Winzig, Metsola, Weber: Standing together for peace in Europe and the world

Strasbourg. "This year we have again shown that we in the European Parliament stand up for peace in Europe and the world. Especially in view of the Russian war in Ukraine, this is more important than ever," says Austrian Peoples’ Party delegation leader Angelika Winzig, who was the host for handing over the Peace Light from Bethlehem to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Monday. The Peace Light was accepted by the First Vice-President Othmar Karas on behalf of the European Parliament.

In view of the Russian war in Ukraine, the message of the Peace Light is more important than ever.

"We were able to come together in a very solemn ceremony as an important sign of solidarity and cohesion in our current times marked by uncertainty. Thanks to the students from my home region of Upper Austria, who brought a wonderful Christmas spirit into the European Parliament through their exceptional musical performance", Winzig continues.

The European Parliament welcomes this Light of Peace as a symbol of hope.

The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola says: "The European Parliament welcomes this Light of Peace as a symbol of hope. This flame reminds us of our vocation to serve as a model but also as an instrument of peace around the world."

Russia has brought war back to Europe. The Peace Light from Bethlehem therefore has special meaning this year.

"Russia has brought war back to Europe. The Peace Light from Bethlehem therefore has special meaning this year. I thank Angelika Winzig and the students involved for this sign of cohesion, which has become a lovely tradition in our Parliament", EPP Group Chairman Manfred Weber also underlines the importance of the Peace Light.

The pictures of the handover of the Peace Light from MEP Angelika Winzig to the First Vice-President of the European Parliament Othmar Karas and to the EPP Group Leader Manfred Weber can be found here: https://bit.ly/3VRxcdH

The picture of Angelika Winzig handing over the Peace Light to the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola can be found here at the bottom of the right column.