President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, was welcomed in Berlin by the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, for talks at the Federal Chancellery ahead of this Thursday's crucial European Council meeting in Brussels.

President Metsola said that the European Parliament wants to see more progress on the Single Market, less bureaucracy across industries, and concrete actions that make it easier for companies to invest, innovate, and grow in Europe.

Chancellor Merz thanked President Metsola for the excellent cooperation and the European Parliament for its strong support in making Europe competitive again.

During her visit to Berlin, President Metsola also delivered a keynote speech at the Europe 2026 Conference, "A Stronger Europe in the Age of Geopolitics", organised by the media outlets Die Zeit, Handelsblatt, Tagesblatt, and WirtschaftsWoche.

In her address, EU Parliament President Metsola stressed that it is now time for big, bold, and difficult decisions. "Small steps will no longer be sufficient in today's world. Europe needs to adapt, move faster, and show that our way of life - our European values - can shape our future in a turbulent world, just as they have shaped our past."

She added that Europe's approach must provide answers to people, families, industry, businesses, and start-ups, or it will no longer be the natural choice for the next generation of Europeans.

While in the German capital, she also held talks with the President of the Bundestag, Julia Klöckner, and the Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Stefanie Hubig. Later in the day, she addressed students at an event organised by the Hertie School and the Jacques Delors Centre.

During her visit, Metsola also met with German industry leaders and the Ambassador of Malta to Germany, Marlene Bonnici.