Viktor Orbán

Europeans must remain united in order to defend their interests because the US speaks and understands the language of power, the president of the European Parliament said in an exclusive interview with “Vima”. Roberta Metzolain anticipation of his return Donald Trump in the White House.

“President Trump was elected by the American people and we should not be naive or surprised that his administration is defending US interests. Frankly, this is nothing new in American history.” he emphasized. But, he added, and “we were elected by Europeans and must therefore equally defend European families, industry and products”. He stressed, however, that Europeans need to show more “self-confidence”.

Referring to Euro-Atlantic trade she said it was worth over one trillion euros and supported around 16 million jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. “No single member state can meet this economic firepower alone. If we stand together and defend Europe’s interests, I am confident that we will be able to promote and support our European businesses.”

“United against Trump”

Much debate has begun in Brussels about which leader could take on the role of “broker” with the Trump administration, given the problems that have arisen during the US president’s first term in the White House. Trump’s “friends” in the Old Continent, prominently the Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban but also its Italian counterpart Georgia Meloni – both members of the so-called European “hard” Right – seek such a role.

Metsola, however, disagrees with this scenario. “I don’t think any leader alone – whoever he is – can be as effective a conversationalist as the EU as a whole. Our strength lies in speaking with one voice, not twenty-seven individuals. And I think the language of power is one that the US speaks and understands quite well.” stressed the Maltese politician.

“They need each other”

In general, however, the European top official emphasized that Euro-Atlantic relations must be strengthened regardless of political developments. “The world may be changing, but our commitment to strengthening the transatlantic relationship must remain steadfast. The European Union and the United States cooperate in areas that extend far beyond politics. Common history, common values, such as freedom, democracy, human rights, as well as open societies and markets, are the foundations of our alliance.”

She emphasized that she herself, as president of the European Parliament, will focus on what “unites” the USA and Europe. “Therefore, in my contacts with the speaker of the US House of Representatives I will continue to seek alignment with the US in providing joint solutions to common global challenges, such as the need to support Ukraine.”

“Now is the time to promote a stronger transatlantic bond in defence, in trade, in global affairs – rather than focusing our attention on lecturing or, worse, moralising on areas where we may have different perspectives. After all, with bilateral trade reaching historic highs, it is clear that both partners are of great importance to each other.” he added.

I will continue to seek alignment with the US in providing joint solutions to common global challenges, such as the need to support Ukraine

Focus on the economy

Last week the pro-European political groups (center-right European People’s Party, Eurosocialists and Liberals), after intense behind-the-scenes consultations, finally managed to overcome their differences and agree on the new Commission. The big issue now in Brussels is whether this pro-European alliance will be able to last and promote the plans of the new European Commission that will officially take over on December 1st.

“We can still count on a pro-European majority in the European Parliament. It’s easy to just find clues to solve complex issues. However, finding effective solutions requires patience and the art of compromise. I am sure that we will be able to continue to find common pro-European solutions in this House.”

With reference to the priorities of the next period, he underlined the need to initially enter “class in our own house. People have every right to demand a better economy and more and better jobs. Labor productivity in Europe lags behind the US, growing at only 0.8% per year compared to 1.1% in the US over the past decade. This is more than a statistic. It’s a wake-up call and we need a collective response.”

He also emphasized the need for open and fair trade, guided by international rules and European values. “To unlock the full growth potential of the single market, member states must work together. Harmonization, consolidation and simplification are vital. If Europe is serious about becoming a global player, we need a large European economy. We have to act, because we have what it takes.”