Speech by EP President Roberta Metsola at the European Council:

“Good morning dear colleagues,

If there is one thing that will define our continent in the coming years, it is our capacity to remain united in purpose. In 2024, we stood-up. And we can be proud of that. But in 2025, we need to step-up if we are truly serious about asserting Europe’s place on the world stage. We have little other choice.

When it comes to Ukraine, we need to intensify our efforts to move towards peace. But not just any peace – not some false version of peace peddled by Russia, but a true and lasting peace. Peace with dignity, peace with freedom, peace with justice.

We need a path to real peace. But the guiding principle must remain ‘Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine’. It is one thing to be given a stage, but entirely another to have the voice to command attention.

Ukraine must be able to remain speaking from a position of strength. That is why it is strategic to maintain our support for…