The University honoured the President for her outstanding contributions to the defence of fundamental European values – democracy, human rights and the rule of law – as well as for her inspiring leadership for European integration and strengthening civic participation.
The ceremony took place in the Alchemium Building, in the presence of academic authorities, representatives of public institutions, the University community and invited guests.
In his laudation, the Rector of Lodz University of Technology, Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik – the honorary doctorate promoter – underlined that Roberta Metsola is not only an outstanding politician, but above all a charismatic leader whose actions are an expression of a deep commitment to the idea of a united Europe. Amid today’s crises – from war and economic instability to the rise of Euroscepticism and threats to human rights – her courageous, balanced and responsible stance is more vital than ever.
The honouring of President Metsola with an honorary doctorate took place with the participation of distinguished reviewers: Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska, Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University and President of the CRASP, and Prof. Rafał Matera, Rector of the University of Łódź. It was emphasised that Roberta Metsola represents an example of value-based leadership – extremely important also for the academic community. Her activities are not only an expression of a strong commitment to the European community, but also an inspiration to build a future in the spirit of solidarity, democracy and the dignity of every human being.
Concluding his laudation, Rector Prof. Jóźwik addressed the President directly with the words: "The title and dignity conferred on you today is an expression of our appreciation for your courage and your exceptional contribution to the building of solidarity, unity and togetherness of Europe. We are proud that you are joining the ranks of honorary doctorates during the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Lodz University of Technology. You are thus becoming part of our academic community. It is a great honour for us to be the first university in Poland to honour you with this highest academic title at the end of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union. This special recognition of your community aspirations in Europe, which we need so much today, will be further proof that we are united by common values with a view to the future of future generations."
In her speech, Roberta Metsola emphasised the unique character of the city of Lodz and the university itself: ‘It is a true honour for me to receive an honorary doctorate from Lodz University of Technology – an academia born of the industrial past of this great city, which today shapes the future of Europe.’
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said that Europe today needs courage, community spirit and value-based leadership. She referred to Poland's history – from the Industrial Revolution to Solidarity – as a symbol of what can be achieved when people believe in more than themselves.
She spoke about the challenges of today's world: the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the nuclear threat from Iran. She pointed out that Europe must be proactive, support the de-escalation of conflicts and defend its values – democracy, freedom and human dignity. She stressed that the EU can make a real difference in people's lives – providing opportunities, developing talents, as is the case, for example, in Malta or Poland. Poland, she said, is one of Europe's greatest success stories – a strong democracy, a dynamic economy and a key voice in the EU.
She also highlighted the role of education and investment in people: ‘The real strength of Europe is not what we do, but what we know’. She welcomed the work of Lodz University of Technology, which is educating the future leaders and specialists needed to build a modern, safe and resilient Europe.
In the afternoon, President Metsola joined the people of Lodz at the Great European Picnic at the Manufaktura Square. The event, held under the patronage of MEP Dariusz Joński, brought together citizens, students, musicians and representatives of local institutions in a vibrant celebration of European identity.
The culminating moment was a joint performance by the choir of the University of Łódź and over 100 musicians, who – together with citizens – performed the “Ode to Joy”, the official anthem of the European Union. The event was attended by 229 people, setting a national record for the number of participants singing the EU anthem together in one place.
Roberta Metsola – career path
As Rector Jóźwik recalled in his laudation, Roberta Metsola was born in 1979 in Malta. After graduating in law from the University of Malta and the College of Europe in Bruges, she went on to work in the European institutions. Roberta Metsola was, among others, Secretary General of the European Democrat Students and, after Malta's accession to the European Union, a representative of the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU, where she dealt with legal and judicial cooperation.
In time, she took up the position of legal advisor to Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs. In the following years, Roberta Metsola became an MEP and obtained her seat four times. In 2022, she was elected President of the European Parliament – as the youngest person ever to hold this position, not by nomination but by the will of a majority of MEPs.
At the time of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, she clearly stood up for freedom and democracy, for which she was awarded, among others, the Order of Merit First Class and the Order of Princess Olga First Class. In 2024, she also received the Cross of Good Neighbourhood from the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus – for her consistent advocacy for human rights and freedom in the region.
In recognition of her work, Roberta Metsola has also been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Lisbon and Kyiv's Taras Shevchenko University. She has also received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, the King David Award and the prestigious Forum Europa 2024 Award.