R. Metsola for Turkey: The EU must remain united in its stance

The new President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metzola, promises to dedicate her forces to defending the European idea and resisting any kind of threat.

In an interview with “Phileleftheros”, the new president of the European Parliament, of the “Erasmus” generation, as she described her age, prioritizes human rights, European values.

It sends the message that the EU, value is the size of the arguments and not the geographical area of ​​a country. In an interview with the “F” to Roberta Metsola answers about the attitude of Parliament in Cyprus, but also threats of Ukrainian and East Med.

– Madam Metsola, what are the priorities as President of the EC, with the assumption of your duties?

– First of all, I will support our values. The rule of law, justice and the fundamental rights of all. Secondly, I will defend the European idea and stand up against any negative and authoritarian forces. In this way, I intend to reach the entire political system and seek common solutions. And thirdly, I would like the European Parliament to be a global example of civil rights, women’s rights and equality.

– In what areas would you like to leave your mark as a young woman – politician and President of the European Parliament?

– I would like to recover a sense of confidence and enthusiasm for the EU project. To do this, I think we should get out of the bubble of Brussels and Strasbourg to bring Europe, ideals and decisions, to people various towns and villages throughout Europe.

I want the EU to be in tune with the times, to motivate a younger and more skeptical public to believe in Europe again. If I could leave the mark as someone who has inspired a new generation of young women to believe that they can achieve whatever they want, I would be happy and honored. In essence, I want a modern and confident European Parliament.

– Does the fact that you come from a small country like Malta and are at the helm of the EP today send any messages? Opportunities in Europe are given equally, if one works hard?

– I never liked to think of Malta as “small” – for my generation we are as big as our ideas. But it is proof, at least for me, that in the European Parliament the strength of your arguments matters, not your geographical size.

– What is your relationship with Cyprus?

– I have very beautiful memories from Cyprus. I remember being there for one of my first European political events as a student. I have a special sensitivity for Cyprus, as another small island nation in the Mediterranean and I am determined to do everything I can to help heal the gap on the island.

– As a politician from the European People’s Party, you are well aware of Turkey’s threats against Cyprus and Greece. The threats are escalating. Do you think that Europe should toughen its stance towards Turkey?

– I am the President of the whole of the European Parliament – not of a political group. The EU must remain firm, principled and united in its stance. As the EU, we are always ready to move on to a more positive and cooperative agenda, but only if all the conditions are set. In this sense, the ball is firmly on the turf field in it.

– How will the EU manage the day after COVID? Or what will happen if the situation continues?

– The EU is well prepared for the post-COVID era. The recovery and resilience fund will help us restart after the pandemic. We have also clearly outlined the priorities for achieving the green and digital transition. So we have the funding, the direction and the human capital, now we have to put it all into practice.

– What will be your actions to promote climate neutrality in the EU by 2050?

In practice, Parliament will need to translate ambition and declarations into legislation in the coming period. This work has already begun, but it must be maintained and accelerated.

I also believe that it is vital that we see this as an opportunity for Europe to take the lead, to reinvent itself, to ensure growth and prosperity, while reducing emissions. We can also tell the rest of the world that this is our common destiny.

Europe has more power.

– EU security is threatened by actions such as Russia in Ukraine, developments with EastMed, etc. What is your plan for dealing with them?

– The real power of the EU lies in its principles and in our unity. So we remain credible and have a global influence. We must remain firm, with principles and united in our attitude. The EU has more power than most would like to admit. We must use it wisely.

Source: Philenews