Latest news with #Metsola
Euronews
3 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
MEPs vote for Parliament to sue Commission over €150bn defence scheme
The European Parliament's legal affairs (JURI) committee on Tuesday recommended that the institution takes the Commission to court for bypassing MEPs to set up a €150 billion loan programme to boost defence spending across the bloc. The motion was approved in a secret vote with 20 out of 23 votes in favour. Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, now has to decide whether to follow JURI's recommendation. Euronews has contacted Metsola's cabinet for comment. Metsola had in early May warned her counterpart in the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, that a lawsuit could be pending if the EU executive didn't amend the legal basis it used to set up the SAFE programme The Commission has invoked Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) to set up SAFE which allows member states to directly approve a Commission proposal "if severe difficulties arise in the supply of certain products" or if a member state is "seriously threatened with severe difficulties caused by natural disasters or exceptional occurrences beyond its control". Despite the threat, the Commission stuck to its argument and member states approved the SAFE regulation later that same month. A spokesperson for the Commission reiterated in a statement to Euronews that it stands firm in its belief that it has chosen the right legal basis because "Europe faces an unprecedented security threat". "The Commission will always be available to explain why Article 122 TFEU has been chosen as the appropriate legal basis," Thomas Regnier added Under the programme, the Commission will raise up to €150 billion on the market to then loan the money to member states for defence investments. It is a key plank of the Commission's 'Readiness 2030' proposal that aims to see hundreds of billions of euros invested into defence across the EU before the end of the decade, when some intelligence agencies believe Russia could be in a position to attack a European country. In her letter to von der Leyen, Metsola had stressed that "the European Parliament is not questioning the merits of this proposal for a regulation," but is instead "deeply concerned" that its adoption without a proper legal basis would be "putting at risk democratic legitimacy by undermining Parliament's legislative and scrutiny functions". Article 122 was previously used by the Commission to react swiftly to the COVID-19 pandemic and to speed up the permits for renewable energy during the height of the energy crisis. To access SAFE, member states now have to work on and submit plans detailing their projects. To be successful, they need to submit projects involving at least two member states (or a qualifying third county), while a European preference whereby two-thirds of the value of the project must be manufactured in Europe also applies. Funding for SAFE is expected to start in early 2026.
Sharjah 24
5 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Abdullah bin Zayed receives European Parliament President
Strengthening UAE–EU relations The UAE top diplomat welcomed Metsola's visit. During the meeting—held in Abu Dhabi—they discussed paths of bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance relations at various levels to serve mutual interests. Economic and strategic partnerships His Highness Sheikh Abdullah praised the growing and evolving ties between the UAE and the EU, particularly following the recent launch of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. He noted this reflects a mutual commitment to a prosperous UAE–EU partnership across multiple sectors. Advancing parliamentary cooperation Sheikh Abdullah also commended the strengthening relationship between the Federal National Council (FNC) and the European Parliament. He highlighted the high-level parliamentary event hosted in the UAE, which included a special UAE–EU session chaired by Saqr Ghobash and attended by Metsola. Discussing regional developments The two leaders discussed ongoing serious developments in the Middle East and their implications for regional peace and security. Role of parliaments in peace and stability Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the vital role of parliaments in supporting diplomatic efforts to consolidate peace, ensure stability, and safeguard both regional and global security. Attendees The meeting was also attended by Saqr Ghobash, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Mohamed Ismail Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abdullah bin Zayed receives European Parliament President to discuss cooperation, regional developments
23 June 2025 23:02 ABU DHABI (WAM)His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Roberta Metsola, President of the European UAE top diplomat welcomed the visit of Metsola, and during the meeting—held in Abu Dhabi—they discussed the paths of bilateral cooperation as well as ways to enhance relations at various levels to serve mutual Highness Sheikh Abdullah praised the growing and evolving ties between the UAE and the EU, particularly following the recent announcement of the launch of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations between the two sides. This, he noted, reflects a mutual commitment to establishing a prosperous UAE–EU cooperation across multiple also commended the deepening relations between the Federal National Council (FNC) and the European Parliament, especially as the UAE hosted a high-level parliamentary event today that included a special UAE-EU session chaired by Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the FNC, and attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Metsola discussed the serious developments in the Middle East and their impacts on regional peace and emphasised the critical role of parliaments in supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at consolidating peace and stability in the region, as well as in safeguarding regional and international security. The meeting was also attended by Saqr Ghobash, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Mohamed Ismail Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union.
Dubai Eye
5 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
FNC holds special UAE–EU session
The Federal National Council (FNC) held a special UAE–European session in Abu Dhabi on Monday, chaired by Speaker Saqr Ghobash, as part of its 18th legislative term. The high-level session welcomed Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, along with ministers, senior officials, EU ambassadors and European business leaders operating in the UAE. In his opening remarks, Ghobash welcomed Metsola and her delegation, stressing the UAE's commitment to dialogue and parliamentary cooperation. He said the session marks the start of deeper joint initiatives on global challenges such as peace, sustainable development and combating extremism. Ghobash also addressed urgent regional issues, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a political resolution to the conflict. He reaffirmed the UAE's stance on diplomacy and dialogue in resolving disputes and tensions, including the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities. In her speech, Metsola praised the UAE's leadership in promoting peace and coexistence, calling the visit a turning point in EU-UAE relations. "I stand before you today representing 450 million European citizens, carrying a message of hope and optimism that this visit will mark a new beginning for strengthening our bilateral ties and expanding the horizons of partnership between the European Parliament and the UAE through constructive dialogue and cooperation," she said. The President of the European Parliament highlighted strong UAE-EU trade ties, valued at €328 billion (AED 1.39 trillion), and emphasised tourism, education and culture as key pillars of future cooperation. Metsola concluded by describing the relationship as entering a new phase of strategic partnership, built on shared values and a common vision for global peace and prosperity. انعقاد الجلسة البرلمانية الخاصة الإماراتية الأوروبية، برئاسة معالي صقر غباش رئيس المجلس الوطني الاتحادي، وبحضور معالي روبيرتا ميتسولا رئيسة البرلمان الأوروبية. — المجلس الوطني الاتحادي (@fnc_uae) June 23, 2025
Sharjah 24
5 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Federal National Council holds special ‘UAE–EU' session
Warm welcome and opening remarks Saqr Ghobash opened the session with a welcome speech, greeting Roberta Metsola and her delegation. He also acknowledged key UAE officials including Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and other senior government representatives. Attendance of key stakeholders The session included EU ambassadors, European business leaders with UAE ventures, members of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Emirates Youth Councils, and the Children's Parliament, symbolising a broad spectrum of UAE–EU engagement. Emphasis on dialogue and shared values In his remarks, Ghobash highlighted the UAE's commitment to dialogue, human dignity, and tolerance. He praised the visit as a sign of mutual respect and a shared parliamentary vision rooted in common humanitarian values. Tribute to the UAE's founding vision Ghobash paid tribute to the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and current leadership for upholding the nation's principles of peace and cooperation. Strengthening parliamentary cooperation The FNC Speaker noted the significance of Metsola's visit in deepening parliamentary cooperation, setting the stage for joint action on global issues like sustainable development, peace, climate safety, and combating extremism. Humanitarian concerns and regional stability Ghobash voiced concern over the worsening situation in Gaza and stressed the importance of de-escalation, civilian protection, and a path to peace. He also expressed alarm at rising regional tensions, particularly concerning Iranian nuclear facilities, calling for diplomacy as the only solution. Metsola's remarks: A new era of UAE–EU partnership In her address, Roberta Metsola described the UAE–EU relationship as entering a renewed phase based on peace, prosperity, and openness. She praised the UAE's role in promoting coexistence and diplomacy, and highlighted its growing global stature. Economic and cultural ties strengthen cooperation Metsola noted that the EU is the UAE's second-largest trading partner, with €328 billion in mutual investments. She emphasized tourism, education, and culture as core areas for future collaboration. Vision for strategic future cooperation Concluding her remarks, Metsola expressed hope that this session would mark the start of deeper strategic cooperation. She affirmed that with strong political will and mutual trust, UAE–EU relations could flourish across multiple domains.
