Roberta Metsola: “Words and ideas, not weapons, and not hate, must shape our dialogue”

Celebrating 35 years of German reunification

Three years since the death of Jina Mahsa Amini

Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Synagogue killings in Manchester

Second Anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks

“Political violence can have no room in our societies and communities” said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on opening the 6-9 October plenary session.

Celebrating 35 years since German reunification

Germans marked 35 years since reunification on Friday 3 October 2025. With the President of the German Bundestag, Julia Klöckner, in attendance, President Metsola described the reunification of Germany as “a defining moment in European history” and one that symbolised “hope, transformation and the enduring power of freedom”. She said that it had shown “what people determined to live in democracy can achieve, and what politics, diplomacy, and courage can deliver”, going on to express her hope that the “spirit of 1990” could be recaptured to help in the face of current challenges.

Three years since the death of Jina Mahsa Amini

Noting that it is now over three years since 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini was killed by the Iranian police, President Metsola recalled that her death had sparked the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement, which was honoured by the 2023 Sakharov Prize. “I am proud that this House has stood on the right side of history and that the brave women and men standing up to repression know that they are not alone.” she said.

Charlie Kirk

Remembering the violent killing of Charlie Kirk last month on a university campus, Metsola said that the “assassination underscores the need for all of us in public life to do what we can to dial down the divisive rhetoric and demonisation aimed at political opponents”.. “Violence has no place in our society”, she added.

Synagogue killings in Manchester

“This House stands proudly against antisemitism, against all forms of hatred and extremism and in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom” said the President, as she remembered the victims and wider community affected by the deadly attack on a synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur.

Second anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks

With the two-year anniversary of the horrific 7 October terrorist attacks being marked tomorrow, the President expressed her hope that the new peace plan now on the table would prove to be a “pivotal moment that can finally bring about the end to the inter-generational cycle of bloodshed, terror and violence. There is a clear alternative to perpetual war and that alternative must be seized.” she said.

President Metsola led members in a solemn minute of silence to remember all those lost in these various acts of violence.

Parliamentary immunity

The President announced requests received from Poland to waive the parliamentary immunity of Grzegorz Braun (Non-attached) and Tomasz Buczek (PfE), and from Greek authorities to waive the parliamentary immunity of Nikos Pappas (The Left). The requests have been referred to the Legal Affairs Committee.

Interinstitutional negotiations

The EMPL, IMCO and ITRE committees have decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations pursuant to Rule 72 (1) of the Rules of Procedure, on the basis of reports available on the plenary website.

Incoming MEPs

Martin Günther (The Left, Germany) as of 16 September 2025.