24
Apr
2024
Watch
Resumption of the sitting
Madam President, this is not a point of order. This is a point of thank you. It’s a bit emotional. It was 14 July 2009. Shortly after 8.00, I entered this hemicycle for the very first time and went to my assigned seat, 566. There I sat, almost alone, wondering at the fact that I had become a Member of the only – only – transnational parliament in the world, one of the 732 people in charge of legislating for half a billion Europeans. The pride and sense of duty that I felt there and then never, ever left me for the last 15 years. Back then, I told my voters and the members of my party that I would seek two or maximum three terms in this House. They granted me my wish, and I will forever be thankful to them for their trust. But three terms are not four; now is the time to leave. At this moment, I want to thank you, my present and former colleagues, for those 15 years. They’ve been, frankly, the brightest part of my professional career. For sure, we were not always on the same side of the argument, but I would say that, by and large, our debates were worthy of a vibrant democracy. I am also thankful to the staff of this institution. They make sure that we have everything it takes to discharge our duties to the benefit of all citizens. It would be my pleasure – because it’s not just thank you, it’s an invitation – it would be my pleasure to see you tonight at 20.00 in la rotonde, to share drinks together to celebrate my departure and that of so many other MEPs who don’t have the chance to speak. Thank you for your respect. But, if I may, before leaving, I just want you to allow me a few share to share a few thoughts on the way forward. Thank you for your respect! As we could see, the European Union was built as a response to two totalitarianisms: Nazism and Soviet communism. Those had in common an utter contempt for the life and dignity of human beings. It is not by chance that the first value lying at the foundation of this Union is human dignity. This has to remain our common compass; everything we do here must contribute to the possibility for every human being, present and to come, to live a dignified life. Nowadays, dictatorships and authoritarian regimes are once again on the rise, including at our own borders. At the same time, we see clear and present danger to human dignity within our Union. And at the global level, climate change reminds us that our economic system is putting the lives and livelihoods of humanity as a whole at risk. (Objections from certain quarters) I’m finishing! Be patient. In 15 years, I’ve never made a point of order, right? Never once. So allow me to finish. The challenges ahead are daunting, but I have an unwavering faith in the collective wisdom, creativity and resources of the European citizens. If human dignity is our compass, the motto of our European Union provides the key to unlock these collective capabilities: unity. Because together we only represent 6 % of the global population and we live on just 2 % of the land. This alone should remind us that only if we act together, will we be able to have a grip on our present and our future, what everyone here calls sovereignty. Divided, we are bound to become the playthings of others, of our events beyond our control. Diversity. Because no single individual, no single group of people, no single discipline, no single school of thought, no single culture alone can grasp the complexity of our world. It is only when we look at it from different perspectives that we stand a chance of making it better. (Loud protests from certain quarters) Dear colleagues, I’m finishing. One sentence. Dear colleagues, only if it embodies the values and the motto of the European Union will this Parliament be a beacon of hope in Europe and beyond.