Speeches

Mr President, Commissioner. I belong to the older generation. That is why I can safely say on behalf of that older generation, the sizes of pensioners, men and women, are too big, the differences are big, the differences between pensioners in Eastern Europe and those in Western Europe are too big. Poverty among pensioners is evident, loneliness problems among pensioners are high, access to health care problems is also high, especially in areas suffering from medical shortages. In medical deserts, pensioners are most vulnerable. It is clear that pensioners are discriminated against in the labour market. The silver economy is not working. Commissioner, I wish you a very active and energetic approach and a roadmap on what to do to tackle these problems first and foremost within 3-4 years.

Mr President, dear colleagues. Here a large part, a large part of our Parliament, spoke unanimously and expressed solidarity with Poland. Indeed, the activation of Article 4 of the NATO Treaty and the way in which consultations are now conducted are exactly what is needed most today. But this event reveals very well the farce that happened in Alaska when U.S. President Donald Trump took pictures with Putin. I think that this event completely disarmed that Alaska farce and we have to be very clear, very precise and send a signal to everyone: The era of double standards is over, and unified, solidarity-based action is needed. Long live the solidarity!

Absolutely, for sure. I think we all are like-minded here – the need to have EU4Health separate programmes from the Commission. Absolutely – because you have no chance to solve problems without very effective financial means.

Mr President, Commissioner, of course, summer heatwaves in Europe have become an urgent crisis, claiming over 175 000 lives per year annually, it's a very big challenge for all of us. Of course, it's not only an environmental or social issue, it is a public health issue and, of course, it costs a lot. It also creates a lot of economic challenges. The European Union must address the causes and consequences of climate change as it is affecting the basic rights to the health, security and lives of citizens. And of course, we need comprehensive housing policies, as speakers have done in mentioning cooling systems and so on. Of course, healthcare systems must be equipped and must be prepared because it's a crisis issue, like the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, like cross-border healthcare threats. Climate change also belongs to them, and what we need, of course, are financial means. And it means that the European health union should be expanded and should be equipped by all programmes. And of course, healthcare policies are one clear example.

Mr President, we need a clear legal status for alliances, which would make it easier for universities to initiate and lead European projects, pool resources, enhance their autonomy, reduce administrative burdens, attract funding and broaden their governance structure. We ask the European Commission to take further steps towards a European degree that is based on European criteria, as a step towards the recognition of degrees and diplomas at EU level. And, of course, we ask that existing initiatives like the European Student Card be strengthened, while also considering new ones such as enhancing interoperability of digital tools through the creation of virtual European inter-campuses. We welcome the report and I think it is a good step forward and we will need to do more strengthening of our university alliances because freedom of investment, research and innovation is impossible without alliances with European universities.

Mr President, I will speak Lithuanian. This is all the more so since, in relations between China and the European Union, tariff and tariff problems have always been on the table. It is worth remembering when the problem of African swine fever was complicated, and in this case, when that plague then moved to China, China also initially defended itself, defended itself against unjustified tariffs, but after the catastrophe of its farm, it opened up pork markets to us very much. I certainly congratulate the Commission and the Commission on now calling for measures to be taken as soon as possible, clarifying fully and raising the issue of unfair duties imposed by China, to transfer it to World Trade Organisation disputes, as this would make it possible to get China back to the negotiating table more quickly, perhaps, and the opening up of other markets is also number one.

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, honourable colleagues. Today, President Maia Sandu's speech here in the European Parliament was based on facts, figures and irresistible arguments. Putin’s regime’s efforts to influence the outcome of Moldova’s parliamentary elections on 28 September and to seize Moldova through ballot boxes, in the most gross violation of international law, which is absolutely clear to us today, who stand up for Moldova’s path to the European Union, for the rule of law in a state governed by the rule of law. We are all allies here. As a representative of Lithuania in the European Parliament, it is very important for me to say that Moldova was the first republic in the former Soviet Union to recognize the independence of the Republic of Lithuania in 1990. That is why it is my duty today, and that of all of us, to do everything in our power to ensure that Moldova's path to the European Union runs smoothly and delivers the best results on 28 September.

President of the meeting, honourable Commissioners, colleagues. When I listen in this room to the statements of those representatives who call themselves patriots, I reluctantly remember the sentiment: Patriotism is often the last refuge of the bastards. Do patriots who call themselves that sometimes fail to grasp the meaning of this sentiment? And especially French patriots could turn to history and ask themselves, what peace with Hitler? Interesting historical lesson for French patriots? That is why the answer is very obvious. Today, among other things, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, which said very clearly: inviolability of borders, territorial integrity and non-use of force. Putin must be defeated! That's the only way.

Mr President, dear colleagues, the EU faces a critical juncture marked by war in Ukraine, geopolitical shifts, transnational crises, EU internal difficulties and new political goals. A few months ago, the Commission presented us with a project for a new budget of almost EUR 1.8 trillion. The amount sounds impressive, but in reality it is not. If we take away the interest of Next Generation EU loans, the budget becomes the same as the current financial framework, while the challenges the EU faces have multiplied. It means that EU is not ready for new challenges, neither institutionally nor policy-wise. Once Ukraine is ready to become a member of the EU, we will need significant resources to support it. We will need to provide adequate protection to all our Member States and support our regional cohesion and agriculture. A budget that barely differs from the current one will not be enough. We need a deep and meaningful discussion about expanding our own resources and create a much larger budget, much more fitting for the current times.

Mr President, Commissioner, public procurement must drive social progress and sustainability. We need to include in public procurement mandatory social criteria, mandatory environmental criteria and also workers' rights. Of course, we need to promote European preference, to limit the number of subcontractors and to include the 'buy local' approach and, of course, fight against corruption, favouritism and conflicts of interest. It can help us to guarantee transparency and promote social fairness and inclusion.

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, Mr Aurore, congratulations, excellent report! And now we need to convince all of us that without a capital markets union, without a banking union, without own resources, without attracting risk capital – let us stop talking about the investment climate. Investment is needed for everything, and for those who talk about agriculture, about social issues, about everything - investment is needed! It is a capital union, a banking union, the raising of venture capital, the exploitation of people's savings, the creation and issuance of European bonds. We need our own resources – more than ever! Since 2014, as Commissioner, we have been talking about this proposal. Congratulations! Let's go! And let us use our strength to persuade national parliaments and governments, because national governments do not have the resolve to do so.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, let me start with some sentences. It is incredibly frustrating to see such a sensitive topic as women's health repeatedly scheduled for the very end of the European Parliament plenary agenda. This consistent demotion of health-related discussions suggests a worrying undervaluation of their importance. Why are these vital conversations related to health being marginalised in this way? It is not the first time it is put last at the end of plenaries. It is such an important topic. I want to extend my congratulations to the Commission for taking new steps to address endometriosis, but only with robust actions at EU level do we have the potential to transform the lives of approximately 14 million women. To truly confront this debilitating condition across the EU, we need a focused, multi-pronged strategy that directly improves the daily reality for those affected. First and foremost, we must dramatically increase both EU and national funding for endometriosis research. More research will lead to a deeper understanding of this complex disease, paving the way for more effective treatment and, of course, crucially, to create hope because it is such a complicated issue – hope for a cure. The EU must also champion and implement supportive policies like paid menstrual leave, as just mentioned. France, Ireland and Spain did it. Furthermore, we need to ensure free and accessible fertility treatment and prioritise robust mental health support because a lot of women suffer. These aren't just administrative measures; they are about restoring dignity, protecting livelihoods and, of course, offering a brighter future for women. Women's health is so important, and of course the gap exists. We can't be blind to this very sensitive topic.

Madam President, Commissioner, thank you very much for the good visit to Lithuania and the excellent dialogue with the farmers. I have witnessed that both farmers and you are in favour of a progressive, sustainable, productive, just, resilient and viable agriculture. Thank you for all the initiatives, but we need a separate budget. Any fragmentation of the budget would weaken the European Union's agricultural policy, any. We need a bigger budget. It's right to talk about farmers we don't target... with a bigger budget. This is the task of all of us to have a bigger MFF, as this would help protect competitiveness, sustainability. The countryside also needs investment in infrastructure, but it also needs young people. Durable farming, more innovation, more innovative ideas are needed to make young people passionate about being farmers. And direct payments, the unification of direct payments is an old promise. Commissioner, we must do this because it is a matter of social justice throughout the European Union, a matter of solidarity in Europe.

I warmly welcome and particularly welcome both the stockpiling strategy and the stockpiling strategy for medical devices. They will further strengthen the first block of the European Health Union, which is based on a whole concept of crisis management, crisis preparedness, including HERA, including a vaccine strategy, including preparedness to procure tools to protect people. I would like to point out that there is an article in the Treaty of Lisbon that says that this is a competence of sharing. And that sharing competence obliges member states to also develop national strategies by aligning our strategy with the national one so that we act effectively. I wish you leadership.

I warmly welcome and particularly welcome both the stockpiling strategy and the stockpiling strategy for medical devices. They will further strengthen the first block of the European Health Union, which is based on a whole concept of crisis management, crisis preparedness, including HERA, including a vaccine strategy, including preparedness to procure tools to protect people. I would like to point out that there is an article in the Treaty of Lisbon that says that this is a competence of sharing. And that sharing competence obliges member states to also develop national strategies by aligning our strategy with the national one so that we act effectively. I wish you leadership.

Madam President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, of course, wildfire has no longer affected only southern Europe, but also erupted in northern and central regions of the European Union and wildfires are now no longer a seasonal phenomenon. They are a persistent, systemic threat and they require a systemic response. Over 150 experts from the EU proposed an integrated wildfire risk management strategy. One of the strategy's central ambitions is to help shift the EU from a fragmented, reactive response toward a shared, proactive framework to support long-term resilience and civil protection capacity. In a context where climate change is reshaping geography and the intensity of fire risk, this shift is both urgent and complex. I think we need to include it into our preparedness Union plans.

Madam President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, of course, wildfire has no longer affected only southern Europe, but also erupted in northern and central regions of the European Union and wildfires are now no longer a seasonal phenomenon. They are a persistent, systemic threat and they require a systemic response. Over 150 experts from the EU proposed an integrated wildfire risk management strategy. One of the strategy's central ambitions is to help shift the EU from a fragmented, reactive response toward a shared, proactive framework to support long-term resilience and civil protection capacity. In a context where climate change is reshaping geography and the intensity of fire risk, this shift is both urgent and complex. I think we need to include it into our preparedness Union plans.

Madam President, dear Commissioner, the European Union faces a critical juncture marked by geopolitical shifts, transnational crises and internal complexities. For geopolitical reasons, the European Union enlargement is high on the political agenda, but the European Union is not ready yet to welcome new members, either institutionally or policywise. You remember the excellent report which shows that we need to do more. And the only one way is to do our homework. To encourage Member States to do their homework, we need a much broader multiannual financial framework budget. We need our own resources. We need to integrate Ukraine into the EU as soon as possible. There is only one way to achieve peace: the integration of Ukraine into the EU.

Mr President, colleagues, I would like to mention one name: Mykola Statkevič. He is the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Belarus, which has always been active in the fight for democracy and human rights since the declaration of independence of Belarus, and has always been the most active participant in the resistance against the authoritarian regime. We are all well aware that the European Parliament has spoken about him on several occasions, but this time I have to remind you again, because his disappearance... there is no more information about his imprisonment, no more information about what has happened to him, no more information. And I call on the Commission, once again, to pay special attention to this very one of the most prominent heroes of resistance.

Madam President, Prime Minister, your programme calls for a strong Europe in a changing world. But it would be good to enshrine one word: a strong social Europe in a changing world. And I trust the Danish Social Democratic Government, because you can do your best, strengthening the social dimension in the EU, because a social dimension means possibilities to convince European people to have much stronger reforms. We need a more integrated Europe, we need a more effective Europe, and we need more attention in next multiannual financial framework, defending cohesion funds, defending cooperation, defending agricultural funds and not cutting those investments. And of course: enlargement, enlargement, and once again, enlargement! It's one important tool for defending Ukraine and defending peace in Europe. Peace in Europe means support in Ukraine and peace is our common value.

Mr President, I would like to support the position put forward by the Commission and indeed call for the relaunched negotiations to raise issues that would be defined as upholding the priority of international law in all relations. In this case, it is particularly important to draw China's attention to the fact that the war that Russia is continuing against Ukraine must be stopped, as this undermines the global order, multilateralism and the principle of the primacy of international law. Otherwise, we will have a very difficult relationship. I encourage it necessarily pragmatically, constructively, but by defining those principles that are number one today. The territorial integrity of the country, international law is something that must be said very clearly in order for China's support for Ukraine to be stopped.

Madam President, the Union is facing the urgency of change. The Danish EU Presidency is just beginning. Denmark has named its programme 'A strong Europe in a changing world'. This programme extensively discusses strengthening EU security, increasing competitiveness, emphasising the need to help Ukraine in political, economic and military terms. However, the EU stands at an obvious crossroads. Can it simultaneously take steps forward – increasing the EU budget, expanding its own resources, implementing necessary institutional reforms – and at the same time prepare to accept new members, especially Ukraine? Unfortunately, such ambitions are not on the presidency's agenda. We are unforgivably losing time and leadership. The EU cannot close its eyes to the problems that we discussed at the Conference on the Future of Europe. Enlargement and reforms are now. We need leadership.

My answer is very clear: The Ukrainian people want to be in the European Union. I was there two weeks ago. And I believe that if I came to your country, I would convince your people, too, because they also joined the European Union with all sorts of corruption in your country. Corruption is worldwide. Stop speculating about it. It's just bigger or smaller. We will also overcome it, but we will overcome it on the basis of the rules of our European Union. Therefore, your arguments have no basis.

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, colleagues. The European Union is jerking up on the ground. Global challenges and the citizens of the European Union demand a stronger and more effective Europe and action. As early as 2023, the European Parliament submitted concrete proposals to the European Council with recommendations, taking into account the proposals of both citizens and the Conference on the Future, as well as Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ukraine’s victory is due to its 100 % membership of the European Union. The proposals forwarded to the Council require action on its part. The reports of the President of the Commission, Draghi, Letta say that treaty change is necessary for everything, for investment and so on. There are only two types of countries in Europe, small and those that do not understand that they are small. And here nationalists and patriots do not understand this, and they themselves speak nothing to bring the European Union into an even greater crisis. This is why we need to take both steps – treaty change and enlargement, synchronisation, benchmarking. Only such a path will strengthen the European Union as a global player.

Madam President, Commissioner, may I remind you all of the joint declaration by Jacques Delors and Jerzy Buzek for a new European energy community. It was declared on 5 May 2010 – and still we are debating a European energy union. Can you imagine? 15 years – we are very slow! An energy union that delivers competitiveness, security, decarbonisation and a just transition will provide end users with cheaper energy, primarily benefiting our industries and households. Ensuring a secure energy supply is a key to achieving this goal. Therefore, we are looking forward to the Commission proposals for the next MFF in July and to expect that protection and security of critical energy infrastructures – including physical, digital and cyber‑related components, as well as reserves of essential elements required for a rapid restoration of the power system which are key to secure energy supply – will remain an important EU priority in the next MFF.