Everyone wants peace in Ukraine, "but it must be a real peace: with freedom and dignity. With security for Ukraine," President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said

She was addressing the European Policy Centre Thought Leadership Forum.

President Metsola said everyone wants an end to this war and lasting stability.

Metsola added that Europe needs to focus on how it can do this and how fast it can get there. She spoke on the need to continue to support Ukraine for lasting peace, to invest more in defence with deeper integration, and to strengthen alliances with key strategic partners, a statement read.

"What was true three years ago remains true today: if Kyiv falls, Europe and the world will be less secure, less safe and less prosperous," she said. She added that supporting Ukraine is necessary, "not out of charity - but out of our duty to keep Europe safe." Metsola said that investing in European defence would drive innovation, boost the European economy, and create high-skilled jobs in the process. The President of the European Parliament said that while funding is important, Europe needs deeper integration in defence. "Europe must also stand on its own two feet. And that means: more support to Ukraine. More defence investment. And closer cooperation, so that countries ready to move ahead can do so. The road won't be easy, but easy has never changed the world."

President Metsola concluded that now is the time to act - "with ambition, with urgency, and with unity. To get there, we will need Confidence, Courage, and above all, Cooperation. And at every step, a very enthusiastic and effective Parliament pushing this agenda forward."