Roberta METSOLA, EP President, gives her doorstep statement ahead of the European Council (26-27 October 2023). She shares the European Parliament's position on Israel-Gaza situation, support to Ukraine, the Multiannual Financial framework 2021-2027 and the Pact on Migration. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check agaisnt delivery.

Brussels

Belgium

statement

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

European Council

president's agenda

European Council meeting 26-27 October 2023 (T)

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, ahead of the European Council (26-27 October 2023)

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, This European Council, it takes place with a backdrop of war and geopolitical instability and the unity and coherence of the European Union will be tested more than ever before for this a European Parliament, and this is what I will say in my remarks to the heads of State and government is very clear. First of all, Hamas must be stopped. There must be an unconditional release of all hostages while at the same time they are not mutually exclusive. We have to allow for humanitarian aid to alleviate the toughest of consequences that we are seeing on innocent civilians in Gaza. That is why in the European Parliament's resolution last week, we called for a humanitarian pause.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, This should not take our attention away from Ukraine, and this is exactly what Putin would want. We need to continue to help Ukraine militarily and financially, and that is one thing that we will continue, even in the context of the reform of our multiannual financial framework and the Ukraine facility that we voted on in the European Parliament last week.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I would make also a broader point on the Multiannual Financial framework. We need a review that takes into account the new reality. When it was adopted, the world was very different and therefore whether it is to help with migration, whether it is to help with natural disasters, but also in order for us to focus on policies that our citizens look forward to or feel the most. In the run up to the European elections, we have no choice.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, And similarly, on migration, the clock is ticking. This is a fact on the table that balances migration, asylum and security. We need to work much more on returns. The last few days showed us what loopholes there are. But I am confident because we have no other choice, that we will seek a solution and find a compromise on the table. Thank you.