European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has warned EU leaders against cutting the resources available to deliver Europe’s priorities, as negotiations continue over the bloc’s next long-term budget.Addressing leaders at the European Council in Brussels today, Metsola warned that the Irish Presidency’s revised proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework risks upsetting the balance between traditional EU policies and newer priorities.“We cannot agree on our ambitions, spend meeting after meeting discussing them, and reduce the means to achieve them,” Metsola said, insisting that the European Parliament must remain involved throughout the budget process.The Maltese politician also pushed for faster progress on European competitiveness, telling leaders that key legislation under Parliament’s “One Europe, One Market” roadmap is moving forward on schedule.Turning to China, Metsola warned that Europe must be prepared to respond to unfair economic practices using existing trade measures or new ones if necessary. “There is a limit to what our industries can absorb, and we are reaching it,” she said.Metsola also reaffirmed Parliament’s support for Ukraine as it faces another winter at war, while backing continued momentum towards EU enlargement.She welcomed progress involving Ukraine and Moldova, as well as Montenegro and Albania, telling EU leaders: “We need to do our part.”•