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European Parliament President Roberta Metsola supported the idea of certain member nations advancing further in integration compared to others, referring to it as “a route to unity” instead of a barrier.

“We have never opposed member states from taking additional steps,” Metsola said during the ‘Europe Today’ morning show on Friday, responding to talks about deeper integration that occurred at the EU leaders’ meeting the day before.

EU officials gathered informally on Thursday at Alden Biesen castle in Belgium to address issues related to competitiveness, with former Italian Prime Ministers Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta also present, as both have released significant studies on European economic reform.

We’ve had enough of the Schengen area, we’ve experienced it with the euro, and in various areas,” Metsola stated. “This is not an obstacle or a quick route to unity, but rather a path towards unity.

Although the informal meeting did not result in any official statements, leaders proposed a two-tier union as a possible way to address the political stalemate regarding economic reforms essential for boosting European growth, prioritizing rapid progress over full agreement.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported the concept of enhanced cooperation, a process that enables a minimum of nine member states to advance policies without requiring unanimous agreement, even before a meeting.

French President Emmanuel Macron took an additional step following the retreat, proposing that Europe requires a “comprehensive package” of economic actions, including jointly funded initiatives to be finalized by June. If this cannot be achieved with all 27 members, it will proceed via enhanced cooperation.

The change is important because the EU has traditionally advocated for agreement, with unanimous consent being the foundation of decision-making on key issues impacting the union as a whole.

Deadline for tangible steps in March

Metsola stated that the EU has “a limited chance” before the upcoming European Council in March to achieve tangible results and set a schedule, repeating remarks from other leaders regarding the need to implement changes quickly.

She advocated for complete dedication to finalizing the Capital Markets Union, the Banking Union, the Savings and Investments Union, and the Energy Union, stating that this was essential to maintain the EU’s competitiveness in today’s global political landscape.

“This will simplify your ability to invest, expand, innovate, and scale up in Europe,” she stated.

Metsola highlighted three immediate focuses: “2026 will be the year in which we must protect the automotive sector. Second, we need to strengthen our position as market leaders. Third, we need to finalize additional trade agreements.”

When asked if she saw European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement urging co-legislators “to do their part” as a form of criticism, Metsola replied: “Not at all. It is a shared appeal for action, similar to how the European Parliament has consistently requested the Commission to present simplification proposals.”

“We currently have the suggestions available, and we are progressing quite quickly on them,” she added.