What Davor Ivo spoke about.

10

Mar

2026

Speeches HR

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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)

Dear Chairman, we really need to look at relations with Canada in the context of changed geopolitical circumstances, because indeed, the international order that America actually created and maintained, is now changing it itself. And so we need to deepen our relations with Canada, not to be directed against the US, but to take into account all these changes, and we have common values and interests with Canada. We have, of course, Canada as an Arctic country, here we have common interests, common interests in the field of security and defence, and that is why it is good for Canada to be in the Safe program. And of course, we have trade interests. CETA, a trade agreement with Canada, has shown that trade has increased by 63% since it became applicable. In fact, the indicators show that all European Union countries, including France, have benefited from this agreement. Therefore, those who have not yet ratified it, this time I invite them to do so.

10

Mar

2026

Speeches HR

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EU enlargement strategy (debate)

Dear Chairman, this is one good document, I will support it, although I do not agree with all the items. Namely, I think too much attention is given to the introduction of qualified majority voting, which in my opinion will not solve the problems of enlargement because decisions will remain in the hands of the Member States. The key question, however, is one another, and that is how to devise a more ambitious policy of gradual integration, because let's be honest, a good part of the candidates, perhaps most of them will not finish the negotiations in this parliamentary term, and we cannot leave them in some void. For a long time now, we have heard from the Western Balkans from different countries that it is not so important for them to have a Commissioner now or the right to vote, but rather to have access to the single market and Schengen. And that's an idea you don't need a priori reject, but I don't think it should replace the enlargement approach and that gradual integration must be merit-based and of course, enlargement is a geopolitical instrument of the Union and therefore every candidate must be required to have a full geopolitical alignment with the European Union.

10

Mar

2026

Speeches HR

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Presentation of the Energy Package (debate)

The European Union imported more than 300 billion euros in gas and oil before this price increase due to the Gulf War. Of course, the solution is not to lift sanctions on Russia now and further deepen dependence on fossil fuels, but to reduce such dependence. Nuclear power, small modular reactors can really be part of this solution. But not just that. The Commission also committed to adopt a heating and cooling strategy in May and, as part of that, a geothermal action plan. Why is that important? Because it's a renewable energy source, we have the technology to do it, it's constant energy, and besides, this way we can cut down on really utilities, and let's not forget that half of the energy we're consuming in Europe right now goes to heating and cooling.

10

Mar

2026

Speeches HR

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Housing crisis in the European Union with the aim of proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing (debate)

Dear Chair, if the price of square meters has increased by 55% in the last ten years, this is because demand is still much higher than supply and therefore solutions must come from the supply side. Therefore, adopt measures that will encourage more housing units in the market, that those that are on short-term lease today, but also encourage the construction of new housing units. And for this it is necessary, indeed, as the rapporteur said, to simplify bureaucracy - simplification. But we also have to deal with the cost of construction. Of course, there is also a related energy price, so the Commissioner is on track when he works, for example, on the promise made by the Commission to create a new geothermal action plan. I was recently in the Croatian town of Vinkovci. And they would switch the heat they currently have on gas to geothermal energy, so they calculated that they could halve the cost of directing. So I welcome this initiative from the Commission, but I encourage them to do so.

11

Feb

2026

Speeches HR

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Systemic oppression, inhumane conditions and arbitrary detentions by the regime in Iran

Dear Chairman, Commissioner, in today's Iran, systematic repression is part of state policy. Peaceful protesters were killed, thousands of them. Activists, journalists, members of ethnic and religious minorities are exposed to violence, degrading detention conditions and arbitrary arrests, which are increasingly used as a means of so-called hostage diplomacy towards European citizens. It is not only a violation of international law, it is also a betrayal of Iran's own civilizational heritage, as this tragedy takes place on the ground of a civilization that more than 2,500 years ago produced the Kirov cylinder, one of the first historical principles of government based on justice and human dignity. Europe must therefore stand firmly with the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and dignity, and therefore support this resolution, which calls for additional sanctions and measures against the regime, which oppresses its own people and poses a threat to the entire region.

11

Feb

2026

Speeches EN

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Post-election situation in Uganda and threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine

Mr President, the situation in Uganda is not only a problem for Bobi Wine – of course, it is for him and his family. It's not only a problem for Uganda, for the country. We've seen that last year in Tanzania. We unfortunately are seeing that in other parts of Africa. But this is also a failure for us. It's a failure of our development cooperation policy. Because I will remind you that in the UN SDGs, the 16th SDG is about good governance. And this is exactly what is lacking, for example, in Uganda. Then we are thinking, why is it the case that for every euro that we are sending in our development cooperation, there are ten times more euros that are evaporating in corruption in these countries? This is because there is no accountability, because the opposition is treated in that way, because we have presidents that are in the seventh mandate without any checks and balances. This is a failure also of our development cooperation policy.

11

Feb

2026

Speeches HR

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Accession of Montenegro to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters - Accession of the Republic of Albania to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (joint debate)

Dear Chair, as we have heard in this debate, the argument is very clear why the European Parliament should not be circumvented. I would only add that both Albania and Montenegro are candidates, the most advanced candidates for membership in the European Union, and we ask them to respect the rule of law, to respect the role of Parliament, not to bypass their parliaments, and then we should set such an example in the European Union in respecting our fundamental treaties and in having this high house not only a right, but also a duty to give our consent to the accession of Albania and Montenegro to the Hague Convention.

10

Feb

2026

Speeches HR

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Urgent need to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan and to achieve a sustainable peace (debate)

10

Feb

2026

Speeches EN

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

Mr President, Madam Commissioner, the international community has welcomed the political agreement and the ceasefire agreement reached between the Syrian Government and the SDF from March 2025 and January this year. Yet, it is crucial that the significant steps towards de-escalation are carried out in a way that will finally bring peace and protection to all citizens and, of course, to all ethnic and religious communities in the country. In this regard, the Institute for the Documentation of Human Rights Violations Against Religious Minorities in the Levant has recently published – on 3 February 2026 – a report documenting and denouncing the fact that Alawite, Druze, Kurdish, Yazidi and Christian communities in Syria face targeted killings, abductions, forced displacement and other forms of religious persecution. What can the European Union do in this situation? Well, I will suggest at least two things. Firstly, in addition to all the efforts that the Commissioner for the Mediterranean is making, the Commission should also finally appoint a special representative for religious freedom. This is something that was promised a year ago. It is time to deliver on it. Secondly, to promote a federal constitutional framework in Syria, granting local and minority self-governance. The EU should support the right of all citizens in the country to have an inclusive political system that will guarantee peace and stability.

10

Feb

2026

Speeches HR

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

10

Feb

2026

Speeches HR

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Extreme weather events in particular in Portugal, southern Italy, Malta and Greece: European response in strengthening readiness, preparedness and solidarity mechanisms (debate)

21

Jan

2026

Speeches ES

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Presidential elections in Honduras, the non-recognition of the outcome by the incumbent administration and the attacks on opposition members of the National Assembly

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, what has happened in Honduras and why are we debating this resolution today in the European Parliament? Because there was, obviously, a new attempt in a government in Latin America to ignore the will of the citizens that was expressed in the vote. There was an attempt to retain power, even though the popular vote went in another direction to what was the government's political sign. It is a similar situation - not identical, but similar - to what Nicolás Maduro did in 2024, when he did not want to recognize that the Venezuelan people said "no" to him and changed and wanted González Urrutia to be the president. That was worse, because he stole the election and declared himself victorious. Here it was not so much, but yes, with this decision of January 10 of President Castro, it was tried not to allow the transition seeking a recount, although the electoral mission of both the European Union and the Organization of American States (OAS) validated the result and concluded that the electoral process had been in accordance with international standards. And in addition, that decree that President Xiomara Castro had signed had no legal basis, because if anyone was competent to make such a decision it was the National Electoral Council. What was done? Intimidate the members of the National Electoral Council and, in addition, attack the opposition, even with a physical attack suffered by deputy Gladis López. For what? To avoid peaceful transition. What is there to support now? Obviously, take care of the vote, that this peaceful and democratic transition takes place, a transfer of command and respect the will of the citizens of Honduras.

21

Jan

2026

Speeches HR

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European Council meeting (joint debate)

Dear Chairman, today we are talking about an independent Europe, which requires a European Defence Union and strengthening our economy. Both require access to critical raw materials, and we cannot do so unless we support the Mercosur agreement, which we will decide in a matter of minutes. Of course, we also need to reduce Europe’s dependence on foreign trade and strengthen our internal market. We have Letta's report, we need to implement it faster. And finally, energy policy, in the past mandate, was defined exclusively by climate objectives. This is no longer sustainable in today's world. Environmental concerns must of course be at the heart of our energy policy, but geopolitical goals, strengthening our economy, strengthening our competitiveness and achieving our geostrategic autonomy must be at the heart.

20

Jan

2026

Speeches EN

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Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2025 (debate)

Madam President, 15 years ago, over 50 % of the population in the world were living in democracies. Today, that is less than 30 %. So obviously Fukuyama was wrong when he thought about the end of history and that democracies will finally win over autocracies. However, in many critical areas that we have mentioned today, I would like to use this opportunity to mention also a success story. I was the chief observer in Bolivia for the elections there. After 20 years of one hegemonic party – the Movement for Socialism – we were organising, we were supporting, we were trying to be with our Bolivian friends to support them in a democratic transition. And there were a lot of fears that they would not succeed. However, we supported the electoral commission to be independent, to be professional, and they managed to do that. And the most important thing: the citizens of Bolivia, when they saw us with their European cap, they saluted us because they saw in the European Union a guarantee that the democratic process will be respected. So there is a lot of bad news, but we also need to be aware of our success stories.

20

Jan

2026

Speeches EN

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CFSP and CSDP (Article 36 TEU) (joint debate)

Mr President, well, as the rapporteur has rightly said, the European Union has always supported a rules-based order. The problem is that that order is disappearing, if it has not disappeared already. So we need to adapt and act quickly. I see here three points. First, to speed up our investment in defence if we want to get some sort of strategic autonomy. Second, we have a very important vote tomorrow on Mercosur. I think we cannot afford not to support the deal with Mercosur if we want to be a geopolitical actor. All the talk about global Europe or Europe as a geopolitical actor would be just wishful thinking without that deal. Third, enlargement. I think we need to move forward with enlargement, but we also need to put the alignment of candidate countries with the European CFSP at the heart of the accession negotiations. This is extremely important if we want to have a successful enlargement and if we want to adapt to this new world.

20

Jan

2026

Speeches ES

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Situation in Venezuela following the extraction of Maduro and the need to ensure a peaceful democratic transition (debate)

Madam President, Madam Vice-President, first of all, no Democrat should regret the fall of Nicolas Maduro. His dictatorship caused millions of emigrants, hundreds of political prisoners, corruption, drug trafficking and an appalling impoverishment of the Venezuelan people. Secondly, the abuses of power by a dictatorship – it is true – do not entitle a superpower not to respect international law, but international law cannot be an excuse for the systematic violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and for the international community to do nothing about it. The international community and, in particular, those governments and political forces that have collaborated closely with the Chavista dictatorship have failed the Venezuelan people, and are therefore the last to talk about international law. Thirdly, this Parliament recognized Edmundo González Urrutia as president-elect, although many did not want to vote on that occasion. That recognition allows us today to insist that both González Urrutia and María Corina Machado must participate in a transition to democracy in Venezuela. Talleyrand told Napoleon that you can do many things with bayonets, but you can't sit on them. The use of force can overthrow a dictator, but it is not enough to gain legitimacy. The legitimacy of the transition process can only be given by the inclusion of the democratic forces led by María Corina Machado.

20

Jan

2026

Speeches HR

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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)

Dear Chairman, this is not just Greenland, but a serious crisis in transatlantic relations and therefore it is not the time for panic moves, to throw ourselves into the hands of the Chinese, as some advocate, but for a clear and firm position. The position that we are open to cooperation with the United States on security issues, on common security, but we do not accept any blackmail. We will certainly know how to deal with these threats about customs. This has already been proven in the past and the European Union has the tools to deal with it. But for our message to be credible in the long run, we must clearly build European defence capabilities and thus reconfigure our transatlantic relations, our partnership with the US and beyond Trump.

18

Dec

2025

Speeches HR

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30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement (debate)

17

Dec

2025

Speeches HR

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Mass kidnapping of children in Nigeria, including from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri

The Honourable Chairman, the mass abduction of children from the Catholic School of St. Mary in Papyri is indeed a crime that shakes the conscience. Hundreds of children were abducted from a place that was supposed to be a haven of learning, care and faith. Although some children are freed, many children and teachers are still imprisoned and their families live in fear and uncertainty. This tragedy cannot be viewed in isolation. It is taking place in the broader context of persistent violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, and therefore we really need to ask ourselves what the European Union is doing on this issue, what the European Commission is doing. The minimum would be for the European Commission to finally appoint, after 13 months, a Freedom of Religion Envoy. I would ask the Commission to give us, who are in the Club of Christian Democrats, one reason to continue to support this Commission that has promised this, and after 13 months has not yet fulfilled its promise, to appoint an envoy.

17

Dec

2025

Speeches HR

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Arbitrary arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan

The Honourable Chairman, in this plenary room two years ago, then as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, I participated in the debate on de facto exclude the Azerbaijani delegation from the work of the organisation for human rights violations. I voted in favour of this resolution, but I also put in place a mechanism for Azerbaijan to return. Why? Because I think it is important to talk about the protection of human rights, but it is important to have an open channel of dialogue precisely because of the geopolitical importance of our relations with Azerbaijan in today's world, in today's geopolitical circumstances. So it is necessary to remain principled and say, as we will now with this resolution, what we think about human rights violations, but to leave open this channel of dialogue when we also have certain geopolitical interests to do so.

17

Dec

2025

Speeches HR

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The deepening democratic crisis in Georgia (debate)

Over the past year, we have witnessed continued democratic backsliding in Georgia, with pressures on independent media, intimidated civil society, selective use of the judiciary and the adoption of legislation that runs counter to basic European standards. The implementation of the Foreign Influence and Foreign Agents Act remains a direct challenge to freedom of association and expression, despite repeated warnings from the European Union. By granting candidate status, Georgia was given a chance that, unfortunately, the authorities, against the will of the citizens, decided to ruin. The European Union has therefore decided that Georgia’s accession process cannot continue without full respect for democratic principles of the rule of law and fundamental rights. This, of course, is also a message to the other candidates that there is no discount on membership criteria. But we have to say, the responsibility does not lie with the Georgian people. Public support for the European path remains strong and citizens have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to democratic values. Therefore, the European Union should, as announced, step up its support for civil society, independent journalism, democratic institutions, with the consistent and transparent application of conditionality, and - and sanctions against those undermining democratic norms.

16

Dec

2025

Speeches HR

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

26

Nov

2025

Speeches HR

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The situation of Christian communities and religious minorities in Nigeria and the Middle East, and Europe’s responsibility to protect them and guarantee freedom of conscience (topical debate)

26

Nov

2025

Speeches EN

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

Madam President, dear colleagues, the Commission President said today that the pressure should be put on the aggressor, not on the victim. I fully agree with that, but then we need to move from words to action. That means, among other things, that we should ban the import not only of gas, but also of oil. That is the position of this Parliament, and it is about time that the Council also agrees on that position to ban all the imports of Russian oil, starting in January 2026. The Commission knows very well that all the technical conditions are there for the Member States that are still importing oil from Russia to replace that, using, for example, the Adriatic pipeline. They can do that. All the technical conditions are there. It is just a question of political will. So, we need to move from words to action because actions mean far more than words; they speak louder than any words. Acta non verba.

25

Nov

2025

Speeches HR

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Escalation of the war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan (continuation of debate)

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues and deepens as the civil war between the Sudan Armed Forces and the so-called Rapid Support Forces escalates. We have an arms embargo, but it is not respected, of course, because we have an internal struggle for power, but also because those weapons are supplied from the outside. Precisely because we have one geopolitical background, one regional [background] because we need to look at the conflict in Sudan in the broader context of the wider Middle East and the reorganization of relations there, and that is why we will see that factors from the Middle East are present in some way in this war, but also globally because, as we know, China is very present. Sudan is an important point in the Silk Road because of gold, minerals, but also for other reasons, and therefore we must help humanitarianly, but also become a geopolitical factor in order to be able to really deal with those causes of this conflict.