Speeches

Mr President, Commissioner, in a rapidly changing world, sensitive raw materials are, together with science and knowledge, at the root of all transformation. Without them, many of the most innovative equipment and technological processes are not viable. That is why it is so important to ensure its sustainable supply and with sustainable procedures as well. The regulation we are discussing today takes on a smart, globally fair model to ensure the provisioning and strategic autonomy of the European Union, focusing on innovation, efficiency – along the value chain –, the circular economy, investment in new models and processes, and harmonisation of operating and use rules. In a context of scarcity of access to endogenous resources, the establishment of strategic agreements with third countries is necessary, is fundamental, is inevitable, but must be done in a principle of partnerships between equals, with transfer of knowledge and technology, with job creation and value in the associated countries and in strict respect for good economic, social and environmental practices. I will end by underlining a point that may seem less important, but it is crucial that this regulation provides for the reduction of red tape. This is very important for all our companies, in particular for SMEs.

Mr President, Mr High Representative, sanctions are an instrument that is used above all to respond to coups and to try to reverse them. However, as you have just said, we are dealing with countries with very fragile populations. Sanctions can exacerbate the humanitarian situation of the populations and we should not do so for ethical reasons, specific to the principles of humanitarian aid, but also because European Union sanctions may end up promoting a collective perception that is not favourable to the European Union. Therefore, without self-flagellating, we have to have the ability to manage the sanctions system. And what I ask is whether you expect to have clear exceptions to collective sanctions in these countries so that we do not harm specific populations.

Mr President, Mr High Representative, since 2020 we have had nine coups d'état in Central and West Africa, the last, as you said, in Niger, Gabon. There are many reasons, COVID, the impact of the invasion of Ukraine, religious conflicts, abusive imputations, attempts to subvert the constitutional order, natural disasters, climate change, bad government, abuse of power. This creates poverty. This creates discontent. And there is an international context in which Russia, groups supported by it, other complacent powers, resentments for foreign interventions perceived as colonialist, have weakened the ability to prevent and discourage coups d'état in the region. The truth is that the European Union continues to cooperate strongly with these countries, continues to support sustainable elements, continues to support good governance. And so the question I would like to ask you is how can we use the political, social and economic support we have with these countries to prevent or reverse these coups?

Madam President, Commissioner, with the approval of EDIRPA, the European Union is taking a very significant step in the philosophy of action which, if continued, will consolidate a Defence Union. With funding of €300 million for its launch, the Collaborative Procurement Support Instrument under consideration will contribute to promoting the competitiveness and efficiency of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. As shadow rapporteur on behalf of the Socialist and Democratic groups, I welcome the rapporteurs, I welcome the work we have done and I highlight the provisions that value the role of SMEs, mid-caps, included in the award criteria, guaranteeing them a funding bonus, while ensuring that they are informed so that they can benefit from joint procurement actions. I also underline that EDIRPA will help Member States to address, on a voluntary and collaborative basis, their most urgent and critical defence needs, including those resulting from their transfers of defence products to Ukraine. I therefore believe that EDIRPA should be supported.

Commissioner, I have recently been able to accompany you on a mission in Zambia, where it has become clear what EU-Africa cooperation can mean. Cooperation and sustainable development are an engine of peace, compromise between peoples. This was also reaffirmed in the 43rd ACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly, with its participation. And if we look at the agenda of the European Union - defence of Ukraine, migration policy, humanitarian crisis management, technological leadership in decarbonisation and digital - we realize that the importance of the partnership between equals Africa-EU and the implementation of Global Europe and Global Gateway are absolutely fundamental. And so, Commissioner, being here in the House of Democracy, in Parliament, I can only ask you this question: How long will we continue to pay the price of blackmail in postponing the entry into force of the post-Cotonou agreement?

Madam President, Commissioner, the fragility of the European chips industrial ecosystem and the resulting problems of competitiveness and strategic autonomy require not only that the report we are debating today be adopted by a large majority, but also that its implementation be swift and powerful. With this regulation, conditions are created for a strong boost to the technological base of key sectors of value chains, bureaucratic barriers are removed and key coordination mechanisms are introduced to strengthen critical mass and ensure the positioning of the European Union on global markets. Without the determined and properly funded implementation of this initiative, the Union will be disconnected from the capacity to innovate and lead in border areas such as communications, next generation mobility, industrial automation or new digital technologies such as artificial intelligence. We need to move forward in an inclusive way, mobilising the entire business fabric, empowering people, protecting intellectual property, anticipating challenges and generating winning responses.

Madam President, Commissioner, we are unfortunately talking again today about Sudan in this Parliament. We condemn what is most abject and ignoble to be expected of a war. The death of dozens of children in an orphanage, in the midst of an unrelenting cross war or humanitarian corridors that allowed access to food or basic health care capable of guaranteeing their survival, joins the suffering of thousands of Sudanese civilians who live hostages of both parties to the conflict, many of them elderly, women, sick, children or adolescents who, without access to food or medical care, try to survive and leave the combat zones, adding to the numbers of refugees. Our vehement denunciation serves not only to honour the dead and condemn the perpetrators of these war crimes. We have to go further. That is why, in this resolution, we call for an immediate ceasefire with a return to the negotiating table, with a view to reaching a peace agreement, and for the creation of a roadmap for democratic reform in the country. We call for the creation of humanitarian corridors that allow the entry of humanitarian agents, food, medical care and the departure of anyone who wishes to leave the country. We call for sanctions against those responsible for war crimes and human rights violations. We call for immediate humanitarian support for the civilian victims of this conflict from the European Union and the Member States. We must act so that we are no longer confronted with news such as that of the Migona orphanage in Khartoum and so that the people of Sudan can live in safety and dignity.

Madam President, Commissioner, we are living in a time of global turmoil. A time when references, values and clarity in vision can and should make a difference. Given the partnership for freedom, peace and dignity that underpins it, the focus on proper implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals must be a distinctive priority. People are not numbers. The success of policies cannot be measured by traditional economic indicators alone. Cross-cutting impacts need cross-cutting indicators. When we set out to develop partnerships between equals, it is the Sustainable Development Goals that should inspire us to ensure due diligence practices, climate justice and mutual empowerment. I welcome the rapporteurs for being able to express this perspective in this report, which must be applied in the evaluations of the European Semester, but also in the formulation and implementation of the European Union's overall partnership agreements.

Madam President, Commissioner, the current situation of civil war in Sudan, causing suffering, terror and mass displacement of the population, is unfortunate. It is even more so if we take into account the regional impact that can be brutally aggravated if there is no rapid and concerted action by the international community. Rapid action is needed to create the conditions for a consistent ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table in order to implement the peaceful plan for the transition to democracy. There is also a need for a strong humanitarian response to those displaced and crippled by war and for support to humanitarian actors on the ground or who have to be evacuated. Delivering partnerships of equals for freedom, peace and sustainable development is a path of hope for Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, for the European Union and for humanity as a whole. In the name of a multilateral and progressive vision in the new global order, I call on the opposing forces for a rapid cessation of hostilities in Sudan. I also call for the post-Cotonou Agreement not to continue to be abused as a bargaining chip for individual national selfishness within the Union. Finally, I call for humanitarian aid to be commensurate with the current emergency.

Madam President, Commissioner, today in this House we are debating the death sentence for blasphemy of Yahaya Sharif Aminu, a young singer from Nigeria, for having written, composed and broadcast a song on social media that, according to the Islamic Court, is harmful to the Prophet Muhammad. At the trial he was subjected to several procedural irregularities that he invoked, which allowed the suspension of the judgment in 2022. This is a situation where Islamic courts operate in parallel with the state justice system, issuing death sentences that are not standardized in law without questioning their legitimacy to do so. The death penalty in this circumstance is a flagrant violation of Nigeria's constitution, international human rights law or even the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. I therefore call on the Nigerian authorities to release Yahaya Sharif Aminu, drop the blasphemy charges against him and immediately guarantee him all the rights inherent in his condition until he is released. The Blasphemy Act, enforced by religious courts in Nigeria and some of the regions, goes against state laws, against the Nigerian Constitution, against international law and against all rights, freedoms and guarantees that must be recognized and guaranteed by the state to all Nigerians. I appeal here today to the Nigerian authorities to effectively defend and ensure these rights, freedoms and guarantees of their citizens and strict respect for the national Constitution and the conventions and agreements to which it is a party. Dear political and judicial leaders of Nigeria, in the name of dignity, justice and respect for the most basic rights of the human condition, I reiterate the request for the immediate release of musician Yahaya Sharif Aminu, who is literally on death row.

Madam President, Commissioner, the European partnership is a multilateral partnership based on the sharing of common values. It is also a humanistic partnership, in the sense that it focuses on people’s freedom to make choices and choices under the rule of law. And it is these foundations that allow us not to hesitate in the uncompromising defense of Ukraine's sovereignty, nor in the total condemnation of the Russian invasion, without this signifying a path of closure or selfish protectionism. This strategy is an example of this. Health has no borders. The European Union Global Health Strategy is a strong response to protect Union citizens, while sustainably promoting the capacity of other regions of the globe, our partners, to protect their own citizens and build their own prevention and response capacities. This multi-stakeholder approach involves sharing an ecosystem that combines health policies and capacities, skills, new financing models and the use of sustainable development and inclusive digitalisation tools. The dream of better health for a changing world is possible. It is also urgent and it is in our hands to make this happen.

Madam President, Commissioner, I was a member of the committee of inquiry which, in 2017, concluded that discrepancies between nitrogen oxide emissions in diesel cars during laboratory tests and in real driving conditions were effective. The scandal of Dieselgate it had a very negative impact on the reputation of the European automotive industry, in addition to the damage caused to the environment and consumers, which were compensated differently in the different markets. The report of the committee of inquiry was also very clear in its recommendations in order to ensure better legislation, independent testing and better supervision of cars in circulation. It's been over six years. With resistance, the European vision for the future of the automotive industry has increasingly focused on electrification and decarbonisation. The transition has to ensure the competitiveness of the industry, but also the environmental sustainability of the solutions. The progressive weakening of the Euro 7 rules is not a positive sign. To make a mistake once is unfortunate. Repeating the error is unacceptable. As was the case in 2017, there are immediate savings that only carry into the future brutal costs and impacts that leave negative and impossible footprints to erase.

Madam President, Commissioner, predictability and flexibility are the key concepts so that energy can continue to evolve towards decarbonisation, security of supply, efficiency, combating energy poverty and technological innovation. Storage is key to the decarbonisation of the European Union’s energy system. The reform of the energy market must reflect this. In the Commission's basic proposal, now under interinstitutional negotiation, important steps are taken to facilitate and incentivise investment in dynamic energy storage processes and in particular renewable energy. Negotiation needs to go even further in the role assigned to smart grids, interconnections, joint purchasing and other mechanisms that ensure transparency and flexibility in systems and markets. These options, which are in line with the Commission’s recommendations, should also be reflected in the National Energy and Climate Plans, which, now and more than ever, should not only be national optimisation plans to achieve European targets, but should also act as catalysts for public debate and for the participatory transformation of the European energy system and also of the energy systems of each Member State.

Mr President, Commissioner, the Bridgetown Agenda, which was launched by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, in autumn 2022, aims to create a coalition of wills to put in place measures to reform the global architecture of development finance, taking into account the exceptional framework created by the so-called three interconnected crises – namely the inflation crisis, the debt crisis of developing countries and the climate crisis. One in five countries – with a particular focus on middle- and low-income countries per capita – is under acute financial and fiscal pressure. The consequences of this systemic crisis for the international financial system, for political stability and for combating climate change are catastrophic. I commend the European Commission for recognising the Bridgetown Agenda as a key tool for action and for supporting its implementation. As the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union already did on 20 February, the Commission is committed to a reform of the global financial system that reduces the debt pressure of middle- and low-income countries and redirects the priorities of the World Bank and other multilateral development banks towards the achievement of sustainable development goals and, in particular, the climate agenda. As a multilateral power aiming to lead the twin transitions, embedding in it its values of freedom and solidarity, and making a strong contribution to the achievement of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda, the European Union should therefore continue to support the Bridgetown Agenda. In this context, I can only underline the importance of the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific-European Union partnership and the urgency of signing and putting into effect the Post-Cotonou Agreement.

Madam President, Commissioner, as we have defined and are implementing a 'Green Deal', that is, a pact for the European Union to be a global reference in the energy transition and decarbonisation, we must also implement a 'Date Deal' for citizenship and competitiveness. OneData Deal» where European values are respected and where privacy-friendly access to data can be transformed into innovation, competitiveness, strategic autonomy and better services for citizens. The rules set out in the regulation under review aim at fair data sharing, with gains for the economy, effective governance and public services, and consumers. They are a pillar of the inclusive digital transition with which the European Union has to make a difference in the data economy and the new society. gigabytes. A digital transition that leaves no one behind, tackles inequalities and promotes dignity. This Regulation provides a strong foundation for a digital decade capable of achieving its objectives and inspiring, in the principles and values that underpin it, global regulatory dynamics in the field of data access and use. It will be built on data spaces that will be pillars of greater integration of concrete policies, such as the European Health Data Space. We have to succeed in this.Data Deal».

Mr President, Commissioner, when this European Commission took office in 2019, it asserted itself as a geopolitical Commission committed to sustainable policies, to building the image of Europe as the guardian of multilateralism. It would be difficult to anticipate, at that time, the importance and strategic foresight of this option. Today, more than ever, the European Union has to assert itself by its geopolitical capacity, to lead the fundamental traditions for the sustainability of the planet, for the defence of democracy, freedom and sovereignty of the peoples. We have a vision, we have powerful policy instruments such as the multiple cooperation and trade treaties, and we have financial instruments for external action (Global Europe, Global Gateway). And, as this report shows, we must organise to be stronger in the world. We need to improve the coordination and integration of the European Union’s foreign policy in critical areas, embedding the values and principles that we share in our action in the economy, trade, development cooperation and security and defence. The message is clear: we will only be strong and credible externally if we combine seriousness and effectiveness internally – there is no other choice. And, Commissioner, choices must be made. For example, the post-Cotonou agreement: 100 countries, 1.5 billion people, and blocked by one country. This is not tolerable.

Madam President, Commissioner, on 21 January this year, two bullets entered through the window of Thulani Maseko's house and killed this lawyer, a political activist, leader of the Multistakeholder Forum (MSF) of political parties and civil society groups, who was leading the campaign for democracy in the kingdom, and was also a human rights defender. By taking nothing away and leaving the trail of death, the killers have recorded the message that fighting for human, social and political rights remains dangerous and highly lethal in Swaziland. This murder is the latest of multiple episodes in this country of generalised limitation of rights, freedoms and guarantees, arbitrary arrests and repression, and limitation of basic social rights. I therefore call on the authorities in Swaziland to grant the right to freedom of expression, demonstration and the formation of political parties, to promote effective social dialogue and to guarantee their citizens – including political detainees – the rights, freedoms and guarantees recognised by the agreements and treaties to which the country is a signatory, in particular the Cotonou Agreement and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Mr President, Commissioner, there is a security vacuum in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and that vacuum has created a favourable context for the escalation of tensions between this country and Rwanda. A context that has created space for the increasingly aggressive action of the M23 rebel movement, which independent reports indicate benefits from the logistical support of the Rwandan army. Rwanda, which elsewhere in Africa has been engaged in stabilisation and security missions, has, according to international reports, crossed red lines of respect for sovereignty, border integrity and the exploitation of resources based in the territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is essential that it ceases to do so, either directly or by supporting groups that undermine Congo's sovereignty. This is the first step towards ending tensions between the two countries. In doing so, it is essential that the institutions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the international community work together so that the country has the capacity to fill the security vacuum that, as I mentioned earlier, is at the root of the tensions identified. The reform of the Congolese police, a project that has been supported by MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic), should continue. Such support should also focus on the opportunity for institutional capacity building that may represent the presidential elections scheduled for the end of this year. In liaison with the African Union and regional communities, the European Union should continue to support the Nairobi process and Kenya's mediation, which can no longer be a failed operation or without consequences on the ground, otherwise the conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo will spread to the entire Great Lakes region, creating fertile ground for rebel groups and causing politically, economically and socially intolerable damage. The serious humanitarian crisis in a particularly sensitive area must be combated and not aggravated. Ultimately, it is the people who indirectly suffer in their daily lives the consequences of political and military tensions. It is for them and on their behalf that I call for dialogue, common sense and compromise between peoples, an end to violence in the service of obscure interests and its replacement by a process of sustainable development that takes advantage of the region's enormous potential.

Mr President, Commissioner, globalisation is not over, it is in a profound transformation. In this transformation it is crucial to strengthen the European Union as a relevant global actor, defending our priorities and values in equal, open and transparent partnerships. The Global Gateway initiative, for the EUR 300 billion it aims to mobilise, and for the areas it aims to focus on, including digital, energy, transport, health and research, is a key tool for cooperation, diplomacy and economic affirmation of the Union, and for affirming a multilateral and sustainable vision for development. Its implementation should therefore be effective, but at the same time subject to clear scrutiny, ensuring assertive criteria for assessing impacts and reconciling economic viability with key social criteria, such as contributing to poverty eradication, reducing inequalities, empowering the territories in which investments will be made, including to accelerate an inclusive digital transition and a sustainable energy transition. As a co-legislator, but also as a house of democracy and an agent of the Union’s parliamentary diplomacy, the European Parliament should be more involved in promoting and scrutinising this agenda. I therefore welcome the opportunity of this debate. It should be the first of many others throughout the implementation of the initiative, in addition to the necessary creation of other scrutiny and monitoring mechanisms, involving the various parliamentary committees. We must ensure that the concept of partnership between equals is affirmed as a distinctive mark of the European Union's way of acting in the world. To this end, the entry into force of the post-Cotonou Agreement will be a decisive signal that we cannot postpone any longer. The Global Gateway initiative cannot only be a huge opportunity, and it is, for the economic and political community of the Union, but it must also be a transformative mechanism, in line with a multilateral global agenda, which respects common values and helps unite peoples in the search for a more prosperous, dignified and fairer future.

Madam President, Commissioner, the violent repression of the recent demonstrations in Chad has resulted in 50 people losing their lives and more than three hundred people being injured. These clashes also resulted in 400 detainees. Most of the detained protesters, tried without guarantees, were sentenced to two to three years in prison. The opposition from civil society was against the extension of the political transition period decreed by the Military Junta, which dissolved Parliament and the government and promised free and democratic elections, after an 18-month tradition renewable only once. The European Parliament cannot be silenced in the face of this. That is why we are scheduling this debate. I deeply regret that the largest political group in this House, the EPP, does not have the compassion, the empathy, the political responsibility to join this debate and to support the democratic transition that the people of Chad crave. As a member of this House of Democracy, I do not waive my right and duty to call on the Chadian authorities to guarantee and protect the exercise of the rights to peaceful assembly and association, as well as the freedom of opinion and expression of their citizens in Chad, and to create the conditions for a rapid peaceful democratic transition.

Madam President, Commissioner, let us be clear. At a time when we are strongly committed to the Digital Identity at the service of all European citizens, as a basis for a more inclusive and democratic digital television, there is another digital identity that counts: the Digital Identity of our partnership, the European Union. Anchored on common values, which we share for the journey to 2030, of which the following are examples: advocating for a people-centred, inclusive, secure and transparent digital society and universal access for all European citizens to high-quality networks, through technology, economic resources, skills development, enabling them to enjoy available services and, in particular, services of public interest in digital form. It is the affirmation of this differentiated digital identity that can enable us not only to fulfil our goals as a partnership for peace, freedom and democracy, but also to be relevant and competitive on a global scale. So we have to combine all the technologies, including the new generations of WI-FI, following the spirit of the initiative Wifi4EU, for which I was rapporteur, and also to open up a broad front for financing the modernisation of networks, including the platforms that depend on it.

Mr President, Commissioner, there have already been dozens of resolutions debated and voted on in this Parliament on the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent years, but the situation is still deteriorating in terms of security and worsening in terms of human rights. We have to act. Mobilise the international community and actively raise awareness among local authorities to condemn and punish exemplary attacks on civilians by armed groups in the eastern part of the Republic of Congo; to neutralise the armed groups operating in the country with international support; to investigate, denounce and criminalise human rights violations in the country, in particular abuses of girls and women used as weapons of war; to create a platform for dialogue involving all parties to the conflict so that, through negotiation, the conditions are created for the return of thousands of displaced civilians to their homes. The Democratic Republic of Congo is living in a context of great democratic, political and social fragility, which generates strong threats to national and regional stability, with increased interference from terrorist-inspired rebel movements linked to Daesh and ISIS. The disorderly exploitation of natural resources fuels conflict and finances armed groups, while creating an intolerable humanitarian situation. It is not enough to adopt another resolution. We Europeans must also be part of the solution.

Madam President, Madam Vice-President, cybersecurity is a cross-cutting issue throughout the European Union. Applying a common pattern of response is the rational formula for achieving the goals we aim for. The approach of the new directive and this excellent report is of vital strategic importance for the Union, its Member States, businesses and organisations in general. And it is true that European citizens are also increasingly aware that only a common Union response can ensure high levels of security and trust for them. The implementation of the new regulatory framework strengthens safety and oversight guarantees by combining a risk-based and proportionality-based approach, including harmonised sanctions across the European Union. Enhancing security requirements through better communication, less bureaucracy and more transparency is an appropriate way to make each actor more responsible and more empowered to increase their own cyber protection. This will contribute to Europe developing, in line with its common values, a digital ecosystem capable of responding to the complex challenges it has to face in the field of cybersecurity.

Mr President, Commissioner, the oral question we are debating today, on how the European Commission intends to put on the ground the measures advocated in the communication of 15 February this year on the European Union's approach to space management and trafficking and the Union's contribution to meeting the global challenge, could not be more timely and timely. As a representative of the Socialists and Democrats in the negotiations of the European Space Programme, I testify to the effort that the European Parliament has made to ensure adequate funding for initiatives that are decisive in the strategic autonomy of the Union. Initiatives and programmes in areas such as connectivity, tracking and positioning, which are key for the sustainability, security and shared management of geospatial territory. Space traffic management contributes to ensuring the security, reliable and autonomous access and long-term sustainability of outer space and to promoting and ensuring the continuity and competitiveness of the space industry in the European Union. It is therefore crucial to invest in new technologies that provide safe solutions for space traffic, congestion and collision risks. All this is recognised in the Joint Communication of 15 February. However, almost eight months passed, and there was an invasion of a sovereign country in Europe. The context of war economy in which we live is not commensurate with postponements or mechanisms of slow implementation in crucial policies, such as space policies. That is why it is so important to ask the Commission for concrete answers to the questions raised in this oral question. Questions on the European regulatory framework, technical options such as automated collision prevention, research and innovation priorities, budgetary commitments and the possible adoption of an international regulatory framework. We look forward to clear and mobilising responses. That is what is decisive.

Mr President, Commissioner, innocent in the humanitarian situation in Tigray and Ethiopia, only the victims. This is not just a situation in that region, given that the conflict is spreading and creating pockets of humanitarian and rights risk throughout Ethiopia. I deeply regret that at the end of August the ceasefire was broken. The humanitarian consequences of the breakdown of the ceasefire are visible in the brutal figures being released by international agencies and, in particular, by UN reports. War crimes must be denounced, prosecuted and punished under international law. I call for a permanent ceasefire. It is crucial that the international community encourages the dialogue for peace taking place under the auspices of the African Union. It is crucial that, in particular, every effort is made to protect children from the risks of violence and separation from their families. As the European Union, our place is on the side of the Ethiopian people, in the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict.