What Davor Ivo spoke about.

1

Apr

2025

Speeches ES

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Dramatic situation in Gaza and the need for an immediate return to the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement (debate)

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.

1

Apr

2025

Answers EN

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

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.

1

Apr

2025

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

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.

12

Mar

2025

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Secessionist threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the recent escalation (debate)

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.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Frozen Russian assets (debate)

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.

11

Mar

2025

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Deteriorating situation in Gaza following the non-extension of the ceasefire (debate)

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.

11

Mar

2025

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The need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria (debate)

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.

11

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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White paper on the future of European defence (debate)

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.

13

Feb

2025

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EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement (debate)

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.

12

Feb

2025

Speeches ES

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Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

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.

11

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Political crisis in Serbia (debate)

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.

11

Feb

2025

Speeches HR

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Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy (debate)

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.

11

Feb

2025

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Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression (debate)

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.

22

Jan

2025

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Uniting Europe against actors hostile to the EU: time to strengthen our security and defence (topical debate)

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.

21

Jan

2025

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Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (debate)

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.

21

Jan

2025

Speeches ES

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Situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (debate)

Mr. President, on January 10, the regime of Nicolás Maduro prevented the investiture of the winner of the presidential elections, Edmundo González Urrutia. Maduro today rules, but he is not the legitimate president of Venezuela, but the ruler de facto who has usurped the presidency, a dictator recognized only by other dictatorships. Who went to Caracas on January 10? Daniel Ortega, the dictator of Nicaragua, Miguel Díaz-Canel, of Cuba, while from the European continent only Russia, Belarus and Serbia sent delegations. The democracies of Europe and the American continent did not back Maduro's farce on January 10, but that is not enough. It is necessary for the Council today to take the same position that this Parliament has already taken, recognising González Urrutia as legitimate President. It is necessary that our democracies work together so that the will of the Venezuelan people is finally recognized and respected.

21

Jan

2025

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Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration (debate)

The second Trump administration wants to complete the deglobalization process that began in the first Trump administration, which continued under Biden. This creates new geopolitical realities and Europe needs to adapt to this, which means, first, we will maintain our alliance with America within NATO, but we need to build our own European defence capabilities. Second, we need to adapt our energy and industrial policies to new geopolitical realities, because without America, Europe cannot save the goals of the Paris climate agreement, but Europe can and must save Europe's industry and economy. And thirdly, Europe must not miss the chances of bilateral and regional trade deals, such as with Mexico or Mercosur, which we must ratify as soon as possible. So, colleagues, instead of blaming Trump for all our problems, let's do what's in our hands and what's needed and good for Europe.

18

Dec

2024

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11th year of the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the deteriorating human rights situation in occupied Crimea, notably the cases of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov

The Russian Federation has consistently violated international law by encroaching on the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Ukraine by occupying the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol since 2014. Unfortunately, the people of Crimea face serious human rights violations on a daily basis, illegal recruitment into the Russian army, forced passports, unjustified arrests, disappearances of associations, prohibition of religious events and a forced change in the demographic composition of the entire peninsula. The Russian Federation has systematically implemented a policy aimed at violently changing the demographic composition of Crimea, primarily along ethnic lines, which constitutes a war crime under international law. Of course, we should mention the worrying fact that Russia has more than 218 Crimean political prisoners, 67 of whom have serious health problems, and it is crucial that they receive adequate medical assistance as a matter of urgency. Only some of the worrying examples are the case of Irina Danilovič, a Crimean journalist and human rights defender, who was kidnapped in 2022. Then journalist Amet Suleimanov and Tofik Abdulgaziev, an NGO activist, were also convicted and detained by the regime. The European Parliament must demand the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and hold accountable those responsible for the inhumane conditions of the detainees. The international community must still not recognise the attempt to annex Crimea and must demand an investigation into all human rights violations in the occupied territories of Ukraine since 2014. I am glad that Zagreb hosted the First Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimean Platform in October '22. And so we must support this resolution so that we do not forget that Crimea is occupied and we must not admit that.

18

Dec

2024

Speeches EN

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Preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, as we have responded to the Russian aggression by making bold strategic decisions, including the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, the same level of strategic thinking should guide us in our approach to the Western Balkans. All the six countries from this region have been promised a European perspective at the Thessaloniki summit already two decades ago. It was true then, but it is even more today. The enlargement of the EU to the Western Balkans has a prime geopolitical importance. The accession negotiations will certainly remain merit based, but we should not neglect the wider strategic implications of the integration of this region into the European Union. Being fully aware of the new geopolitical circumstances and the challenges posed to us by strategic competitors and adversaries, it is also crucial that the candidate countries seize the opportunity of a reinvigorated enlargement process that speed up reforms, recognise and reconcile with each other, respect the rule of law, and particularly important, that they align with the EU's foreign and security policy in this defining moment. At a time when Ukraine is showing its geopolitical alignment and commitment to Europe every day on the battlefield, a clear alignment is also expected from all the countries in the Western Balkans. We commend those countries in the region that have already sided with us in confronting the autocracies that challenge our democratic values. Their geopolitical alignment was backed by domestic reforms, regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, thus paving the way for significant progress in the accession negotiations during this year. In the cases where the ruling political structures did not achieve such a progress, their citizens, however, remain committed to the EU values and we will not turn our back to these future EU citizens. We will, through the Growth Plan, intend to bring to them some of the benefits of the EU's freedoms even before membership. But we also need to move faster in some areas, like the integration of the Western Balkans to the European roaming-free area. This is important that we make even better progress there. The Commission can count on our support to accomplish the strategic task of integrating the Western Balkans into the European Union.

18

Dec

2024

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Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024 (debate)

Yesterday, two important things happened for the enlargement process, which is on the agenda of the European Council. One good news is from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the Council of Ministers adopted two laws that are crucial for the country's European perspective. We must also welcome this and be ready to support the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina as soon as possible. Another news item was the meeting of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs in the Parliament of Montenegro, where another fragmentation and polarization of not only the political scene but also society there, now around the Constitutional Court, was shown, but in fact it was a conflict over geopolitical orientation and political identity. And that is why we must say that people in Montenegro have the right to a sovereign Montenegro where Montenegrins will be their own and be able to decide their own destiny because they too have the right to a European Montenegro. Our common goal must be the Europeanisation of the whole area and the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union.

17

Dec

2024

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Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)

Dear President, colleagues, Shaun Walker, journalist of the left-wing The Guardian, wrote a book back in 2018 in which he claims that Putin manipulated the memories of the great victory of '45 so that Russia would actually forget about '89, that is, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the crimes of communist dictatorships and the disintegration of the Soviet Empire. Manipulation with historical themes is characteristic of autocratic regimes and often precedes military aggression, and the tactic is clear – forget the crimes of communism, homogenize the nation on the memory of the fight against Nazism and fascism, but then portray Ukraine as a fascist creation and initiate the occupation of Ukraine. Nothing new. Slobodan Milošević did the same in the 1990s. And that is why people are so sensitive today in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina or in Kosovo when such dangerous narratives are repeated. In contrast to this falsification of history, in contrast to the war narrative promoted by Moscow, Europe must do more to promote a true culture of remembrance. It must condemn all totalitarianisms and, of course, Europe must always remain faithful to the politics of peace, reconciliation and democracy.

17

Dec

2024

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Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region (debate)

The fall of the Assad regime is a geopolitical blow to Iran. Russia is also strategically weakened. Will she be present in Syria? This depends primarily on talks with the new authorities, but also on talks between Putin and Erdoğan. Turkey is obviously the biggest winner in this situation and we see, as it was in the South Caucasus, now and in Syria, the withdrawal of Russia leaves one vacuum which is then filled by Erdoğan's Turkey. Trump has said that America will not be more engaged. In this context, Israel shall do whatever it deems necessary to protect its security. The European Union must also take into account and I welcome the new approach of the European Union led by the High Representative, which is pragmatic but takes into account our values and interests. This must of course also be the protection of Christians, but above all the protection of the security of European citizens and of the European Union.

27

Nov

2024

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The increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran

Dear President, colleagues, in the week when we celebrate the Day against Violence against Women, it is especially important to look at the situation in Iran. And despite hopes for policy change with President Pezeskian's new government, Iran continues to systematically repress women, especially through the so-called moral police. The authorities are increasingly restricting women's rights, including through new laws and regulations. Women who break hijab laws by appearing in public without a hijab are often abused, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed. At the same time, we see that Saudi Arabia is going in a different direction. Gradually, but still in the direction of greater freedoms and rights for women. And we have to take this into account in a broader regional aspect. Therefore, by supporting women's rights in Iran, we support greater freedom, stability and prosperity throughout the wider Middle East region.

26

Nov

2024

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Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region, the need to release all hostages and the recent ICC arrest warrants (debate)

26

Nov

2024

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Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia (debate)