EP President Roberta Metsola Calls for Unity and Vision in Re-Election Address: A Strong Parliament in a Strong Europe

"Roberta Metsola: Advocating for a Robust Parliament within a Unified Europe" – EP President

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Speech given by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, after her recent re-election.

Dear Colleagues,

Dear Europeans,

With a sense of humility and responsibility, I feel honored by the trust you have placed in me to continue serving as your President. I will work every day to repay this trust in me and in this Parliament.

This building will always be a home for all Europeans. Collectively, we need to advocate for optimistic policies and the vision that is Europe. We must honor the unrealized aspirations of our ancestors.

After two and a half years, I continue to encourage people to rekindle their faith and excitement for our initiative. I want them to believe in creating a space that is safer, more equitable, just, and inclusive. I want them to believe that we are stronger and better together. I want them to believe in a Europe that belongs to everyone.

Europe must be a continent that remembers its history, learns from its past conflicts, and honors those who fought for freedoms we often overlook. This includes those who were displaced, went missing, or bravely faced tanks and bullets to escape the grip of long-standing totalitarian regimes across much of Europe. It’s about acknowledging those who envisioned a better future and dared to pursue it. Europe should be a place that figures like Adenauer, Mitterand, Wałęsa, Fenech Adami, Havel, Veil, Falcone, and Borsellino would take pride in.

Our Europe must be one that respects and celebrates our shared history. There's no place more fitting than here in Strasbourg, at the European Parliament's headquarters, a living symbol of reconciliation, to both remember our past and shape our future.

Our vision for Europe is one that is open and inclusive, where everyone not only feels they belong but also takes an active role in its development.

The growing divide within our communities has resulted in more combative politics and even instances of political violence. Simplistic narratives that split society into opposing groups of "us" versus "them" are prevalent. It's crucial to transcend this all-or-nothing mindset, which marginalizes individuals and alienates many. Such divisive politics fuel resentment and hostility instead of fostering optimism and confidence. We recognize that while these simplistic approaches may seem reassuring, they ultimately fail to provide genuine solutions.

This is the House that represents the contrary. It aims to create instead of demolish. It is unafraid to choose the challenging route. It knows how to speak up for the collective benefit. It opposes autocracy, reinforces the importance of upholding the law, and recognizes the necessity of true equality across Europe.

An equality that doesn't aim to make everyone identical, but rather ensures that each individual has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. It's an equality of chance that acknowledges our diversity. It appreciates the various languages, cultures, and narratives that set us apart as Europeans, viewing these differences as our source of strength.

The power we possess enables us to guarantee that the legislation enacted here benefits individuals in every village, town, city, and island within our Union. We must advocate to ensure that our policies are effective for young people, families, farmers, and the industrial sector.

We have an obligation to make sure that Europe is improved compared to how it was when we inherited it.

We plan to improve Europe by establishing a fresh security and defense structure aimed at ensuring the safety of its citizens and countering the ambitions of nearby authoritarian regimes. This framework will address ongoing hybrid threats, safeguard the continent, uphold our strategic independence, maintain peace, and acknowledge the genuine dangers we confront.

We will improve Europe by enhancing its competitiveness through several key initiatives. This includes strengthening the single market, creating high-quality jobs, finalizing international trade agreements, completing the banking and capital markets union, and setting achievable industrial targets. These actions will help retain businesses within Europe and enable us to invest in our youth, research, education, culture, communities, and global endeavors. A major focus will be on simplification, reducing red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy that drive people and jobs away. The achievements that resonate most with our citizens are those that have made their lives simpler.

We aim to improve Europe by offering effective climate solutions. Europe has a distinguished history, and I believe we can continue to lead globally, reaching our goals in an inclusive way. This approach ensures that sustainable progress aligns with the preservation of our natural surroundings and cultural heritage. We can successfully accomplish both objectives.

Europe will be stronger if we can bolster its social foundations. Providing individuals with hope and dignity is crucial. Ensuring that pensions and salaries align with societal needs is essential. Progress is impossible if young people can't afford to rent, much less purchase, homes. The continent faces an impending housing crisis, and it is imperative that we have the means to tackle it, even at a European scale.

Successfully establishing effective migration and asylum laws will improve Europe. This involves essential border control, a returns policy, and most importantly, a focus on humanity. Such measures should prevent any mother from feeling forced to entrust her child to dangerous trafficking operations. Furthermore, it will help Europe uphold its historic and proud traditions.

Europe can be improved if we take advantage of the possibilities provided by the digital era and Artificial Intelligence. Staying ahead in this field will enable us to benefit while managing the risks of misinformation. Despite having vast information readily available, individuals are experiencing unprecedented levels of loneliness, highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of community within Europe.

Europe cannot be improved if individuals are still restricted from expressing their true selves or loving whomever they choose anywhere on the continent. Progress is hindered if people with disabilities in our Union do not have equal opportunities. Our efforts fall short if we fail to combat discrimination, rising Anti-Semitism, or Islamophobia. If hate and violence continue to dominate our political discussions, we are not succeeding. We must create a Europe where everyone feels welcome and safe, where girls like Coco from Ireland are shielded from their bullies.

Europe cannot be truly improved if countless women continue to feel excluded. Many women in our continent still face abuse, violence, and even death. They are still battling for their rights and continue to earn less than men for identical work. Fear is still a reality for too many women. It is imperative that Europe becomes inclusive for them as well.

We have the opportunity to create the Europe envisioned by Simone Veil and Nicole Fontaine. The Europe that Marie Skłodowska-Curie couldn't fully benefit from. The Europe that Giulia, Pelin, Ana Vanessa, Daphne, and countless other women will never witness. We will achieve this for them, for those who cannot voice their dreams, and for future generations.

I am confident that our collective efforts will improve Europe. I believe that the global community will view this Parliament as a defender of rights, a protector of journalists, a champion of freedom, and a symbol of democracy worldwide.

"Alcide de Gasperi, speaking 70 years ago, emphasized that unity is a consistent theme throughout history. He urged, 'Let's talk, write, and persist tirelessly, ensuring that Europe remains a central topic.' I echo his sentiments, which we must keep in mind during this legislative period."

Dear Friends,

It has become clear that democracy cannot be assumed to be secure. Our experience has shown that many view our European principles as a danger. This label, imposed by authoritarian rulers, is one we will continue to wear with pride.

The ongoing Russian aggression against an independent Ukraine continues to be a priority for us. At the start of the conflict, I traveled to Kyiv on your behalf. This visit reinvigorated our institution, enhancing its visibility and influence. Our organization played a crucial role in drawing political attention to the necessity of supporting Ukraine, and it is our responsibility to ensure that this focus remains as strong as possible.

We will face demands to increase our efforts. We need to be prepared to step out of our comfort zones and take necessary actions.

We take this action because Europe represents freedom. We aim for peace—true peace that includes justice, dignity, and liberty. In Europe, we have the ability to mend divisions that appear insurmountable. This principle should also steer our approach to the Middle East conflict. Amidst the chaos of war, we must persist as the voice advocating for humanity, striving to break the ongoing cycle of violence, support a two-state resolution, achieve lasting peace, and secure the release of current hostages.

This guiding principle compels us as we recognize the sorrowful milestone of 50 years since Cyprus was divided. Our generation must be the one to navigate toward a resolution, following the UN's blueprint. It's time to close this bleak chapter in Europe's history by achieving a sustainable solution that aligns with security council mandates and our European principles.

It is our shared sense of humanity that compels us to support women facing severe danger in Afghanistan; to stand with the girls and students protesting in Iran; to stand by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the unjustly imprisoned, and the advocates for a free and democratic Belarus; to support the courageous Yazidi girls who continue their struggle; to stand with Yulia Navalnaya who remains resolute; and to support all those globally who continue to resist despite the tear gas, proudly waving our European flag.

This is how Europe is perceived worldwide. This Parliament represents that image globally, and we all take great pride in serving here.

Parliamentary diplomacy will play a crucial role as we uphold multilateralism and get ready to expand the European Union. People in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and the Western Balkans, who have faced prolonged stagnation, are looking to us. We need to be prepared to offer support as they pursue their individual journeys based on merit and adherence to essential standards.

We need to prepare ourselves for this evolving world and the changing circumstances it brings. By standing united, we will be prepared.

Team Members,

To reaffirm our dedication to Europe, we should, as advised by the renowned European Saint from Krakow, Karol Wojtyła, "have no fear." We must not fear confronting dictators. We must not fear fulfilling our commitments. We must not fear defending Europe. We must not fear continuing to develop a Union that benefits everyone.

In 2016, Jonathan Sacks expressed that achieving a politics centered on hope is possible. However, to realize this vision, society must focus on reinforcing the bonds within families and communities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility, and promoting an economy that benefits everyone. He emphasized that this objective transcends traditional party politics and is crucial for preserving the hard-won freedom we all cherish. Sacks called for the creation of an inspiring and inclusive narrative of hope, urging immediate action.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have the power to reclaim the story of our remarkable Union. We have the ability to motivate future generations of Europeans.

Because Europe represents optimism.

Europe embodies a set of beliefs

Europe includes everyone.

Europe continues to be the solution.

Long live Europe.

Contact Persons:

Jüri LAAS

Antti TIMONEN

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