Speeches

I have a number of announcements from my end. Following the appointment of Marie-Pierre Vedrenne to the French Government, Parliament takes note of the vacancy of her seat from 12 October 2025, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. The competent authorities of Czechia have notified me of the election of Antonín Staněk to the European Parliament replacing Filip Turek with effect from 4 October 2025. The competent authorities of France have notified me of the election of Jérémy Decerle to the European Parliament replacing Marie-Pierre Vedrenne with effect from 12 October 2025. I welcome our new colleagues – some of them were with us before – and recall that they take their seat in Parliament and its bodies in full enjoyment of their rights pending the verification of their credentials.

The minutes and the texts adopted of the sitting of 9 October 2025 are available. Are there any comments? I see that is not the case. Therefore, the minutes are approved.

The next vote is on the motion for resolution, tabled by EMPL Committee, on the Second World Summit for Social Development (see minutes, item 8.11).

The next vote is on the joint motion for resolution, tabled by five groups, on a united response to recent Russian violations of the EU Member States’ airspace and critical infrastructures (see minutes, item 8.10).

The next vote is on the joint motion for resolution, tabled by six groups, on the situation in Afghanistan: supporting women and communities affected by the recent earthquakes (see minutes, item 8.9).

The next vote is on the joint motion for a resolution, tabled by six groups, on the 10th anniversary of the detention of jailed Swedish publisher Gui Minhai in China (see minutes, item 8.5).

The next vote is on the joint motion for a resolution, tabled by five groups, on the humanitarian and security situation in Haiti, in particular the rising power of criminal gangs and the recent massacre in Cabaret (see minutes, item 8.4).

The next vote is on the joint motion for resolution, tabled by five groups, on the arbitrary detention of EU citizens Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta in Equatorial Guinea (see minutes, item 8.3).

So I can tell you, Mr Eickhout, we are in constant contact with the Israeli authorities and the groups concerned to ensure that all Members of the European Parliament are treated with dignity, even if this was not an official Parliament action. Our DG SAFE and Crisis Cell have been activated, and we will keep doing what we can.

It is an honour to welcome the Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, to the European Parliament today. This is the first time that a leader of Greenland has ever addressed this House. A truly historic moment and a milestone in the partnership between Greenland and the European Union. Jens-Fredrik, welcome. Tikilluarit. And thank you for being with us. You stand here today on behalf of all the people of Greenland – a people with a proud history and a strong future. This Parliament knows it. And our message to you is this: when you look to Europe, you will always find an outstretched hand, a partner and a friend that stands with you in mutual respect. The ties between Greenland and the European Union run deep and they continue to grow. They have been shaped by the history that we share, by the challenges that we face together and by the way we see the world around us. This House is grateful for the strong support for Greenland shown by Denmark in uneasy moments. It has led an EU drive of renewed partnership. We meet at a time of uncertainty. The security and stability that we once took for granted can no longer be assumed. This was the clear message from European leaders in Copenhagen last week. And that is why, with Greenland as a strategic partner, particularly with Denmark holding the EU Presidency, we are working side by side to strengthen stability across the Arctic, to counter hybrid threats and to tackle growing security risks. But our partnership goes far beyond security. It is about people, about making sure that communities, families and businesses in Greenland and in Europe can look to the future with confidence. That is why young people are at the heart of our partnership and that is why the European Union is investing in education and training in Greenland, with more than EUR 200 million already committed and more support on the way. This investment gives young Greenlanders the skills, the tools and the confidence to shape their own future and determine their own path. So, dear Prime Minister, dear Jens-Frederik, thank you for being with us today. We look forward to hearing what you have to say, and to continuing our partnership in the years ahead. The floor is yours.

The first item is the debate on the Council and Commission statements on a united response to recent Russian violations of the EU Member States' airspace and critical infrastructure (2025/2901(RSP)). I would like to remind you that we continue with the test of the new format for this debate, so there is no fixed speakers list. After the first round of speakers, on behalf of the groups, Members who receive speaking time or non-attached secretariat from the groups as well will be called to speak and will be reminded of their allotted speaking time. So keep an eye on the screens and then make your way to the lectern. I'll first give the floor, on behalf of the Council, to Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs, to start the debate.

In relation to the decision by several committees to enter into interinstitutional negotiations pursuant to Rule 72(1), announced at the opening of the part-session on Monday 6 October, I have received no request for a vote in Parliament by Members or political groups reaching at least the medium threshold. The committees may therefore start negotiations.

The next vote is on amending certain financial services and investment support regulations as regards certain reporting requirements (see minutes, item 8).