President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola called for peace and de-escalation in the midst of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

During an official visit in the United Arab Emirates, President Metsola addressed the Federal National Council in Abu Dhabi. She stated that what the world is witnessing between Israel and Iran in recent days, and its potential spill-over effects, is "a litmus test for us all."

Metsola said that the world understands that Iran must never have a nuclear bomb. "That's a threat to the region, to us all, to the world. Easing tensions and pushing for broad de-escalation is essential. We must spare no diplomatic efforts. Our individual and collective roles have never been more important," underlined President Metsola.

She said that what the regime in Iran does next, will determine its future. "There is a path to peace. Now is the moment for it to be grabbed, and not for the situation to escalate," she said. She remarked that peace cannot be achieved in isolation, adding that it takes trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility.

Metsola said that few times in living memory has the world felt so unpredictable, referring to what is happening in Gaza, in Israel and Yemen, in the Red Sea, in Ukraine, and in Iran. "Our shoulders must be broad enough for the scale of the challenges that we take and that we face. About how we can keep our people secure. About how we can find that path to peace and how we can beat extremism."

The President reiterated that the European Union is committed to peace, pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it to end the suffering. "We will continue to insist on the return of the hostages and for an end to the terror. And we will continue to do all that while supporting a two-state solution. Because only by guaranteeing security for Israel, and offering a credible perspective for a legitimate and peaceful Palestinian leadership, can we finally walk down that path towards a sustainable and lasting peace."

Being the first President of the European Parliament to address the UAE's FNC, Metsola said that the EU-UAE partnership has never mattered more, noting that with goodwill and understanding, this can be taken even further. "This is the start of a new era. An era of peace, of development, and of progress. The renewal of a true and lasting Emirati and European friendship."