Speaking during the Conference on the Future of Europe, Roberta Metsola recounted how she felt the day Malta joined the EU. She said that countries like Ukraine are now looking with hope in the same way as they fight for their freedom.
Metsola said that the East is part of Europe’s future, and that the bloc cannot remain dependent upon tyrants – a nod to Russian president Vladimir Putin. She said that we need a convention as the next step as there is a gap between what people expect and what Europe is able to deliver at the moment.
Metsola also said that Europe needs to be prepared and learn from the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that when the next virus hits, it cannot shut down the economy and all other sectors. Metsola emphasised issues of defence and climate change, saying that only by working together can Europe overcome such challenges.
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Finally, she said that we cannot give in to populism, cynicism about the project of the EU and to nationalism as they are ‘false hope sold by those with no answers.’
“We are once again at a defining moment of European integration and no suggestion for change should be off-limits. Whatever process is required in order for us to get there should be embraced.”
#MaltaDaily