The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is calling for a renewed sense of boldness and adaptability within the European Union, warning of a potential decline in relevance if transformative changes are not embraced. In a recent contribution to the German business publication “Handelsblatt”, Metsola cautioned against complacency and underscored the need for a proactive approach to future challenges.
Metsola advocates for a deeper integration of European cooperation, specifically focusing on capital markets, energy security and defense capabilities. She argues that greater collaboration in these areas will stimulate innovation, reduce costs, attract investment and position the EU at the forefront of technological advancements. “Innovation thrives when businesses across Europe can operate jointly” Metsola stated.
The call for reform aligns with a broader debate gaining momentum within European circles, previously spearheaded by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. Draghi, who presented a comprehensive reform agenda for the EU a year ago, recently expressed concerns about the waning influence of the European growth model and the absence of a clear roadmap for securing necessary investment.
Metsola emphasized that the EU’s success is not dictated by a rigid structure, but rather defined by the collective will to shape its future. “The EU is what we make it” she asserted, suggesting a need to refine existing policies and foster a vision for a ‘better’ Europe that goes beyond simply expanding its scope.