I am pleased to welcome authoritative representatives of an industry that is strategic for the European economy and culture. You are at the heart of a key sector as cultural and creative industries account for 9% of GDP and 12 million jobs at the EU level.

“On Sunday, I participated in the commemoration of the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Foibe Massacres, laying a wreath at the edge of the Basovizza Foiba in Trieste, Italy. It is a solemn commemoration instituted by Italian state law in 2004.”

I would like to begin by broaching an issue that brings us great sadness: the situation in Venezuela. As you know last week, on occasion of the massive marches against the regime, the President of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, proclaimed himself ad-interim President based on the Venezuelan constitution. (Read more)

Today we honour Holocaust Remembrance Day and commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. Today we renew our commitment to keeping memory alive and to fight relentlessly every possible form of hatred, discrimination and anti-Semitism. For the first time, Holocaust Remembrance Day takes place in the European Parliament chamber, during the plenary session.

"In light of the dramatic protests taking place in Venezuela, it is clear that the Venezuelan people are fed up with the illegitimate regime of Maduro, that did not win the presidency in free and fair elections and clings to power while imprisoning the opposition," declared the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani.