The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that the European Green Deal must be a growth strategy. “There is no conflict between the economy and the environment. We cannot have one without the other. This is about opportunity.”

During a visit to ARQ Group Malta in Birkirkara, a professional services organisation, providing a wide range of advisory and corporate services, President Metsola participated in a Q&A session with professionals from different disciplines, including lawyers, accountants, tax specialists and subject-matter experts.

President Metsola spoke about how the EU must do better in providing easier access to existing funding and less red tape.

“We do need a level playing field, but let’s avoid a protectionist race,” she said. Referring to the Green Deal, President Metsola said that policy-makers need to ease the transition and help people to leave nobody behind. “None of our policies work if we do not have the people on board and if the measures requested cannot stand a "reality check" in terms of available resources and technology,” remarked President Metsola when asked about what challenges are being expected  for the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. She added that going green cannot be the preserve of those who can afford expensive green cars and costly energy-efficient insulation systems. “We cannot create a societal divide between those who can and those who can’t go green because making ends meet has become more urgent. We must leave nobody behind here.”

President Metsola was greeted by the managing partners of ARQ Group Ltd, FFF Legal and Capstone Assurance, and given a tour around the offices where she met employees.