Award Ceremony - 2025 Edition
The jury has designated Her Excellency, Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, as the laureate of the 2025 edition of Timișoara Award for European Values.
The award ceremony will take place in Timișoara at a gala event, in the presence of Roberta Metsola, on 22nd of May 2025.
The Timișoara Award for European Values was established by the City of Timișoara to honor internationally recognized individuals who, with determination, courage, and creativity, promote or defend European values both within and beyond the European Union. The last year laureate was President Maia Sandu of the Republic of Moldova.
Members of the jury
The award was granted by a distinguished jury composed of prominent Romanian figures from various professional fields. In choosing President Metsola, the jury recognized her strong leadership and clear vision of a united and resilient Europe. She has demonstrated that politics can be an instrument of progress and hope. At a time of great challenges for the continent, President Metsola has played a vital role in mobilizing European support for Ukraine - championing concrete humanitarian and military aid - as well as advancing the European integration of Moldova and Ukraine.
The jury also commended her unwavering stance as a trusted ally of Romania in its long-standing efforts to join the Schengen Area. Her support has been instrumental, and Romania’s full accession to Schengen, as of January 1st, 2025, stands as a significant milestone.
Adriana Babeți
Timișoara
Writer and Literary Critic
Dominic Fritz
Timișoara
Mayor of Timișoara
Anca Miruna Lăzărescu
Munich
Film Director and Screenwriter
Cristian Măcelaru
Cologne
Music Director of the Orchestre National de France
Simona Miculescu
Paris
Ambassador, President of the General Conference of UNESCO
Iulia Motoc
The Hague
Judge at the International Criminal Court
The jury was unanimous in its selection
I thank the President of the European Parliament for accepting Timișoara’s award. This prize is a recognition of her strong and unwavering commitment to defending and promoting European values. Roberta Metsola has been at the forefront of those who mobilized European support when Russia invaded Ukraine. She has stood up for Romania’s right to be part of the Schengen Area. She is part of a new generation of European leaders who believe in the European project and the values that define it—leaders who work every day to rebuild people’s trust in democracy and in institutions. We look forward to welcoming her to Timișoara, to celebrate Europe together.
Roberta Metsola holds several records - youngest President of the European Parliament, first from Malta, and only the third woman in this position. Her remarkable popularity stems from both her charm and her effectiveness. I deeply respect her for being a pragmatic, balanced, and consensus-driven leader. We are honored to celebrate her in Timișoara.
A perpetually youthful spirit in European politics, Roberta Metsola has shown exceptional integrity and courage. Her initiatives in the fight against corruption and her efforts to increase transparency in the European Parliament are truly admirable. Her unwavering support for Moldova’s European future is inspiring.
With unwavering determination to promote equal rights and a more inclusive Europe, Roberta Metsola is the ideal recipient of this award. She is a fearless defender of a European Union built on compromise and conviction. Her integrity and belief in a peaceful, diverse Europe serve as an inspiration.
Roberta Metsola is only 2 months older then me: 46 years young - a great age. But she achieved goals in life for which other would need double as many years. She is the youngest President of the European Parliament, she is a mother of four sons and she passionately fights for European values. Quoting her words: "Europe will only survive if we stop taking it for granted." - inspired me and many others to never take democratic achievements throughout Europe for granted. Never!
Sponsors
The initiative is backed by:
