National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka today awarded the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola the Great Golden Medal of Honor for services to the Republic of Austria. This is the second highest state award in the Republic of Austria. In his laudatory speech, the President of the National Council emphasized the honorees’ ties to Austria. Among other things, he praised their commitment to deepening cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments, improving the visibility of the interests of smaller member states and making the EU institutions closer to the citizens.
In her words of thanks, Metsola said that it was a special honor for her to be able to be in Vienna again and accept this high award. She also accepts this decoration on behalf of the European Parliament and sees it as a mandate to further advance the European project.
Sobotka: Honoring a great European and democrat
Sobotka said in his laudatory speech that President of the Parliament Roberta Metsola had shown a high level of commitment and demonstrated outstanding professionalism in her parliamentary work and in her office as President of the European Parliament. She has always advocated for the interests of the smaller EU member states, such as Austria. He is therefore pleased to award one of the highest honors that the Republic can bestow to a great European and committed democrat.
The award is also a thank you for Metsola’s close ties to Austria, said Sobotka. During her term of office so far, President Metsola has visited Austria several times and also made a statement at the meeting of the National Council in May 2023.
As a politician, he always experienced her as open to the concerns of others and as “down to earth”. With her talent for always finding common ground, she has earned great respect and achieved remarkable political successes. Metsola has also always been committed to reforms in Europe and strengthening the European project.
Another particular concern for Metsola is the greater involvement of citizens and the better visibility of the European Parliament and its work outside Brussels. By revising the rules of conduct for members of the European Parliament, it helped to strengthen the transparency and integrity of parliamentary work at EU level. She also always pointed out threats to democracy very clearly and worked to strengthen democratic institutions.
The National Council President also highlighted Metsola’s special commitment and commitment to combating anti-Semitism and hate speech. Remembrance was also always important to her. Among other things, she supported the international “We Remember” campaign and also worked closely with the Austrian Parliament. Another focus of her work is the fight against inequality in politics, the economy and society and for equal opportunities for women.
“Europe needs personalities like you who fight with passion and intelligence for the future of European ideals,” Sobotka concluded in his tribute to Metsola.
Metsola: Award is also a sign of trust in Europe
In her acceptance speech, the President of the European Parliament praised Sobotka’s commitment to parliamentarism, Austria and the EU over many decades and his special commitment to the fight against anti-Semitism and hate speech. The fight against hatred and prejudice is also an important task of the European Parliament. Metsola emphasized that she feels personally honored by the award, but also sees it as an honor for the institution she represents. She sees it as a vote of confidence in Europe.
Europe means togetherness and cohesion, emphasized the President of Parliament. This has become clear, not least in recent weeks, given the challenges posed by natural disasters. She is proud that Europe sees itself as a family with equal members.
But the European Union must always work to improve its way of working and its institutions, emphasized Metsola. She must take people’s worries and needs seriously and find answers. Unfortunately, it turns out that crises also lead to the strengthening of extremist and destructive forces that question the EU and pretend to have simple solutions. Only Europe can combine free markets and social security. The answer cannot be to isolate one another, but to strengthen cooperation to ensure prosperity, security and rights for all.
Metsola relies on constructive forces in Europe
As part of a press point, Metsola and Sobotka made statements to the media. Sobotka praised, among other things, Roberta Metsola’s commitment to deepening cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments. “She attached great importance to strengthening the visibility of smaller member states and was also very committed to the Republic of Austria,” emphasized the President of the National Council.
Metsola said that as President of the European Parliament, she works every day to bring the European idea from Brussels to the regions and to the people. She will continue to work to strengthen relations between the European and Austrian Parliaments. “Together we continue to advocate for a Europe in which all people feel safe, can take advantage of their opportunities and be successful,” said the EP Parliament President.
Metsola also answered questions from media representatives about current challenges for the European Union. She trusts that the constructive forces in the EU are still in the majority, she said. In connection with the migration debate, Metsola emphasized that protecting the Schengen area and the EU’s external borders had the highest priority. (final) sox
A NOTICE: Photos You can find information about this award ceremony in the Parliament web portal.
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