Speaking to the European leaders, President Roberta Metsola reiterated the European Parliament’s unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasising the need for a coordinated European approach to ensure the integrity of the Schengen Area. As it has been almost 1,000 days of aggression against Ukraine, the EU must continue to stand with Ukraine and reinforce its efforts for peace—peace that is rooted in freedom, anchored in dignity, and built on justice, not capitulation, stated Metsola.
“A peace that protects our values. Anything less than that is no real peace at all,” the EP President added.
EP President said that when discussing Ukraine’s future and how this war will end, it must be clear that only a strong, sovereign Ukraine can achieve it. Metsola expressed Parliament’s firm belief that nothing about Ukraine should happen without Ukraine’s involvement. Next week, the Parliament will vote on an exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance loan of up to 35 billion Euros to support Ukraine.
“Politically and technically, we are proud to have done our work,” emphasised President Metsola.
EP President highlighted that in light of the recent escalation in Lebanon, which now involves the United Nations Interim Forces, it is more critical than ever to find a sustainable solution urgently. Europe has a role to play, and we must not falter.
“The European Parliament’s position is clear. Our calls for the immediate release of the remaining hostages will remain steadfast. Our calls for a ceasefire will remain resolute. Our efforts towards de-escalation will remain strong. And our work for a real, dignified, sustainable, long-term peace in the region, based on two States that give real perspective to Palestinians and security to Israel, will remain unwavering,” stressed President Metsola.
Moreover, Metsola highlighted that the EU and its member states cannot ignore the ripple effects of instability. Events in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and other regions near the EU borders have consequences for Europe. This is especially evident in the area of migration.
“The EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which we adopted earlier this year after a decade of political impasse, offers a pathway forward. But it will not work if we undermine what we have built together in moments of pressure. That is why it is important that we scale-up efforts to swiftly implement the Pact,” said EP President.
Metsola noted that the Pact is designed to protect the EU borders while being fair to those eligible for protection, firm with those not eligible who must be safely returned, and harsh against trafficking networks, including malign states like Russia and Belarus that exploit the vulnerable and weaponise migration.
“The nature of these hybrid threats [coming from Russia and Belarus] require us to think outside the box. We must respond to those actors who seek to abuse the systems we built for the betterment of man against the very humanity they are meant to protect. And we can do so within the parameters of our values and legal frameworks,” emphasised President Metsola.
“The key here is cooperation,” highlighted EP President.
The real solution is a broad, holistic, and sustainable European one. Only a coordinated European approach can ensure the integrity of the Schengen Area.
