What Demetris spoke about.

22 Nov

2023

EL Speech

Cyprus Confidential - need to curb enablers of sanctions-evasion and money-laundering rules in the EU (debate)

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Mr President, at a time when the Cypriot people were paying enormous costs by taking sanctions against Russia, unfortunately, a few, taking advantage of loopholes in the timing of the sanctions, were changing the ownership of companies that would be on the sanctions list. These are on the altar of personal gain, disregarding even the reputation of their country, feeling that they operate in a stat…

3 Oct

2023

EL Speech

Recent developments in the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue, including the situation in the northern municipalities in Kosovo (debate)

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Mr President, calm, restraint and the immediate return of the two sides, Serbia and Kosovo, to the table of dialogue. The tension in the region cannot be defused otherwise than by the path of peace. Don't go back to 1998. No one will win by following the path of blood. The latest terrorist attack in the village of Banisko, in northern Kosovo, should be the beginning of a new substantive round of i…

12 Sep

2023

EL Speech

2022 Report on Türkiye (debate)

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Mr President, this is the ninth year that I am participating in a debate on Turkey's so-called progress report, which is essentially a regression report. There is no rule of law. Opposing voices are being silenced, the human rights of its citizens are being violated, there is a constant export of nationalism and imperialism. Threats against its neighbours are escalating and it continues to occupy …

14 Jun

2023

EL Speech

Investigation of the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware - Investigation of the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (draft recommendation) (debate)

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Mr President, the Pegasus, Predator and related software scandal has brought to light the backsliding of democracy, as well as the violation of human rights and the privacy of citizens in Europe. Unfortunately, these kinds of systems were used not only for national security reasons or to fight terrorism, but to monitor political opponents, as in the case of PASOK president Nikos Androulakis, as we…

13 Jun

2023

EL Speech

This is Europe - Debate with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides (debate)

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Mr President, the people of Cyprus have trusted you with their vote and expect real and substantial change from you. Golden passports, Pegasus, Panama Papers. Events that unfortunately have tarnished the image of our country and lead society to the complete disdain of political life. The society of Cyprus demands cleansing, expects to regain its lost credibility and pride. It demands a European Cy…

9 May

2023

EL Speech

2022 Report on Serbia (debate)

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Madam President, I am shocked by the mass murders that have taken place in Serbia over the past few days. As a political group of Socialists and Democrats, we strongly condemn these attacks and express our full sympathy with the families of the victims. We must send the right signals for a better future to all citizens of the country. It is very important that reforms in Serbia are promoted in a t…

5 Jul

2022

EL Speech

2021 Report on Serbia (debate)

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Mr President, Serbia is part of Europe and its future is inevitably to become a full member of the European Union. There is already a significant delay in this process. The responsibility for this delay, unfortunately, lies with the country's own government. This is because reforms are delayed, social justice is lacking, respect for the other viewpoint is missing, and the silences of journalists a…

6 Jun

2022

EL Speech

2021 Report on Turkey (debate)

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Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, fortunately there is a strategic partner called Turkey, which identifies itself with sanctions against Russia, does not welcome the Russian oligarchs and does not continue the oriental bazaar. Fortunately, Turkey does not blackmail with immigration and does not instrumentalize refugees. Fortunately, Turkey respects the human rights of its citizens and does not p…

9 Mar

2022

EL Speech

EU Citizenship Report 2020 (debate)

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Mr President, citizenship of the European Union is one of its most tangible achievements and is at the heart of a common European identity, based on equality and non-discrimination. It is therefore of utmost importance that the Union institutions ensure that the rights deriving from its nationality are not undermined in any way. That is why I have proposed the promotion of common regulations on th…

9 Mar

2022

EL Speech

General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030 (debate)

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Madam President, the objective of the Eighth Environment Action Programme is the Union's rapid and just transition to a climate-neutral and inclusive economy. The environmental objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and those of sustainable development must also be achieved. The programme is an ambitious high-level strategic tool to guide the European Union's environmental policy until 2030.…

24 Nov

2021

EL Speech

Outcome of the COP26 in Glasgow (debate)

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Mr President, in Paris in 2015, there was a promise to try to prevent global warming beyond one and a half degrees. The sequel, however, says otherwise. We had a failed summit in Glasgow because we were more content with wishful thinking than with making concrete commitments. Our countries, especially in the Mediterranean, are facing ongoing heatwaves resulting in catastrophic fires, while other c…

7 Jul

2021

EL Speech

General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030 (debate)

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Madam President, under the 8th Environment Action Programme, the Union's transition to a climate-neutral and inclusive economy must be swift and fair. The environmental objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and those of sustainable development must also be achieved. The programme is an ambitious high-level strategic tool under the guidance of the European Union's environmental policy until …