“Malta can lead. The Parliament is all of us” – President Metsola

President of European Parliament Roberta Metsola

The President of the European Parliament addressed businessmen and made a speech about ‘Malta in an ever-changing European background’.

“We are part of the best Union of countries in history. Our island is at the decision table. They are at the top of the average. We Maltese understand that the size of ideas and the sense of integrity always wins over the limitations of geography. Malta can lead.”

This was said by the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola while she was addressing the Mabel Strickland Memorial Lecture with the theme ‘Malta in an ever-changing European background’ in Valletta.

Addressing political leaders, diplomatic bodies, the business community and the public, President Metsola spoke about the values of the European Union, and about the tough decisions that must be taken as Europe is addressing challenges on several fronts. Referring to Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, President Metsola said that Europe would do better to defend true peace with accountability and justice. “For there to be peace, there must be a free Ukraine. For there to be a European Union, there must be Ukraine.”

She also insisted on the need for Malta and Europe to modernize. “The recovery and resilience of the EU is based on this. Just as societies and the way we live have adapted to life online, so must businesses.”
Here, she said that Gozo is suitable to become a digital hub in Europe. While insisting on investment in the environment, the President said that Malta has a place to lead in this sector.
“We should be a country that makes the best use of the potential of electric vehicles for example. We generate cheap and clean energy. We reduce the bills, we clean the air. We can do it all.”
Regarding immigration, President Metsola claimed that the European Parliament is asking for common action. “In the European Parliament we agreed on a way forward regarding immigration that is fair and humane with those in need of protection, that is fair and firm with those who are not eligible, and that protects our borders and is strong with those traffickers who abuse the vulnerable and who profit from human desperation.”