Filenews 7 August 2022 - byXenia Tourki
The European Union is trying to find its stride by passing through the minefields left by the successive crises it has to deal with. We are living in turbulent times, admitted in her interview with "Phileleftheros" the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, acknowledging that the European Union is at a critical point. As he said, after the pandemic came the war in Ukraine to test the endurance and unity of the EU. Despite significant difficulties, Roberta Mezzola is convinced that the European Union can continue to fight for its values as united, building a strong present and an even stronger future. "How we responded to the invasion of Ukraine and how we should continue to respond is the touchstone of our values. The unity and determination of our response has confused our critics and made us feel proud to be Europeans," she said.
The President of the European Parliament also placed particular emphasis on immigration issues. As she said, this is an issue that causes tensions, as frontline member states, such as Cyprus and its homeland, Malta, carry a disproportionate burden. Therefore, she stressed, it is imperative that the EU becomes more active in order to find a more common European response to this challenge, balancing between meaningful solidarity and responsibility. No state should be left alone to shoulder a disproportionate responsibility in terms of the large number of arrivals of political asylum seekers but all countries must contribute in solidarity and on a solid basis, she said. The debate also included the issue that is currently 'burning' the EU, namely energy. Roberta Mezzola acknowledged that Brussels needs to change its policy.
-The European Union is at a critical point and the Conference on the Future of Europe has put forward various proposals, such as the abolition of the unanimous vote. The issue will end, do you think, with the usual compromises they bring and the corresponding disappointment? Or maybe this time things can lead to change?
-We live in turbulent times. After the pandemic we are facing a war in Europe, something that we had never imagined could happen again. If we have learned anything, it is that we must remain more united than ever, because this is where our strength lies. We now have to deal with high inflationary tendencies that affect all European citizens, yet we must daily remind ourselves that we are doing the right thing by supporting Ukraine's heroic efforts against Vladimir Putin's authoritarianism. The European Parliament defends its positions and makes the voices of the citizens heard. Following the Conference on the Future of Europe, I believe that it is a common feeling in Europe that we need to revise our Treaties in line with the new times and make them more effective in important areas such as health, energy and defence. The European Parliament is calling for a convention, which will be the best platform to discuss the future.
-What do you imagine the European Union will look like in ten years' time?
-I like to imagine it bigger, safer, stronger and more united that will create opportunities for its citizens. I would also like it to be made more equal and fairer, especially for women and the youngest. And at the same time greener and more autonomous energy because this means that we will have regained our energy independence from third countries and that we will have stopped indirectly financing authoritarian regimes, such as Vladimir Putin's.
-What are the biggest problems and challenges that the European Union is facing at this stage?
-The world after February 24th is a different world. In recent years they have taught us that our biggest challenges relate to health, energy and safety. The way in which we responded to the illegal invasion of Ukraine and how we should continue to respond is the touchstone of our values. The unity and determination of our response has confused our critics and made us feel proud to be Europeans. This must be the plan for the future. The European Parliament will always fight for a stronger Europe and for everything that Europe means, namely freedom, democracy, the rule of law, justice, solidarity and equal opportunities for all.
-How do you assess how the EU has dealt with the migration/refugee crisis? In your opinion, what major challenges remain unresolved?
-Migration is a complex issue. It has been and will continue to be a defining opportunity but also a challenge for Europe. It is therefore imperative that the EU becomes more active in order to find a more common European response to this challenge, balancing between genuine solidarity and responsibility. The frontline member states such as Cyprus, Greece, Italy and my homeland Malta, bear a disproportionate burden, since due to their geographical position they are the main entrances of the routes to Europe. All Member States must act responsibly and show solidarity with the frontline countries.
Also, Russia's invasion of Ukraine last February forced millions of people to flee their homes and created one of the biggest humanitarian crises in Europe's history in recent years. I am proud of how Europe has responded and set an example both in helping Ukraine and in holding the Kremlin accountable. And I am proud of the international alliance that has been created. This is a shining example, where the EU acted quickly and above all with unity. However, there are no ready-made solutions that allow us to act as a Union on the one hand and on the other to protect the people who deserve it and to return those who are not granted international protection. It is for this reason that the EU needs to update its legal framework through the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) to address this challenge with sustainable policies. A resilient Europe in the face of political asylum and migration crises and a resilient Schengen system are key prerequisites for our common European future.
EU punishes Turkey for Cyprus by freezing funds
-Why did the EU act immediately and impose sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, when for so many years it never did the same in relation to the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus?
-Why did the EU act immediately and impose sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, when for so many years it never did the same in relation to the illegal Turkish invasion of Cyprus?
-the President Vladimir Putin and his Government launched a barbaric war against their independent, sovereign neighboring country. This unprovoked attack is a major threat to international peace and security, as well as to our values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. In addition, we are witnessing an urgent humanitarian crisis that is unfolding before our eyes and there are already millions of refugees and internally displaced persons. The European Union has acted swiftly and firmly in a united way to defend peace, international law and the rules-based system.
In 2004 Cyprus and of course my country, Malta, joined the EU. I believe that it is widely accepted that Cyprus is now a safer country, precisely because it is a member of this European family. The EU has strongly condemned the Turkish invasion and occupation of another member state and has supported the sovereign rights of Cyprus in its Exclusive Economic Zone. The EU has punished Turkey for its behaviour towards Cyprus, freezing many chapters of the accession negotiations. On several occasions, the European Parliament has urged Member States to go further, but as you know, this is a decision that belongs solely to the Council where unanimity is required. I would also remind you that the EU has taken a much more active role in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and has participated at a high level in several rounds of negotiations. As I said in my first speech as a President of the European Parliament, the European Union 'can never really be whole as long as Cyprus remains divided'. That's something I really believe in.
No state can be left alone in the face of migrant flows
-How can the EU and the European Parliament help frontline states like Cyprus, which receive huge numbers of migrants and refugees?
-No state should be left alone to shoulder a disproportionate responsibility in terms of the large number of arrivals of political asylum seekers. All Member States must contribute in solidarity and on a solid basis. For example, if we take a look at the catastrophic situation in Ukraine we see proof that Europe needs a holistic, balanced approach to migration. We must take into account legitimate security concerns, but at the same time moral obligations, putting humanity first equally. We must be fair to those who need protection, firm to those who do not need it and tough to those who seek to exploit the weakest and shamelessly violate human rights. The Memorandum of Understanding signed this year between the Cypriot Government and the European Commission for the implementation of the Action Plan regarding migration management is an important step in addressing the ongoing migration challenges that Cyprus is facing.
To extricate ourselves from Russian energy
-Europe is looking for ways to move away from Russian gas. How quickly can it regain its independence from Russian fossil fuels, without at the same time European consumers paying a huge price?
-If we have learned anything from this crisis, it is that it is necessary to change our energy model and that is why we must focus on renewable energy sources, the expansion of green energy infrastructure in the EU, as well as the improvement of interconnections. We absolutely need to extricate ourselves from Russian energy, but it takes some time, because Russia has turned from one of our main energy suppliers into a threat to democracy and everything that the EU stands for. Our mistake was, in the first instance, to rely on the gas and oil of an authoritarian government like Putin's. That is why the six sanctions packages approved so far, which include strong restrictions on Russian banks and companies, aim to correct this situation, while at the same time moving towards zero dependence despite the threats and blackmail that we have had to face.
It will take some time before we meet our targets for reducing energy dependency that we are facing today, but I am convinced that we will succeed. However, this is not the time to back down in terms of our climate targets. Delivering on the objectives of the Green Deal is the best way to move away from toxic dependence on unreliable partners.
We are also under unprecedented pressures due to inflation at very high levels. Many member states still do not seem to have reached a peak. We need a firm, clear and united approach that shows that we are all in this together, while firmly upholding our values. There is no miraculous solution that suits everyone for the social and economic impact we are facing, and nothing should be out of the question when we are looking for solutions to mitigate the effects of war.
-Is it not time for the EU to switch to eastern Mediterranean gas?
-It is clear that we need to look for alternative sources of natural gas as a transitional energy source. The most important factor is reliability and stability in supply. The EU needs to reach out to all possible partners that can offer a sustainable gas supply at reasonable prices. The countries of the Eastern Mediterranean are undoubtedly among the potential partners.
Solidarity for Ukraine
-How do you assess the role of the EU in the Ukrainian crisis? Do you think the EU is doing enough? What other measures could be taken?
-It is clear that the EU plays an important role in supporting Ukraine and its people. We have reacted to this incredible aggression with unprecedented solidarity, particularly with those who have been forced to leave their country and with a strong and unified response that includes six packages of sanctions against Russia, as well as with the use of the European Peace Facility to send weapons to the Ukrainians. However, it is always possible to do more and in this context, I am pleased to see that steps have now been taken to implement a seventh package of sanctions. The European Union has also taken the historic decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova accession status. It is very important to give hope to people who are fighting for our values.
-If the war continues for a long time, will the EU be able to show the same solidarity and unity as it is now?
-We must not allow the pandemic and the war to tire us out. Our job as European leaders is to explain to our people that their efforts will be rewarded in the future and that our response is stronger when we are united. We are aware of the price increases and the difficulties in the supply of energy, but these sacrifices are small when compared to the cost paid by the Ukrainian people. Europe owes it to the Ukrainians to continue with the same attitude and we will come out stronger and more united from this crisis.
