During the plenary session (13-14/11/2019) in the European Parliament in Brussels, David SASSOLI, EP President, makes a statement commemorating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall on 9 November 1989.

30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall: extracts from the opening remarks by David SASSOLI, EP President

External shots of the European Parliament (2 shots)

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, 30 years ago Germany and Europe lived one of the most important pages of their recent history. After decades of suffering, the deep wound of the division of Germany and Europe was cured through the fall of its more evident and hateful symbol. The wall was at last falling dawn under the pressure of thousands women and men seeking for their freedom and dignity, after years of repression and privation of their fundamental rights. I want to remember that the success of that night was the result of the determination of million European citizens of the East who peacefully, without any violence, but through the strength of their own will, were able to overcome the yoke to which they had been subjected for decades. It is to the courage of those European citizens that I would like to pay tribute.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, Hundred of thousands of German citizens from both sides were testifying astonished the joy of this moment and next to them there were thousands of young people; coming from all across Europe, to share the overwhelming enthusiasm of these hours. I was there, as many of you. And I remember the uncontrollable happiness, hugs, tears, the incredoulous stare of the VoPos, who were seeing thei world falling down as fast as the all was being obliterated by the picks. I also remember the awareness of all of us to live an unique historical moment, which closed at last a dark period marked by repression, deaths, cancellation of freedom and personality, to open another one, full of optimism and hope.

30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall: extracts from the opening remarks by David SASSOLI, EP President

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