Metsola Urges Swift EU Action

In a decisive address to EU leaders at the European Council, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized the urgency of addressing key issues such as EU enlargement, competitiveness, and the forthcoming long-term EU budget. Metsola’s speech, given on June 18, 2026, underscored the immediate need for action, stating, “We need to deliver. We don’t have the luxury of time.”

Metsola hailed the initiation of the first accession negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova as a monumental step forward, sending a clear message that EU enlargement is transitioning from a distant promise to a present reality. She described the enlargement process as beneficial for all parties involved and stressed that while gradual integration measures could help bring candidate countries closer to the EU, these should not replace the goal of full EU membership.

On the topic of the EU’s long-term budget, Metsola reassured that the Parliament would adopt a constructive yet firm stance in the negotiations. She advocated for Parliament’s early involvement and called for enhanced discussions on new financial resources to ensure the budget meets the scale of Europe’s challenges. Metsola expressed optimism about reaching a consensus by year’s end, emphasizing the need to transcend old divides and find common ground.

Additionally, Metsola highlighted significant progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, defense, and market integration, reflecting the EU’s commitment to simplify regulations and enhance competitiveness within the Single Market. She also acknowledged the recent legislative achievements under the Joint Declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026, including the adoption of the Return Regulation and the application of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which equips Europe with essential tools to effectively manage migration challenges.

The full speech by President Metsola can be accessed through the European Parliament’s official press release links, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussed topics and the EU’s strategic direction for the near future.