Opening the commemorative ceremony, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola hailed the Good Friday agreement (GFA) as one “which has instilled harmony between people”, adding that there were few examples in history of a “peoples’ peace agreement”. People’s lives in Ireland have been transformed thanks to the agreement, President Metsola said, adding that throughout the years preceding 1998, the European Parliament had provided a platform for the dialogue that led to peace.

European Council President Charles Michel celebrated the Belfast Good Friday Agreement as a “remarkable achievement” steered by visionary leaders who did not fear compromise. It echoed the Treaty of Rome in 1957, he said, citing how the tragedy of World War II inspired Europeans to build a unifying spirit and to draw borders that do not divide. He added that the two historical events are couched in the same ideal – making the most of the richness of diversity.

“25 years ago, the…