David SASSOLI, EP President attends the ceremony of handover of the Flame of Peace of Bethlehem, during the plenary session (14-17 December 2019) on the Esplanade of the European Parliament in Brussels. Statement of David SASSOLI and extracts from the ceremony. The Flame of Peace of Bethlehem that arrived at the European Parliament is a tradition of a charitable relief mission for people in need. It was initiated by Austria and over the years the flame has spread to several European countries.

Brussels

statement

ceremony

preservation of EU's cultural heritage (T)

SASSOLI, David Maria (S&D, IT, S&D, IT)

handing over of the Flame of Peace

WINZIG, Angelika (EPP, AT)

Handover of the Flame of Peace of Bethlehem with David SASSOLI, EP President: speech and extracts from the ceremony

Title: Handover of the Flame of Peace of Bethlehem with David SASSOLI, EP President: speech and extracts from the ceremony

Arrival of David SASSOLI, EP President on the Esplanade of the European Parliament in Brussels.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, I am very happy to welcome the Flame of Peace here again today in front of the Parliament. A tradition that has lasted for many years and that I would like to continue in the future. The Flame of Peace comes from Bethlehem, a dear place for many believers but naturally a symbol of peace for all. We have been living for some time in this difficult time with great challenges. In 70 years Europe has been able to build its peace, but for a long period of absence of war it must truly transform us into an instrument of peace for others as well.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, We need to build a web of relationships between people, communities and our institutions, also to define new rules for the global world. I am happy that so many young people are witnesses and bearers of this message of peace, of brotherhood which is the basis of our European identity.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and Good Peace to all.