What Roberta spoke about.

8

Nov

2023

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Composition of Parliament

Following the election of Bartosz Arłukowicz, Krzysztof Hetman and Zbigniew Kuźmiuk to the Polish Sejm, Parliament takes note of the vacancy of their seats from 19 October 2023, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. Following the election of Christophe Hansen to the Chamber of Deputies in Luxembourg, Parliament takes note of the vacancy of his seat from 24 October 2023, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. And following the election of Michal Šimečka to the Slovak National Council, Parliament takes note of the vacancy of his seat from 25 October 2023. The competent authorities of Luxembourg have notified me of the election of Martine Kemp to the European Parliament replacing Christophe Hansen with effect from 24 October 2023. The competent authorities of Slovakia have notified me of the election of Jozef Mihál to the European Parliament replacing Michal Šimečka with effect from 26 October 2023. I wish to welcome our new colleagues and recall that they take their seats in Parliament and on its bodies in full enjoyment of their rights pending the verification of their credentials. Welcome.

8

Nov

2023

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Statement by the President

Dear colleagues, every year for the past 15 years, the European Parliament and the International Charlemagne Prize Foundation in Aachen have jointly awarded the European Charlemagne Youth Prize to youth-led projects supporting democracy and promoting cooperation in Europe. This year, the first prize went to AILEM from Belgium – a language app tailored for refugees and developed in consultation with them. Two projects took joint second place: the European Correspondent from the Netherlands and the Mobile Climate Museum from Lithuania. The European Correspondent brings together young European journalists in support of European journalism, while the Mobile Climate Museum encourages young people to adopt a more climate-friendly lifestyle. It is a pleasure to have the representatives of these initiatives with us in this Chamber. Congratulations and welcome to the European Parliament. (Applause)

8

Nov

2023

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Resumption of the session

I declare resumed the session of the European Parliament adjourned on Thursday, 19 October 2023.

8

Nov

2023

Speeches EN

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Address by Cate Blanchett, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador

Dear colleagues, please take your seats. We have with us this afternoon Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency Cate Blanchett. Welcome to the European Parliament. (Applause) Cate Blanchett has been a dedicated activist on humanitarian issues for years. We know her for her activism as well as for her work in film. We are delighted that you are able to be here with us today at a time when events around the world threaten more lives and force more people to flee. Almost eight years ago, you stated that ‘There has never been a more crucial time to stand with refugees and show solidarity.’ Sadly, that statement could well be repeated today. Just last month at the European Parliament we marked 10 years since the Lampedusa shipwreck that claimed more than 360 lives. That tragedy of 2013 was far from being an isolated catastrophe. The cemetery of the Mediterranean has claimed the lives of thousands more women, children and men since. I am proud that this institution has led the debate on a European level to find a way forward that tackles this challenge of our generation, and I am hopeful that we will agree on a new Asylum and Migration Pact for Europe by the end of this legislature. This Parliament’s commitment to these challenges remains unwavering: for all those who lost their lives, for all the exploited victims of traffickers, for all those families never to be reunited. We remember them. And, Ms Blanchett, we are grateful to you for using your voice to draw greater attention to the plight of so many people across the world. The floor is yours. (Applause)

19

Oct

2023

Speeches FR

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Welcome

Colleagues, before we begin our voting session, on behalf of Parliament, I would like to welcome the President of the French Senate, Gérard Larcher, who is present in the gallery with a group of French senators. Welcome! Cooperation between our national parliaments and the European Parliament is essential to our work in the European Union. We are glad that you can join us today. Welcome!

19

Oct

2023

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Sakharov Prize 2023 (announcement of the winner)

Dear colleagues, I am very proud to announce that the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded to Jina Mahsa Amini and the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement in Iran. (Loud and sustained applause) The date 16 September 2022 is one which will live in infamy, and the brutal murder of the 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini marked a turning point. It has triggered a women-led movement that is making history. The world has heard the chants of ‘Women, Life, Liberty’ – three words that have become a rallying cry for all those standing up for equality, for dignity and for freedom in Iran. So let today’s prize serve as our tribute to the brave and defiant women, men and young people in Iran who, despite coming under increasing pressure, are leading the push for change. The European Parliament hears you, the world sees you and we are with you. ‘Zan, Zendegi, Azadi’!

18

Oct

2023

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Election of a Quaestor of the European Parliament (to replace Christophe Hansen) (vote)

The next item is the election of a Quaestor of the European Parliament to replace Mr Christophe Hansen (2023/2912(RSO)). Pursuant to Rule 18, the same procedure applies as that used for the election of the Vice-President. For the election to be held for a Quaestor to replace Mr Hansen, I have received the nomination of Ms Isabel Wiseler-Lima, nominated by the EPP Group. The candidate has confirmed to me her consent to her nomination. As the number of candidates does not exceed the number of seats to be filled, the candidates shall be elected also by acclamation, in accordance with Rule 15(1), unless the same threshold is requesting a secret ballot. Is there a request for a secret ballot? I do not see that to be the case, and therefore I declare Ms Wiseler-Lima elected as Quaestor of the European Parliament. Congratulations! The composition of the new bureau will be notified to the Presidents of the Institutions of the European Union.

18

Oct

2023

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Election of a Vice-President of the European Parliament (to replace Michal Šimečka) (vote)

The next item is the election of a vice-president of the European Parliament, to replace Michal Šimečka (2023/2911(RSO)). I would like to remind you that pursuant to Rule 20, the newly-elected Vice-President shall take the place of his or her predecessor in the order of precedence. For the election to be held for a Vice-President to replace Mr Šimečka, I have received the nomination of Mr Martin Hojsík, nominated by the Renew Europe Group. The candidate has confirmed to me his consent to his nomination. As the number of candidates does not exceed the number of seats to be filled, the candidate shall be elected by acclamation, in accordance with Rule 15(1), unless Members or a political group reaching at least the high threshold, which is one fifth of Parliament’s component members, request a secret ballot. Is there a request for a secret ballot? No. Therefore, I declare Mr Hojsík elected Vice-President. (Applause) Congratulations and welcome to the team!

18

Oct

2023

Speeches EN

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Welcome

Dear colleagues, good afternoon. Before we go to the votes, I wanted to inform you that in the gallery today we have representatives of families of the hostages taken by Hamas on 7 October. We are grateful to have you in Parliament today. (Sustained applause) As you can see, you can rest assured that we share your pain, and you can be reassured that this House will keep doing whatever it can to secure the release of your loved ones.

18

Oct

2023

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The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza (debate)

Good morning everyone. We meet here today to discuss Hamas’ terror attack in Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As EU leaders met yesterday in an extraordinary European Council meeting, the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza was bombed and hundreds of innocent lives were lost. The devastation of the hospital is horrific and unjustifiable, and we must ensure we continue to shed light on what happened. As the tragedy in the Middle East continues to unfold, it is once again the innocent who are forced to pay the price. We must remain clear that protecting civilian lives must keep being a priority. We cannot lose sight of the humanitarian consequences. This has always been our core message. So this House remembers the victims as we keep pushing for a way forward in the region. I will now give the floor to Minister Albares for the Council, after which I will give the floor to the High Representative and then the President of the Commission. Minister, the floor is yours.

17

Oct

2023

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Implications of Chinese fishing operations for EU fisheries and the way forward (A9-0282/2023 - Pierre Karleskind) (vote)

That concludes the vote. (The sitting was suspended at 12.56)

17

Oct

2023

Speeches EN

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Formal sitting - Address by Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia

Dear colleagues, today we have Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Armenia, with us. Prime Minister, dear Nikol, welcome to the European Parliament. We are in the context of the events of 19 September in Nagorno-Karabakh. In our last plenary, we voted on a resolution that deplored the attack on Nagorno-Karabakh and called for the respect of Armenians’ rights and security. Our focus now must be on honest and fair talks to resume. Prime Minister, since then, your country, your people, have welcomed, housed and fed over 100 000 refugees. It is a testament to your country’s commitment. Europe will continue to support Armenia’s efforts in dealing with the influx of people from Nagorno-Karabakh. Many Member States have also donated much-needed shelter, equipment, food and medical supplies to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Prime Minister, let me also assure you of our support to your country’s democratic reforms, the strengthening of our bilateral relations and stronger cooperation with the European Union, active participation of the international community, as well as international assurances for Armenians who continue to live in Nagorno-Karabakh, can help achieve peace and reconciliation. We remain committed to all efforts directed towards the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on mutual recognition of sovereignty, inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Dear Prime Minister, dear Nikol, let me assure you that Armenia remains a vital partner for us in the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood. The EU stands ready to further support the democratically elected authorities of Armenia, the resilience, security and continuation of democratic reforms in the country. Prime Minister, the floor is yours.

17

Oct

2023

Speeches EN

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Resumption of the sitting

Dear colleagues, just before we welcome the Prime Minister, I want to take a moment to express the horror of the European Parliament at the terror attack in Brussels yesterday. At noon today I will make a short statement on this, with a round of speakers. I invite you all to be in the Chamber with us.

16

Oct

2023

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Order of business

The agenda remains unchanged. (The order of business was thus established) (The sitting was suspended at 17.38)

16

Oct

2023

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Order of business

So we will vote on Mr Satouri’s title as including the word ‘Islamist’. I will read it out: ‘Council and Commission statements on the Islamist terrorist attack on French schools and the need to protect people and promote social cohesion’, without a resolution. This is by a show of hands. (Parliament agreed to the request) For Thursday, The Left Group has requested that the debate on the ‘European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Fur Free Europe’’ be wound up with a resolution to be voted at the next part-session. I give the floor to Ms Anja Hazekamp to move the request on behalf of The Left Group.

16

Oct

2023

Speeches EN

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Order of business

Mr Satouri, could you read the updated title of the proposal?

16

Oct

2023

Speeches EN

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Order of business

For Wednesday, The Left Group has requested that the title of the Council and Commission statements on ‘the despicable terrorist attacks of Hamas against Israel’ be changed into ‘the despicable terrorist attacks of Hamas against Israel, Israel’s threat of expulsion of 1.1 million Palestinians and allegations of Israeli war crimes in Gaza’. I give the floor to Mr Marc Botenga to move the request on behalf of The Left Group.

16

Oct

2023

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Order of business

We now come to the order of business. The final draft agenda as adopted by the Conference of Presidents on 12 October pursuant to Rule 157 has been distributed. First of all, with the agreement of the political groups, I wish to put to the House the following proposal for a change to the final draft agenda: the sitting on Wednesday will start at 8.30 in the morning. If there are no objections, this change is approved. I would ask that Members are present at 8.30 on Wednesday for this important start to the day. We now move to changes requested by political groups, starting with Tuesday. The Left Group has requested that Council and Commission statements on ‘War crimes and human rights violations perpetrated by Israel in Palestine’ be added as a point in the afternoon. As a consequence, the sitting would be extended to 23.00 and the statements would be wound up with a resolution. I give the floor to Mr Manu Pineda to move the request on behalf of The Left Group.

16

Oct

2023

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Signing of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 79)

I would also like to inform you that, together with the President of the Council, I shall sign six acts on Wednesday adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure in accordance with Rule 79. The titles of the acts will be published in the minutes of this sitting. We now have two points of order.

16

Oct

2023

Speeches EN

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Announcement by the President - Sakharov Prize

I would also like to inform you that the laureate of the Sakharov prize for 2023 will be announced on Thursday, after the meeting of the Conference of Presidents, before the votes. The announcement will be preceded by the ringing of the bells. I would warmly invite you to be present in the Chamber for this important announcement.

16

Oct

2023

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Corrigenda (Rule 241)

The IMCO Committee has transmitted three corrigenda to several texts adopted by the Parliament. Pursuant to Rule 241(4), these corrigenda will be deemed approved unless, no later than 24 hours after their announcement, a request is made by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold that they be put to the vote. The corrigenda are available on the Plenary webpage; their titles will be published in the minutes of this sitting.

16

Oct

2023

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Composition of committees and delegations

The Greens Group has notified me of a decision relating to changes to appointments within a committee. This decision will be set out in the minutes of today’s sitting and take effect on the date of this announcement.

16

Oct

2023

Speeches EN

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Composition of Parliament

Following the election of Agnès Evren and Yannick Jadot to the French Senate, Parliament takes note of the vacancy of their seats from 24 September 2023, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. Following the nomination of Simone Schmiedtbauer to the Provincial Government of Styria, Austria, Parliament takes note of the vacancy of her seat from 17 October 2023, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. The competent authorities of France have notified me of the election of Laurence Sailliet and Lydie Massard to the European Parliament replacing respectively Agnès Evren and Yannick Jadot, with effect from 24 September 2023. I wish to welcome our new colleagues and recall that they take their seats in Parliament and its bodies in full enjoyment of their rights pending the verification of their credentials.

16

Oct

2023

Speeches EN

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Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

The Minutes and the Texts Adopted of the sitting of 5 October are available. If there are no comments, then the minutes are approved.

16

Oct

2023

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Statements by the President

Today also marks six years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese investigative journalist who exposed corruption and organised crime. Daphne’s voice, her tenacity, her quest for truth, continues to live on – in her family, in civil society. It lives on in her colleagues who call for robust legal frameworks to protect journalists. And it continues to live on in the work of this House as we continue to pursue a Europe that respects the rule of law. This House remembers her and we honour her legacy.