DM: For years we have been witnessing right-wing populist and nationalist tendencies which, among other things, led to the exit of Great Britain. How can you ensure that the EU does not continue to erode?
Roberta Metsola: A few years ago, we did see a number of political forces suggesting that it was better to leave the EU. However, today, that is no longer the case. A majority of EU citizens want more EU, and an increasing number of countries see Europe as a beacon of hope, peace and liberty, and want to join our Union. Therefore, I would say that instead of weakening us, the different crises the EU had to face in the past 15 years galvanised the Union. They’ve made us stronger.
For this to continue, I believe that we need to better communicate how the EU benefits citizens, but also we need to consolidate the constructive pro-European centre of the political arena. That is why we need leaders. We need people with the political courage to face the challenges ahead of us, and who can turn them into positive catalysts for change and strengthening our Union.
DM: How can the cohesion of the EU be promoted and peace guaranteed?
Roberta Metsola: At the European level, the key is to act together, in a proportional and rapid way. We have witnessed the efficacy of these three principles during the pandemic and we should continue to apply them to address the Russian threat to our peace and our values, the energy crisis and the rising cost of life. We need to stand united to safeguard a peaceful, free and democratic Europe. We owe this to our citizens. Peace and democracy is in the DNA of the EU.
Similarly, at the international level, multilateralism is the key to safeguard peace. We need to defend the rules-based world order, deepen our links with like-minded partners, and unite to fight the global challenges that affect us all.
DM: How does the EU meet its responsibility and its claim to unite the interests of all Europeans as the "mother ship"? Is that even possible?
Roberta Metsola: To me, Europe has always represented the future and hope. We have seen in the past that unity and solidarity is our strength and that, especially in these unprecedented times, we Europeans, cannot afford to be divided.
Therefore, I would not only say that it is possible, but also that it is our duty, and in everyone’s interest to work together. People expect us to respond and we must be able to do that, and I am convinced that joining forces is the way forward.
Let me also highlight that unity under the EU umbrella does not equate homogeneity. Europe is about listening to all of our citizens’ concerns, ensuring that their voice is represented, and guaranteeing equality of opportunity for all. Europe is diverse, and this is also one of our major strengths.
DM: If national sensitivities cannot even be regulated, what does that look like when measured against international standards?
Roberta Metsola: What is undeniable is that in addition to being the world’s largest trading block, the European Union is a global benchmark with regards to its values. We are reminded of this, as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Nobel Prize awarded to the EU this December.
The EU is about people and the common good. It has the extraordinary power to transform individual lives and countries in a positive way, which is why the EU must remain a bastion of protection, respect of fundamental rights and the rule of law, democracy, prosperity, and solidarity. This ambition must keep guiding our daily work.
DM: How can a common foreign and security policy really be guaranteed?
Roberta Metsola: The strengthening of our security and defence policy is indeed one of our priorities. The Russian aggression in Ukraine and the resulting security threats for the EU have made this objective even more pressing.
We must continue to prove Putin wrong, by showing him that he cannot divide us, and that the EU will never accept the flagrant breaches of international law and a sovereign country’s territorial integrity.
For a strong and cohesive security policy, the European Defence Fund is a good start, but not enough. The EU budget should become our key instrument. On top of that, it is crucial that all member states are on the same page and work together. More concretely, this means that we need to make better use of our defence spending and avoid duplication.
It is also crucial to further strength our ties with NATO, working not in competition but in cooperation, with our friends and allies in promoting a stronger European Defence.
Interview Christian Barth