Without Malta's six MEPs having a united front, they won't be able to deliver "as we should" for the Maltese and Gozitan people, Roberta Metsola, who was today re-elected as President of the European Parliament told The Malta Independent.

Speaking to this newsroom, Metsola described her reaction to the election result as "one of gratitude." She underlined the responsibility that she has been given by the large number of MEPs who voted for her. "I will take this as a sign of commitment and also that what we did over the past 2.5 years is something that we can build on, just as I can build on the faith that was placed in me by the Maltese and Gozitans one month ago."

She was asked for her thoughts about two Labour Party MEPs deciding to abstain from voting in the election for her post. She said that everyone is responsible for their vote. "That is a decision that has to be explained and justified. I can personally say after 11 years in the EU Parliament that without a completely united front by the six Maltese MEPs, as the smallest delegation that we are out of the 720 MEPs, then we won't deliver as we should for the Maltese and Gozitans. I look forward to the possibility that we can find some common ground because if not, it is the Maltese and Gozitan citizens who will suffer."

"I will also say this, whereas in the last legislature Prime Minister Robert Abela somehow could have control of four MEPs, in this legislature that has gone down to one and this is also symptomatic of the huge internal division in the Labour Party that we have seen ever since the EU and local council elections, which was a result of which (the PN) needs to build on. It is almost like that has transformed into an internal division that is not bringing our country forward, but rather to stagnation or is even regressive."

During her speech in the European Parliament, Metsola spoke about EU enlargement, mentioning Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.  Asked about the next steps to achieve that goal, she said that everyone is on their own path and that she also mentioned the Western Balkans. "Fundamentally I mentioned it because at the end of the day, we as Malta learnt that EU membership and enlargement is a win-win. The transformative effect of EU membership on a country, but also on the EU itself is huge."

In terms of the time it will take, she said that accession negotiations have started, "and we know this takes time, but what I can also say is that all the goals that have been set both for the EU and for the countries are being met with regards to Ukraine and Moldova, but Georgia with different steps."

"We also need to send a message to the Western Balkans that we haven't forgotten them."