What Villy spoke about.

20

May

2026

Speeches DA

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Recent proposals to fight poverty in the EU (debate)

Madam President! Poverty destroys people. Poverty destroys society. That is why the fight against poverty is so important, and unfortunately it is going the wrong way at the moment. One reason is the way migrant workers are treated in a number of countries where they work in wage and other conditions that are significantly lower than those working in an organised labour market. Therefore, the fight for an organised labour market is one of the most important struggles. The second important battle is the traditional fight against poverty. My personal story is that the redistributive welfare state gave me and a number of other opportunities for education, even though we were born under austere circumstances. Therefore: no child should grow up in poverty, everyone should be able to take an education, get a good job, have a good life. And at a time when there is a lot of competition, my final point is: Countries with strong welfare systems, with organised labour markets and good working conditions are the best performers. And therefore it is quite strange to hear the extreme right-wing talk about the fact that these are obstacles to growth. It's the exact opposite! It costs to fight poverty, but it is even more expensive not to. Thank you.

28

Apr

2026

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Ensuring accountability and justice in response to Russia’s continued attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine (debate)

Madam President! The elections in Hungary two weeks ago signify a breakthrough, a real opportunity for a new course. For the benefit of Hungary, of course, but also for Ukraine, for Europe and for the rest of the world. It is now over to block support for Ukraine, for accession negotiations and for sanctions packages. The sum of this cannot be underestimated. This is a turning point we stand by. We are still facing a Russia which is now in its fifth year mercilessly attacking the civilian population of Ukraine. They continue to bomb homes, hospitals, energy infrastructures, and it is crucial that those responsible for what is happening are brought to account, and fortunately there is much to suggest that. We have to act now. By strengthening cooperation, maintaining pressure and bringing Ukraine closer to the EU together with the other candidate countries. We must make it clear to Putin that his icy disregard for the value of human life has massive consequences for him and his regime. This is important because we are in the geopolitical situation in which we are making Europe stand on its own feet. This requires closer European cooperation on defence and security, because we need to become more independent and more self-sufficient. In this game, Ukraine is a crucial piece.

11

Mar

2026

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Human trafficking and grave human rights violations linked to the recruitment of non-Russian nationals, in particular from Africa, for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine

11

Mar

2026

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EUCO and situation in the Middle East (joint debate)

10

Mar

2026

Speeches DA

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Recommendation on enhanced EU-Canada cooperation in the current geopolitical context, including the threats to Canada’s economic stability and sovereignty (debate)

Mr. President! We are in a completely new security reality, where the strongest powers have renounced the rules-based world order. At a time of uncertainty and instability, it is crucial that democracies together resist external pressures. Some of our best friends in this changing world are the Canadian people. 77% of Canadians are in favour of strengthening trade with the EU. That is why we must exercise due diligence and do even more to promote integration between the Canadian economy and our European market in a number of areas. Our shared understanding of the devastating global warming, the view of conflicts in the world, where Marc Carney's government has stood shoulder to shoulder with Denmark, Greenland and Ukraine, and of course our shared desire for strong international institutions. Alliances are made with countries that share values and interests. Colleagues! We must build a stronger alliance with Canada.

11

Feb

2026

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Developing a new EU anti-poverty strategy (debate)

Madam President! Thank you for your cooperation on the poverty strategy. I grew up in difficult circumstances, and I had siblings who came out to serve when they were 9 and 11. On the other hand, I was lucky to live in a country that had a welfare system that allowed me to take an education and helped me move on. This is not the case everywhere in Europe, and the paradox is that today we are richer than we have ever been, and then we question whether we can afford these things. There are far too many parents who don't know where to sleep next week, how to fill their children's plates and pay the next bill. Public hospitals, good kindergartens and primary schools, free education and decent working conditions have been a huge strength in the Nordic welfare model. But the countries are different. Some have lived in totalitarian regimes and live in fear of a strong state and powerful trade unions. Unfortunately, we have had a right-slide where competition is misunderstood as everyone's fight against everyone. That is all we need to avoid.

10

Feb

2026

Speeches DA

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Situation in Northeast Syria, the violence against civilians and the need to maintain a sustainable ceasefire (debate)

10

Feb

2026

Speeches DA

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European response to the attacks on the Ukrainian energy system causing a humanitarian crisis (debate)

22

Jan

2026

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Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges (debate)

Mr President! In the current geopolitical situation, it is crucial that we are able to stand on our own feet to a much greater extent. We need to become independent. Independent of both the United States and China, which today supplies 60 percent of components for drones. We must remember that drones play a crucial role in modern warfare. We see it most clearly in Ukraine. Therefore, we must build a European drone production in close cooperation with Ukrainians, who are leaders in innovation, development and production. In addition to the military, we must also ensure the use of drones for civilian purposes and protection. That is why we need to invest in anti-drone capabilities so that, among other things, we can better counter the kind of hybrid attacks we have seen at European airports. In all areas of the defence industry, much greater cooperation across Europe and a much higher degree of standardisation of production are needed. All these elements are included in this report, and that is precisely why it is important, because I am sure that it will lead to concrete and tangible actions.

21

Jan

2026

Speeches DA

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European Council meeting (joint debate)

Mr President! In Europe, we believe in alliances and agreements. The precious experience we have gained from the horrors of the Second World War. Trump, on the other hand, believes in the strongest right – including the right to take whatever you want. We also believe in alliances. He doesn't. He believes in America First, which is on its way to becoming America Alone. Our way of being is attractive to many, and I simply do not understand the extreme right wing. Ten countries are queuing up to join the European Union because we offer economic, social and democratic progress, because we offer legal certainty and justice. No one you support wants to join. There is not a single country queuing up to join the United States. You have to force. It is not a single country that wants to become a member of Russia. They must attack Ukraine. Therefore, we must stand together against the thugs, no matter where they come from. Europe is an economic power. That is why, together, we must stand up to the pressure and respond with the economic muscles that the European Union has.

20

Jan

2026

Speeches DA

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Territorial integrity and sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark: the need for a united EU response to US blackmail attempts (debate)

Mr President! Greenland. In Greenlandic, the name is "Land of the Greenlanders". Trump has clearly not understood this, because Greenland is not for sale, and Greenland will never be for sale. Nor with threats of political punishment, economic punishment and military steps. Let me be clear: You cannot deprive a country, a people, of the right to decide their own future. The big difference is that we are fortunate to be on a continent where countries outside are queuing up to join the European Union. 10 countries. No one is queuing up against the United States. They are trying to threaten their way through in relation to Canada, in relation to Greenland and in relation to Venezuela. Look, that's the big difference, ladies and gentlemen, in attraction in this world - that you want one, or that a man tries to force one. Trump and his allies say it is because Denmark cannot defend Greenland alone. Then one would expect that when the Allied Europeans send forces to Greenland, the man would be thrilled. But no, the man gets angry. That's weird. So sorry. To Mr Trump, to your ambition of an empire, keep your hands away from Greenland! And to the American people and the US Congress, speak up so loud that we can hear you against all this madness we see just now.

19

Jan

2026

Speeches EN

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Order of business

Madam President, I take this point of order referring to Rule 41 of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament. Dear Europeans, dear colleagues, the time has come. This is Europe's decisive moment. We are very grateful for the strong support for Denmark and Greenland in recent days, but now is the time to act. If we give in to aggression and threats from the Trump administration, we send a very clear message that Trump can do whatever he pleases. We cannot allow that to happen. Europe must draw a clear line, not just in words, but in action. We have the economic strength to stand firm. If we act together, we will not only strengthen our Union, we will also show the many Americans who reject the path of aggression that Europe remains a just and reliable ally. This is not the conflict sought by the European Union, but by the Trump administration. We have to meet that with decisive for Greenland, for Denmark and for Europe.

16

Dec

2025

Speeches DA

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Recent developments in Palestine and Lebanon (debate)

16

Dec

2025

Speeches DA

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Phasing out Russian natural gas imports and improving monitoring of potential energy dependencies (debate)

26

Nov

2025

Answers EN

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EU position on the proposed plan and EU engagement towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine (debate)

Thank you very much for your question. No, I think it would be false blame to say that the EU has reacted very swiftly and very quickly in this, and I think a lot of us want Europe to play a more decisive role in this world. So do we, and that means taking a leading role also in making alliances in this world. I do believe that we're still a big majority who want a world of order and rules, and not a world where the big powers – Russia, the US, China – are deciding without any international bodies. So no, we wish for more action from the EU.

26

Nov

2025

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EU position on the proposed plan and EU engagement towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine (debate)

25

Nov

2025

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EU’s diplomatic strategy and geopolitical cooperation in the Arctic (debate)

Madam President! Thank you for this and thank you for the report on the Arctic at a time of dramatic obstacles in the world, also in the Arctic, where they are perhaps the most obvious. It makes me angry when powers like Putin, Trump and Xi believe that they can do as they please to the indigenous peoples who have lived in Greenland for millennia. We shouldn't let ourselves be threatened. But as a community, we have a responsibility. A responsibility to say no. A responsibility to step in when the Arctic people want it. We must give the outstretched hand and make it clear to the peoples who live there and where they have their homes. Climate change is more dramatic than anywhere else in the world. Colleagues, let me be clear: If Europe does not understand the possibility now, then I think the world will be a more dangerous place. We have a great deal of interest on the part of the European Union. We have minerals we may be interested in. We have shipping lanes we may be interested in and we have security we may be interested in. Therefore, welcome to a very good report. I hope that the European Union knows its time of visitation.

22

Oct

2025

Speeches DA

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The need for a united support to Ukraine and for a just and durable peace concluded on Ukraine's terms, with Europeans and without surrendering to Vladimir Putin's conditions ahead of the foreseen Budapest summit (debate)

Mr. President! The war, the assault on Ukraine, has been almost four years. The Russians continue their attacks on civilians. Trump said before his election nearly a year ago that he could end this war in 24 hours. Time has passed, or as they say in the United States: "TACO: Trump always chickens out. Unfortunately, however, the fact that he does so – the totally volatile reports – means that he eases the pressure on Putin as a prelude to the meeting that has just been cancelled and continues to drag out time. A short time ago, he believed that Ukraine could win the war. This week, he announced that a ceasefire would take place on the battle line. Such statements, which are constantly changing, are a very big gift to Putin, because Trump is also unpredictable in this context. The war in Ukraine has been going on for far too long, with incredible loss of life, destruction and pain for the Ukrainian people. The EU must do what it can to end the war. We do this by putting maximum pressure on Russia, both politically and economically and militarily, and never calling into question our unyielding support for Ukraine, as well as demanding that those responsible be held accountable.

21

Oct

2025

Speeches DA

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Stepping up funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence: the use of Russian frozen assets (debate)

I joined a democratic, green leftist party almost fifty years ago. First of all, because the fight for justice and freedom was important to me. When we see injustice, we must say no. I see this as our democratic duty. One of the biggest injustices we are currently seeing is what is happening in Ukraine, where the Russian brutal attack on the Ukrainian civilian population is now underway in its fourth year. For four years, Russia has been trying to bring the Ukrainian people to their knees. But there are people in this Parliament who are doing what they can to help the aggressors along the way. As always, oppose any move that holds Russia accountable. And it may well be that those forces in this House do not see it as necessary to call injustice when you see them. But I do. When you have violently assaulted a country, the bill comes. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to either the so-called patriots or others that the aggressors must pay for their abuses. And it's unpatriotic to let down a country that's being attacked.

21

Oct

2025

Speeches DA

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Recent peace agreement in the Middle East and the role of the EU (debate)

Since the peace agreement came into force, nearly one hundred Palestinians have been killed and only half of the promised amounts of aid are allowed in. The humanitarian situation is disastrous, as the Commissioner said. In the West Bank, the settler violence is brutal, the number of roadblocks is on the rise, the olive harvest of Palestinian farmers is being destroyed, and people are being expelled from their own country. Trump's 20-point plan doesn't solve 80 years of war and conflict. It is amazing that the living Israeli hostages have finally returned home and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners have been given their freedom. But a thousand men, women and children are still in Israeli prisons - many without trial and rights - most of them subjected to humiliation. One of those who should be released is Marwan Barghouti. A man who could potentially unite the Palestinians. He and Palestine should be given a chance to find a common path of freedom and peace. The EU should push for this, just as we must support de-radicalisation on both sides and demand that war criminals be held accountable for their war crimes.

8

Oct

2025

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United response to recent Russian violations of the EU Member States’ airspace and critical infrastructure (debate)

Madam President! In recent weeks, Russia's aggression has crossed all previous borders. We have been under massive pressure from hybrid threats, but of course not on a scale that is just reminiscent of what the Ukrainians and the Ukrainian population are exposed to. In Denmark, too, we have seen intimidation and provocations on an unprecedented scale. Among other things, drones have invaded our airspace. These episodes also make it clear to me that we all have a responsibility for our common European security. What is happening in Denmark, what is happening in Poland, what is happening in the Baltic States and, most recently, in Germany, are common European problems that require common European solutions. I am a great admirer of the Ukrainian people, who in their fourth year are standing up to Russian aggression and are now even coming to the rescue of Europe. We can learn so much from Ukrainians, which is why close cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry is key. Let me be clear: Russia's continued aggression violates international law. From the European side, we must stand together, we must stand with Ukraine, and we must not allow Russian provocations to cast doubt on our will to defend ourselves.

7

Oct

2025

Speeches DA

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The EU’s role in supporting the recent peace efforts for Gaza and a two-state solution (debate)

Mr President! Today, two years ago, Hamas carried out a brutal terrorist attack. Another trauma has been added to Jewish history. My thoughts go out to the affected families and the hostages, and there are no excuses for killing innocent civilians. Israel's response was heavy bombs that destroyed everything. A huge number of people were killed, wounded and traumatized. Israel has blocked aid. There is no excuse for the killing of innocent civilians. We see a man-made famine and a paralysed EU. In this human rights vacuum, Europeans in many countries have taken to the streets demanding sanctions, demanding consequences. Hundreds, including some of our colleagues, have tried to break the blockade and bring aid by ship to Gaza. Israel also violated international law. We need a permanent ceasefire and emergency aid. Everyone needs to recognise that Palestinians have the right to live in a sustainable state. Occupation and war crimes must have consequences. And the Israelis and Palestinians must be able to see each other as fellow human beings and neighbours. Trump's possible peace is better than bombs, but it's crucial: Peace must guarantee the right of Palestinians to remain in Gaza. The total lack of European action in this context is a shameful story.

9

Sep

2025

Speeches DA

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Strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian hybrid threats and malign interference (debate)

In a few weeks' time Moldova will be going to elections and fortunately there are many who want to become part of the European Community. Incidentally, I think it is remarkable that countries are queuing up to join the European Union. It says something about the attraction, while there are other countries that threaten to force the country into not wanting it. That says something about the opposite. I look forward to going to Moldova to follow the elections as an observer here in a few weeks' time, which is why I have also been more diplomatic in my speech today than I really wanted to. But the pressure from the East and the attempt by a number of countries to pull away from Europe with waves of disinformation is huge. This is a coordinated attack to undermine democracy. That is why we need to tell Moldovans, both those who live in Moldova and those who live here in the European Union. If that is your wish, then you are welcome in our European community. I am glad that President Sandu stood in this House today and reminded us how much is at stake. We cannot stand idly by while a European democracy is subjected to hybrid attacks by outside powers, and we need to emphasise that there is a way forward for Moldova in our European community. If that's what they want.

9

Sep

2025

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Gaza at breaking point: EU action to combat famine, the urgent need to release hostages and move towards a two-state solution (debate)

Madam President! I'm always so impressed with these debates. Over the fact that the extreme right is not able to mention in a single word the pain that is being inflicted on the Palestinian people right now. What is happening is that Israel is punishing an entire people for the outrageous acts of the terrorists. They use hunger as a weapon, the carpet bomb hospitals, tent camps and schools. They're shooting kids, they're starving kids, they're bombing kids. None of this can be excused with Bible quotes or self-defense. And that is why EU countries and the EU have a huge responsibility to stop the war crimes that are taking place. It is embarrassing that we are not able to hold them to account. We have influence, and I think we should use it much better than we do now, and that is why it is necessary to impose sanctions as one, but it is also important as the other to suspend the trade agreement, which is the really powerful means we have of putting pressure on Israel. There is no doubt that Israel violates human rights and all humanitarian laws. We have the words of a myriad of international legal systems that what is going on is crimes against humanity. It's not just in Gaza, it's also in the West Bank. I still believe that the two-state solution with internationally recognised borders of 1967 is the only viable solution for both peoples. But this requires that we first ensure the right of the Palestinians to survive. And if you are in favour of a two-state solution, it is in the nature of things that you also recognise a Palestinian state.

8

Jul

2025

Speeches DA

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Situation in the Middle East (debate)

Madam President! I am always surprised by those of my colleagues from the far right who can only talk about the pain of Israelis who lose, but are not able to understand in a single word, the losses for the Palestinians in a situation where it is becoming increasingly desperate for the Palestinian population in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Israeli bombing leaves a Gaza in ruins, people without homes, without hospitals and without schools. It is a collective punishment of an entire people for Hamas' terrorist attacks on October 7. Israel is blocking everything. food, water, medicine, fuel, and at the few emergency distributions they are fired upon by the military when they arrive. People are starving and dying, and the world is watching. Israel is committing terrible war crimes in Palestine. This is also why resistance to the war is growing in Europe and in Israel, where the huge demonstrations continue to stop the war and to get the hostages home. We need to force the far-right Israeli government to stop the bombing and starvation of an entire people.