Metsola Calls on EU Leaders to 'Enhance' in 2025 to Bolster Europe’s Position Globally
The President of the European Parliament urges unity and decisive measures regarding Ukraine, enlargement, and global challenges to strengthen the EU's position on the international stage.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has urged EU leaders to intensify their efforts in securing Europe’s global standing, stressing the importance of unity and decisive action in 2025. Addressing the European Council, Metsola recognized the progress made in 2024 but emphasized that the upcoming year must be transformative for the EU to tackle urgent challenges, such as supporting Ukraine, advancing enlargement, and addressing crises in the Middle East and beyond. She highlighted the significance of maintaining unwavering support for Ukraine as it confronts another winter of war.
Metsola stated that the EU should strive for a "true and lasting peace" based on dignity, freedom, and justice, as opposed to a "false version of peace" pushed by Russia. She stressed that "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" should continue to be the guiding principle, advocating for sustained diplomatic, financial, military, and humanitarian support.
She also called on the EU to sustain the freezing of Russian assets and impose further sanctions against President Vladimir Putin and his associates, in line with the European Parliament’s long-standing demands. Metsola emphasized the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and rallying international allies to keep the nation prominent on the global agenda.
Metsola warned of Russian interference in Moldova, Georgia, and the Western Balkans, describing enlargement as a "geopolitical necessity." She cited recent protests in Georgia and Moldova’s push for the Moldova Growth Facility as indications of the region’s desire for closer EU ties. While acknowledging that reforms must be authentic and merit-based, she urged EU leaders to hasten enlargement efforts to prevent other powers from stepping into the void. Metsola praised the recent decision to fully integrate Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area as a historic accomplishment, commending both nations for their perseverance.
However, she also called for more focus on Belarus, where the upcoming presidential elections on January 26 will underline the absence of freedom and democracy under the current regime. Metsola stressed that the EU must show genuine leadership and action when global attention turns to Europe.
Regarding the Middle East, she welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon as a step towards saving lives and providing relief. However, she warned that peace cannot rely on hope alone. Metsola reiterated the EU’s calls for the release of hostages in Gaza, a lasting ceasefire, and de-escalation efforts, stressing the necessity of long-term peace.
She also addressed the dire situation in Syria, where millions are seeking a free and stable future amid the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. She urged the EU to strengthen its engagement with regional partners to forge a better future for Syria, warning that inaction has high consequences. Metsola concluded by highlighting the European Parliament’s recognition of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia with the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. She called on continued EU support to ensure González Urrutia can return to Venezuela and assume his rightful presidency.
"Europe has a role to play in Ukraine, in our neighborhood, in the Middle East, in Latin America, and worldwide," Metsola declared. "It’s time we fulfill that, living up to the promise of Europe, together."
Metsola stated that the EU should strive for a "true and lasting peace" based on dignity, freedom, and justice, as opposed to a "false version of peace" pushed by Russia. She stressed that "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" should continue to be the guiding principle, advocating for sustained diplomatic, financial, military, and humanitarian support.
She also called on the EU to sustain the freezing of Russian assets and impose further sanctions against President Vladimir Putin and his associates, in line with the European Parliament’s long-standing demands. Metsola emphasized the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and rallying international allies to keep the nation prominent on the global agenda.
Metsola warned of Russian interference in Moldova, Georgia, and the Western Balkans, describing enlargement as a "geopolitical necessity." She cited recent protests in Georgia and Moldova’s push for the Moldova Growth Facility as indications of the region’s desire for closer EU ties. While acknowledging that reforms must be authentic and merit-based, she urged EU leaders to hasten enlargement efforts to prevent other powers from stepping into the void. Metsola praised the recent decision to fully integrate Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area as a historic accomplishment, commending both nations for their perseverance.
However, she also called for more focus on Belarus, where the upcoming presidential elections on January 26 will underline the absence of freedom and democracy under the current regime. Metsola stressed that the EU must show genuine leadership and action when global attention turns to Europe.
Regarding the Middle East, she welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon as a step towards saving lives and providing relief. However, she warned that peace cannot rely on hope alone. Metsola reiterated the EU’s calls for the release of hostages in Gaza, a lasting ceasefire, and de-escalation efforts, stressing the necessity of long-term peace.
She also addressed the dire situation in Syria, where millions are seeking a free and stable future amid the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. She urged the EU to strengthen its engagement with regional partners to forge a better future for Syria, warning that inaction has high consequences. Metsola concluded by highlighting the European Parliament’s recognition of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia with the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. She called on continued EU support to ensure González Urrutia can return to Venezuela and assume his rightful presidency.
"Europe has a role to play in Ukraine, in our neighborhood, in the Middle East, in Latin America, and worldwide," Metsola declared. "It’s time we fulfill that, living up to the promise of Europe, together."
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