At the European Council in Brussels, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola reassured leaders that the EP can move quickly and efficiently to meet today's unprecedented security challenges. 

"Too much is at stake, and we cannot wait any longer", she argued, stressing the urgency for Europe to take care of its own security. "We need to scale-up, be prepared, to produce, and to protect."

On Ukraine, she stressed that "Peace must be a real one that does not simply lull all into a false sense of security by allowing an aggressor to keep trying to take over sovereign nations. Peace must guarantee freedom for Ukraine, security for Europe and a deterrent for those who think they can take it through force."

The situation is the same as it was 3 years ago. Ukraine is fighting for Europe, and Europe needs to be hand in hand, lockstep with whoever is fighting for our security and our values. Ukraine's security is Europe's security. And today, with the President of the country, we will stand with him and we will say we are with you. 

She called on the EU to invest more in defence: "Our ambition must match the unprecedented threat, the boldness of our proposals, and the speed at which they are put into action." She was encouraged to see many good proposals on the table. "Extraordinary times require immediate measures, so I welcome all creative and flexible solutions to substantially increase and accelerate our investments in the defence sector."

She reassured leaders that the European Parliament can adjust to demanding circumstances by moving quickly, efficiently and effectively. "Working through the European Parliament, especially on decisions of this magnitude, is a way of fostering trust in our Union. Yes, we need swift action, but acting together is the only way of ensuring broad and deep public backing."

Speaking about the next Multiannual Financial Framework, she called on leaders to "align our EU budget with our priorities. We have a real opportunity to fund the strategic autonomy we need," she said.