The President of the European Parliament thanks Ireland for welcoming Ukrainians

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met Irish President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin on Friday.

The meeting took place on Metsola’s second day in the Republic of Ireland, where she is visiting to mark 50 years since the country joined the European Union.

Metsola thanked Higgins for welcoming 70,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion to Ireland.

Speaking to Irish MPs on Thursday about the European Union’s continued support for Kiev, Metsola said the EU will stand by Ukraine for as long as possible.

She said: “Russia’s ruthless and illegal invasion of sovereign, independent Ukraine and the courage of the Ukrainian people have been reminding us for 343 days that progress and justice cannot be taken for granted. Democracy cannot be taken for granted. Europe cannot be taken for granted.”

The Maltese MEP also paid emotional tributes to murdered journalist Veronica Guerin, who was shot in June 1996 while her car stopped at a traffic light outside Dublin, and to 23-year-old teacher Ashling Murphy, who died while jogging in January last year. came to life. year.

Metsola said the EU’s efforts to protect women from violence have “intensified”, an issue she has spoken out about since beginning her term as EU Parliament president on January 18, 2022, the same day as the funeral of Ashling Murphy.