In a crucial speech to European leaders, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stressed the crucial need for a comprehensive European solution to the migration crisis, while reaffirming Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the context of its protracted conflict with Russia. Speaking at the heart of European politics, Metsola’s speech painted a clear picture of the complex and interconnected challenges facing Europe, where migration, war and instability reverberate far beyond their borders immediate, touching the very heart of European unity and values.
Standing firm on Ukraine: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine”
Metsola began by emphasizing Europe’s moral and strategic commitment to Ukraine, which is now approaching 1,000 days of Russian aggression. His message was resolute: Europe must stand with Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is assured. However, it rejects any notion of peace through submission, insisting that true peace must be rooted in freedom, dignity, and justice—principles that resonate deeply with the European project.
“We will, and we must, stand with Ukraine,” Metsola said, emphasizing that peace cannot be built on capitulation or compromise with aggression. His strong stance echoes the European Parliament’s continued support, demonstrated by an imminent vote to grant Ukraine a macro-financial assistance loan of up to €35 billion. This substantial aid program, she said, signifies Europe’s commitment not only politically, but also financially, to Ukraine’s sovereignty and reconstruction.
His words reflected the broader European consensus: Ukraine’s future belongs to Ukraine, and any solution that does not include the voices of Ukrainians is no solution at all.
The Middle East: a call for urgent action
Metsola also focused his attention on escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon and Israel. Europe, she argued, cannot afford to remain passive as violence and instability spread across the region. Stressing the need for a lasting two-state solution that guarantees the dignity of Palestinians and the security of Israelis, Metsola reaffirmed the European Parliament’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages.
Her words resonated with a sense of urgency as she underlined Europe’s responsibility in responding to the wider consequences of regional instability. “What is happening in Eastern Europe, the Middle East or North Africa does not remain isolated: there are consequences for Europe,” Metsola warned. Nowhere, she suggested, is this more true than in the area of migration.
Migration: a European solution or a fragmented failure?
The bulk of Metsola’s speech, however, focused on migration, a challenge that has long tested the resilience and unity of the European Union. With the recent adoption of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum After a decade of political impasse, Europe now has a framework for approaching migration in a way that balances border security and humanitarian obligations. However, Metsola warned that this Pact would only succeed if European countries remained united, particularly in times of crisis.
“The real solution is a European solution,” Metsola said, pleading for broad, holistic and sustainable cooperation. She highlighted the hybrid threats posed by states like Russia and Belarus that have weaponized migration to destabilize Europe. This manipulation of human suffering for geopolitical purposes has increased the need for stronger European coordination and action.
Metsola was clear: migration is not an isolated problem. Instability in Ukraine, the Middle East and North Africa has direct consequences for Europe, particularly in terms of migratory flows. In response, Europe must not allow itself to be fragmented by external actors exploiting these crises. “We must respond to those who seek to abuse the systems we have built for the good of man,” she insisted, calling for a response that is both firm and compassionate – a policy that aligns with Europe’s fundamental values of human dignity and justice.
Securing Schengen: integrity through unity
Metsola’s final message was a call to safeguard the integrity of the Schengen area, a symbol of free movement in Europe. Failure to effectively implement the Migration and Asylum Pact, she warned, could undermine that freedom – a freedom that millions of Europeans have come to see as one of the achievements the most tangible in the Union.
As European leaders continue to grapple with migration pressures, Metsola’s call for a coordinated European approach was a reminder that fragmentation is not an option. It is only through solidarity, cooperation and shared responsibility that Europe can ensure the stability of its borders while remaining faithful to its humanitarian ideals.
Conclusion: a challenge for European leadership
Roberta Metsola’s speech was a call to action, a reminder that Europe’s greatest challenges, whether migration, war or regional instability, can only be overcome through unit. His message to European leaders was clear: the future of Europe does not rest on isolated national policies but on a collective European solution. Only by working together can Europe protect its borders, defend its values and guarantee peace, security and dignity for all.
As the migration crisis intensifies and conflicts continue to threaten European stability, Metsola’s words serve as both a warning and a beacon. Now is the time for decisive and coordinated action.
Originally published in The European Times.
source link eu news
