As part of a tour in European Union member states, Roberta Metsola is in Cyprus today to encourage Cypriots to vote in the June 9 elections.
In an exclusive interview with Phileleftheros, the President of the European Parliament notes that the EU is facing a threat from those who want to destroy what has been built. She argues that the danger comes from both extremes, the left and the right.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, she expresses the European Parliament’s support for the Olgin mission and underscores the significance of resolving the Cyprus issue, which is not only important for Cyprus but also for the wider region.
What is the importance of the European elections in June? Will Europeans, especially young people, be persuaded to go out and vote this time?
I hope so. Democracy cannot be taken for granted. We need to fight for it every day. That is why the next European elections are crucial. We need to protect the European democracy and for doing it I ask all Cypriots, and all the Europeans, to vote and decide on the direction of Europe for the next five years.
The European Parliament makes a difference by shaping policies that affect everyday life for everyone in the areas of digital, health, migration, economy, climate, and security, amongst others. In the past years, we have put Europe’s stamp on global geopolitics and we have defended our European way in an ever-changing world. We have become stronger because of the challenges we faced (such as the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine) and not despite them. We have defied the odds and proven that Europe can deliver on the issues that matter to Europeans and that cannot be solved by any one country alone. We have delivered.
The European elections brings Europe closer to us all, as every corner of the EU is represented. It is also the right moment for every citizen to have their say and to hold their elected representatives to account. If people do not vote, others will decide. In this legislature, we have held the constructive european majority together and we must do that again. This is why i am visiting Cyprus: to talk about Europe, to listen to Cypriot people’s concerns and expectations, and to convince people to go out and vote.
The far right is gaining ground. How much is the EU at risk from the strengthening of the far right? Is there a way of countering the rise of the far right, which is now seen as something different and as a rival to the old parties?
As you mentioned, I see a threat from those who would like to destroy rather than build or who run campaigns on fear rather than on hope. We need to counter the extremes, be it from the left or from the right. It is easier to drive a populist black-and-white narrative than a constructive pro-European narrative.
But I am convinced that if you counter the extremist narrative by explaining why decisions are taken and how Europe continues to deliver, then people want to have their say and will come out to vote. In this context, I think that it is only the pro-European centre that can deliver and work for the common interest of Europeans.
How much will the possibility of Trump’s re-election in the US affect political life in the EU and especially the relations between the two sides?
The US is a full democracy and obviously, the EU always works with the presidents democratically elected by their people. For decades, we have worked with US Administrations led by both the Democratic and the Republican parties and we will continue to do so. Our cooperation is about more than leaders themselves. It is about two partners, who share the same values, the same goals and the same vision of the world. Fundamentals are always there. The EU and US need each other. If 2024 brings us ‘America first’ again, Europe must become stronger, more sovereign, more self-reliant. We should not fear that challenge, we should face it head-on. We have what it takes, if we stay united.
What are the global challenges facing the EU today?
Addressing climate change through the green transition will certainly be one of our priorities in the coming years. We must make it compatible with our competitiveness and make it part of our growth agenda. No one should be left behind. The digital transition, which is linked to improving the competitiveness of the European economy, is also very important. This will be increasingly important in the next mandate.
Progress in our common policy on migration and asylum will also continue to be relevant. No Member State should be left alone to shoulder disproportionate responsibility when it comes to large numbers of arrivals of asylum seekers. All Member States should contribute to solidarity on a constant basis.
Enlargement is also another priority. Not just for Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but for all of us, and we must not lose sight of the fact that an enlarged EU will require change, adaptation and reform to work in an EU of 32, 33 or 35 Member States.
But above all, we must not forget that there is nothing greater than the threat to peace posed by Russia’s war in Ukraine. Without peace, there can be no stability, prosperity or security. That is why we need Ukraine to win this war, and at the same time, we need to move towards a strong EU security framework. In a world where war is no longer unthinkable and fewer people live in a democracy than outside of one, our Europe has become a superpower of rights, freedoms and prosperity.
We are sandwiched between a China with a value set very different to ours, an aggressive, expansionist Russia and an increasingly protectionist United States. Our way is different and I think worth defending and worth convincing others of that. Regarding our role in the World, we have to realise that the globe is a far smaller place that we sometimes think. We need to step up our engagement with Latin America, Asia and Africa, where many are coveted by autocracies. These must be partnerships of equals. We need to listen more. Preaching, patronising or imposing our ways will not work. And democracy as a form of Government is becoming rarer.
We keep delivering – but there is still a lot to do.
Can the EU move forward as a single entity in foreign and defence policy matters or will each country continue to act to some extent on the basis of its own interests?
To meet the goals of preserving peace, reinforcing international security, promoting democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights, the EU has in place joint foreign and security policy.
However, it is clear every Member State has their interests and therefore diplomacy and defence remain to a certain extent strong intergovernmental areas, more resistant to bringing them under the common umbrella. We cannot address them as we address agriculture or trade, areas that are deeply “communitarised”. But still, on foreign and defence policy there is a lot we can do together when it comes to finding common ground and positions. This is why the European External Action Service, the EU’s diplomatic service, carries out the EU’s common foreign and security policy.
Specifically on defence, the European Union was created as an antidote to war. It was created to sustain peace. However, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine made it clear how vulnerable we are without a ‘muscle.’ First, we must urgently enhance cohesion and effectiveness of European security and defence, in full complementarity, no duplication and coordination with the NATO, to defend our interests, values and citizens.
The European Parliament has been debating the appointment of a Defence Commissioner, within the next Commission, responsible for the finalisation of a true European Defence Union and all defence-related matters; this is of course a decision for after the elections and for the new Commission to decide.
But more importantly, we need more resources and the political will to enhance European technological and industrial capabilities. We are progressing on those elements with the legislation supporting joint public procurement and ammunition production. We also have the European Defence Fund, which aims to coordinate and increase national investment in defence research and improve interoperability between national armed forces.
In today’s geopolitical climate, it is clear that we need to protect our citizens and become a stronger and more capable security provider.
What role can the EU, and in particular the EP, play in issues such as the Cyprus problem?
The division of an EU Member State is not only a Cypriot issue, but a European one. Europe will never be completed as long as Cyprus remains divided. The EU remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the UN and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, which need to be respected and kept. Trust, not violence, must be the way forward. We support Maria Angela Holguin’s mission to find common ground so that the two sides can return to the negotiating table and reach a lasting settlement.
Cyprus is our main gateway to the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The resolution of the Cyprus Question with the re-unification of Cyprus within the context of the agreed framework for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation will be a win-win situation – not only for the two communities of Cyprus but also for the broader region. It would boost security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The European Parliament has repeatedly condemned the ongoing illegal Turkey-sponsored activities (including partial reopening of the beach) in the sealed-off area of Varhosha/Famagusta in blatant violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We unreservedly condemned Turkey’s direct political and economic interventionism and ongoing military build-up in the occupied part of Cyprus. Its actions further jeopardise the already bleak prospects of resumption of talks.
We continue to follow developments closely, including through our Committee on Petitions; a petition submitted in 2004 by Loizos Afxentiou, a displaced Greek Cypriot from Famagusta, on behalf of the Famagusta Refugee Movement, remains open; and the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (PETI) paid two fact-finding visits to Famagusta, in November 2007 and May 2018.
In the same content, in October 2023, Dolors Montserrat, Chair of that Committee, visited Famagusta and stressed that the fenced-off area of Famagusta must be returned to its lawful inhabitants under UN administration.
For us, there is no plan B concerning the goal of the efforts for a solution.
Will you stand again for the Presidency of the European Parliament? Your main goals if you are re-elected?
In the run up to elections, I am visiting EU Member States. I want people to re-capture that sense of purpose, of enthusiasm for Europe and I want to encourage them to use their vote.
I will be also campaigning in my own country, Malta, where I am candidate to another term to represent the Maltese people.
It has been an honour to serve as president of the European Parliament and represent its Members. This is something i will continue to do until the very last moment of my mandate. Regarding a second term, we will see after the elections. It will be up to the Members of the European Parliament to choose their own President.
