Roberta Metsola, a prominent Maltese politician, has been reelected as the president of the European Parliament, a position she will hold for another 2 1/2 years. Metsola, a member of Malta’s Nationalist Party (PN) and the European People’s Party (EPP), secured a significant victory with 562 out of 699 votes on Tuesday.
Metsola first assumed the presidency in January 2022, following the passing of her predecessor, and was previously the First Vice-President from November 2020. Her presidency is marked by a commitment to representing the parliament in all legal and international matters.
A staunch advocate for balanced regulation, Metsola has consistently supported the integration of crypto and blockchain technologies within the EU framework. In 2018, she called for appropriate regulations that would not stifle innovation in these emerging fields. Her efforts contributed to the formulation of the European People’s Party’s position on blockchain strategy within the Committee of Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
Under her leadership, the EU’s comprehensive crypto regulations, known as the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA), became law. While the stablecoin rules from this package have recently taken effect, the remaining regulations are expected to be fully implemented by the end of the year. Despite her influence, some suggest that her direct impact on policy may be limited.
pictures taken from Roberta Metsola’s facebook
Born on January 18, 1979, Metsola’s political journey began when she was elected as an MEP in 2013. She is notable for being the youngest president of the European Parliament, the first Maltese individual to hold this office, and the first female president since 2002.
Metsola hails from a well-known family in Swieqi, near St. Julian’s, Malta. She grew up in Gżira with her parents and two sisters. Her educational background includes studying at St. Joseph School in Sliema, attending St. Aloysius’ College for sixth form, earning a law degree from the University of Malta in 2003, and obtaining a diploma in European studies from the College of Europe in Bruges in 2004.
In her early political career, Metsola was elected as one of the vice-presidents of the Youth Convention on the Future of Europe at age 23. She actively campaigned for Malta’s EU membership in the 2003 referendum and later joined the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU in Brussels. Her extensive experience includes participating in the negotiations of the Lisbon Treaty and contributing to the establishment of the European Asylum Support Office in Malta.
Roberta Metsola’s reelection as the president of the European Parliament signals a continued emphasis on progressive crypto policies and strong leadership within the EU.
Disclaimer
The information provided on 13Desk is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly recommend conducting your own research and consulting with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Investing in cryptocurrencies carries risks, and you should only invest what you can afford to lose. 13Desk is not responsible for any financial losses incurred from your investment activities.
