In his farewell address, he spoke of the great challenges the EU and EP faced during his two-and-a-half years at the helm, reminding everyone how unprepared the EU proved to be for the challenges it has been facing: "We have not prepared our Community for difficult and more challenging times.
Savā atvadu uzrunā deputātiem Eiropas Parlamenta priekšsēdētājs runāja par pēdējo divarpus gadu lielākajiem izaicinājumiem Eiropas Savienībai un Eiropas Parlamentam, atgādinot visiem, cik nesagatavota ES izrādījās, saskaroties ar problēmām: „Mēs neesam sagatavojuši mūsu Kopienu grūtākiem laikiem.