Inflexible rules deprive Metsola of seat at European Council summit

Robert Abela could have been sitting opposite Roberta Metsola at the summit of European leaders that started today but rigid rules prevented the unique situation from happening.

Metsola would have been present instead of European Parliament President David Sassoli, who could not attend because of illness.

The Nationalist Party MEP, who is also First Vice-President of the parliament, has been presiding over parliamentary sessions whenever Sassoli is unavailable. The rules of the European Parliament allow vice-presidents to take over the chair in the absence of the president.

However, the European Council is inflexible in its arrangements. The parliament’s president is invited, along with the European Commission president to attend summits for heads of government.

But the Council’s invitation only applies to the individuals occupying the designated roles.

In fact, if a prime minister or head of government cannot attend, they are not replaced by their deputy and the country remains unrepresented at the summit.

This means that in the two-day summit in Brussels that started today, the European Parliament will not be represented.

EU leaders are expected to discuss Poland and its running feud with EU, rule of law and soaring energy prices.