The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola called for a comprehensive EU-US agreement, a statement issued by her office read.

"That is how we create prosperity, and that's how we reinforce our security," President Metsola said. Describing the transatlantic alliance as "the greatest in the history of the modern world," the Maltese MEP said that this has shaped lives and created prosperity across continents.

Speaking at the Forum Europa conference in Brussels on Wednesday, President Metsola spoke about this week's EU-UK agreement. "This is real progress", she said, referring to deepening cooperation on trade, defence, and fisheries, amongst others. "We aligned key food standards. We facilitated trade in agri-food and fish products. We signed a youth mobility deal that will make it easier for young people to study, work, and live across borders." 

Metsola called for the EU to be a global leader in sectors such as "AI, in new medicines, in space exploration, and climate innovation." She urged the European Union to harness its collective strength to shape the next industrial revolution. "We must give our engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs the tools to succeed."

President Metsola said that means completing the Savings and Investment Union, "an open goal that Europe simply cannot afford to miss."

She was introduced by Spanish Socialist MEP Javi López, who praised President Metsola's leadership and her role in strengthening European democracy during turbulent times. "In her tenure, President Metsola has provided a characteristic stability and strengthened the voice of the European Parliament within the public conversation," López said. "Under her leadership, this House has become one of the loudest and most respected voices in today's great European debates."