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Malta an example of post-colonial success: Metsola
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola says Africa has everything it needs to fulfil its vast potential in address during ItaliAfrica Summit in Rome
29 January 2024, 5:19pm
Karl Azzopardi
Karl Azzopardi
2 min read
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addressing the Plenary Session of the ItaliAfrica Summit in Rome
The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola referred to Malta as an example of how a country can move past colonialism and prosper.
"I am from Malta. My generation is the first not to experience colonialism. We can break the cycle of history and emerge as equal partners around the same table," the EP President said while addressing the Plenary Session of the ItaliAfrica Summit in Rome.
Metsola underlined that Africa has everything it needs to fulfil its vast potential and emphasised that Europe can be a partner. “Take for instance, the Mediterranean region. The potential that it has to return to its former glory as a hub for business, exchange of goods, services, tourism and ideas are limitless,” she said.
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European Parliament President Roberta Metsola with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Metsola said that when Africa prospers, Europe prospers, along with the rest of the world, highlighting that “we can move forward together.”
The President of the European Parliament referred to the energy sector, and said that it is a continent unrivalled.
“Europe has an energy supply challenge, and Africa has the potential to be a massive supplier of any renewable and green energy. This also applies for raw materials and rare earths. We can grow together, sustainably - not at the expense of each other,” she said.
The Summit, chaired by Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, was also addressed by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Council Charles Michel.
The ItaliAfrica Summit is an initiative by the Italian government aimed at presenting the Mattei Plan, which Italy intends to take forward together with the Leaders of African States. It proposes a model of cooperation and development that places the EU Member States and African countries on an equal footing.
The Plan targets to relaunch relations between the two blocs under the overarching theme of inclusive growth, strengthening of peace and stability, digital and energy transitions and fight against climate change.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Karl Azzopardi is Online Editor and an IGM press awards (Human Stories) winner of 2019
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