European Parliament renames Brussels building after David Sassoli

The European Parliament has officially renamed one of its Brussels buildings in honor of former President David Sassoli. A memorial ceremony was held on September 29 at the Esplanade Solidarność 1980, featuring a commemorative plaque unveiling and speeches from key officials.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opened the ceremony, highlighting Sassoli’s commitment to turning principles into concrete actions, such as providing refuge for women in Brussels during the pandemic. Italian President Sergio Mattarella, through Ambassador Vincenzo Celeste, also honored Sassoli, noting his leadership during the complex challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to keep the Parliament operational through digital technology.

David Sassoli, an Italian journalist and politician, served as President of the European Parliament from July 2019 until his death in January 2022. The decision to name the building after him was made by the Parliament’s Bureau to honor his legacy and his belief that the European Union is not an ‘accident of history’ but a deliberate construction to counter nationalism.