Addressing EU leaders at the European Council in Brussels, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola stated that the European Union has reached a "critical moment" in securing a lasting peace for Ukraine.
"The European Union is, by its very nature, a project for peace, and every genuine effort to spread peace should always - always - be welcomed."
Metsola highlighted that the diplomatic efforts of recent weeks have brought the Union closer than ever to a peace deal. However, she warned that for peace to be credible, it must be built on the foundations of dignity, justice, and freedom.
"We cannot afford to show any signs of fragility or division," President Metsola stated. "Russia needs to feel the pressure to come to the negotiating table - and it needs to see that it is impossible to drive a wedge between Europe, Ukraine, and the United States."
The EU Parliament President underscored the necessity of strong security guarantees, insisting on the principle of "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" as the only way to ensure a stable future for the continent.
Beyond security, President Metsola updated leaders on the European Parliament's legislative pace, noting the agricultural safeguards in the Mercosur trade agreement and the pharmaceutical package amongst other key files.
"We said we would get them done and we have. On some files, it was Parliament that actually drove more ambitious outcomes," remarked Metsola. She added that the pace of Parliament's work will carry into the new year, highlighting the Transatlantic trade and the implementation of the EU-US Framework agreement as critical. On competitiveness, Metsola noted that while EU GDP growth stands at 1.4% and inflation has eased to 2%, more must be done to incentivise investment and complete the Single Market.
She urged leaders to move beyond simplification and focus on the ambitious investment goals outlined in the Draghi Report.
Deal reached on Migration
Meanwhile, a deal between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU was reached for the EU to have a common list of safe countries of origin and updated rules on the application of the safe third country concept.
President of the EU Parliament Metsola said that the agreements make Europe's asylum system more efficient, more flexible and more harmonised. "These new provisions will strengthen borders, speed up procedures and support Member States under pressure. This is an important step towards the full implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact," she concluded.