EP President Metsola to EU leaders: “Peace may be difficult, but it is not impossible” 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

Speaking to EU leaders, Parliament President Metsola said that in a volatile world, Europe must do more for its security.

On the Middle East, President Metsola said: “What we are witnessing between Israel and Iran, and its potential spill over effects, is a litmus test for us all. The recent ceasefire deal marks a hopeful step forward.” She also stressed that: “Iran cannot acquire a nuclear bomb. That is a threat not just to the region, but to the world.” With regards to Gaza, she said that work for a ceasefire must continue, calling “for the immediate release of all hostages, an end to the terror, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it. Peace may be difficult, but it is not impossible.”

On Ukraine, she underlined that the EU’s support must remain strong, including support for Ukraine’s future membership: “Ukraine and Moldova have already met the conditions to open the initial set of negotiations – the so-called ‘fundamentals’ cluster. The ball is now in our court. We need to maintain momentum.” On defence, the President referred to NATO’s agreement of upping defence spending targets to 5% and emphasised the that the European Parliament is doing its part by having acted fast on the Common Procurement Act and the Act in Support of Ammunition Production. “The same sense of urgency is what will continue to guide us as we look to finalise the recent Defence Omnibus package by the end of the year. Our processes are reformed and fast,” she said.

On simplification, she stressed that Europe must deliver and here too, the European Parliament is moving fast having adopted the ‘Stop-the-clock’ mechanism and suspended penalties on the automotive sector. “Processes that used to take 9 months, now can take just a few hours.” But she also warned that “If Europe is to be faster, smarter, and more SME-friendly, we need to go beyond cosmetic changes.”

On maternity rights, the President informed EU leaders that the European Parliament will table a targeted, narrow and surgical amendment to the EU Electoral Act to allow Members of European Parliament who are pregnant or who have just given birth to delegate their vote. She encouraged EU leaders to support this saying: “No democracy should ever penalise elected representatives for choosing to start a family. Representation should never come at the cost of parenthood.