The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is urging the European Union to embrace bolder reforms, warning of a potential decline in relevance if significant change is not undertaken. In a recent contribution to the German business daily “Handelsblatt”, Metsola expressed concern that a failure to adapt could lead to a “painful descent into irrelevance” for the bloc.
To counter this risk, Metsola advocates for deeper European integration particularly in crucial sectors such as capital markets, energy supply and security. She emphasized that fostering innovation across the entire European economic landscape would positively impact pricing, stimulate investment and enhance the EU’s competitive edge in emerging technologies.
Metsola stressed the importance of striving for a genuinely “better” Europe, rather than simply expanding the EU’s scope. She framed the Union as a construct that is defined by the ambitions and actions of its members, rather than adhering to a rigid framework.
The President’s proposals contribute to a broader discussion already championed by figures like former ECB President Mario Draghi. Draghi, who presented an extensive reform program for the EU a year ago, recently voiced concerns about the waning significance of the European growth model and the lack of a clear roadmap to secure necessary investment. His assessment underscores the urgency of the debate surrounding the EU’s future trajectory.
