Niki Laou - Strasbourg
The European Parliament opened its September plenary on Monday with a charged atmosphere, as President Roberta Metsola set the tone by addressing a series of crises that underline Europe’s fragility and global responsibility.
Her remarks touched on tragedy in Portugal, the devastation of wildfires across the continent, the continuing war in Ukraine, and the worsening conflict in Gaza. It was a speech designed not only to mourn and condemn, but to remind MEPs of the importance of Europe’s collective voice at a time of instability.
Tragedy, fire and solidarity
Metsola began with condolences for the victims of the Elevador da Glória funicular derailment in Lisbon, which killed 16 people and injured 23. The disaster was followed by another warning sign of Europe’s vulnerability: the worst wildfire season on record, with more than one million hectares of land already burnt this year.
“Europe stands with you,” Metsola told those still battling flames in Portugal and Spain, highlighting how the EU deployed 650 firefighters and more than 20 aircraft to bolster local efforts. “This is European solidarity in action,” she added, stressing that such cooperation was not an abstract concept but a lifeline.
Ukraine: tragedy reinforces resolve
On Europe’s eastern flank, Metsola condemned the murder of Andrii Parubii, former Chairman of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, in Lviv two weeks ago. His death, she said, was a reminder of what is at stake.
“We will continue to push for peace,” Metsola told the chamber, “but it must be a real peace. A peace with dignity and justice.” Her remarks come ahead of Wednesday’s debate with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the state of the Union, where the war in Ukraine is expected to feature prominently.
Gaza: “Too much innocent blood has been spilt”
Metsola’s strongest words were reserved for the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. She described the cycle of bombings, captivity and hunger as “untenable and unacceptable.”
“We cannot allow the normalisation of the horror we are witnessing,” she warned, urging MEPs to support a ceasefire, the return of hostages and renewed momentum for a two-state solution. “Too much innocent blood has been spilt. Europe must do more to find peace.”
A decisive week ahead
Beyond Metsola’s opening remarks, the plenary will address a packed agenda:
- A debate and vote on Ukraine’s reform momentum, with MEPs expected to commend Kyiv’s progress under wartime conditions.
- A resolution on Gaza, focusing on humanitarian aid and hostages, due to be voted on Thursday.
- A discussion on Russian hybrid threats, including disinformation and cyber attacks, which have left smaller member states feeling increasingly vulnerable.
- And an expected debate on the case of five Greek Cypriots detained in the island’s occupied north, where MEPs may press for stronger wording on human rights abuses.
The centrepiece of the week will be Wednesday’s State of the Union speech by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, her last before next year’s European elections. MEPs are expected to press her on security, migration, cost of living and Europe’s role in global crises.
Europe tested on every front
If Metsola’s opening message carried one theme, it was that Europe is being tested simultaneously on multiple fronts, from natural disasters to geopolitical shocks.
