European Parliament President Roberta Metsola called for fresh EU funding Friday upon arriving at the Informal EU Heads of State Summit in Nicosia, warning that mounting crises demand "new money" to service ballooning debt amid an inadequate budget.
The EP will greenlight its Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) stance next week, paving the way for talks with member states, Metsola said, urging a "fresh look" at own resources to bridge gaps in facing today's challenges.
Metsola praised the EU's €90 billion Ukraine loan -now cleared by states- the 20th sanctions package, and broader steps delivering "financial help and momentum" to Kyiv. She also welcomed Iran's extended ceasefire, underscoring Europe's dual-track support.
"Ukraine needs financial help and needs momentum, and Europe is providing both," Metsola said.
Outlining her agenda, she pushed the "One Europe – One Market" roadmap for swifter decisions and less single-market fragmentation to meet citizen demands.
On energy, she demanded infrastructure investments beyond quick fixes for supply security and long-term autonomy.
"Now is the time to secure the strategic autonomy we've discussed for decades," she added.
Turning to the Middle East, Metsola stressed security and stability, insisting Europeans "should not bear the cost" of others' crises. She called for unified messaging on protection amid national responses, delivering "security, stability, calm, and certainty" to citizens.
