Hon. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, together with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, have confirmed their participation at SiGMA Central Europe, scheduled to take place in Rome from November 03 – 06.
President Metsola will deliver an opening keynote to launch SiGMA’s inaugural event on 04 November, followed by an address from the Hon. Tajani and SiGMA Founder Eman Pulis.
This landmark gathering, taking place for the first time in the historically resonant city of Rome, connects some of the most influential and decisive voices in government, policy, and public sector engagement. Across four stages, prominent voices joining the conference also include that of Hon. Federico Freni, Undersecretary of State, Ministry for Economy and Finance, Italy.
H.E. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
Roberta Metsola was elected President of the European Parliament in January 2022, becoming the youngest person ever to occupy this role. In July 2024, she was re-elected for another term, as the second person and the first woman to serve as President for two terms.
President Metsola has been very vocal and firm in Europe’s support for Ukraine, following Russia’s brutal invasion. On 1 April 2022, she became the first President of an institution of the European Union to visit Ukraine since the start of the war. As President, she has led reforms towards a Parliament that is more modern, efficient and accountable.
She was first elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2013. Prior, President Metsola served within the Permanent Representation of Malta to the European Union and later as the legal advisor to the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. In her student years, she campaigned actively for Malta’s European Union membership.
Professionally, she is a lawyer who has specialised in European law and politics. Born in 1979, Roberta Metsola is married to Ukko Metsola and is the mother of four boys.
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani
A professional journalist since 1980, he has worked as a parliamentary reporter, anchor for GR1 Rai, and head of the Rome newsroom of Il Giornale.
Co-founder of Forza Italia, he served as its Vice President from 2018 to 2023 and as National Coordinator from 2021 to 2024. On February 24, 2024, he was unanimously elected National Secretary of Forza Italia. Since 2002, he has been Vice President of the European People’s Party.
In 1994, he was elected to the European Parliament for the first time. He was appointed European Commissioner for Transport in 2008, and later Vice President and European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship in 2010. On January 17, 2017, he was elected President of the European Parliament.
From 2019 to 2022, he served as Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and of the Conference of Committee Chairs of the European Parliament.
Since October 22, 2022, he has been Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
About SiGMA Central Europe 2025
SiGMA Central Europe will take place for the first time this November 03 – 06. Strategically set in Italy’s historic capital, a three-day feast of networking, expo, and conference takes place at the Fiera Roma – a 100,00 sqm venue in the heart of the eternal city. Don’t miss an expertly crafted conference taking place across four main stages, over 550 speakers, 1,700 exhibitors and sponsors – delivering high-value discussion across eight densely-packed halls.
On the networking side, highlights include two prestigious award ceremonies for the B2B and B2C crowd, and a special Hall of Game recognition category for outstanding change-makers. A private concert by world-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo and celebrated South African soprano Pretty Yende adds a touch of glamour to the agenda.
Expecting 30,000 delegates from more than 150 countries, this edition promises to be SiGMA’s largest to date.
