President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that it takes collective courage to face down dictators and tell them that their time is over, that might is not right.
Metsola said that courage was needed to disentangle Europe completely from Russian energy, and to send equipment to those on the frontline.
In the 27th EPP Congress Speech, Metsola said that Europe will be extending its hand to Moldova, to Georgia and will keep its promises to the Western Balkans. She said that Ukraine has a place within the European Union.
She highlighted the fact that this is the first time in history that both the European Parliament and the European Commission are being led by women and thanked the President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen for her determination in fighting for Europe.
"It is easier to oppose than to seek unity and lead. It is easier to break than to build. It is easier to sit down than to stand up. But we have never been afraid to do what is difficult. What is necessary. The EPP knows what leadership means," Metsola said. She added that there needs to be action matching the rhetoric of what Europe stands for.
She said that leadership is about seeking solutions for all and about being steadfast in a united collective response. This entails pushing back against anti-EU narrative and standing up to the cynicism of nationalism, fundamentalism, isolationism, and "values favoured by Putin and his apologists."
Metsola also said that Europe must set the standards on beating climate change, on restoring the planet, on preparing for the digital world, on fighting discrimination, on standing up for the rule of law and on protecting minorities.
She said that in the light of the war in Ukraine, rising energy prices, the post-pandemic recovery, the digital economy and the green transition, there needs to be inspiration and courage to lead.
Metsola said that Europe will win by being right and by adapting approaches without compromising shared values which "scare autocrats, who thought that their oil, gas and super yachts could buy our silence," she said, referring to Russia.