European Parliament President Roberta Metsola called on EU leaders to consider new sources of funding to address the growing crises, stressing that “new money” will be required to service existing debt, upon her arrival on Friday at the Informal Summit of EU Heads of State in Nicosia.
Ms Metsola said the European Parliament would adopt its position on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) next week and was ready to enter into negotiations with member states, while calling on leaders to “take a fresh look at the resources themselves.” She warned that the current EU budget was not sufficient to address the range of challenges facing the Union.
Regarding Ukraine, he welcomed the approval of a €90 billion loan, the latest and 20th package of sanctions, as well as the broader measures taken by the EU, noting that they provide both financial support and political momentum. He also welcomed the prolonged ceasefire in Iran.
"Ukraine needs economic assistance and it needs momentum, and Europe provides both," he said.
Ms. Metsola presented three key priorities that she will put before the leaders, starting with the "One Europe - One Market" roadmap, which, as she said, will contribute to meeting citizens' expectations through faster and more effective decision-making, reducing fragmentation in the single market.
In the energy sector, he acknowledged the existing measures to provide relief to citizens, but stressed the need to go beyond temporary solutions. He called for investment in energy networks and infrastructure, ensuring supply adequacy and adopting a more strategic approach to achieving Europe's long-term autonomy.
"Now is the time to ensure the strategic autonomy we have been discussing for decades," he noted.
Referring to the general geopolitical situation in the Middle East, Ms. Metsola stressed the need for security and stability, stressing that European citizens “should not bear the cost” of a crisis they did not create. She called on Member States to respond to their national circumstances, while ensuring a unified message of protection and trust.
As he said, citizens need the message of security, stability, calm and the certainty that they will be protected.
Source: KYPE
