The triptych of energy security, the integration of the European market and the modernisation of the EU’s financial instruments was the central theme of the speech of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, at the Informal Summit of Heads of State and Government in Nicosia.
Economic stability and Ukraine
Mrs. Metsola began her intervention by referring to the latest developments on the Ukraine front, welcoming the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. She also referred to the disbursement of the €90 billion loan to Kiev, stressing that this decision, which had already been approved by the European Parliament two months ago, demonstrates the Union’s ability to manage simultaneous crises.
On the Middle East, 17 days after a ceasefire was reached, the President noted that the situation remained fragile, but that conditions for dialogue were emerging. In this context, she praised the role of the Cyprus Presidency and President Nicos Christodoulides, describing Cyprus as a “beacon” and “bridge” of Europe to the region. Metsola made a special reference to the need to protect the rights of the Iranian people and the freedom of dissidents, while she called for the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, proposing the activation of Article 42(7) as part of the European defence strategy.
Energy Policy and Networks
On the economic and energy front, the President of the European Parliament supported the need for temporary and targeted relief for citizens and businesses from energy prices. She pointed out that the established rules on gas storage have stabilised markets, while diversification of the energy mix is already paying off in member states that have invested in renewable and nuclear energy.
Mrs. Metsola announced that Parliament is progressing work on the “grid package”, which aims to modernise energy infrastructure to support decentralised forms of energy, with a view to completing the legislative process in the second half of the year. At the same time, he expressed the House’s support for the Commission’s initiative on small and advanced modular reactors (SMRs).
Single Market and Institutional Role
As regards the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap, the President of the European Parliament stressed that political commitments must now be translated into action. She underlined that the Parliament would fully exercise its supervisory and democratic role, noting that the 720 MEPs would not act as a mechanism for formal ratification of decisions.
He called on the Commission and the Council to submit well-founded proposals in a timely manner so as not to put pressure on the legislative process. According to Metsola, the priorities of the House focus on removing national barriers, digitisation, housing and strengthening the social dimension of the single market, with a view to delivering tangible results for citizens.
Multiannual Financial Framework
In conclusion, Ms. Metsola referred to the negotiations on the next long-term EU budget. She informed the leaders that the Budgets Committee has already approved the Parliament’s negotiating position, which is expected to be voted on in plenary next week.
The President supported the need for a budget that emphasizes competitiveness and defense while remaining open to the introduction of new own resources. He warned that the current budget has reached its limits and stressed that the repayment of the NextGenerationEU should not burden future generations or limit the ambitions of the Union. “Europe cannot enter a new era with tools of the past,” concluded Metsola, calling for a modern and efficient financial framework.
