In her acceptance speech, the 46-year-old Maltese politician called the phrase – made famous by Pope John Paul II – “the spirit of hope Europe needs today”.
She warned that leaders face “a world too often in flames” after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the current Middle-East conflict.
“Nobody was ready for 24 February 2022,” she said. “Ukraine’s fight against brutal tyranny is our fight.”
On Gaza and Iran, she urged de-escalation, a ceasefire, the release of hostages and “security for Israel alongside a future for Palestine”.
The doctorate citation praised Metsola as an advocate of EU unity. She said Poland’s transformation since joining the bloc showed how “Europe can change lives,” but cautioned that many citizens feel ignored.
“We must prove Europe keeps its promises every day,” she said.
Metsola backed deeper defense spending – Poland has pushed NATO allies toward a 5 %-of-GDP goal – and argued Europe must cut red tape, attract investment and train skilled workers to keep technological leadership.
“Europe’s real strength is what we know,” she told students. “You are educating the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.”
Łódź University of Technology, marking its 80th year, is the first Polish institution to honor Metsola. She previously received honorary doctorates from Lisbon and Kyiv universities.
(jh)
Source: PAP