Roberta Metsola on EU leadership: Security, social media, and Poland’s presidency of the EU Council

The President discussed, among other topics, the relationship between the European Union and the United States following Donald Trump’s inauguration, the upcoming elections in EU countries, and measures to prevent interference by other foreign governments.

It was precisely this second case that Wirtualna Polska journalist Gabriela Jelonek asked, who also highlighted the issue of how the EU intends to enforce EU social media or AI laws and force big tech companies to comply with them.

- I think this is a discussion in all parliaments. We, as you just mentioned, a number of legislative instruments. I would also link it to the discussion that goes on in Congress on TikTok in the United States. We have two rules, and those rules we created not only to make sure that you can have social media platform where you have the liberty to express your thoughts, but rules also mean that if they are broken, then you need to enforce them. And we have the legislative framework in case that happens. We saw what took place in Romania, but we also look at what happened in Moldova a few weeks ago, where there was a significant state interference in support of what is essentially anti-European, anti-state, anti-authority governments - said Metsola.

As Madame President mentioned, in terms of looking at the protection of precisely these freedoms, there is a delicate balance. - What I don't want is to give the impression that in Europe you don't have the freedom to say what you want. There are rules. You have to abide by them. But I do not want to go down that slippery slope of putting that into question. If we do that, our citizens will turn to other platforms to talk to and speak in - she summed up.

- You know, I am a mother of young children. They are on social media. I want to make sure that at least those partners that are running that content have the framework which allows that content to be safe, even if you don't agree with what is said. That is something that is a fine line. Tools have to be used, but they do not have to be abused. Otherwise, we will lose the argument and our citizens - answered a Maltese politician.

Gabriela Jelonek also asked about the expectations for the Polish presidency in the Council of the European Union beyond its primary focus on security. She highlighted priorities or actions to address in the next six months.

- First of all, I would look, I would use the word leadership. It is important that Poland shows the leadership in these very crucial six months. We are expecting significant proposals from the European Commission, whether on competitiveness, whether on security, whether on simplification. Three words that sound simple but are not, but are important, which means that we need the European Union to become more competitive. We cannot be squeezed out by China or the United States. Frankly, two, we need the European Union to be more secure, especially those countries whose borders need to be strengthened or where there is a lack of reliability on your neighbours - said Metsola.

The president of the EP also emphasized that the lives of European citizens, companies, farmers, and industry have to be simpler. As she said, that was the wish of voters who elected representatives, including Polish representatives, to make their lives fairer and easier.

- I look with optimism to the next six months. I think the Polish presidency is very well prepared, and they will find in the European Parliament a strong partner, whether it is a political partner, a legislative partner, to take those courageous decisions that require the leadership that we so badly need in these days - Metsola said.

Michał Gostkiewicz from Gazeta Wyborcza asked President Metsola about the incident during a plenary session, during which some members applauded her remarks about Donald Trump assuming office in the United States. He also asked whether the European Union and Parliament would take a more assertive stance toward the United States, noting the applause for a foreign leader who barely mentioned Europe in his speech.

Metsola highlighted the importance of open debate in parliament, viewing it as a healthy expression of differing opinions. She emphasized the need for the European Union to regain self-confidence, citing past shortcomings and the wake-up call from last year’s European Parliament elections. Citizens have called for greater security, protection for farmers, and simpler, safer lives—priorities the EU should address. - I will put this into all the conversations I have with my American counterparts, and I would look at the next four years as one where we need to really reassert ourselves on the world stage because otherwise, we can be squeezed out very easily - President said.

Polish presidency in Council of the EU is focusing on security in the next six months. A large part of European security depended on the United States. - Yesterday we heard nothing about European security from the new president. As a matter of fact, we didn't hear anything about Russia and anything about Ukraine. In what perspective does it put the new presidency and the EU for the next few months? - asked Gostkiewicz.

The President observed that the speech was primarily aimed at a domestic audience, a common approach during the inauguration of a new administration, as it highlights past actions and campaign promises. She stressed that the European Union is in a significantly different position than in 2016 when there were uncertainties regarding defence spending and strategic direction. Currently, the focus is on managing the fourth winter of war on European soil, with particular attention to NATO countries addressing Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

- So, I would think that let's enter discussions, let's be prepared for any scenario, but let's also be self-confident in pushing back against anything that is not correct, but in realizing that if something could be improved, then let's improve it - she added.

Piotr Kaczyński from Onet asked about EU possible enlargement in the future and who, in Metsola's opinion, is the front-runner in this case.

Metsola emphasized the need for self-reflection, noting that the EU has lost more members than it has gained in the past decade and cannot afford to leave aspiring members waiting indefinitely. She stressed the importance of courage and leadership in enlargement efforts, praising Ukraine's progress and the determination of the Western Balkans. While acknowledging challenges, she advocated for a step-by-step approach, ensuring decisive action when critical moments arise.