Speeches

(Interruption from the right) Okay, I understand that shouting has become a little bit of a tradition. Can you listen, please, to this discussion and then you'll have the time to speak?

Good morning, everyone. I am pleased to welcome the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to the European Parliament for the annual State of the European Union address. Thank you, dear Ursula, for being with us today and for your engagement with this House. In these unprecedented times, dear colleagues, we need clarity and we need resolve. We need a Europe that takes responsibility for its security; a Europe that makes it easier for businesses, and that protects jobs by simplifying our processes and cutting unnecessary red tape; a Europe that is fairer for families, workers and women, that ensures safer streets for our children; and a Europe that stands up for the democratic values that define us on the world stage. When the world too often feels like it is on fire – with Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the horrific situation in Gaza and the Middle East, a redefined transatlantic relationship and more engagement of Europe across the world – this Parliament and the people we represent are very eager to hear how Europe can step up with new and bold ideas. I know that this has always been a lively and energised debate, and that it will be based on mutual respect, protecting the dignity of this House. So, dear President, dear Ursula, the floor is yours.

The next vote is on the report by Piotr Müller, on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, on public procurement (see minutes, item 8.9).

The next vote is on the report by Tomáš Zdechovský, on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control, on the partial renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors – Stef Blok (see minutes, item 8.8).

The next vote is on the recommendation by Nacho Sánchez Amor, on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, on the EU-Kyrgyz Republic Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (see minutes, item 8.5).

The next vote is on the recommendation for second reading by Anna Zalewska, on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, on the Waste Framework Directive: textiles and food waste (see minutes, item 8.2). I give the floor to the rapporteur Anna Zalewska.

Does anybody want to speak against? I see that is not the case. Then we will vote on the request of the Green Group. (Parliament rejected the request) Tuesday's agenda thus remains unchanged. For Wednesday, the EPP Group has requested that a Commission statement on 'China's unjustified decision to impose duties on imports of pork products from the EU and the need to support European farmers and workers' be added as the third point in the afternoon. As a consequence, the sitting would be extended to 23:00. I give the floor to Jessika van Leeuwen to move the request on behalf of the EPP Group.

Thank you very much. You've made your point. Once again, the Rules say that if there is no new development, it is declared inadmissible if it comes after the adoption of the agenda. So let's get on with adopting the agenda.

The AGRI Committee has decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations ahead of the Council's first reading, pursuant to Rule 73 of our Rules. The position adopted by Parliament at first reading which constitutes the mandate for these negotiations is available on the plenary webpage, and its title will be published in the minutes of the sitting.

Following the resignation of Carola Rackete, and on the proposal of the Committee on Legal Affairs, Parliament takes note of the vacancy of her seat from 16 September 2025, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure, and has informed the national authority concerned thereof. The competent authorities of Czechia have notified me of the election of Jaroslav Knot to the European Parliament, replacing Ondřej Kovařík with effect from 31 July 2025. I welcome our new colleague and recall that he takes his seat in Parliament and its bodies in full enjoyment of his rights pending the verification of his credentials.

Dear colleagues, welcome back to Strasbourg. Much has happened over the last weeks, and this House will debate many of these issues over the coming days. Right now, we will take a moment to mark some of the incidents and events that have taken place. I would like to ask all Members to wait until all announcements are finished, to observe a minute's silence at the end. First of all, last Wednesday, we were shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic derailment of the Elevador da Glória funicular cable railway in Lisbon, which resulted in 16 people killed and 23 injured. We send our condolences to those families grieving unimaginable loss and wish strength to those on the path to recovery. This Parliament stands with Portugal and all of Europe in mourning. Europe has also faced and is currently facing the worst wildfire season since records began. At least eight people have died and over one million hectares of land have burnt this year alone. I know all our thoughts are with those whose lives have been turned upside down forever by these horrific events, particularly in Portugal and Spain, where much of this devastation has occurred. To those people suffering and those still fighting the flames: Europe stands with you. The European Union pre-positioned nearly 650 firefighters across southern Europe, ready to work alongside local emergency responders to keep communities safe. We also launched over 20 firefighting aircraft to tackle fires across the continent. We saw people crossing borders to keep their neighbours safe. This is European solidarity in action, and in the most trying of times, our people saw the best of Europe on display. Dear colleagues, the war in Ukraine continues, and while we will continue to push for peace and support all efforts in that regard, we understand that it must be a real peace – a peace with dignity and justice. We were appalled by the terrible murder of the former Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Andriy Parubiy, in Lviv two weeks ago. Tragedies like Mr Parubiy's death serve to reinforce our Union's support for Ukrainians in their fight for freedom and democracy. To our south, the situation in the Middle East and in Gaza continues to horrify, with death and untold suffering becoming all too familiar. We cannot allow the normalisation of the horror we are witnessing. The situation is untenable and unacceptable. Too many have lost too much. Too many have been killed. Too many are still kept captive. Too many bombs have been dropped. Too many children now know war and hunger. I know that we are all determined to help find a way forward that breaks the violent cycle of history, and for that to have any chance, there must be a political solution that sees an end to the violence and the terror, and the return of the hostages. We need a ceasefire and a real perspective towards a two‑state solution. Too much innocent blood has been spilt. Europe must do more to find peace. Dear colleagues, as we remember all those lost, I ask you to join me now in observing a minute's silence.

The next vote is on the urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus (see minutes, item 6.4).

The next vote is on the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic (see minutes, item 6.3).

I can assure you that we take our job extremely seriously, especially on declaring and questioning the admissibility of amendments. Your amendment was declared inadmissible according to Rule 188(1)(a) of the Rules of Procedure, because it does not directly relate to the text which it seeks to amend.

The first vote is on the motion of censure on the Commission (see minutes, item 6.1). ⁂ I would like to inform the House that I have received a request for a point of order. I will give the floor to Özlem Demirel.

The next vote is on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians (see minutes, item 7.14).