Speeches

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, the war in Gaza must be stopped. The suffering of civilians, the death of children, all these horrors really have to stop. Humanitarian aid to Gaza is necessary and urgent. It should also be stressed that the hostages must be immediately released, as we must not forget that this all started with the terrorist attack of Hamas on 7 October 2023. And I am sorry that perhaps this is not the same at the beginning of this session and in this debate sufficiently stressed because Europe must remain the voice of reason and responsibility in these moments. The objective must remain a two-state solution that can only ensure stability and security for both sides. Long-term peace requires political courage, but also concrete steps towards restoring trust and that is why the EU must play an active diplomatic role, not break the channels of dialogue, but use them more effectively in the service of peace.

The abduction of more than 20,000 Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation is not only a serious violation of international humanitarian law, it is a systematic attempt to erase the Ukrainian identity and dismantle a people through the most vulnerable part of its society, namely children. Children are not just numbers, they have names, families, and homes waiting for them, and instead face forced adoptions, granting Russian citizenship, and policies imposed assimilation. Russia’s 2022 presidential decrees make it legal, but it will never be legitimate. We cannot and must not remain silent while implementing a strategy that according to the Genocide Convention can represent exactly that - genocide. Therefore, it is our duty, as the European Parliament, to stand clearly in defence of fundamental values and therefore we call for the immediate, unconditional return of all children. This issue must be a priority in any future peace process.

Madam President, on 28 April I was at Chamartín station in Madrid when the blackout occurred, and I was there for about six hours. I wanted, first, to pay tribute to the Spanish citizens for their proof of civility, there was no desman. My admiration for the Spanish people and, obviously, my solidarity with the relatives of those who died because of this blackout. Now, what can we learn from him? First, the importance of cash in these situations. Therefore, all these ideas of eliminating cash should be discarded. Second, we need to invest more in power grids. Then there's the renewable energy debate: Yes, they are good and necessary for Europe's strategic autonomy, but the right energy mix must be found to reduce the risks, and, in that sense, nuclear energy is part of the solution, but, also, within renewable energy, geothermal energy is the one that gives stable energy and, therefore, Commissioner, we should change the taxonomy and stop discriminating against geothermal energy.

Mr President, let me begin by congratulating Riho Terras for his report, which is fully in line with the recommendations approved by Parliament's delegation at the Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee with Kosovo. It is particularly timely to stress today that in 2010, at the request of Serbia, the International Court of Justice concluded that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law. Therefore, it is misplaced to use the case of Kosovo as an alibi to justify Putin's actions in Crimea or in the Donbas, or to compare it to secessionist forces in Europe, frequently also backed by Putin's Russia. The EU should also fully embrace this ICJ conclusion and finally grant Kosovo candidate status. Moreover, it's time to end the European Union's unbalanced and unfair approach towards Kosovo – it is time to lift the sanctions. At the same time, we expect Kosovo to form a new government after the elections on 9 February and to implement the obligations assumed at the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements. In addition, the protection of all minorities should be a priority. As I heard during my visit to the small Croatian community in Janjevo, it is important to avoid assimilation and rather promote the integration into Kosovo's society. Dear colleagues, Kosovo is a young democracy – a young democracy that we should support. We should support this excellent report.

Dear Chair, the EPP Group will support this report, which presents precisely and objectively Serbia's achievements and shortcomings on its path towards the EU. The report thus notes macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline in the country, GDP growth and foreign investment coming most from the EU, as well as obtaining the first investment credit rating. Serbia's border management agreement with Frontex is also welcomed. However, key and major problems remain in the area of rule of law, normalization of relations with Kosovo, good neighbourly relations and the geopolitical orientation of Serbia. Serbia ranks 105th in the Corruption Perceptions Index, well below the EU average. Corruption undermines citizens' trust in institutions, preventing much-needed social dialogue. Student mass protests indicate the depletion of one model of government. The fight for the rule of law is necessary, but the authorities, and also the critics of the authorities, are expected to clearly and unequivocally reject the dangerous geopolitical concept of the so-called ‘Serbian world’, the conclusions of the ‘Serb Parliament’, which undermines the sovereignty of neighbouring countries. Relations with Kosovo are also expected to be fully normalised. Alignment with the EU’s foreign policy is also needed.The EU’s doors are open, but no one will wait or beg. I want to be very clear here, no official from a Member State or an EU candidate should go or in any way support Putin's parade in Moscow. In particular, politicians from the European People's Party should not be allowed to do so. To make it clear to everyone, I will eventually move on to English. Serbia's future is in the EU, so our message to the Serbian authorities is very clear: on 9 May, let's celebrate Europe Day, not Putin's parade.

As I said, the problem of the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus remains and if you had heard better, you would have noticed that comment as well. So, our position is that we need a pragmatic cooperation, but without abandoning our values and our geopolitical interests, and this, of course, means defending the interests of our Member States, including Cyprus.

Turkey is an EU candidate country, but it has been widely perceived as a regional power in the Middle East for years with growing geopolitical engagement in the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Africa. Turkish authorities do not see the country as part of the West and its values. Unlike Russia, however, they do not intensify the conflict with the West. But there remains, of course, the problem of the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, and especially relations with Muslim brothers. Thus, with neo-Ottoman politics, Turkey is not part of the West, but it is also not in open conflict with the West, and in such a gap our value differences, but also the possibilities of cooperation, are manifested. In this sense, this report genuinely and precisely points to violations of human rights, democratic principles, but also leaves room for dialogue. In short, today's Turkey, although it is not and does not want to be part of the West, does not necessarily have to be in conflict with the West. This opens up space for pragmatic cooperation, but without giving up on our values and geopolitical interests.

Honourable Chair, Honourable colleagues, Honourable Commissioner, more than 900 executions in 2024 alone. That's no justice. It's state terror. The recent confirmation of the death sentences of Behruz Ehsani and Mehdi Hasani, following torture and mounted trials, is another flagrant violation of human rights. The European Parliament must not remain silent as the regime in Tehran continues the relentless persecution of political activists, ethnic minorities and women’s rights defenders. We therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, the cessation of executions and the abolition of the death penalty. Moreover, we call on the Council to finally designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation and to extend European Union sanctions to those responsible for these crimes. The Iranian people's fight for freedom must be supported. This is our moral responsibility.

You've mentioned geothermal. I just wanted to know whether you also support for the Commission developing a standalone action plan for geothermal, not just for cooling and heating, but also for the production of electricity. I would like to know your views about that.

Between 12 and 15 February, more than 70 Christians, including women, children and the elderly, were brutally murdered in a church in Kasanga, North Kivu province. And it's not a crime that's an isolated case. Sadly, since early March, at least 47 Christians have been killed in the northeast of the country. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Christians are increasingly targeted and harassed precisely because of their faith, because church leaders know and criticize power and armed groups. Therefore, the European Union must take decisive steps. We must support initiatives that promote inter-religious dialogue and in this regard the foreign policy committee of this Parliament has launched a pilot project. I now expect the European Commission to support it. We must do something for Christian communities and for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in general.

Madam President, I have asked for the floor precisely to refer to what Mrs Montero has said about the State of Israel as a genocidal State. I think it's a very serious accusation. Because one can accuse an individual of the worst crimes. That individual, then, has to be prosecuted and judged. A government can be accused of the worst crimes. That government has to be censored, changed, has to pay reparations. But if an entire State is accused of being genocidal, that is, by its nature of being a genocidal State, then that State must be destroyed. And to say that the State of Israel must be destroyed is an anti-Semitic stance. Therefore, be careful when using these types of concepts. I think we have to be very clear when we use criticism of what can be the policy of a government or an individual. It is all very well to defend the rights of the Palestinian people, but it cannot be accepted that it is said that the State of Israel must be destroyed, even indirectly that such a position is being supported.

What we know is that both Serbia and Kosovo have accepted obligations under the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements. Kosovo has its part of obligations with the Association of Municipalities in the north, and Serbia has voluntarily accepted the obligation not to block Kosovo's membership in regional and international organisations. What we are asking both countries is to fulfil the obligations they freely accepted.

Madam President, I'm glad that the CFSP report begins with the Western Balkans, because if there is a place where the EU is expected to have a leading role in fostering peace, it is exactly in this region. Our ambition is to integrate all the six countries in the EU on an individual and merit-based approach. As the biggest of the six, Serbia has an important position, but the Commission and the Council should be much clearer and firmer in conveying the message that progress depends on the full alignment with the EU's CFSP, the respect of the rule of law, as well as the implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements for the normalisation of relations with Kosovo. It is also time for the EU to lift sanctions to Kosovo and accept its candidacy. We welcome the progress made by Albania and encourage it to strengthen the rule of law. We strongly support the EU aspirations of Montenegro, and we caution about the forces wanting to undermine its sovereignty. We look forward to the constitutional changes that will allow North Macedonia to unblock accession negotiations. And we strongly condemn the separatist policies of Milorad Dodik and support the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the equality of its three constituent peoples and all its citizens, and we urge it to make the final steps to open accession negotiations.

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs peace, security, a European perspective, not divisions and the undermining of the constitutional order. It is not the time to raise tensions, but to respect the constitution and institutions of BiH and solve political problems through dialogue. This dialogue must, of course, be substantive, effective and with the clear purpose of respecting the independence and sovereignty, the territorial integrity of BiH as a state of three equal constituent peoples and all its citizens. BiH is a candidate for membership in the European Union and the focus must be on reforms related to the European path, and these include the reform of the electoral law as a priority issue. Negotiations need to be opened, this is crucial for peace and security. The EU, the US and NATO have shown these days that they will not allow the destabilization of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also expect Serbia to abandon the concept of the Serbian world and condemn the separatist policy that undermines the sovereignty and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mr President, dear colleagues, if the question is 'What is the legal basis for seizing the frozen assets of the Russian Federation?' let me draw your attention to one of the resolutions of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. All our countries are members of the Council of Europe. That was adopted actually here in this very place in June last year. I know it because I was the rapporteur there. And in paragraph 15.3, we explained why the seizure and repurposing of Russian state assets would constitute lawful countermeasures under international law against the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine and explained why is this proportionate and how it all works. So, the legal basis is there. Obviously, it is then a political decision whether to activate it or not. But at a time when we are discussing what is the role of the European Union in seeking a just peace for Ukraine, I think this is giving us the leverage we need to pursue that path of a just peace for Ukraine.

On 15 January, the first phase of the ceasefire began, allowing 33 Israeli hostages to be exchanged for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase, namely the second phase of the ceasefire, has not started, but the conflicts have not escalated, at least not to the intensity that existed before 15 January. However, 59 hostages have not yet been released. Perhaps most of them, unfortunately, are no longer alive, but it is necessary for Hamas to release all hostages immediately so that peace has a chance in the Middle East. Hamas started this chapter of the conflict in the Middle East with a terrorist attack on 7 October 2023 and therefore Hamas can and must immediately close this chapter by releasing hostages.

The Honourable Chairman, Mrs. Commissioner, colleague and colleague, Syria had a regime maintained by the support of Russia and Iran. He now has a transitional power maintained by Turkey's support. Syria's GDP remains less than half of its 2011 value. The infrastructure is of course severely damaged, and most Syrians still live in poverty. The cost of rebuilding the country could range up to 200 billion euros. The European Union and its Member States have already mobilised more than 35 billion, but of course the question now is what will be the priorities of our action. This, of course, is peace, security, the unity of the country, the protection of all minorities, but the situation of Christians is particularly worrying. By 2011, there were about a million Christians living in Syria, and today there are about 300,000, and they fear for their own safety every day. So all minorities are important, but if Europe does not stand up for Christians, then no one will. Therefore, we must not forget them.

Madam President, dear colleagues, I think that we need to acknowledge that today the US has a different assessment of Russia and the threat it poses to European security. At the same time, we also need to acknowledge that we are cooperating well with the United States in promoting, for example, peace and stability in the Western Balkans, and that we need to keep that cooperation. But in both cases, I think that we will be stronger allies and we will be a more secure continent by investing more and investing better in our defence. And that's why the ReArm Europe was necessary. We need to support it. It's probably not enough, but it's a decisive step in building the European defence capabilities. And that's why we also look forward to the white paper to be delivered next week, to see the ways how to spend not only more, but also to spend better and to produce more in the European Union. We knew that we need to assume more responsibilities for our security. Now, that is not a choice. That is a necessity.

At a time when world trade is fragmenting, it is strategically important for Europe to secure trade partners with whom it has contractually regulated relations. In such circumstances, the MERCOSUR agreement is gaining a new geopolitical weight for our relations with Latin America. Although history and culture bind us together, without this agreement Europe will not be able to cope with the increasing competition from global players. Present in Latin America. And not just the present. China is already the first trading partner for a large number of countries in the region. Therefore, there is no doubt that this agreement is necessary, yes, for European industry, but also for the European economy in general. But it is also true that there is a need for dialogue with farmers. For the Croatian Chamber of Agriculture, three sectors are sensitive. Cattle, poultry and sugar industry. This is why it is important to communicate that the agreed quotas for imports of these products range from only 1.2% to 1.5% of the total consumption on the European market. In addition, these small quotas will be introduced gradually. Thus, the European market will not be flooded with agricultural products from South America, but, yes, the Commission must prepare a package of compensatory measures that could be activated if necessary. So MERCOSUR is not a threat, but it is an opportunity for Europe to be competitive on the global market.

Mr President, thank you to Željana Zovko for this initiative, because it is necessary to talk about the situation in Nicaragua. We have seen many dictatorships in Latin America, in the world, throughout history: military dictatorships, one-party dictatorships... This is the dictatorship of a family that has taken all control of the state, practically all control of society: There remains only one free space, and it is in the churches, and that is why now this dictatorial regime persecutes the Catholic Church. A paradox, because in his time Ortega had the support even of priests linked to liberation theology. Well, the Nicaraguans have not been released; Today, unfortunately, they are an oppressed people: There is nothing left of the Revolution, or of the opposing ideals of the Revolution. There remained only a terrible and dangerous dictatorship, also linked to Putin's authoritarian regime in Russia. And that is why we must support this resolution and support the cause of freedom in Nicaragua.

Madam President, dear colleagues, here and in the gallery, let me begin by expressing our solidarity with the victims and the families of the fifteen people killed on 1 November, after the collapse of the train station canopy in Novi Sad. Since that tragic moment, massive protests have been taking place in Serbia, requesting accountability and the full disclosure of the documents related to the reconstruction of the train station, a job given to the China Railway International Company. This massive protest, led by students, is the largest demonstration since the fall of Milošević. It is important to reiterate on this occasion that students have the right to peaceful demonstration. This essential democratic right should not be curtailed. On the contrary, the authorities have the obligation to guarantee transparency and accountability and consequently, to restore citizens' confidence in state institutions. Confidence-building measures are essential for a much-needed inclusive process of dialogue among political and social actors. All stakeholders are expected to contribute to this dialogue, a dialogue conducive to a plural and free society, with free media and independent judiciary. A dialogue based on respect of the rule of law, a key component of the EU accession negotiations. We look forward to a European Serbia reconciled with itself and with its neighbours. While our aim is to contribute to this goal, we are also fully aware that it is up to the Serbs, as a sovereign nation, to decide and shape its future. We cannot impose on the authorities to align with EU positions, nor can we impose on the students to fly the European flags in the streets and the squares of Serbia. Yet we want them to know that a nation truly embracing and aligning with European values can always, always count on the support of this Parliament.

The EU Middle East Strategy should have at least five elements, the Honourable Chair, the Honourable Madam Commissioner. First, to support, promote the process of reconciliation and cooperation between Israel and Arab states. This must, of course, include the establishment of bilateral relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but also the implementation of the concept of two states, namely Israel and Palestine, which will live in peace and security. Second, create a new framework for political, security, economic and energy cooperation with the region through the Pact for the Mediterranean. Third, to clearly and firmly oppose the Muslim brothers and their concept of the caliphate. They are indeed a threat to regional stability and to Europe. Fourth, clearly confront Iran's hegemonic ambitions in the region and, of course, Iran's revisionist policies on the global stage. And fifth, stand up for the Christian communities in the Middle East, because if Europe does not stand up for them, then no one will. It is therefore a moral, moral obligation, but also a geopolitical necessity because no one in the Middle East will take the European Union seriously if it does not stand up for Christians in the Middle East.

Three years after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, we need to reiterate once again: This terrible war was Vladimir Putin's decision. He's guilty of aggression, he started this war, he can stop it immediately if he wants to, but he doesn't want to. Unfortunately, there are still those who fall for Russian propaganda, so they seek blame for the war with the victim or with those who help the victim, but do not seek responsibility with the aggressor. And that's why they want to put pressure on the victim now and, of course, so they won't stop the aggressor. However, even though Russia is currently occupying Crimea and four other areas, Russia is still not and Russia will not succeed in crushing Ukraine and will not return it to its dominance. Yes, the negotiations yes, but they must take into account that Ukraine has left the Russian world forever and will never return there again. And that is why we must say once again, after three years of aggression, we have lived a free, independent and European Ukraine.

Dear President, Commissioner, we live in a world where international law, values and the power of the main geopolitical factors are much less taken into account. The revisionist powers advocate a multipolar order so that each in his or her own part of the world can establish his or her own hegemony. We see this clearly in the concept of the ‘Russian world’. And these revisionist powers are increasingly coming together to confront what they call Western domination. In this confrontation, they attack the very foundations of Western democracy. Here, in this context, the European peoples will preserve their freedom and democracy not through fragmentation of the European Union, but through greater integration, as Donald Tusk mentioned today. This means more pragmatism in energy and industrial policy, but it also means more defense spending not to be against American allies, but to defend the values of both Europe and the free world with them and with other Western democracies.

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, fundamental human freedoms are limited in Georgia today. Civil society organisations have been stigmatised and the integrity of Georgia’s democratic institutions has been undermined. The work of Georgian NGOs has been accompanied by punitive measures against civil society representatives, including unjustified summonses and high fines, and on the other hand Georgian courts have been accelerating and massively dismissing lawsuits brought by opposition political parties and civil society representatives. We are witnessing protests by Georgian citizens, while on the other hand police violently disperse protesters using disproportionate violence against peaceful protesters. The process of accession to the European Union de facto It was stopped because of the actions of the Georgian authorities. Therefore, we must continue to support the legitimate European aspirations of Georgian citizens who want a democratic and European Georgia.