Formal opening of the temporary exhibition “When Walls Talk”, at the House of European History by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. From the propaganda of the World Wars and the Cold War to the explosion of cultural exchange, tourism and the emergence of multi-voiced social movements after the Second World War, complex layers of European division and unity are revealed through a selection of posters from the collection of the House of European History.

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

House of European History (T)

president's agenda

Formal opening of the temporary exhibition “When Walls Talk”, at the House of European History - opening address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Arrival of Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the House of European History

Roberta METSOLA, EP President being welcomed by Jaume DUCH, Director-General for Communication of the EP, and Hans-Gert P&Ouml;TTERING, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the House of European History, 5 shots

SOUNDBITE (English), Jaume DUCH GUILLOT, Director-General for Communication of the EP, When walls talk, a collection of posters, demonstrates the flowing continuity of European history and encourages us to reflect on current events within the context of the past. For instance, a look at the war related posters of the last century is enough to start the thought process about the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (English), Hans-Gert P&#214;TTERING, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the House of European History, I had a short look into the exhibition and there are walls from Ukraine and we should not forget what is happening now in the Ukraine. There is war in Europe, but not in the European Union. In the European Union. We are living with all our challenges and problems peacefully together because we are discussing our challenges on the basis of law, and law guarantees peace. But this is not the case outside the European Union. So let us think of the Ukrainian Europeans today as well and welcome to all of you and your solidarity with the European Union.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, In the age of social media, our ears and our eyes consume words and images in flashing moments. But a poster unmoved by the consequences of technological advancements remains. In war, the poster has been one of the main propaganda weapons used to bolster morale, belittle or dehumanise the enemy and achieve campaign goals.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, In Ukraine today, a young female artist continues to create posters about what, in her words, helps keep the lights inside during this terrible war. In Russia and in Belarus, people are protesting in the streets, using blank placards as a medium of opposition against their autocratic and dictatorial governments.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Let me thank you once again for giving me the opportunity to explore with you today a century of our continent's history through the selection of European posters. And it is now my greatest privilege to declare this exhibition open.

Cutaways of EP President Roberta METSOLA visiting the exhibition, 14 shots