By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 22: The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, extended his congratulations to Ms. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on their recent re-elections on Monday.
In his congratulatory message, the Dalai Lama expressed his admiration for the European Union, noting its role in preserving peace among its members and in the region for over six decades. “In the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation that followed World War II, the European Union has seen the common good as more important than the local interests of individual countries. This demonstrates a sense of wisdom and maturity in a world that has become increasingly interdependent and challenging,” he wrote.
The octogenarian leader also wished both leaders success in ensuring that the European Union remains a strong model for others to follow.
Roberta Metsola has been re-elected as President of the European Parliament. First elected in January 2022, the Maltese politician from the European People’s Party (EPP) will stay in the role for another 2.5 years. She secured the position with the support of a majority of the 720 newly elected members of the European Parliament, receiving 562 votes in her favour.
Meanwhile, German conservative politician Ursula von der Leyen has secured a second term as President of the European Commission. She won the secret ballot of the newly elected European Parliament with 401 votes in favour, comfortably surpassing the required majority of 360 votes.
One Response
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a great admirer of the European Union EU for the reason that the spirit of the EU is very much same as His Holiness’ often expression of oneness of humanity encouraging other organizations to follow. EU has practically called to its member stats that if PRC do not come forward for a meaningful resolution to the political issue of Tibet, the EU members states should move to recognize the Exile Tibetan Govt. under the leadership of His Holiness. Though meaningful resolution hasn’t been found, so far nine rounds of dialogue resulted from September 2012 to October 2002 and EU did invite His Holiness to address the EU Parliament and Commission.