Humboldt Speech on Europe by the President of the Republic of Malta
"In a time where our values and ideals are threatened by war and turmoil, populism, the resurgence of extremist political ideals or competing values, we must continue to believe in, and to strive towards, a stronger European Union."
On 25 January 2024, the Walter Hallstein Institute welcomed the Maltese President George Vella. In the newly refurbished Senate Hall, he spoke on the topic of "Reflections on the present world order". As the end of his presidency is only a few weeks away, Vella used the speech to openly express his views on the current political situation. After a brief anecdote about the hope for the realisation of democracy and human rights that he and everyone else had after the end of the Cold War, he described the multiple crises the world is currently facing - a situation that makes it difficult to feel hopeful. The President went on to outline the role that Malta plays and can continue to play in finding solutions to the aforementioned crises. Mr Vella concluded by apologising to the younger generation for inheriting a world in this state and appealed to them not to give up but to rise to the challenges.
Following the critical Q&A session, Mr Vella and his wife Miriam Vella stayed for the reception. The students present particularly enjoyed the opportunity to enter into a dialogue with them.