Almost all euro-deputies and leaders of European political parties gathered for his almost half-an-hour speech.

Buzek reminded that being elected for the President of the European Parliament with majority for votes was a huge honour for him, but unfortunately nothing lasts forever.

Quoting Jean Jascues Rosseau he reminded that the great civilizations of the world, Rome, Sparta, collapsed and that preventing the EU from sharing the fate of those states requires every-day struggle to secure the common future.

“I did everything in order not to disappoint your trust. I knew that I could count on you, no matter what our views were,” Jerzy Buzek said.

He also added that his term as President coincided with an exceptionally difficult time for Europe: introduction of the Lisbon treaty, the crisis, the incredibly rapid globalization and substantial decision s for the future fo the EU. 

Speaking of ‘crisis reaction' he said that “On your behalf, I have often stressed the need to complete the internal market and to boost growth and competitiveness.”

“I understand that you may be disappointed. But Europe, in many respects, is the best place in the world. It is in our European diversity, creativity, and openness that you can best satisfy your aspirations and passions. Log in to our common European space, it is your Space.

And please do not let yourself be persuaded that there is a contradiction between being a good Pole and a good European, a good British citizen and a European citizen, a good Spaniard and at the same time a good European. This alternative is absolutely a false one. Europe allows you to discover the magic of the word "and": being a good citizen of your town, region, country - and your continent,” Jerzy Buzek continued.

Buzek finished his speech in an optimistic tone: “I have never had doubts about a common Europe.”

Jerzy Buzek concluded his speech in Polish saying: "I am a Pole and a European". And that is why I believe that unity is our destiny. Let us never take our European integration for granted. We have to cultivate it every single day.”

His speech ended with a long standing ovation.

Buzek will be handing over reins to German Socialist Martin Schulz.

Read the full text of Buzek's valedictory speech.

See End of term review: special video on Jerzy Buzek's Facebook page.

BS