World Leaders Forum: Antonio Tajani

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“This university is a symbol of the unity between Europe and the United States of America,” said Antonio Tajani, president of the European Parliament.

This unity is reflected by a shared belief in the importance of human rights, freedom of the press, and multilaterals, he said, adding that it is further true because universities represent young people and the future that they alone will shape.

Tajani was speaking at Columbia’s Italian Academy on February 28 in a World Leaders Forum event. In remarks on how the United States and Europe can defend their shared values, Tajani emphasized the need to invest in projects that promoted global freedom.

In introductory remarks, Columbia President Lee Bollinger spoke of Tajani’s long career in public service and politics—from military service in the Italian Air Force and the NATO Air Defense Ground Environment to his 20 years experience as a journalist before his initial election, in 1994, to the European Parlament.

“Columbia is very proud of its relationship with Europe… today’s talk is just one such example,” said Bollinger, welcoming Tajani to the podium.

Tajani discussed the values he fought for in the military and the pride he took in the freedom of press. He emphasized that these shared ideas are what connect the United States and Europe and create the necessary environment for freedom and industry to advance. At the same time, he said, while growth and money can be important, they are nothing without a perspective that give them meaning.

In this increasingly international community, Tajani underscored the United States’ and Europe’s long shared history of promoting freedom throughout the world. Making specific references to Venezuela, Israel, Palestine, India, and Pakistan, he extolled the need for European and American governments to continue to work together to ensure peace for all people.

He evoked the EU and U.S. bonds by recalling and thanking American soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives in World War I and II.

Tajani also alluded to the Bretton Wood Institutions and the importance of the liberal world order established after World War II.

He finished his formal speech in italian, quipping that more young people are now studying the language than French.

Opening the floor up for questions, Tajani addressed Chinese engagement in Africa, suggesting that China may want to do business, but Europeans and Americans are more interested in stopping terrorism and promoting stability across the continent. Considering the rise of right-wing populist parties in Europe, he observed that the European Union is still full of many diverse opinions and perspectives, and that all countries need to be brought into the concert of the decision-making process. Finally, he noted, while

U.S. and Europe may not see eye to eye on everything—citing the death penalty as one example—they are ultimately more similar than divergent.

“We are much more than friends,” he concluded. “We are brothers.”

— Alexandra Feldhausen MIA ’19

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