following her participation at the European Council meeting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: opening remarks

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the European Council meeting (19/12/2024). She addresses the main topics on top of European Parliament's agenda to be discussed with EU leaders. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Doorstep Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament

On the 19th December 2024, European leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss Ukraine, the EU in the world, the Middle East, resilience and preparedness, migration and foreign policy issues. Extracts from the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to the summit.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the European Council meeting (19/12): arrival, doorstep and extracts from the press conference

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament at the EU - Western Balkans summit. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament at the EU - Western Balkans summit

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, the Croatian Prime Minister, before the EU-Balkans leaders summit in Brussels. This news item shows extracts from the arrival of the Croatian Prime Minister, family photo, signature of the Distinguished Visitor's book, and meeting.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Croatian Prime Minister: arrival, meeting and signature of the golden book

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, opens the formal sitting.

Formal sitting with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia: Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia has been invited to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Extracts from the welcome by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and from the formal sitting in the chamber. Georgia has recently witnessed massive protests as a result of the government’s decision to pause the country’s EU accession process following the disputed parliamentary elections in October 2024, which according to Ms Zourabichvili were fraudulent and effectively stolen. In a resolution adopted on 28 November, MEPs rejected the outcome of the elections and called for them to be re-run within a year.

Formal sitting with Salome ZOURABICHVILI, President of Georgia: arrival , welcome by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extracts from the formal sitting

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, María Corina MACHADO, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, Edmundo GONZALEZ URRUTIA, Venezuelan President-elect and the Venezuelan opposition movement, Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate hold a press conference .

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, María Corina MACHADO, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, Edmundo GONZALEZ URRUTIA, Venezuelan President-elect and the Venezuelan opposition movement, Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

EP President Metsola awards the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, and Edmundo González Urrutia, the President-elect of Venezuela. Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Ceremony of the 2024 Sakharov Prize: Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

EP President Metsola awards the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, and Edmundo González Urrutia, the President-elect of Venezuela. Ceremony and hand over of the prize

Ceremony of the 2024 Sakharov Prize: Ceremony and hand over of the prize

EP President Metsola awards the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces, and Edmundo González Urrutia, the President-elect of Venezuela. Statements by María Corina MACHADO, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, Edmundo GONZALEZ URRUTIA, Venezuelan President-elect and the Venezuelan opposition movement Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Ceremony of the 2024 Sakharov Prize: Statements by María Corina MACHADO, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, Edmundo GONZALEZ URRUTIA, Venezuelan President-elect and the Venezuelan opposition movement, Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

In a debate with European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, MEPs take stock of the street protests rocking Georgia following the recent disputed elections.

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