Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the European Political Community in Granada (Spain). 47 heads of state and government (including the ones of the 27 EU Member States) are invited to take part in this third meeting of the European Political Community to discuss how to make Europe more resilient, prosperous and geostrategic. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

Spain

Spanish Presidency of the EU (T)

president's agenda

European Political Community

Doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Political Community in Granada (Spain)

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I think this meeting is important because we are investing in our continent's geostrategic peace, security and stability. We will also be very clear on enlargement, loud and clear. Ukraine and Moldova. We should start accession negotiations with these two countries once all conditions are fulfilled.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I will also meet with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Pashinyan not only when I offer assistance with the humanitarian crisis that we have of persons having to leave Nagorno-Karabakh, but also with the integration of refugees in Armenia. And I will also invite the Prime Minister of Armenia to address the plenary session in a couple of weeks. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I see the European political community as the reason to bring all allies together. Ifwe're not together as a continent, then actors from elsewhere will try to influence our continent. That's my first point. Secondly, I would always appeal to all partners to attend these meetings. This is an opportunity for everybody to come together, as has been the case with the negotiations that have been taking place so far, not successful, actually failed. But we would have wanted to see negotiations with Azerbaijan and Armenia here.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Secondly, on Turkey, we also will continue to look at the country that can be a partner. We ask the questions we ask and express human rights concerns. But for us, the European political community, it is precisely the opportunity to have everybody around the same table. So I would always say it's a pity when countries are not represented. Thank you.