EU enlargement key to securing peace and stability, says European Parliament leader

In an exclusive interview with Euractiv’s Matthew Karnitschnig, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stressed that the European Union must seize the moment to expand as the US retreats from the global stage.

Metsola framed EU enlargement as not just a political necessity but as a critical geopolitical move. She warned that failing to integrate countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, and those in the Western Balkans could create a vacuum that other global powers would quickly fill.

“Europe’s credibility, both globally and in transatlantic relations, depends on its ability to lead in its own neighbourhood,” Metsola stated. “If we don’t step up, others will step in.”

Metsola emphasized that enlargement goes beyond simply adding new members; it is essential for securing peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. She acknowledged concerns from some EU member states about the risks of expansion, including fears over bureaucracy and migration. However, Metsola pointed to the successful enlargement that included Poland as a strong example of how enlargement can strengthen the Union rather than weaken it.

“The same arguments were made 20 years ago,” she remarked, referencing past debates on EU enlargement. “Mass migration or economic disruption did not materialize as feared.”

Metsola’s comments come at a time of growing transatlantic tensions, as the EU and the US diverge on issues such as trade and global security. In this context, Metsola argued that for Europe to be taken seriously on the world stage, it must demonstrate leadership, especially in managing its own neighborhood through a clear and merit-based accession process.

"In the last decade, Europe has lost more members than we have gained," Metsola said. "It’s time for us to chart a clearer path forward for candidate countries awaiting approval."

Metsola’s remarks were her first public comments following a corruption scandal that rocked the European Parliament last week. Belgian prosecutors are investigating Chinese telecom giant Huawei for allegedly violating lobbying laws by influencing members of the European Parliament. In the wake of the scandal, the European Parliament shut down access for Huawei lobbyists.

While Metsola declined to comment directly on the ongoing investigation, she defended the integrity of the European Parliament, emphasizing the stronger anti-corruption measures put in place following the “Qatar Gate” scandal in 2022. “There will always be people who try to break the rules,” she said, “but what matters is that we’ve strengthened the safeguards to catch them earlier.”

Metsola was adamant that the actions of a few individuals should not tarnish the reputation of the entire Parliament. Despite these assurances, the scandal presents a significant challenge for Metsola as she seeks to convince member states and the public of the institution’s ability to police itself and continue pursuing ambitious policy goals, particularly in relation to EU enlargement.

By Tamilla Hasanova