Nine months before the next European Parliament elections on 6 - 9 June, President Ursula von der Leyen outlines her Commission’s priorities from now until the end of its mandate. She focuses on a stronger and more resilient European Union, on the EU’s continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia’s aggression, on energy security and EU energy independence, the EU’s twin green and digital transitions, and on protecting core EU values. Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives an introductory statement during the State of the European Union 2023 in Strasbourg. Introductory statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

president's agenda

state of the European Union 2023 (T)

State of the European Union 2023: Introductory statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I am very pleased to welcome the president of. The European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen to our European Parliament for the annual State of the European Union Address. Over the last year we have overcome a financial crisis, a pandemic, we have gone through Brexit and found new ways forward.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, We have stood up and stood firm against Russia's illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are addressing the climate emergency. We have disengaged from toxic Russian energy and we have set the foundation for years to come.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, The European Union today is stronger and more united than ever before. The world is changing and Europe must adapt and change with it too. We must keep striving to make our place, our Europe, a place of equality, of opportunity, of access, of prosperity, where everyone can reach their potential. We must keep reforming.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, So, we have come a long way. But even so, too many people across our Union are still struggling. Too many women still face unfair barriers. Too many of our young people still face an uncertain future. And we need to keep our people's concerns at the centre of all our actions and to underline how we will do that.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, It is truly my pleasure to introduce the President of the European Commission to deliver her 2023 State of the European Union Address, which for the first time I am extremely proud to say, will be interpreted in international sign language. Dear Ursula, the floor is yours.