At an informal meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, addressed several key issues facing the European Union.
On the topic of simplifying EU policies and regulations, Metsola emphasized the Parliament’s commitment to making life easier for citizens and businesses. She said, “Making things easier is what the European Parliament is all about. We are committed to make life better, fairer and easier for the industry, for families, for farmers. At a time when too often the world feels like it is on fire, we want to make sure Europe remains the best and safest place to be.” She noted that a new Framework Agreement between Parliament and the Commission had been signed recently to support this simplification agenda. Metsola also pointed out that upcoming votes would address revisions to major directives such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and other legislative packages aimed at reducing complexity.
Discussing defense policy, Metsola highlighted cooperation among EU member states. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. What we need is to pool our resources, our funding, and our know-how. And the European Parliament gets that. We are now ready to reach an agreement on EDIP – the European Defence Industry Programme – at the next trilogue on 7 October, which we hope will be the last one,” she said.
Regarding Ukraine and military technology developments in its conflict with Russia, Metsola recounted her recent visit to Kyiv: “I was in Kyiv to reaffirm the European Parliament’s steadfast support for the Verkhovna Rada and the Ukrainian people. You could see how drones have really become a primary weapon of war. President Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine is ready – they have field experience and the industrial capacities to produce even more. What they lack however, is financing. What was once covert is now overt – and here, we can really count on Ukraine’s expertise.”
On energy policy related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Metsola stated that ending purchases of Russian gas remains a priority for weakening Russia’s war capabilities: “The European Parliament has taken a clear stance: ending the purchase of Russian gas and energy strikes at the very core of Russia’s war machine – and we stand by that. Naturally, phasing out our dependencies must be accompanied by a clear plan.”
Turning attention to Middle East developments, she welcomed efforts toward peace in Gaza: “The plan to end the Gaza conflict put forward by the President of the United States, and endorsed by Gulf and Arab States, is an important breakthrough. It offers a real framework towards peace, stability and reconstruction in Gaza.” She added that if Hamas accepts this plan it could lead not only to an end of violence but also greater regional stability.
Finally addressing migration issues within Europe’s borders,Metsola outlined progress on migration regulation reform: “When it comes to establishing an EU list of Safe Countries of Origin and revising the Safe Third Country Concept,we hope to conclude them by end year.The new Returns Regulation by early next year.Thinks are moving.”
President Metsola’s full speech can be accessed online.
