Metsola Backs Denmark and Greenland as EU Parliament Opens January Session

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opened the January plenary session on Monday by expressing solidarity with victims of recent tragedies, reaffirming support for EU enlargement and unity, and setting out a firm position on Greenland, Iran and Ukraine-related measures.

Addressing lawmakers, Metsola said the European Union “supports Denmark and the people of Greenland” and does so “united in our resolve,” drawing sustained applause. Her remarks came amid references to US claims regarding Greenland, which she said Europe would address through calm resolve, dialogue and mutual respect, while rejecting any suggestion that restraint equated to weakness.

Tragedies, Baltic anniversary and euro adoption

Metsola began by expressing grief over two recent disasters: a New Year’s Eve fire at a nightclub in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, that killed 40 people, including many children and teenagers, and a train collision in southern Spain that has claimed 39 lives and left many others seriously injured. “All of Europe grieves with Spain,” she said, before leading members of the European Parliament in a moment of silence.

Marking the 35th anniversary of the January 1991 events in the Baltic states, Metsola recalled how citizens of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania took to the streets to defend democracy and independence, often at the cost of their lives. She said the Baltic states “know what it means to live on the edge of freedom,” a reality that continues to shape their support for Ukraine and Europe’s shared security.

She also noted Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro on Jan. 1, calling it “a proud moment for Bulgaria and for Europe” that is already creating new opportunities for people and businesses.

Greenland, Iran and parliamentary procedure

Turning to foreign policy, Metsola voiced strong solidarity with the people of Iran, citing scenes of repression, overflowing morgues and reports of thousands of victims. “The people of Iran are only asking for what every person deserves: freedom, justice, and a future that they can believe in,” she said, adding that silence was not an option after decades of enforced repression. Lawmakers marked the moment with a minute of applause in tribute to those killed.

Metsola also announced changes to the parliamentary agenda. A debate scheduled for Tuesday on Greenland has been retitled to stress the “need for a united EU response to US blackmail attempts,” while a vote on a report on EU-US political relations has been postponed. She further outlined three requests for urgent procedure concerning enhanced cooperation and financing mechanisms for Ukraine, with procedural votes due Tuesday and subsequent votes on substance scheduled for later sessions if approved.