European Parliament President Roberta Metsola warned EU leaders on Thursday that the Irish Presidency’s revised proposal for the bloc’s next long-term budget risks upsetting the balance Parliament has struck between traditional policies and new priorities.
“We cannot agree on our ambitions, spend meeting after meeting discussing them, and reduce the means to achieve them,” Metsola said in addressing leaders in Brussels about the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework, or MFF.
She said new own resources, which are EU-level revenue sources, offer “a bridge to agreement.” They would let Europe finance its priorities while limiting pressure on national budgets, she said. “This is the missing element that can bridge everybody’s position,” she said.
Metsola stressed the need to engage with Parliament throughout the entire process. She said the institution is ready to work constructively to find a way forward and deliver a budget that is fit for purpose.
Competitiveness
Metsola told leaders that Parliament is making good progress on its “One Europe, One Market” roadmap, with key legislative files advancing on schedule. Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to delivering results for citizens and businesses in a second review of the roadmap.
On energy, she said “the strategy we have adopted is delivering,” while calling for faster progress on cross-border connections. She said negotiations on the EU Grids Package are well under way, and an agreement is hopefully possible “before the end of the year.”
Global partnerships
Metsola emphasized the importance of strengthening global partnerships, citing the upcoming EU-Canada and EU-UK summits as chances to deepen cooperation on security, energy, technology and trade.
On China, she welcomed diplomatic efforts but said Europe stands ready to use existing trade instruments, and to develop new ones if necessary, to counter unfair economic practices. “There is a limit to what our industries can absorb, and we are reaching it,” she said.
Ukraine and enlargement
Metsola reaffirmed Parliament’s strong support for Ukraine as it faces another winter at war and a worsening humanitarian situation.
On enlargement, she welcomed the opening of two new accession negotiation clusters each with Ukraine and Moldova. Montenegro closed three chapters and Albania one. “We need to do our part,” she said. She said recently proposed safeguards tied to reforms offer a basis for addressing outstanding concerns.
