On the second anniversary of David Sassoli’s untimely departure, the Group of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are organising a two-day visit to Rome to commemorate Sassoli’s legacy.

The programme officially kicks off on Thursday, 11 January with a press conference scheduled at 11.30 at the Headquarters of the PD Party in Nazareno featuring our president Iratxe García Pérez, the PD leader, Elly Schlein, and the head of the Italian delegation, Brando Benifei. A Bureau and Heads of Delegation meeting is also foreseen later in the day.

On Friday, 12 January the event titled ‘David Sassoli’s Legacy: A Journey Towards a New Europe’ will take place from 09.00 to 13.00 at the Protomoteca hall in Campidoglio, the City Council of Rome. The event will be live-streamed in Italian on our website www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu. Please click here to see the full programme and guests.  

S&D Group leader, Iratxe García Pérez, said:

“President Sassoli left a profound imprint on the European Parliament, which he led during the very difficult and unprecedented times of the pandemic. But, more importantly, our friend Sassoli is greatly missed for his humanity and kindness. 

“As European Social Democrats we will keep working for the values he defended: freedom, cohesion, justice and solidarity. His fight to protect the most vulnerable ones in society is our guide, as well as his capacity to dialogue and build consensus.”

The head of the Italian delegation, Brando Benifei, commented:

“Honouring the memory of David Sassoli, two years after his premature passing, should not merely be a commemoration of his extraordinary work and unwavering commitment to social justice, freedom of speech, and a stronger, fairer European Union closer to the hearts and needs of its citizens, it must also serve as a demonstration of our commitment to continue his work, drawing inspiration from his example. This is Sassoli’s legacy: a journey towards a new Europe.

“We are gathering in Rome on Friday to honour a man we sorely miss: a colleague, friend, and the former president of the European Parliament. Our president.”