At the European Council meeting on December 18, 2025, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola addressed the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. She highlighted recent progress toward ending the war in Ukraine and stressed that continued support for Ukraine remains crucial.
Metsola stated, “The European Union is, by its very nature, a project for peace, and every genuine effort to spread peace should always – always – be welcomed. We’ve made real progress over the past weeks to end the war in Ukraine. This is the closest we’ve been to securing a peace deal, and we need to maintain the momentum.”
She emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires dignity, justice, freedom, and strong security guarantees for Ukraine. Metsola said, “We know, from experience, that for peace to be real and lasting, it must come with dignity, justice and freedom. That means strong security guarantees and respect for the principle of ‘Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine’. Those are the premise of any credible deal.”
Addressing Russia’s role in ongoing tensions, she added: “We cannot afford to show any signs of fragility or division. Russia needs to feel the pressure to come to the negotiating table – and it needs to see that it is impossible to drive a wedge between Europe, Ukraine and the United States.”
Metsola noted strong support within Parliament regarding Ukraine policy: “For all our complications, majorities in the European Parliament on Ukraine remain strong.” She referenced adoption of key measures such as EDIP—the European Defence Industry Programme—and an agreement with Council on ending Russian gas imports.
Highlighting financial challenges facing Ukraine, Metsola said urgent funding solutions are needed: “Ukraine is running out of money. That is why we need to urgently find ways to raise the cost of Russia’s war by doubling down on ‘peace through strength.’ The moment has come to move forward and present a strong front.” She also committed Parliament’s readiness for swift action if a decision is made on reparations loans: “On the reparations loan…we will use our urgent procedure. We can then vote on it already in January and work quickly with Council to adopt it.”
Regarding long-term EU finances under negotiation in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Metsola pointed out ongoing discussions about regional funding priorities and governance but noted recent constructive talks with other EU leaders had resulted in compromise.
She also reviewed recent legislative achievements including reforms enabling faster parliamentary work; agreements finalized with Council covering migration policies such as review of Safe Third Country Concept; agriculture omnibus; defence readiness; climate targets; deforestation rules; Mercosur trade safeguards; pharmaceutical package reforms; among others.
Looking ahead into next year’s agenda, Metsola mentioned transatlantic trade relations—specifically implementation of an EU-US Framework Agreement—and plans regarding Return Regulation linked with migration policy reforms set for mid-year application.
Metsola announced that Parliament was joining Commission and Council in signing a Joint Declaration outlining ten legislative priorities for 2026—a development she described as unprecedented unity among EU institutions.
On economic performance within Europe she cited projected GDP growth at 1.4%, inflation easing at 2%, wage increases outpacing inflation averages across member states along with recovery in exports driven by gains in technology sector employment.
Finally Metsola called attention again toward amending electoral rules so pregnant Members or those recently giving birth could delegate their votes—a measure she said would demonstrate tangible support for women members.
