During the plenary session (7-10 June 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, David SASSOLI, EP President, makes a statement on the resumption of the plenary sessions in Strasbourg. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

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

keynote speech

Opening remark by David SASSOLI, EP President, on the resumption of the plenary sessions in Strasbourg

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - Good afternoon, colleagues, I would like to welcome you all to Strasbourg. Whether you are here in the hemicycle or whether you are connected remotely, it's a very important day for the European Parliament after over 15 months we are back in our seat in Strasbourg.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - We have been through a threatful period, there have been millions of deaths and a great deal of suffering. Our daily life has changed and many of our citizens have found themselves in economic and socially difficult situations.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - All of our countries have come to a halt. Restarting normal activities in Strasbourg is a sign of confidence and of hope for everyone.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - Thanks to the contributions made by each and every one of you, members of the parliament, political groups, staff, we have been able to ensure that our institution has continued to do its work and to ensure that the European Union has been able to take initiatives to protect the lives of our citizens.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - The European Parliament has had to adopt extraordinary measures and new working methods in order to allow our assembly to continue to work and to carry out its duties.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - The Parliament has always insisted on the fact that we have to come out of this crisis stronger and more united than before to ensure a just and fair digital and environmental transition, to see a fairer, more egalitarian society, one in which the most vulnerable amongst us, who are also those most affected by the crisis and they will no longer be left behind.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - Thanks to the work done by members of this parliament, we've been able to continue to improve all of the tools that will help us come out of this crisis. The next generation EU, the resilience and recovery mechanism, the rule of law and conditionality, the multiannual financial framework and own resources.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - We'll continue to work on legislation, on the climate, on the digital agenda and the migration and asylum pact. Now we are back in our home in Strasbourg and I would like to thank the French authorities for their support.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - And I would like to thank them for their cooperation over these last months, as well as thanking the citizens of Strasbourg for their understanding and their unwavering hospitality. I would also like to thank the mayor who is with us today to be present for the opening of this plenary session.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - Strasbourg is a symbol of European unity, of peace and diversity.

paragraph-12 It was here that we saw the absolute need for Europe to begin and after 15 months of this pandemic, confidence in Europe is progressing in public opinion in all 27 countries.

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, - We can't forget the pain and the sacrifices that our citizens have made. Today, once again, Strasbourg is a symbol of renewal. I wish you all the very best for your very busy plenary week of work that lies ahead of you. End.