Speeches

Madam President, Commissioner, I had the opportunity to join the mission of this Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, which visited Ethiopia and Sudan in September as Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. It was an intense mission of dialogue with government entities, civil society and international interlocutors, in particular with the African Union, in which I was able to witness the enormous topicality and sensitivity of the resolution we are debating here today, and I welcome its rapporteur. A healthy strategic relationship and partnership between the European Union and the Horn of Africa is important for both sides. It is therefore important to create the conditions for it to be possible without misunderstandings or frustrations. It is essential to strengthen the European Union's political commitment to dialogue for peace, addressing security and humanitarian needs, respecting sovereignty and developing a structural partnership of equals based on the universal values of freedom and human rights. At the same time, we must say that, while respecting sovereignty, the European Union is not indifferent to the suffering of peoples, security, freedom and respect for humanitarian aid processes and, therefore, cannot fail to point out and condemn actions that undermine these principles, whatever their origin.

Mr President, Commissioner, who is concerned about the destabilisation of Africa and, in particular, the Sahel region? The African peoples are certainly not. The news we receive every day about the deteriorating political, humanitarian and human rights situation is very worrying. We can therefore only condemn the coup d'état that took place in Burkina Faso on 30 September, the second coup d'état that has taken place in that country in the last eight months. A clear condemnation has also been made by the UN, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. The military action undertaken, without any constitutional framework, calls into question the efforts made, in particular by ECOWAS, to ensure a transition to constitutional order by 2024. At the same time, it creates even more humanitarian and survival difficulties in a country where, according to international agencies, 25% of the population needs urgent help. That is why, Commissioner, it is worth asking the question again: Who cares about the destabilization of Africa and, in particular, the Sahel region? And if the answer is, as it seems, that it is of interest to the opponents of democracy and the rule of law, then it is essential that the European Union and the International Community strengthen their cooperation to fight terrorism in its various forms, in Burkina Faso and in the Sahel. That the conditions be restored for the further elaboration and adoption of a new Constitution, in the framework of the ongoing transition process, responding to the legitimate aspirations of the people of this country to have strong and solid democratic institutions. And finally, that political actors and civil society are encouraged to be involved in the resumption of the transition process, through dialogue and participation, creating conditions for the country to overcome the difficult political, economic and social moment it is experiencing.

Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, the manipulation of the supply and price of energy is a powerful weapon which the Russian Federation has not refrained from using in its aggression against the freedom and sovereignty of the peoples. A weapon that affects the economy and people's living conditions and generates discontent, fuelled by populisms against the courageous response of European democracies. Measures that have immediate effect but do not deviate from the course of the ongoing energy transition are needed. Portugal is one of the leading countries in incorporating renewables into its energy mix. It has taken the political will to rapidly build a new generation pipeline connecting the deep-water port of Sines to European markets, helping to diversify supplies and reduce dependencies. It switched off the price of electricity from the price of gas, which allowed to reduce on average 15% in the final spot price of electricity. It opened up access to the regulated electricity market for citizens and businesses and created the regulated gas market, committing large energy companies to the collective effort, without ruling out taxation on windfall profits if justified. I gave the example of Portugal, because being Portuguese is what I know best, but also because as a European, I feel that it outlines a path that should inspire our joint path and solidarity. We need to act on production and access to energy, but also make markets more resilient and transparent.

Mr President, Commissioner, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, it is unacceptable that the Council is still unable to bring the Post-Cotonou Agreement into force. I respect the independence and legitimacy of the various institutional bodies. I am therefore not going to comment on the reasons why the Post-Cotonou Agreement remains in the drawer, after it has been possible to reach an agreement to move forward with the multilateral partnership of equals, with a strong parliamentary dimension, and aligned with the major priorities for sustainable development, in a very close and committed work of the Commission, the Council, the European Parliament and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States. The truth is that it has been awaiting ratification by the Council since June 2021 and requires a further extension of the Cotonou Agreement, which was due to expire in February 2020. And there is a greater cause, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, which does not allow us to silence the damage caused by the delay in this ratification and the entry into force of the new agreement. Because the world has changed. The geopolitical European Union is now engaged in a brutal fight of relevance and survival, in the name of its structuring values and principles. And the Post-Cotonou Agreement represents a reference for the sense of change of the emerging global order. It includes 106 countries from four continents. It includes the second largest Joint Parliamentary Assembly in the world, three regional Joint Parliamentary Assemblies that follow on from the current EU-ACP Parliamentary Assembly, which I am proud to co-chair. It covers key thematic areas. It is key for an implementation of tools such as Global Europe or Global Gateway. So I insist: the Post-Cotonou Agreement is a crucial benchmark for the direction of change. It is urgent that it enters into force. At the moment, it is up to the Council to do this, and I would like to make a heartfelt appeal to the Council to do everything in that direction.

Mr President, Commissioners, the agreement, approval and entry into force of the Digital Markets and Services Regulations is a historic step in the creation of a digital single market, inspired by the principles and values of the European Union. In the current geopolitical context, that step is even more important, reflecting the shared values that embody our digital identity and that are focused on upholding fundamental rights and the strong ethical commitments and legal guarantees that protect our citizens and democratic societies. As rapporteur for the Digital Markets Act in ITRE, I have, with the support of my co-rapporteurs and a significant majority of members, made full use of the application of Rule 56 Plus in the exercise of our cross-cutting and sectoral competences. I would like to highlight the joint work done with the IMCO Committee and, in particular, with its rapporteur, which has allowed the solutions adopted in the ITRE Committee, in areas as structuring as interoperability, users' access to platforms, advertising, to be reflected in Parliament's final report and ultimately to be decisive for the Interinstitutional Agreement. We have strengthened consumer and user guarantees and created better conditions for innovation and market access, in particular for SMEs and SMEs. startups. Now is the time to act!

Madam President, Commissioner, the own-initiative report we are debating today on the future of trade relations between Europe and Africa was a huge opportunity. The European Union, Africa and their peoples have much to benefit from a partnership between equals that affirms a multilateral cooperation strategy, in which the trade dimension is one of the essential pillars. The European Union and the African Union have repeatedly affirmed their commitment to a joint vision, a vision based on a strategy that constitutes a partnership for sustainable and inclusive development. Trade relations between the European Union and Africa have to take into account the new geopolitical context, where strategic autonomy is the necessary basis to make healthy economic and political cooperation possible and to develop trade ties, as has been the will expressed by both sides. The entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area enhances the potential for cooperation between the Union and Africa, at a time when programmes such as Global Europe and Global Gateway are also in their launch phase. Therefore, the comprehensive recommendations of this report in this context are a contribution to mitigating the negative impacts that the ongoing war in Ukraine is already causing on sustainable development, wealth creation and the well-being of peoples.

Mr President, Commissioner, the fragility of the European Union's migration policies has created serious humanitarian and political problems, attracting unregulated flows with a high risk of exploitation of migrants by illegal networks, and fuelling populist, xenophobic and radical discourse against migration in the Union. The European Union needs to attract legal immigrants to cope with the demographic winter it suffers from, to ensure the ambition of the energy and digital transition and to address the lack of qualified human resources in key areas, of which tourism and health are examples. The Commission proposal, which I welcome, includes a more appropriate legislative framework and provides for targeted partnerships with third countries, promoting mobility between them for the purpose of work or reskilling. The pilot project with Ukraine has shown the opportunity and feasibility of the new platform. A partnership with Africa, within the framework of a vision of partnership between equals, is key to give practical awareness to what is set out in the EU-Africa strategy and in the post-Cotonou agreement, which awaits ratification by the Council. A partnership in this context, the establishment of pilot projects with North African countries, inspired by the pilot project with Ukraine, is a step that is urgently needed, also addressing some of the concerns discussed at the 41st ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, of which I am co-chair and which took place in Strasbourg in April this year.

Mr President, Mr Vice-President, Minister, ensuring fair, smart and effective decarbonisation is an existential challenge for humanity, for the European Union and for all of us. The choice we face is structural and will mark our collective future for many decades to come. It is an opportunity for the European Union to strengthen its commitment to combating climate change by ensuring, through concrete and wide-ranging measures, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55% by 2030. Implementing these measures in an integrated and progressive manner is also a way to boost the modernisation of the European society and economy and to consolidate the Union’s leadership in the energy and digital transition. As shadow rapporteur of the Socialists and Democrats in the negotiation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism of the ITRE Committee, I consider it crucial that this mechanism fulfils its function of promoting and supporting the decarbonisation agenda of European Industry, while encouraging dynamics of transformation and innovation that lead it to higher levels of sustainability and competitiveness. It should also encourage the adoption of good environmental practices in other parts of the world, thus contributing to a positive partnership in the name of common objectives. These are not easy goals, but they are possible. To this end, in addition to a reasonable timeframe for implementation and targeted export support where justified and in accordance with WTO law, strong monitoring and continuous alignment of measures with the technology readiness needed to enable them needs to be ensured. We have room to approve solutions in this direction and that is what we now have to focus on.

Mr President, Commissioner, yesterday Mali announced the termination of defence and military cooperation agreements with France and the European Union. This is a very worrying sign, in a context where the succession of coups d'état between 2000 and 2022 in Chad, Guinea, Burkina Faso, twice in Mali, reflects a growing crisis of democracy and the legitimacy of the region's political systems. Continuous dialogue is crucial for a swift return to civilian rule and to ensure the organisation of transparent and inclusive elections. We must guarantee access to humanitarian aid and the right of the citizens of the region to live in peace and to see human rights respected within the framework of the rule of law, and we must denounce, on the one hand, the increasing presence of various terrorist groups in the region and, on the other hand, the presence of the Wagner Group, knowing that the Russian Ministry of Defence is involved in the financing, recruitment, training and protection of its agents. The security, stability and prosperity of the region is a prerequisite for global security, respecting international law. The European Union should work in this direction with the African Union, ECOWAS and the countries of the region respecting the principles and values of multilateral cooperation.

Madam President, Commissioner, this is an emergency. The diagnosis is made, the path is drawn, the conjunctural responses are being applied quickly and courageously. But the question I wanted to ask you is about structural responses, because structural responses are also of immediate need. The European Commission has identified the Iberian Peninsula as an energy island. For this reason, moreover, the governments of Portugal and Spain were able to apply the cap on the price of gas introduced into electricity to reduce the impact and also to recognise investment in renewables and investment and lack of investment in interconnectors. But I wanted to ask you a very concrete question. What is done in the Iberian Peninsula will be the cornerstone of the European Commission's response to the structural issue. A little while ago, he said: “Let’s bet first on electricity interconnections, the others take a long time, but there has to be an exceptional procedure. We cannot lower our arms.” What is the exceptional procedure for the third connection of the Iberian Peninsula to the European energy market to be completed?

Madam President, Commissioner, the world has changed faster in a direction that very few predicted before the pandemic and the war. This change made the oral question that gave rise to this debate even more timely and relevant. Without research and innovation, there is no strategic autonomy. Without strategic autonomy, the ability of peoples to determine their future is impaired. However, strategic autonomy is a starting point and not a point of arrival. Protectionism and closure do not lead us in the right direction. They open the door to conflict, inequality, vulnerability and suffering for millions of human beings. Strategic autonomy and a commitment to research and innovation must be the seeds of a global network of multilateral, secure, trust-based, attractive, open cooperation, sharing humanistic and sustainable values and priorities and fostering the circulation of knowledge. The European Union must continue to embrace multilateralism with causes and based on values, and research and innovation must be pillars of this geostrategic commitment.

Mr President, Commissioner, in the context of war, adversaries have used our weaknesses to manipulate the market and create a difficult situation for everyone, in particular the most vulnerable consumers and companies with the greatest difficulties. Therefore, the oral question that led to this debate could not be more timely. The fact is that the RepowerEU package presented today by the European Commission contains responses in line with what was requested in it. Market price regulation, although unfortunately not going as far as necessary in decoupling price elasticity from gas price, direct support to businesses and consumers, the possibility of joint purchases in the market, mandatory stockpiling, increased and simplified investment in renewable energy, a strong commitment to green hydrogen, the creation of a resilient and fluid market through more interconnections. Commissioner, let us learn from the mistakes. One of the mistakes we made was the systematic blocking of the reinforcement of the interconnections of the Iberian Peninsula to the European market. These interconnectors and, in particular, the third interconnector from Portugal for gas and hydrogen are a priority that will now have to be realised.

Madam President, Commissioner, I reiterate in this House my firm condemnation of the coup d'état in Burkina Faso, a condemnation I have already expressed as chairman of the European Parliament's delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Assembly in various fora. I welcome the recent decisions taken by the African Union and the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to suspend Burkina Faso from all its bodies and activities until constitutional order is restored in the country. President Kaboré and his detainees must be immediately and unconditionally released. The military junta must prepare for the speedy restoration of the exercise of full power to a legitimate government. The recent proclamation of the leader of the military coup as president of the country cannot remove Burkina Faso from the essential, which is to guarantee the urgent restoration of the rule of law and ensure a government out of fair and free elections. The humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso is worrying. More than one and a half million displaced people in the country, more than half of the country's schools closed, more than two and a half million inhabitants at risk of severe hunger, plus the insecurity and stark limitations to the rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens that undermine the daily life of this Sahel country. In this context, the European Union must therefore seriously consider punitive measures against the destabilising and creating entities of this situation in Burkina Faso, without, of course, affecting humanitarian aid or projects that directly help civil society. And in this way, we can give a clear signal of uncompromising defense of the rule of law, democratic elections and the need to give stability to the country and peace to the Sahel region, which has been living in an environment of instability and permanent terrorist threat.

Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to begin by underlining the timeliness and importance of this debate. It shows that, at a time of exception, as in the case of extreme drought, European citizens can count on the solidarity of the European institutions, starting with the house of democracy that is this Parliament. The European Union Solidarity Fund is here for this when needed, complementing the actions of the Member States and their institutions. Next Monday, the European Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries will discuss concrete measures to mitigate the impacts of drought in Portugal and Spain, including livestock and agri-food activities, at the request of both governments. Further solidarity measures at European level will be discussed and activated if and when needed. Mr President, Commissioner, the climate is not a constant phenomenon. Wet and dry years are part of the meteorological records. Dry years are nothing new, but the frequency and intensity with which they have occurred in various regions of Europe, in particular in the Iberian Peninsula, is a clear proof of the impact of global warming. The PDSI drought index shows that 45% of the Portuguese territory was in severe or extreme drought in January 2022, while the standard precipitation index SPI shows that most of the Spanish territory was in a situation classified between slightly dry and very dry in that month. The European Environment Agency, in its recent report on changing climate risks in Europe, warns that southern Europe must prepare for warmer summers, more frequent droughts and a greater risk of fire. It also states that Central Europe is likely to experience lower summer rainfall, more frequent and stronger extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, floods, droughts and fire risks. Extreme drought and severe weather events are structural but have cyclical impacts. They are not natural in their effect on people and territories. It must be avoided that the poorest and most vulnerable suffer the most serious consequences. This is what the governments of Portugal and Spain have done in this circumstance. And this is what we must continue to do, always, in local, regional, national, European and global responses to extreme weather events. This evidence is an added reason to continue our strong commitment to decarbonisation. I denounce here the regrettable use that some have not refrained from making of this situation to challenge the closure of coal-fired power plants and other ongoing measures to comply with the Climate Law and the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package. The necessary responses are also an opportunity and a challenge to modernise and adopt best practices in water management. Concrete measures have been taken by the Governments of Portugal and Spain, either through their own measures or by strengthening bilateral cooperation in the management of common river basins under the Albufeira Arrangement. Mr President, Commissioner, I will conclude: we must fight climate change decisively, but at the same time we must continue to mobilise society, knowledge, technology, innovation, the sharing of good practices to ensure security and quality of life and sustainable development for the territories in response to the new challenges we are facing. Farmers must continue to have water to efficiently produce the goods we need. Water must continue to be available at taps for rational use. Industry and services need water to deliver essential products. Socialists and Democrats make this a priority goal. Count on us in Portugal, in Spain, wherever it is necessary to safeguard the sustainable elements at the service of people and the planet.

Madam President, Mr High Representative, we are experiencing a peak of tension on a global scale. Intense talks seek to prevent Russia's invasion of Ukraine by reopening a Pandora's box on a continent that, in the last century, was the main stage of two bloody and destructive World Wars. And in this emergency scenario, Europe-Africa relations are even more important. This week's summit in Brussels is a defining moment. It must be the basis for strengthening a strong partnership between equals, pragmatic, multilateral, focused on results, the quality of life of peoples and the sustainability of the planet. A partnership for which the Africa-Europe Investment Programme, to which the European Union has allocated €150 million to focus on renewable energy, natural disaster risk reduction, digital transition, vaccines and education, is the starting point of Global Gateway and which is expected to mobilise €300 billion of public and private funds in infrastructure projects around the world. All these projects are a fundamental tool to move more decisively from words to action and to strengthen the voice of both continents as promoters of global peace, based on cooperation and values, counteracting the growing influence of extremist and authoritarian currents in geopolitical chess. The success of the Europe-Africa Summit, which I firmly hope will serve the peoples of both continents, but it will also serve humanity.

Mr President, Commissioner, the unpredictability with which the pandemic erupted has forced us to learn from our own experience. We learn to be more supportive, we learn that everyone for themselves, no one has effective answers, but it remains a doubt. Was it a one-off learning given the circumstances or did we move to a new level in our collective relationship? Tomorrow's European Council will give decisive signals to clarify that doubt. If we jointly prepare the response platform to the next crises, if we empower the most vulnerable countries to also be able to respond to threats and, at the same time, develop their skills base, knowledge and capacity to produce and distribute essential goods, if we jointly change the regulatory framework that allows speculation in energy prices, if we create more autonomy to defend ourselves by having a stronger voice within NATO, if we apply a humanistic and efficient framework in the management of migration flows, then we can say: The change was structural. European citizens will have more reason to be proud of being part of a humanistic and solidarity-based partnership.

Mr President, Commissioner, the Nutrition for Growth Summit, the results of which we are examining here, cannot be dissociated from many other high-level summits and meetings to create the conditions for achieving the Millennium Goals. But the facts have not stood the test of the pandemic and the data shows that, once again, it was the most vulnerable who paid the most for the global catastrophe it induced. The main indicators of sustainable growth have been set back over the past year. Child labour, hunger, malnutrition, school drop-outs, violence and lack of respect for human rights have increased. Some of the countries on the list of those where hunger is most acute are countries with valuable natural resources and elites living in a bubble of ostentation. Others are countries torn apart by war and internal conflicts, one cannot be separated from the other. Hunger and hopelessness are often the result of war, of natural disasters, but they are also the seeds from which they are born. The ambition of a future with more people with access to healthy and affordable food requires concerted action. To kill hunger is also to prevent the death of dreams and the rights of dignity and fulfillment of many millions of human beings. Without it, there can be no sustainability. There may not even be humanity possible.

Mr President, Commissioner, risk and disruption factors are plaguing more and more territories and populations amid unacceptable inequalities and vulnerabilities. The pandemic has further highlighted the difference between the ambition of the targets and the sustainability of development we pursue and what we have actually achieved on the ground. More than 200 million people are currently in dire need of humanitarian support. The humanist sense and commitment to solidarity and cooperation are watermarks of the European project, but we must be able to go further, mobilise more resources and partnerships and put in place development solutions using knowledge and technology to break through logistic blocks and help those who need it better and faster. This report is a roadmap of hope and good practice. It is the result of teamwork, but it is also the reflection of an exceptional parliamentarian, Norbert Neuser, from whom I learned a lot and from whom we all learned a lot. A Member who will leave this Parliament, but not the causes because he has always fought, in particular the Foundation. Kick for Help. The ball stays with us, Norbert. I know you won't let us fail those who need it so much.

Madam President, Commissioner, in the introduction to the opinion for which I was rapporteur in the ITRA committee, I wrote that a European approach to digital markets focused on better services for citizens and better conditions for business will create a more balanced and transparent global digital market, inspired by common European principles and values, thus enhancing the geopolitical relevance of the European Union and contributing to a fairer and more sustainable globalisation. Today's report is largely in line with this vision and ambition. I thank the shadow rapporteurs of ITRA who, with their enormous commitment and capacity for dialogue, helped to build and approve, with 73 votes in favour and just one abstention, a robust opinion that responded to the priorities we have defined, the transparent competitiveness of markets, safeguarding the role of small and medium-sized enterprises, the creation of an appropriate regulatory environment for small and medium-sized enterprises. startups and for professional users in the digital ecosystem. The benefit of consumers, with solutions such as interoperability or access by express consent to data for communication purposes, which were then inspiring for fruitful joint work under the 57+ rule. The articulated work of the seven committees involved in this report has not been easy, but its outcome is relevant. The result we have achieved is Parliament's pride and is an excellent basis for negotiation with the Council, in a spirit of constructive dialogue aimed at simplifying, enhancing the effectiveness of the regulation and the objective conditions for its application. By adopting this report, we will take a step forward in a digital transition in which the values and principles of the European partnership remain embedded. With them, we will have to be able to make a difference in the fight for a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable world.

Madam President, Commissioner, this is no longer the first time that we have discussed the situation in Cameroon in this plenary, but unfortunately we still have reason to do so. The armed conflict continues to rage in the country, Boko Haram continues to take lives, and just yesterday the news reached us of several students murdered in the Southwest, in an ignoble terrorist attack. Repression of civil society and armed conflict must cease. Imprisonment of opponents and limitation of their rights, use of military courts for civil trials, limitation of the rights of citizens and, most likely, of students, under the pretext of confinement under the pandemic, violence against children and teachers, lack of security resulting in reports of rape, abduction, torture, robbery, murder, are not admissible. Once again, I call on the Government of Cameroon to respect the rights of its citizens and to engage in an effective ceasefire between the parties to the conflict, so that peace and the rule of law can be restored in Cameroon.

Madam President, Commissioner, this year alone, 964 civilians have been killed or injured as a result of armed clashes in Somalia. In addition to the dead and wounded, there is a daily increase in the number of malnourished, malnourished, displaced, unemployed, climate refugees and the various internal and external conflicts. All this adds up to a very fragile response to the pandemic and an unsustainable political situation. The current electoral impasse calls for a strong commitment to complete the ongoing process by the end of this year, leaving no gaps open for terrorism to take over daily life, as has already happened and is happening in so many other countries on the continent. The limitations on the rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens in general, of opponents in particular, coupled with the limitations on freedom of expression and the killings of journalists, are reprehensible. Women and children are, in this conflict, as in many other similar cases, the weakest link, and must be protected. The Somali authorities cannot cast their citizens into oblivion and must act swiftly, responsibly and resolutely so that the crisis can be resolved for the benefit of all, and above all for the benefit of the country.

Mr President, Commissioner, the state of the Energy Union is clearer than ever. We are in a state of need. The need for more strategic autonomy is only achievable with continued investment in renewable energy and technologies for its storage. The need for a wider and more transparent market whose prices are not determined by fossil fuels and whose flows are not strangled by the lack of interconnections. The need to bet with determination on distributed production and consumption models, with diversified clean sources and involving territories and communities in their sustainability. Finally, the need to combat energy poverty and promote the just transition, dignity and quality of life of Europeans. This goal is within our reach. In the green transition, the European Union has expanded its leadership capacity on a global scale. In a state of need, we need vision, decision and action. Vision, decision and action at the right time, and the right time is now.

Madam President, vaccinating the world is the best way to reduce the health, economic and social impact of the pandemic. But a path with constraints. Many countries do not have access to vaccines because they do not have the resources to buy them. Africa has less than 10% of its population vaccinated. Across the world, populists use vaccines to fracture societies and consolidate their power at the expense of people's suffering. Millions of people are contaminated by dark theories and refuse to get vaccinated. In the European Union, we must be true to our values and ambitious in this process, promoting and disseminating throughout the world scientific knowledge and technological capacity to produce and implement vaccination, combating speculation and regulating the production and distribution of vaccines, so as to ensure that they are public goods accessible to all, without strangling the research and innovation system that has enabled quality responses in record time. It's not an easy challenge. It is perhaps the greatest challenge we face and we must be able to overcome it!

Madam President, Commissioner, the humanitarian situation in Haiti is devastating, as have the successive natural disasters that have affected the country in recent years. Disasters and institutional fragility have induced an endemic cycle of poverty and social chaos. Linking humanitarian aid to strengthening the resilience of Haitian society, including by supporting the capacity of the state to provide basic services to the population, is key. The humanitarian situation in Haiti has already been debated several times in this Parliament. We have always called, and it makes sense to call again today, for a strong mobilisation of the international community. We have always advocated the broad involvement of the European Union. However, without political stability and more institutional capacity, no foundations are laid for the sustainable development of the country. Emergency humanitarian aid will be more effective if combined with a stability and development dimension to which the Haitian authorities must also be committed.

Madam President, solving the people's problem must be our priority. Lessons from the response to the pandemic, in particular lessons from the vaccination strategy, show that collaborative and solidarity-based work is more effective and responds better to what citizens expect from us. I hope that this spirit of solidarity and cooperation will inspire the important decisions facing the European Council in the digital transformation, including the cyclical and structural response to rising energy prices, the definition of a new generation of sustainable trade policies and the use of all the tools at our disposal to ensure mass and global vaccination. Portugal, my country, has 87% of the population vaccinated. Haiti, whose humanitarian situation we are debating today in this plenary, has 0.7%. Leaving no one behind in vaccination is a challenge of civilization, it is a challenge of survival. We have to live up to it.