Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, has urged EU leaders to step up their efforts to establish Europe's global position, stressing the importance of unity and decisive action in 2025. Speaking at the European Council, she acknowledged the advances made in 2024 but insisted that the following year must be pivotal for the EU to tackle urgent issues, such as supporting Ukraine, promoting enlargement, and addressing crises in the Middle East and beyond. Metsola stressed the necessity of unwavering support for Ukraine as it endures another winter of conflict.

She asserted that the EU must aim for a 'true and lasting peace' founded on dignity, freedom, and justice, not a 'false version' promoted by Russia.

The principle 'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine' should continue to lead efforts, she stated, urging ongoing diplomatic, financial, military, and humanitarian support.

Metsola also called for the continued freezing of Russian assets and the imposition of additional sanctions against President Vladimir Putin and his allies, reflecting the European Parliament's long-standing positions. She emphasized the strategic importance of backing Ukraine's energy infrastructure and rallying international partners to prioritize the country globally.

She also cautioned against Russian interference in Moldova, Georgia, and the Western Balkans, labeling enlargement as a 'geopolitical necessity.' Metsola referred to recent protests in Georgia and Moldova’s pursuit of the Moldova Growth Facility as signs of the region’s wish for closer ties with the EU. While emphasizing the need for genuine, merit-based reforms, she urged EU leaders to speed up enlargement efforts to prevent other powers from stepping in. Metsola commended the decision to fully integrate Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area as a historic milestone, lauding both nations' perseverance.

However, she urged for more focus on Belarus, where the upcoming presidential elections on January 26 will underscore the absence of freedom and democracy under the current regime.

Metsola stressed the EU's responsibility to show real leadership and take action when the world turns its attention to Europe. Regarding the Middle East, Metsola welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon as progress in saving lives and providing relief.

Nevertheless, she warned that hope alone cannot sustain peace.

She reiterated the EU’s calls for the release of hostages in Gaza, a durable ceasefire, and efforts to de-escalate tensions, emphasizing the need for lasting peace.

Metsola also addressed the dire situation in Syria, where millions seek a free and stable future amid the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

She urged the EU to strengthen its engagement with regional partners to forge a better future for Syria, warning that inaction carries too high a cost. Metsola concluded by highlighting the European Parliament’s recognition of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia with the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

She called for the continued support of the EU to ensure González Urrutia can return to Venezuela and take his rightful position as president.

'Europe has a role to play in Ukraine, in our neighborhood, in the Middle East, in Latin America, and across the globe,' Metsola stated.

'It is time we rise to that, to the promise of Europe, together.'