In a sweeping address delivered at the high-profile event “Europe at the Crossroads” on Tuesday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola laid out an ambitious vision for Europe’s future—one defined by greater realism, innovation, and global leadership.
Speaking before a packed audience of policymakers, diplomats, and thought leaders, Metsola called for a decisive shift in Europe’s political mindset, urging EU institutions to embrace change and rise to the challenges of a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
“The time of hypothetical crossroads is over. There is only one path left: forward and together,”
Metsola declared
Her speech, described by insiders as a kind of “manifesto for renewal,” emphasized the need for a more agile, citizen-focused, and economically competitive Europe. She warned that clinging to outdated models would only deepen the EU’s vulnerabilities in an era marked by rising populism, economic uncertainty, and global power shifts.
A Call for Realism and Reform
Metsola stressed the importance of self-reflection and reform, arguing that Europe must become more supportive of its industries, less burdened by bureaucracy, and more open to innovation.
“A smarter Europe is one that recognises that our way of individual freedoms and social safety nets depends on our competitiveness,” she said.
She advocated for a regulatory environment that fosters entrepreneurship, where startups can scale easily, and where failure isn’t seen as a dead end but as a stepping stone. In particular, she called for drastic reductions in red tape, even pointing to seemingly minor issues—like road safety laws—that can unnecessarily complicate citizens’ lives.
Metsola also highlighted how the current European Parliament has evolved since 2019, noting that it now operates with greater speed and efficiency without compromising legislative rigor or scrutiny.
“We reformed, we move faster without reducing our scrutiny and legislative obligations,” she said, addressing concerns about attempts to limit the Parliament’s role in sensitive policy areas.
She reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to democratic legitimacy, rejecting what she called “the opposite of a smarter Europe”—such as efforts to bypass parliamentary involvement through Treaty provisions like Article 122.
Strengthening Global Alliances
On foreign policy and trade, Metsola underscored the importance of building stronger alliances beyond Europe’s borders, especially with traditional partners in the West.
“A strong Europe is an outward looking Europe that can sense opportunities and chase them down,” she said.
She expressed optimism about deepening transatlantic ties, particularly with the United States, which she described as “the greatest alliance in modern history.” But she also urged closer cooperation with Canada and, notably, the United Kingdom post-Brexit.
“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary moments,” Metsola said, acknowledging the complexities of Brexit while calling for a strategic partnership that could enhance both European and global security.
Security and Defense: Beyond Spending
Turning to defense, Metsola acknowledged that increased spending is necessary—but not sufficient—to ensure Europe’s long-term security. She called for better integration of Europe’s defense industries and a coordinated approach to national security policies.
“Bringing our defence industries together is the smart move forward,” she stated, emphasizing the need to resist short-term national interests in favor of a unified, long-term strategy.
Metsola reiterated the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting recent visits by European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“Every Member State now understands that for Europe to control its own destiny it must be able to operate in a world that is more dangerous and unstable than before,” she said.
A Positive Vision for Europe’s Future
Despite the many challenges, Metsola ended her speech on a hopeful note, affirming her belief in the enduring strength and potential of the European project.
“Europe is still the greatest political project in history. It is still the best place in the world to live and start a family in. We have no lack of capacity, talent, capital, people and innovators—to lead and renew.”
Her words were met with wide applause from attendees, many of whom interpreted the speech as a bold blueprint for the next phase of European integration and global engagement.
As the EU prepares for upcoming negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and continues to navigate internal divisions and external pressures, Metsola’s vision offers a clear call to action: to build a Europe that is smarter, stronger, and safer—not just for today, but for generations to come.
In a keynote speech at the event “Europe at the crossroads” on Tuesday, Parliament President Metsola outlined her vision for a smarter, stronger and safer Europe. Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP
