In the new geostrategic environment, EU enlargement based on clear objectives, criteria and merits will always represent our best investment in the peace, security, stability and prosperity of our continent.
This was stated by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, after participating in today's summit of the bloc in Brussels.
"That's why it's time to start negotiations on Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU membership," Metsola said.
She also stressed that the EU must continue to do everything necessary to help Ukraine defend itself.
"We have a collective responsibility to accelerate and strengthen our efforts to get her the equipment she needs. It's time to move from words to deeds, because Ukraine acts as a shield for Europe and it is our responsibility to act as a shield for Ukraine", stressed the President of the EP and pointed out that the EU should strengthen sanctions against "those who undermine the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine", to take "the next steps in the process of its European integration and use the frozen Russian funds to support the country".
"We have to continue with autonomous trade measures, but at the same time protect our farmers and our internal market. Time is of the essence for this issue," Metsola said.
According to her, "in this new world, no one can succeed alone". It is therefore necessary to take giant steps in creating a security framework that includes all EU member states.
"We cannot talk about peace, security and stability without referring to the desperate situation in the Middle East. That is why the European Parliament will continue to press for an immediate ceasefire and the return of the remaining hostages, and for Hamas to stop acting This should be our common message, Roberta Metsola added.
She stressed that the EU should deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza because this is the only way to save lives, but also to work for a peaceful solution according to the two-state solution - Israel and Palestine.
Recalling that 77 days before the European elections, today and tomorrow is the last official EU summit, Metsola emphasized that she asked the European leaders to contribute to the adoption of the remaining legal provisions before the end of the mandate of the current EP.
"This is how we will show that we give and encourage people to get out and vote because every vote counts. Europe will only move forward if it achieves real and tangible results that will allow us to counter the false populist narrative and the disinformation and propaganda of actors who are clearly hostile to the European project," she concluded. /BGNES
