The enlargement of the European Union is a geopolitical necessity, European Parliament President Roberta Metzola stressed during the annual conference of EU ambassadors in Brussels, BTA reports.
According to her, Russian interference in Moldova, Georgia and the Western Balkans is a direct challenge to Europe's common security.
Metzola warned that if the EU does not continue the enlargement process, other forces will fill the void.
Support for Ukraine and common security
„Support for Ukraine is not an act of charity. "If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin wins, no one will be safe, not even the United States," Metsola said.
She stressed that in order to achieve peace, it must be fair and genuine, based on the principle that nothing should be decided without Ukraine's participation. Europe must be ready to defend democracy wherever it is threatened, she insisted.
Diplomacy, alliances and trade
Metsola also expressed her opinion on the EU's relations with the United States. She believes that trade wars do not benefit anyone and we should strive to avoid them.
“Europe is ready for any development and we will speak from a position of strength“, she noted, underlining the importance of the long-standing partnership with the US as one of the EU's oldest and strongest allies.
In the context of diplomacy, she stressed that times are not easy, with sometimes the loudest voice attracting the most attention and violence stifling dialogue. Mezzola called for more work on building trust and diplomatic solutions, reminding that there are no quick wins in diplomacy, but that it is often associated with slow and painful work.