European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has emphasized the crucial role of young people in shaping the future of the European Union, stating they are already an integral part of the present, not just the future. Her remarks came during a virtual address to the University of Trento in Italy, coinciding with the inauguration of the academic year and the presence of Italian President Sergio Mattarella. .
Metsola’s address centered on the idea of the EU as a continuously evolving project, strengthened by the contributions of all its citizens. She specifically called upon the energy, passion, and ideas of young Europeans to drive further progress. “This is the spirit of Europe,” she stated, according to a transcript released by ANSA news agency.
The European Parliament President also invoked the legacy of Alcide De Gasperi, a key figure in post-war Italy and a founding father of the European project. Metsola highlighted De Gasperi’s ability to envision a united Europe, recognizing diversity as a source of strength. She noted that De Gasperi understood that rebuilding Italy’s future required simultaneously creating a future for Europe, a future distinct from the past. “He did so without ever compromising on the values in which he believed and in which we all believe today,” Metsola added.
The University of Trento marked De Gasperi’s contribution by dedicating its central library in his name, a gesture Metsola lauded as honoring his enduring legacy. This symbolic act underscores the historical connection between Italy’s own reconstruction and the broader European integration process.
Metsola’s comments arrive at a time of increasing focus on youth engagement within the EU. In , the first meeting of the President’s Youth Advisory Board took place, bringing together representatives from each EU member state and the European Youth Forum. This initiative, designed to directly incorporate youth perspectives into EU policy-making, reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the concerns and aspirations of younger generations.
The emphasis on youth participation also aligns with broader efforts to revitalize the European project and reaffirm its core principles. The EU&U Compass, a recently published youth manifesto, outlines a vision for a more inclusive and resilient Europe, developed through extensive consultations with young people, policymakers, and civil society organizations. This document serves as a framework for reclaiming the European project and reinforcing its commitment to democracy, freedom, and solidarity.
Italy’s own political landscape has seen a shift in recent years, with the Five Star Movement (M5S) evolving under the leadership of Giuseppe Conte. Founded in by Beppe Grillo and Gianroberto Casaleggio, the M5S initially positioned itself outside the traditional left-right political spectrum. While historically described as populist, the party has increasingly adopted progressive and social-democratic policies, particularly since Conte assumed leadership. The M5S currently holds 49 seats in the Italian Chamber of Deputies and 26 in the Senate, and 8 seats in the European Parliament, where it now aligns with The Left group.
The European Parliament itself recently adopted a report highlighting the importance of EU security and defense partnerships in responding to emerging threats and enhancing the EU’s global role. This focus on security and defense underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need for a coordinated European response to challenges ranging from regional conflicts to hybrid warfare.
President Mattarella’s presence at the University of Trento’s inauguration further emphasizes the Italian government’s commitment to European integration and the importance of fostering a strong relationship between academia and political leadership. His awarding of the “President’s Medal” – as highlighted by the Olympic Highlights Hub – demonstrates Italy’s dedication to initiatives supported by the European Union’s program for education, training, youth and sport.
Metsola’s call for youth engagement and her recognition of De Gasperi’s vision represent a broader effort to connect the historical foundations of European integration with the aspirations of a new generation. The ongoing initiatives to incorporate youth perspectives into EU policy-making suggest a growing awareness of the need to ensure that the European project remains relevant and responsive to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The emphasis on shared values and a collective future, as articulated by Metsola, underscores the enduring importance of European unity and cooperation.
