European Parliament President Roberta Metsola speaks during a rally in front of the European Parliament on Tuesday, following a special plenary session on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at EU headquarters in Brussels.
John Thys / AFP via Getty Images
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John Thys / AFP via Getty Images
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola speaks during a rally in front of the European Parliament on Tuesday, following a special plenary session on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at EU headquarters in Brussels.
John Thys / AFP via Getty Images
The European Union has officially welcomed Ukraine’s application participationEuropean Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the EU would work with Ukraine towards that goal.
“We must face the future together,” Metsola said.
“The message from Europe is clear: We will stand up. We will not look back when those fighting in the streets for our values face Putin’s giant war machine.” Metsola, a Maltese politician who was elected speaker of the National Assembly in January. .
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Metsola spoke at the start of the special plenary session on Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – who received a standing ovation when he appeared later via video link – the speaker of parliament expressed gratitude.
“Mr President, thank you for showing the world what it means to stand up,” she said.
Metsola cited several instances of bravery and resistance by Ukrainians.
“They showed the world that our way of life is worth protecting. It’s worth the price.” She added, “For us, for the next generation, for all those people in Ukraine and around the world who believe in Europe and in our way. For all who want to. be free.”
“This has to be our ‘whatever happens’ moment,” she said, noting the sanctions the EU has already enacted, as well as moves by Ukraine’s neighbors to help. who are fleeing violence.
Metsola also welcomed European countries sending weapons and aid to Ukraine, as well as efforts to decouple Russia’s oligarchs and propaganda.
Looking to the future, Metsola sets four goals for the EU:
- Europe must end its dependence on “Kremlin gas.”
- Russian oligarchs can no longer “hide behind the shell of respectability”.
- Europe must invest more in its own defense and security.
- The EU “must fight the Kremlin’s disinformation campaign.”
Pointing to social media and the big tech companies, Metsola said they should take their responsibilities seriously, adding that it can’t be unequivocally stressing neutrality when the choice is ” between the fire brigade and the fire brigade.”
