Brussels (Brussels Morning) – President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola emphasized the EU’s security and social equality. She highlighted new partnerships with Ukraine and advocated for EU enlargement. She stressed the need for a robust common security policy and deepened the Single Market to enhance Europe’s global standing and economic resilience.
“Competitiveness, security & defence, and social equality are clear electoral messages for the EU’s programme”, stated EP President Roberta Metsola to the European Council.
Why does Metsola emphasize EU enlargement talks with Ukraine and Moldova?
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola highlighted that The European Parliament accommodates the new security partnership pact between Ukraine and the European Union. She contended that the presence of President Zelenskyy here to observe the occasion is of important symbolic value and bears proof of mutual dedication to common security and shared destiny.
Also regarding the Enlargement of the EU, she expresses, “The step taken to begin formal EU membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova this month is significant. The European Parliament has been a strong advocate for the launch of EU accession negotiations. Getting our Union ready for enlargement must remain a top priority in our next institutional cycle.”
What is Metsola’s stance on defending European values?
Metsola emphasized the importance of robustly defending European values and maintaining security as a top priority. She highlighted the necessity of continuing support for Ukraine and increasing Europe’s ability to respond to crises and achieve strategic autonomy.Â
Metsola pointed out the pressing need to develop a comprehensive common security and defence policy. She mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities, decrease duplications, and reduce fragmentation in the defence industries, stating that establishing a strong defence industrial base is the next logical step.
How does Metsola stress the importance of European competitiveness?
Metsola underscored the crucial importance of European competitiveness both economically and politically, emphasizing the need to strengthen Europe’s global position. She highlighted the EU’s commitment to promoting open, balanced, and fair trade based on international rules and expanding the network of trade agreements with partner countries by advancing pending agreements.Â
Metsola stressed that enhancing competitiveness also involves deepening the Single Market. She emphasized that increasing productivity and accelerating investments in Europe’s industrial capabilities are essential steps to reduce strategic dependencies and foster sustainable economic growth. Metsola identified the Single Market as the primary driver of Europe’s economy.
How does Metsola propose financing economic growth in the EU?
She highlighted financing growth, “If we are to grow our economies and pay back our debts, we have to get serious about finding creative ways to fuel both public and private investment.”
“The increase of the ceilings in a mid-term modification of the EU’s current long-term budget was an essential step in the right direction. As we prepare for the next MFF, we need to provide a budget that is fit for purpose.”
“We need to complete our Banking and Capital Markets Unions, if we are earnest about mobilising private capital to invest in our preferences, and to incentivise our companies to stay in Europe. This is how we support economic growth and develop new quality jobs and futures with dignity.”
