The President of the European Parliament urges young Europeans to engage, think critically and have the courage to take a stand.
On 17 March 2026, the Hertie School, together with the Jacques Delors Centre, welcomed Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, for a fireside conversation on the future of Europe. Moderated by Thu Nguyen, Acting Co‑Director of the Jacques Delors Centre, the discussion focussed on youth engagement, the EU’s achievements, the democratic nature behind the often‑criticised pace of EU decision‑making processes, and the importance of political courage. The event was co‑hosted with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Germany and the Jacques Delors Friends of Europe Foundation.
In a lively and open exchange, students engaged Metsola on questions of democratic legitimacy, political polarisation and Europe’s role in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
A call to engage: participation, responsibility and voice
Metsola emphasised that engaging with young people is the best part of her work, valuing open and honest dialogue with those who will shape Europe’s future. She reflected on her own start in politics as a university student, campaigning for Malta’s EU accession amid deep national division. That experience taught her activism, resilience and the importance of holding firm to one’s principles – qualities that are especially vital today as democratic norms and political processes come under pressure.
She noted that the European Parliament must navigate growing demands: faster decision‑making, increasingly complex legislation and rising political polarisation that reinforces an “us versus them” dynamic. Engaging with young people helps counter these trends by strengthening openness, participation and shared responsibility.
Metsola offered students two core messages:
- Vote – even when it feels obvious – because not many peers do.
- Step forward – consider running for office rather than waiting for the “right moment”.
Her underlying message was direct: politics is not inherently dysfunctional, and young people have a decisive role in shaping their future.
Is the European Union too slow to act?
Responding to concerns about slow EU decision‑making, Metsola underlined that the Parliament must balance democratic oversight with the need for efficiency. While the institution is sometimes criticised as bureaucratic or rule‑heavy, she emphasised that this stems from its democratic nature: decision‑making through elections, votes and majorities, not executive orders.
She acknowledged that the EU is not perfect. Mistakes have been made, and institutions have not always addressed them openly. Europe should not apologise for its values, she said, but must recognise where improvement is needed. Sometimes acting quickly is essential; in other cases, maintaining quality requires a more careful, detailed process.
Europe is no longer in the long period of stability that once allowed predictable policymaking. Today’s geopolitical shocks and shifting alliances demand adaptation and honesty. The greatest risk, she noted, is pretending nothing is wrong.
Confronting polarisation and Euroscepticism with honesty
To counter polarisation and declining trust, Metsola urged political leaders to be honest about what has gone wrong and what needs to be improved. Pretending that everything is fine only fuels frustration. When voters feel ignored, they look to parties they believe are listening – a trend visible across Europe today.
She cautioned against blaming citizens for supporting extremist parties. When people express concerns about the cost of living, jobs, security or justice, and mainstream politics fails to deliver, it is not the voters who must be criticised. “We need to look at ourselves and ask why we are no longer attracting the voters we used to get,” she stressed.
Courage and conviction in political leadership
Metsola concluded by emphasising that politics requires courage and clarity. Leaders should not only aim for what is currently feasible but also articulate more ambitious visions. Standing for one’s beliefs – even when unpopular – is essential for maintaining trust. Clarity earns respect, she said, whereas silence undermines it.
“It doesn’t matter what you stand for. Stand for something, and you will be respected just for that.”
Watch a recording of the event below.
Photo credits: Sebastian Pfütze
Contact
- Linda Hewitt, Project Manager Pariser Platz Dialogue, Communications and Events, Jacques Delors Centre