The President argued that “the time of hypothetical crossroads is over. There is only one path left: forward and together”. She called for a different Europe, which is more realistic, more self-critical and supportive of its industries, with less regulation and more innovation. A Europe wary of populists and more in tune with what citizens expect. She made the case for a change in mind-set and a shift in priorities. President Metsola called on the European Union and the European Parliament to do things differently and to work faster, with confidence, as well as be braver in its decisions.

A manifesto for change

She cautioned that after the last European elections, “the political centre may well have held – just – but in an era of hyper-polarisation, ignoring the clanging alarm bells that went off would be foolhardy. “

“We need the resolve – the political courage – to show that we are still a continent on the rise. To prove we are open for business. For ideas. For new…