Europe stands by businesses for a future where companies, workers and territories can grow and prosper

The truth is that simplification means competitiveness and competitiveness means growth.

When we succeed, we all win.

And I would like to pay special recognition to President Meloni's leadership on these issues, for helping to keep Italy at the centre of European decisions and for insisting on common-sense solutions. And, no less important, for her friendship and frankness.

Together we share the will for change.

And that means returning to real politics and renewing the pact between the European institutions and the citizens we represent.

At the last European elections, the message that emerged from the ballot box was clear: many felt excluded, and caught up in processes of economic and social transformation perceived as too rapid and distant from their concrete needs.

Too often, European communication has appeared moralistic, instead of showing how our values can be translated into concrete solutions to make people's lives better and fairer.

We have seen an excessive increase in bureaucracy, which has undermined investor confidence and complicated daily work. We have seen media-friendly but short-lived measures that have undermined our competitiveness.

I felt it necessary to tell you this, but I still want to remain optimistic.

As President of the European Parliament, together with all MEPs here present, I feel a responsibility to promote a change of mentality.

Our priority is to bring Europe closer to the citizens we represent, families and industry.

Bringing Europe closer to the territories is also what drives the mission of your representative in the European Commission, Raffaele Fitto.

It is our duty to respond concretely and stimulate economic growth - just as Europe did by following up on your National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP).

We must have confidence. Europe is still the greatest political project in history, it is still the best place in the world to live, to raise a family, and to do business.

We have everything we need to drive change: skills, talent, capital and research.

We are a single market of 450 million people. We have lifted generations out of war and poverty, we have tackled social inequalities.

Europe's success depends on that of its member states, and Italy has always been one of our strongest anchors.

This is the country where companies were born that have always embodied excellence and a passion for quality, companies whose creativity is recognised everywhere, companies that have taught the world that food can be a joy, as well as nourishment.

All this is part of the 'Made in Italy' that the world looks up to. These symbols, these excellences and these heroes are Italian, but they are also proudly European. They are what makes Europe great. The fact that they are part of the 'Europa brand' does not debase the Italian identity: it enhances it.

Although I am not Italian, I can say with conviction that, as a European, I am just as proud of these success stories as someone born in Bologna, Rome or Palermo. This is the true meaning of being part of the European Union.

Our Union does not aim to make everyone equal. On the contrary, it recognises and values the strength that comes from the diversity of our cultures, languages, traditions and histories. It is this heritage that we cherish and turn into opportunities.

Our blue flag with the twelve stars is a symbol chosen by anyone fighting for freedom. It waves proudly beside your Tricolour, without overshadowing it. Because a strong and successful Italy is a guarantee of a strong and successful Europe, and vice versa.

This is still the home of builders, champions, pioneers, inventors. Of those who build, who innovate, who dare.

We must remain open for business, ready to support those who create value. And making these changes requires determination. It needs political vision. It takes the courage to act.

We need to close the technology gap with the US, China and the UAE. Reduce the cost of energy, complete the single market.

We have to understand that although we have a common monetary policy, there are 27 different fiscal and industrial policies that companies have to deal with. Access to credit is still too difficult for companies, especially for medium and small ones.

We can no longer afford to live on nostalgia or shrug our shoulders and say 'it has always been like this'. We must have the determination to reform.

Last week we welcomed President Mattarella in Brussels. His words were: 'The European Parliament is the link between institutions and citizens'.

This is precisely why, in recent years, we have embarked on a profound journey of reform in order to better respond to the issues that really matter to people.

I can tell you: it was definitely not easy. But we did it, we changed the status quo.

In this new phase, we will have to be more efficient, more incisive. And if we want Europe to be closer, faster, and more legitimised, it is essential to strengthen the European Parliament's right of legislative initiative.

It is true that citizens do not ask too much of Europe.

They ask for economic certainty: a stable job, the chance to grow their business. Young people want to be able to afford a house.

They demand simplification: they want systems that work and are understandable.

They demand security: they want their children to be able to walk the streets without fear. And they want to know that Europe can protect itself.

And they call for leadership. Real leaders with a vision, who call a spade a spade, not trapped in incomprehensible bureaucratic language, and capable of making useful and sensible decisions.

Our answer must be a Europe that does not hold back those who take risks and innovate, but supports them. A more flexible Europe. A Europe that puts the real economy back at the centre, that unlocks private investment and builds a truly integrated capital market. A Europe that invests in people, that trains workers in line with the real needs of the production system, to support industrial transition, to curb the brain drain. A Europe where success stories - and not caps stuck to plastic bottles - are the symbol of European priorities, where people do not have to feel guilty for wanting to drive a car where they have no choice.

In Europe it must be possible to take risks, make mistakes, fail and start again. Again and again.

Friends, last year, you President Orsini set three clear priorities: competitiveness, productivity and community. An important appeal, which this Parliament has taken up responsibly.

We have shown this with the packaging dossier, where - also thanks to your contribution and the commitment of the Italian MEPs - we have found a balanced compromise. And we will continue to work in this direction.

We did this with the 'stop the clock' initiative, and with the CBAM exemption for small companies. And this is what we must do as we assess the impact of the Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Due Diligence Directive (CSDD).

We want a Europe that can correct the course when needed.

A Europe that takes the lead on environmental policies with vision and realism, without forcing companies and farmers to work with their hands tied behind their backs. A Europe that can grasp the potential of artificial intelligence.

It is this approach - of pragmatism and collaboration - that can make Europe truly stronger.

Because a strong Europe is an influential Europe. Which knows how to make itself respected. Which does not look at the world with fear, which is able to seize opportunities and pursue them with determination. Antonio Tajani taught me this first.

Europe's global economic philosophy has always been one of free and fair trade that benefits everyone. And this is the guiding thought that should lead us to an agreement with the United States.

Our position is clear: tariffs are the last thing we want. A tariff war has negative consequences for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Let me be unequivocal: there is no stronger alliance, no deeper democratic harmony in the history of the modern world, than that between Europe and America. Our companies are integrated, as are our lifestyles. Each of us will defend our positions and, at times, we will disagree, but we will continue to build together, always remaining friends and allies. I am confident that we can come to an agreement.

But we must not be naive. We must strengthen other relations. For example, with our neighbouring African countries, partnerships based on investment and solid trade relations. We have the Mattei Plan as a model. The same applies to Latin America.

This is the guarantee of a safer and more secure Europe.

Without security, there is nothing. For too long we have looked outside our borders to ensure our security and our way of life.

That mentality is over. Today, every member state has realised that if Europe is to control its own destiny, we must be able to act in a world that is more unstable and dangerous than before.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a brutal reminder of this.

We must be ready, stepping up our continued support for Ukraine for a just and lasting peace. And we must better explain why we do so, to an increasingly sceptical public. Even when we look at the crisis in the Middle East and the terrible situation in Gaza.

Dear President Meloni, Dear President Orsini, I was very impressed by the capacity to react and the determination that animates the people of your land. The spirit and silent strength of those who rebuild.

In 2012, Europe was by your side. It was there in 2023. Because European solidarity should not be an abstract concept but concrete help.

Thank you for your courage.

Friends, I end as I began: this European Parliament is on your side.

Together we can build a Europe that is the solution.

This is the vision of the new Europe that awaits us - with Italy at its heart.

Thank you. Long live Italy and long live Europe.

* Roberta Metsola is the President of the European Parliament