The title and dignity awarded to you today is an expression of our recognition for your courage and exceptional contribution to building solidarity, unity and community in Europe
– Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik said during the formal meeting of the Senate of the Lodz University of Technology on 20 June of the current year.
This is the third honorary doctorate for Roberta Metsola. She has been previously honoured by the University of Lisbon and the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The reviewers of the doctorate of the Lodz University of Technology included Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska, President of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland and Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, as well as Prof. Rafał Matera, Rector of the University of Lodz.
Roberta Metsola has been the President of the European Parliament since 2022. She was re-elected to this position in July 2024, receiving the support of a large majority of voting MEPs. In his laudation, Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik presented the career path of the current President of the EP.
Her key experience came from receiving the mandate of an MEP, and then the vice-presidency and presidency of the European Parliament. It should be noted that she is the youngest person ever to start working in this position, importantly, not by nomination, but by election of MEPs
– said Rector of the Lodz University of Technology
She has been awarded numerous times, including the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas grand cross badge, the King David Award and the Forum Europa 2024 Award granted by the New Economy Forum, for her work for democracy, freedom and respect for human rights.
Roberta Metsola graduated from the University of Malta and the College of Europe in Bruges. She is an advocate of policies that promote greater social justice, particularly in terms of gender equality and social protection. As President of the EP, she is committed to defending the rule of law, combating discrimination and promoting European values.
The ceremony was held at Alchemium, at the Prof. T. Paryjczak Assembly Hall, in the presence of many distinguished guests, representatives of the European Parliament, the authorities of the region of Lodz and the city, and a wide academic group.
Source and photos: Lodz University of Technology
Edit: Press Office, University of Lodz