Davos, 25 May 2022 (TDI): The European Union Parliament President, Roberta Metsola made an address at this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Metsola shared the stage with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, IMF chief Christine Lagarde, Irish Taoiseach Michael Martin, and Slovak Prime Minister, Eduard Heger.
Roberta Metsola’s Address
The President appealed for the enlargement of the EU bloc. That is, considering the war raising questions about the willingness of Europe to increase its democratic influence.
Following this, she stated that the EU has to welcome new member states. To prove that it wants to be a global democratic power.
In addition, Metsola highlighted Europe’s diversity and that it consists of people having common values.
“Europe is about different peoples: with common values who cherish differences but who realised that together we are better, stronger, safer.
We shouldn’t close the door. We must have the courage to unleash the power of Europe to change lives.”
Addressing @wef #Davos #WEF2022 pic.twitter.com/KADqZEf1sb
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) May 25, 2022
Furthermore, she acknowledged the EU’s successful enlargements. Metsola underlined the EU’s priority in choosing expansion in that it is not supposed to be a question of increasing its market or power.
However, it should be about reinforcing its part in being a global player in the continent of Europe.
On opening doors to other countries, she emphasized that it does not solely pertain to economies and the amount of power that goes inside the institution. Nonetheless, it is about whether the EU desires to become the global democratic power.
Furthermore, Metsola highlighted Europe being faced with important decisions and member states’ indecision concerning continued dependence on oil from Russia.
She said for a long time they did not seriously consider bringing into existence an energy union for them to rely on one another. Instead of relying on one country that switches them off at any time.
Thus, the EU leaders have to capture the moment of change and further welcome candidate states with the right credentials.
Additionally, the President insisted on the rule of law as one of the highest priorities of the bloc.
