The election of Roberta Metsola as president of the European Parliament on 18 January 2022 marked a significant political shift, as she became the youngest individual and first Maltese citizen to hold the position. Her tenure represents a progression through European institutional structures that began nearly two decades prior to her appointment to the leadership role.
Early Political Engagement
Born in 1979 in St. Julian's, Malta, Metsola was active in the Nationalist Party during her youth. Her academic background includes legal studies at the University of Malta, completed in 2003, followed by a diploma in European studies from the College of Europe in Bruges. She participated in various youth political organizations, including the Young European Federalists Malta and the European Democrat Students, eventually serving as the organization's secretary general.
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Following an unsuccessful attempt to secure a seat in the 2004 European Parliament election, Metsola joined the Permanent Representation of Malta to the European Union in Brussels. For eight years, she served as a legal and judicial cooperation attaché. During this period, she contributed to the negotiations regarding the Lisbon Treaty and worked on the establishment of the European Asylum Support Office. She later served briefly as a legal advisor to Catherine Ashton, then the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Legislative Work in Brussels
Metsola entered the European Parliament in 2013 after winning a casual election. As a member of the European People's Party, she served on the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Her legislative portfolio included acting as rapporteur on the European Border and Coastguard Regulation and participating in investigations regarding money laundering and tax evasion. In 2020, she was elected First Vice-President of the European Parliament before ascending to the presidency in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, St. Julian's, Malta
- Education: University of Malta; College of Europe
- Member of European Parliament: 2013-2014, 2014, 2019, 2024
- President of European Parliament: 2022-2027
- First Maltese President of the European Parliament
- Languages: English, Maltese, French
- Award: Order of Merit, 1st class (2022)
Questions readers ask
What is Roberta Metsola's educational background?
She attended St Aloysius' College and graduated in law from the University of Malta in 2003 before obtaining a diploma from the College of Europe.
Which political party does she represent?
She is a member of Malta's Nationalist Party and sits with the European People's Party group in the European Parliament.
Achievements
- Member of the European Parliament (from 2014)
- Member of the European Parliament (2013–2014)
- Member of the European Parliament (from 2019)
- Vice President of the European Parliament (2020–2022)
- Order of Princess Olga, 1st class
- Order of Merit, 1st class — 2022
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas
- Grand Cross of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria — 2024
- Educated at University of Malta and St Aloysius' College
