Opening the State of the European Union debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, President Metsola said that today is about deciding what kind of Europe we want and about finding the courage to build it.
Dear colleagues, President von der Leyen, Allow me to welcome Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney – thank you for being with us, we look forward to hearing you here tomorrow. Today is a moment to look honestly at where Europe stands. To decide what kind of Europe we want. And to find the courage to build it. Our Union has always moved forward because people were willing to take a leap when the moment demanded it, and turned uncertainty into possibility. People expect a Union that does more to protect them, more to support them, and more to fight their corner. They want answers on security, on competitiveness, on affordable homes, on quality jobs, on climate, on borders. They want us to stand up for a Europe of values. Where we are an unapologetic light in the world. Where you can afford to pay your bills, scale your start-up, live in freedom, love who you wish to love, and be who you wish to be. Where journalists are free to write. Where justice and the rule of law are the hallmarks of our way. They want a continent better able to defend itself, standing with Ukraine, and keeping them secure, online and offline. And they want a Europe that stands proudly on its own two feet, and that stays open and trades with the world without ever being naive about it. Colleagues, let this morning’s debate and the next couple of days be about where we stand, ambitious about where we are going, and focused on results. President von der Leyen, dear Ursula, the floor is yours.