Welcome home, Pina Picierno

On behalf of the Young Democrats for Europe, the youth organisation of the European Democratic Party, and in my capacity as Vice President, Spokesperson and Italian coordinator, I would like to extend our warmest welcome and heartfelt congratulations to Pina Picierno as she joins the European Democratic family.
For us, this is not simply a political affiliation. It is a homecoming.
A homecoming for one of the strongest, most courageous and most genuinely European voices of our generation.
The words with which the Vicepresident of the European Parliament explained her choice capture the challenge facing reformists today:
“Reformism was not born to preserve a community. It was born to confront reality, especially when reality appears in new, uncomfortable and even unsettling forms.”
This is our challenge too.
We are living through a defining moment for Europe. War has returned to our continent. Authoritarian regimes challenge freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Artificial intelligence and technological transformation are reshaping work, production and the very structure of our societies.
At times like these, reformism cannot simply defend what already exists. It must dare to imagine what does not yet exist.
For us, as young Europeans, the dream of Ventotene is not a memory. It is a mission.
Today, that dream lives not only in Brussels, Strasbourg or Luxembourg. It also lives in Kyiv.
It lives in the courage of the Ukrainian people who continue to fight for freedom, democracy and the European values that unite us. It lives in all those who believe that Europe is more than a market, more than institutions, more than treaties. Europe is a shared destiny built on peace, freedom and human dignity.
As Young European Democrats, we believe in a Europe that is a true common home for all its citizens. A Europe where young people can build their future through merit, inclusion and opportunity. A Europe that invests in knowledge, innovation, research and productivity. A Europe capable of turning the green transition into growth, competitiveness and prosperity.
We are proud that Pina Picierno has chosen to bring her commitment and leadership to the most pro-European political family in the European Parliament. A political family
that has consistently stood for European integration, federalism, support for Ukraine, the rule of law and the defence of liberal democracy.
We also want to express our full solidarity with Pina following the unacceptable personal and political attacks she has faced in recent days. Her support for the European Jewish community and for Israel’s right to exist and live in security has never meant uncritical support for the actions of the current Israeli government. On the contrary, it reflects a principled commitment to democratic values, human rights and peace.
Likewise, we share her call for Europe to take a stronger diplomatic and political role in protecting Palestinian civilians and advancing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Throughout her political career, Pina Picierno has shown courage, independence and consistency. These are qualities Europe desperately needs today.
That is why we are proud to say: welcome home, Pina.
We look forward to working alongside her, both in Europe and in Italy, to build a stronger, fairer and more united Europe. An Europe that is not afraid to defend its values and its place in the world.
The European dream has always moved forward thanks to those who had the courage to believe in it.
Pina Picierno is one of them.
Matteo Brizzi Vice President and Spokesperson, Young European Democrats