As the current institutional cycle advances towards its mid-term point, what kind of European Union should we be shaping now so that the next legislature inherits a Union that is more resilient, more united, and better equipped to face global challenges?
I have always said that we need to keep in mind what kind of Europe we will pass on to future generations. The European project is continually evolving and responding to the challenges of our time. At this moment, Europe is confronting a range of complex issues - from economic and energy security to geopolitical tensions, rapid technological changes, and the spread of misinformation. All these issues test the stability of our societies and institutions and will have an impact on our societies, and ultimately our democracy. It is therefore more important than ever that we protect the values we hold most dear - values that previous generations fought so hard to defend.
We have however already proven, time and again, that we are capable of this. Most recently, we have had to confront a war of aggression on our own continent, forcing us to strengthen our defences, our solidarity, our unity and our commitment to protecting our way of life. We have risen to the challenge, and I am proud of our response.
At the same time, I am convinced that we can also prepare the ground also for the future, for example, by accelerating the clean-energy transition that guarantees energy security, or by implementing the safeguards needed to ensure that the digital transformation is responsible, safe, and efficient, all while boosting our economies and creating job opportunities. Much of this is exemplified in our simplification agenda: by doing away with unnecessary bureaucracy and cutting red tape, we can make the Union better prepared to face global challenges.
We must equip the EU with the tools it needs to remain adaptable and agile. As we reach the legislative stream of this institutional cycle, we must build on the work we have started to shape a Union that is strategically more autonomous, economically competitive, and capable of acting with unity and self-confidence on the global stage.
With negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework approaching, how should the EU balance long-term competitiveness and strategic autonomy with its commitment to cohesion and solidarity among Member States?
As I see it, long-term competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and cohesion are not opposing objectives. On the contrary, they go hand in hand: a Europe that is innovative, resilient, and self-reliant can only be achieved if all Member States are able to contribute to, and benefit from such strength.
The next Multiannual Financial Framework will be pivotal for our goal of strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, and our autonomy; all while investing in people, regions and social cohesion, preparing and responding to crises with solidarity, as well as enforcing and promoting our democratic values.
Cohesion strengthens Europe’s competitiveness by ensuring that all Member States have strong economies, skilled workforces, and the capacity to innovate, which in turn reinforces the Single Market. Solidarity allows the Union to act collectively, enabling joint investments, shared risks, and coordinated responses that no single Member State could achieve alone. Together, cohesion and solidarity underpin Europe’s strategic autonomy, making the Union more resilient, independent, competitive and capable of thriving economically, technologically, and geopolitically.
In an increasingly contested geopolitical environment, what role should the European Parliament play in shaping a more coherent and assertive European foreign policy?
The European Parliament plays an important role in foreign policy through our budgetary and legislative powers, especially on trade or foreign aid. We also engage in direct diplomacy, democracy support and election observation. And above all, in policy shaping through our debates, resolutions and reports, often setting the agenda for the Union.
By working together with other EU institutions such as the Commission or the Council, and directly with the EU Member States, the European Parliament is helping to ensure that Europe speaks with greater unity, clarity, and legitimacy on the global stage.
Furthermore, Parliament can shine a light on the big issues, by offering a stage for leaders, like President Zelenskyy, to speak to Europe.
Recent crises - from supply-chain disruptions to security shocks - have exposed vulnerabilities in Europe’s economic model. What structural changes do you believe are necessary to reinforce Europe’s industrial base while maintaining openness to global trade?
Europe is a continent of innovators, and our single market and global influence are a testament to our strengths. However, it is true that recent external events have exposed our vulnerabilities, reminding us that our position cannot be taken for granted and that we too must change and adapt. Through this European Parliament's mandate, we are working on diversifying our supply chains in critical sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and raw materials, by investing in European companies and start-ups, while ensuring we have broad global partnerships.
We must also support greater investment in industrial research & development, deep-tech manufacturing, and SME technology adoption through funding programs, legislative incentives, and initiatives that promote skills development across Member States. The Parliament is driving efforts to deepen the Single Market particularly in services, capital, and energy by adopting legislation and simplification measures that reduce fragmentation and help European companies scale up more effectively.
Engagement with citizens remains a central challenge for the EU. How can Parliament deepen its connection with Europeans and ensure that policymaking reflects the concerns of younger generations in particular?
The younger generation’s engagement to Europe is essential to the European project. Citizens do not want to be merely informed of the end results - they want to see that their voice matters from the very beginning of the legislative process. And they want us to deal with their real and urgent concerns, such as housing, the creation of quality jobs, or climate change. So, our first task must be to listen to them.
Another area we must act in is communication. Parliament cannot continue speaking the language of technocrats. By doing so, we continue to narrow our audience. We must go beyond traditional communication and create new channels of dialogue that allow our youth to have a real say in our decisions We need to engage with youth on platforms where the youth are, on social media, and by having open discussions in person. This is why I always make sure to meet with youth when I travel to EU member states. Because, if we want to build a Union that responds to their hopes and concerns, we must treat our youth as co-creators of Europe's future, not just as recipients of decisions.
Chambers of commerce play a crucial role in connecting businesses with public institutions and in translating EU policies into concrete economic outcomes. How can the European Parliament work more closely with these organisations to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and ensure that the Single Market delivers for all SMEs, and not only for the innovative and disruptive ones?
These organisations are critical to ensuring that we are legislating effectively. No-one knows the challenges – whether big or small – that SMEs are facing better than them. So, we must utilise them effectively.
It is important for our Members to engage systematically through consultations, joint initiatives, and regular dialogue to understand challenges faced by SME’s. This is a good example of how we rely on each other to bring Europe forward and making life easier, better and more prosperous for all Europeans.