Fil-ftuħ tal-Ġimgħa tal-UE tal-Bliet u r-Reġjuni, il-President tal-Parlament Ewropew Roberta Metsola qalet li l-Ewropa trid tappoġġja l-familji u twiegħed opportunitajiet lill-ġenerazzjonijiet iżgħar u dan jippermetti lill-industriji Ewropej isibu l-avvanz kbir li jmiss.
Commissioner Fitto, dear Raffaele, President Tüttő, dear Kata, Dear friends, Dear colleagues, Welcome to the Parliament. Looking around me today, I see Europe in action. In this room, the words "Shaping Tomorrow, Together" are not just a slogan — this is what we do every day in our effort to build a more ambitious, cohesive, local Europe. Because Europe always begins at ground level in our regions. Your work, your presence today, reminds us that Europe is not just Brussels. As President of this House, I have joined MEPs in visiting regions across our continent from Braga to Gdansk, and have seen first-hand how regional policy — policy shaped right here in this chamber — affects people’s everyday lives. I have had the privilege not just to meet citizens, but many of you and your colleagues working every day on the ground to make Europe happen locally. And I know that any policy that does not involve our full cooperation, building on your knowledge and experience of regional and local authorities, will not deliver for citizens. Because together, Europe is always stronger. The purpose of our institutions is to make the lives of citizens a little bit more prosperous, a little bit easier, a little bit better. Cohesion Policy is a monument to this mission and stands among our Union’s most remarkable achievements — a living expression of European unity and solidarity. It shows, in practical terms, how Europe comes together to ensure that every region and every citizen can share in the benefits of sustainable growth and social progress. Each renovated school, each newly established digital hub, and every clean-energy project co-financed by EU funds is tangible proof that the European Union is making a real difference in people’s daily lives. And I am grateful to Commissioner Fitto for his commitment and leadership in this regard. To deliver for Europe’s citizens, we urgently need a more competitive Union. We need to simplify and cut red tape. Our Europe must be one that can support families and promise younger generations opportunity, that helps our home-grown businesses to grow and scale up, and that enables European industries to find the next big breakthrough. The Parliament is working hard to build this future. We are delivering on our simplification agenda to make life easier for businesses and boost innovation. We will take those bold decisions that will drive our Union forward and help make lives for business, families and communities across our Union easier, smoother, simpler and faster. This year’s Week of Regions and Cities takes place at a pivotal moment, as we begin the debate on the future of the Multiannual Financial Framework. And we must adopt this attitude when we approach the upcoming budget: working together to ensure that every euro goes towards making a difference and helping improve people’s lives in tangible, concrete ways. Establishing simplified, transparent implementation procedures and clear communication to strengthen efficiency, accountability, and public trust in our Union and its ability to deliver. Because at the end of the day, our goal must always remain building a better Europe in every region, in every city, for every person. And as always, you can have trust in this Parliament as the budgetary authority and as a steadfast and reliable partner in this mission. This is not an option — it is a necessity for our shared future. Because, put simply, cohesion policy binds us together and connects Europeans to Europe. It deepens our single market, reduces inequality, poverty, and social exclusion. It can help territories and regions unlock their potential, attract talent, feed innovation, and ensure that people have the right to stay and build a future where they were born. Ultimately, it is more than simply an instrument: it is a cornerstone of unity and solidarity. Know that the Parliament stands with you in your efforts. That is what this week is all about — and that is what we work every day in this House to achieve. I wish you all a productive week. Thank you.