Metsola meets UN Secretary General ahead of European Council meeting

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres for discussions ahead of Thursday's European Council meeting.

Their talks focused on the Middle East conflict, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the Geneva summit addressing the Cyprus peace settlement.

Guterres expressed his appreciation for Metsola’s and the European Parliament’s efforts in promoting lasting peace in both the Middle East and Ukraine. He also acknowledged the Parliament’s support for the UN-led initiative to reunify Cyprus. 

Both Metsola and Guterres will take part in the European Council summit in Brussels tomorrow, where these issues will continue to be discussed.

On Wednesday, Labour deputy leader and MEP Alex Agius Saliba urged European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, to take a stance on Israel's attacks on Gaza.

Agius Saliba has called on Metsola to push the EU and its member states to impose punitive measures that would curb Israel’s ability to continue committing what he described as war crimes.

In his letter, Agius Saliba insisted that the EU must uphold its international obligations and respect the rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by actively working to prevent genocide and holding those responsible for war crimes accountable. 

Metsola is among EU officials that are yet to comment on the attacks.