Speeches

Mr President, Commissioner, the figures of the massacre carried out by armed groups on 24 December last year, Christmas Eve, in various locations in the State of Plateau, Nigeria, speak for themselves: 335 dead, 171 wounded, 18,725 displaced, 409 houses destroyed. The motivations for what happened are complex. Religious, ethnic and territorial factors have been added to endemic poverty, environmental degradation, scarcity of resources, skills and opportunities to generate a scenario of terror and suffering. Nigerian authorities need to invest more in preventive actions, emergency response, and the identification and sanctioning of culprits. They also need support from the international community, integrated support combining development cooperation with humanitarian aid, to consolidate paths of peace and dialogue. As the European Parliament's standing rapporteur for humanitarian aid, I call on the European Union, in particular, to step up its supportive action, taking into account the report recently adopted in this House and proposing holistic and integrated ways of intervention to prevent and respond to disasters such as the one we are debating here today.

Mr President, Commissioner, on the same day that we pointed out and discussed in this plenary the situation created by the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, we also assessed two years of implementation of the Global Gateway initiative. I recall this, here and now, because the Global Gateway initiative is a key pillar in consolidating the geopolitical positioning of the European Union and the stronger the multilateral perspective of shared development, the more prepared the Union will be to rely on the partnerships necessary to overcome its existential challenges, such as that posed by Russian expansionism. I congratulate the Commission and Team Europe on the work they have done, to which Parliament has always been actively involved, supporting programmes and projects and calling, and will continue to call, for more capacity in monitoring results and setting priorities. In particular, I would emphasise the priority to be given to the launch of regional protocols under the Samoa Agreement, as well as to the implementation of flag projects and mid-term reprogramming. This Agenda reaffirms the commitment to a differentiating vision for European cooperation, based on the principle of partnerships between equals, co-creation and the focus on the objectives of sustainable development and human development. And this is the path we must tread!

Mr President, Commissioner, Haiti is just another example of a country that meets all the conditions to be classified as a failed state. And despite all efforts, this is how it can and should continue to be classified at this time. There are too many interests and too many interested in sowing failed states across the globe. States that are markets of impunity, but at the same time scenarios of the intolerable suffering of their peoples. We Europeans, members of a partnership of peace, freedom and respect for people and their rights, cannot remain indifferent to these situations. In our resolutions on Haiti, we have always called for concerted action by the international community to address political chaos, violence and humanitarian needs. Following the accusations made in relation to the misconduct of some UN forces in Haiti, the latest situational reports identify a strategy more focused on the reconstruction of the pillars on which a normalisation of the situation can be based, including the creation of a political platform capable of taking institutional control and resuming the implementation of the current constitutional framework. It is crucial that sanctions penalise those responsible for the situation and protect populations in need from its impact. Dialogue efforts in civil society should be encouraged. The partnership between equals under the new Samoa Agreement, of which Haiti will be an active member, should be activated to generate multilateral responses to the global fractures between blocs and "no man's lands" more filled with iniquity and suffering. In the Caribbean-European Union Parliamentary Assembly, which will be formally constituted in two weeks' time at the meeting of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Luanda, Angola, we will not fail to follow closely the situation experienced by the people of Haiti.

Madam President, Commissioner, the implosion of the Sudanese democracy transition agreement, which had Sudan's armed forces and rapid response forces as its main guarantors, has generated a large-scale armed conflict. The extreme violence has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, which, while not being a forgotten crisis, has nevertheless been overshadowed by other, more mediatised crises, such as the invasion of Ukraine or the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Despite the extraordinary work carried out at high risk by international organisations and the support of the international community and, in particular, the European Union, the situation on the ground is one of enormous suffering and deprivation. 20 million people in extreme food insecurity, almost 6 million displaced, 12 000 lives lost require immediate action. I call for a cessation of hostilities and for the mobilisation of all, so that peace negotiations can resume. I call for increased humanitarian aid – in particular from the European Union and the Member States – and support for the organisations that continue to provide it on the ground. Finally, I call for sanctions to be imposed on those responsible and those who take advantage of the situation for illicit business and to break the UN arms embargo in Darfur.

Mr President, Commissioner, Mr President-in-Office of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, the words are all spoken, the numbers are known, the risks widen every day. We know how it all started: the terrorist attack perpetrated on 7 October by Hamas was intolerable. But we also know what has happened and shouldn't happen. The State of Israel has the right to defend itself and prevent future attacks, but in doing so it cannot ignore humanitarian law or undermine peace and political stability throughout the region, creating conditions for those who want the conflict to spread and multiplying direct and indirect suffering far beyond the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Israel. There are three key measures to stop the race to the abyss: first, to create diplomatic conditions by the international community for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the negotiation of a permanent ceasefire; secondly, continue the effort to reach vulnerable populations with humanitarian aid, paying particular attention to the situation of women and children; and finally to ensure that Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live safely in their own state. We must be able to help achieve them.

Madam President, Commissioner, when speaking for the first time in plenary on issues relating to the rights of peoples in Africa, I cannot but recall the memory of our colleague Michèle Rivasi, who died suddenly on 29 November. I am sure she would join us in calling here on the Tanzanian authorities to respect the will of the Massai people to live in their ancestral lands and not to force their displacement. It is crucial that the authorities define a permanent and appropriate solution for the Massai, respecting their fundamental rights and ensuring the application of the principle of accountability of those who do not comply with them. Tanzania is a strong and recognised partner in the context of the ACP-European Union partnership. This was the case under the Lomé and Cotonou Agreements, and it will certainly be the case under the Samoa Agreement, which enters into force on 1 January. International cooperation with the European Union and the United Nations, while respecting Tanzania's sovereignty and allowing observation visits by these entities, should help to create the conditions for a just solution that respects the rights of peoples.

Madam President, Mr President-in-Office, Commissioner, Parliament has been quick to approve and negotiate EDIRPA in order to strengthen the competitiveness and efficiency of the European defence technological and industrial base, and to agree by urgent procedure to implement the regulation for the production of ammunition, known by the English acronym of ASAP. When approving these programmes, Parliament took into account that some principles included therein would be inspiring for the urgent proposal to present and negotiate the European Defence Investment Programme (EDIP), namely the protection of cohesion funds, the guarantee of labour rights, the principle of partnership and common demand, the inclusion of SMEs and mid-caps in consortia, the combined impact on defence capability and the potential of European industry, translated by the European Defence Industry Strategy (EDIS), which we also await. But, Commissioner, you have been very vocal about the need to prepare EDIS and EDIP right now, following on from EDIRPA and ASAP. And, contrary to what it seems, this is not a game of acronyms. It is indeed the security, defence and strategic autonomy of the Union that are at stake. We need quick and clear answers.

Madam President, Commissioner, the European Health Data Space (EHDS) is a very important initiative. With its implementation, more and better health care can be provided to those in need, including by promoting this space as an essential component for the development of the health union; through the implementation of a mechanism of opt out, where applicable, for access to secondary health data; by promoting and using this data for the development of innovative products and services; by making the necessary European Data Development Area compatible with other European programmes, in particular Horizon Europe and Digital Europe; by improving the interoperability of data, using common standards, and linking it to the European Digital Identity project; and also by contributing to access to secondary health data for research and innovation purposes, which can, in the second place, contribute to more affordable and fairer prices for all.

Mr President, Commissioner, ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials is a fundamental condition for the European Union to be able to implement a strategy of open strategic autonomy and to be a global benchmark in this multipolar and multilateral way of consolidating its independence as a precondition for healthy and purposeful independence. I welcome the broad consensus reached in the committee debate on key principles for action, in particular as regards: focusing on research and innovation to find new, more sustainable and competitive materials and processes that reduce pressure on resources; integrated approach and monitoring of value chains, from extraction to processing and recycling; transparency and de-bureaucratisation of permitting procedures; the definition of strategic partnerships with third countries, based on a principle of diversification of sources of supply and active cooperation, generating mutual benefits and refusing extractive attitudes that do not take due account of due diligence. At a time of great geopolitical tension, this policy framework is good for the economy, it is good for the environment and it is good for people.

Madam President, Commissioner, since July this year Niger has been living under the authority of a military junta led by the head of the presidential guard, who spearheaded the coup d'état that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, with the president deposed under house arrest with limited access to medical care, the country has been living with a plan imposed by the military to see the constitutional order restored. In just three years, under regional and international sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, the African Union and the European Union, the already difficult humanitarian conditions of the population are deteriorating, with some 3 million citizens in absolute need of immediate humanitarian aid. Niger's economic and social security conditions are becoming increasingly fragile and subject to external and unrecommended pressures and influences, with the risk of the Wagner Group's presence on the territory. In this context, I call for the continuation and strengthening of international sanctions targeting the members of the junta, for increased regional and global diplomacy efforts to end the stalemate created by the military coup, for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum and his son, and for the restoration of constitutional legality for the good of the population and the future of Niger.

Madam President, Commissioner, when, as the European Parliament's standing rapporteur for humanitarian aid, I started the process of drafting this report, I knew that it addressed a key issue in order to continue to ensure the principles of humanitarian law to all those in need of emergency aid or urgent support in the face of multiple vulnerabilities. I knew, we all knew, but I had not, nor could I have, the perception of how this state of urgency and need would worsen so much during the last few months. The humanitarian catastrophe we are experiencing today in the Gaza Strip is the most assertive example of this. In an inclusive work with the shadow rapporteurs, whose work I am grateful for, and with the institutions, in particular the European Commission, specialised agencies, representatives of NGO platforms, NGOs on the ground, we have defined an innovative humanitarian aid strategy, treating with equal commitment all crises, both the most media and forgotten ones, because everyone counts and is important, regardless of the geography or the context in which they become victims. The report adopted in committee, which will be voted on in this plenary, proposes that the Commission and the Member States substantially increase their funding for humanitarian needs, in particular by encouraging the allocation of 10% of development support for this purpose, and to revise the Multiannual Financial Framework to include a substantial increase. The report underlines the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of the triple nexus and of reporting regularly on its implementation. Stresses the need to develop early detection and action systems in order to mitigate the increasingly urgent need for humanitarian aid and increase localised response capacity. Calls on the Commission to adopt a more harmonised approach to forgotten crises and to report on its commitment to allocate at least 15% of its initial annual budget to respond to these crises. Encourages the Commission to take initiatives on gender mainstreaming in humanitarian action and to take into account the needs of vulnerable groups, including minorities, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Calls on the Commission to draw up a humanitarian diplomacy strategy together with the Member States, and to ensure its implementation by promoting international law and humanitarian principles. It also calls on the Commission to continue to align with the global humanitarian exemption standard set by the UN Security Council and to adopt permanent humanitarian exemptions in its autonomous sanction systems. The strategy expresses a strong consensus on the role of the triple nexus in building synergies between peace, sustainable development and humanitarian aid. The combination of these three dynamics is inevitable, with relative weights shifting radically as we move from emergency to prevention and problem-solving support. In this area, measures to address climate change and increase the resilience of communities are key. I also emphasise the key role of humanitarian diplomacy. It has been shown to be more important than ever and has to be equipped with the appropriate means to be able to unlock situations of enormous complexity. The protection of humanitarian actors on the ground is crucial. The recent tragedy, with the death of more than a hundred United Nations officials in Gaza, cannot be repeated. An innovative approach does not immediately change existing institutional, procedural and funding measures. It is crucial that the European Union better coordinates its internal and external action in terms of cooperation and humanitarian action, so that policies are more visible and more effective. No strategy alone solves the problems. It is the actors on the ground, in liaison with policy-makers and communities, who will have to make it a tool for change. But I believe that the strategy we have developed is a strong contribution to making it possible to do more and better and, therefore, I call for a massive vote in its approval and a committed mobilization to translate it into more and better humanitarian responses for those who need them.

Madam President, according to UN figures, more than 10 000 people have been killed in Gaza since 7 October: 2 550 women, 4 104 children, 596 elderly; More than 25,400 were injured. In total, about 1,400 Israelis and foreigners were killed in Israel. According to the Israeli authorities, the vast majority of them in the early days of the Hamas attacks. From the outset, the United Nations, through its Secretary-General, has called for the creation of permanent humanitarian corridors in the Gaza Strip. The European Union, at the leaders' summit at the end of October, called for the creation of humanitarian corridors and pauses as well. As the European Parliament's standing rapporteur for humanitarian aid, I call for the conditions to be created for the immediate implementation of humanitarian pauses, which should lead to the viability of permanent humanitarian corridors. I also call for security conditions to be guaranteed for humanitarian actors on the ground, where almost 90 agents have already been killed, the highest number of casualties in the context of conflict in the history of the United Nations. Israel has been the victim of a barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas, it has the right to defend itself, but no one has the right to be above international law and humanitarian law.

Mr President, Commissioner, the European Innovation Agenda is gaining more and more importance, because it is the foundation of the option of open strategic autonomy, which aims to enable the Union to be globally competitive, to be able to define its own policies, to lead the green transition, the digital transition, in an inclusive way and focused on the primacy of people, on the sustainability of the planet. And the questions that have been put to the European Commission and that we are debating here today touch exactly on the axes that will determine the boundary between success and failure of the European Innovation Agenda. Making decarbonisation not only an environmental gain, but also a factor for the modernisation and competitiveness of European industry. Promote gender balance in all dimensions in the innovation system. Boosting innovation in the cultural and creative sectors, because it creates better living conditions, contributes to a more dynamic, healthy society with higher levels of trust. Ensure access to finance for SMEs by promoting the diversity of the innovation ecosystem. Strengthening research and innovation institutes, of which the STEP technology platform, discussed this week in Parliament, is a good example. This is where we have to go, so that the European Innovation Agenda serves people and strengthens our partnership for peace and freedom.

Madam President, Commissioner, an increasingly unequal world, plagued by conflicts, disasters, forced displacement, unworthy living conditions, needs to resolutely focus on human development and sustainable development if we are to push forward a stage of reinvention of today’s society, making it fairer and more resilient. In terms of commitments to action, the New York Summit marked a turning point for global actors to cooperate to make it possible to meet the 2030 Agenda targets. The adopted political declaration, in addition to drawing up an ambitious plan of action, also includes the proposal - but so many proposals have been made, this must be effective - to provide incentives for sustainable development, proposed by the UN Secretary-General, mobilising USD 500 billion per year. In this context, the European Union must be a driving force for the 2030 Agenda, including by including the sustainable development dimension in the European Semester and by mobilising and monitoring the contribution of the private sector to the achievement of the objectives. The summary assessment of implementation presented by the European Commission is very important, but it should serve as a basis for defining an ambitious and comprehensive strategy, involving the institutions, Member States, civil society, for the 2030 Agenda to materialise. It is not easy, but it is the most inspiring way to strengthen the partnership, in line with its values of promoting peace, freedom, cooperation and dialogue between peoples.

Madam President, Mr High Representative, a geopolitical Europe is one that can affirm in the world the shared values and multilateral philosophy that is part of its DNA. A Europe of peace, freedom and democracy must strengthen its partnership with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, but it must not neglect its strong relations with the South Atlantic and the Global South. The post-Cotonou Agreement will be signed in Samoa on 15 November. It is an agreement that involves 106 countries from four continents and that takes on the axes of modernity, sustainability, multicultural dialogue, cooperation between peoples, and is fundamental to the success of Global Gateway, in a framework of open strategic economy. It also has a strong parliamentary dimension. The Commissioner for International Partnerships and you, Mr High Representative, together with Parliament, have done everything to unlock post-Cotonou. A geopolitical Europe must know how to value it and, therefore, in a clear political signal, I call, Mr High Representative, for Europe to be represented at the highest level at the signing of 15 November in Samoa.

Madam President, Commissioner, the Energy Charter Treaty was signed in Lisbon in 1994. Portugal is the depositary of this Treaty and, nevertheless, decided on 28 September to abandon it. And it did good. Almost 30 years have passed since the Energy and Technology Treaty was signed and we are now in a new era. At the end of 2022, this Parliament adopted, by a clear majority, a resolution recommending that the European Commission immediately start the coordinated withdrawal process in order to minimise the negative effects and potential litigation associated with the sunset clause. Several Member States, of which Portugal, as I mentioned, is just one example, plus France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland and Luxembourg, have abandoned the letter. Faced with this move, the European Commission has proposed a coordinated exit to ensure an equivalent regulatory framework across the Union and a favourable context for the implementation of the European Green Deal. In view of the fact that the Treaty provides for a default period from the moment of its denunciation, consistent management of the sunset rules is essential. It is essential that the Commission and the Council be united, because Parliament's support is unambiguous.

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.