What Petras spoke about.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Lukashenka is imprisoning teenagers for painting slogans such as 'death to the dictatorship' and 'long live Belarus'. 16-year-old Aliaksandra Pulinovich will face ten years in prison for this expression of art and opinion. Today, in Parliament, we welcomed Andrzej Poczobut, who has finally been released from prison. However, we must not forget that replacing political prisoners is a long-standing Belarusian tradition – while some are released, others, like Aliaksandra, take their place. Therefore, we must resist the temptation to barter the freedom of prisoners before accomplishing their important tasks in the pursuit of a free, democratic and European Belarus. Lukashenka's regime must feel the full impact of EU sanctions as soon as possible. Let us not forget that Lukashenka is Putin's closest ally. Together, they act against Ukraine, Europe and their own dissenting citizenship.

Mr Chair, Mr Commissioner, Council representative. 2026, beginning of 2026. And I will switch to my mother tongue. At the beginning of 2026, over six hundred thousand important personal data of Lithuanian residents, including people's personal codes, addresses and real estate records, were stolen through the institution Centre of Registers, which is responsible for the data register of residents and legal entities of the country. According to the data of Lithuanian law enforcement, illegal connections to the database of the Centre of Registers were carried out through the accounts of the employees of the Migration Department of the country misappropriated from abroad. The Prosecutor General's Office is continuing its investigation under three articles of the Criminal Code. The investigation has already been extended to include questions on whether all authorities in the country have performed their duties properly and taken all measures to protect information and data. The Lithuanian authorities had an unreasonably long delay in notifying the illegal misappropriation of their data to the more than six hundred thousand residents whose data was stolen. Although the first illegal logins and data thefts took place already at the beginning of this year, and the Centre of Registers and the heads of ministries of individual countries in Lithuania became aware of the huge scope of the theft already at the beginning of April, four months later, the public was informed about the incident only more than one and a half months later, at the end of May. The questions as to why the responsible authorities, including the heads of the Lithuanian Government, avoided informing the affected population about the facts remain unanswered. I would like to emphasise: It would be naive to assume that the increase in geopolitical threats and the number of cyber-attacks is only a problem for Lithuania. Ensuring cybersecurity in the face of today's growing threats is a challenge for the European Union as a whole, without overtaking any state or institution. Attacks against Lithuania continue. In recent weeks alone, a cyber incident has been reported in Lithuania, in which almost 62,000 records of Lithuanian medics were allegedly seized. Information about a possible half-hundred hacked accounts of the system of the Lithuanian Ministry of the Interior also came to the public. The information gathered by hostile forces, which has been stolen before, can of course be used later to track, coerce and intimidate people, including those in key positions. Therefore, new cybersecurity standards and, of course, their full implementation are needed today. Based on the assumption that the NIS2 Directive, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation, which sets mandatory cybersecurity standards, has been in force since 2024, but the implementation of the Directive remains dysfunctional. In Germany, for example, by March 2026, only about a third of organisations required to register under NIS2 had done so. Rules that are not implemented do not protect anyone, they do not work. The European Commission must conduct a full investigation into the theft of data in Lithuania, identifying the causes and persons responsible for the crime. The implementation of the European Data Protection Regulation requires full credibility throughout the European Union. Otherwise, our data becomes material of bad will and criminals, which can later be used against us. Thank you for your attention.

Madam President, it is about the recent crimes of aggression of Russia and a call for solidarity and support. Colleagues, the historical Ukrainian monastery complex on UNESCO World Heritage List, located in the very centre of Kyiv, Pechersk Lavra, was set on fire as a result of a massive Russian attack tonight. Russia launched against Ukraine more than 600 long‑range strike UAVs and 70 missiles last night. The Dormition Cathedral complex was seriously damaged, and a dozen of Ukrainians were killed and many more wounded tonight. The Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine, I quote, said, 'we saw another Russian crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity'. In full solidarity with Ukraine, we deplore this crime, and we call on the European Union to support Ukraine further on and impose further sanctions.

Mr President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, just imagine a Taliban representative sitting in a meeting room in Brussels lecturing on human and women's rights. This is not fiction, but an arising reality. Clearly, inviting the Taliban to Brussels amounts to partial legitimisation and recognition of the terrorist group. This is an appalling act of injustice towards its victims and also a total U‑turn in the EU position. Given the level of so‑called legal reforms in Afghanistan in recent years – where amendments to the criminal code not only legalised violence against women and children, but also entrench social stratification and expand the application of the death penalty – the Taliban's arrival in Brussels is simply incomprehensible in any sane mind. Proponents of gender‑based genocide, specifically Taliban representatives, should not be welcomed as partners in Brussels.

Mr President, Madam Commissioner, Council President, dear colleagues, the Iranian regime continues its ruthless and bloody crackdown on its perceived internal enemies – the political opposition and civil society – in an effort to cling on to power at any cost. The international community must respond promptly and appropriately to the regime’s crimes against humanity and political persecution, using all available means. I call on the European Union and its Member States to initiate a special United Nations tribunal to investigate the crimes committed by the Iranian regime against its civil society and opposition. It is crucial that those responsible for those crimes are brought to justice and held accountable. In the name of the family of the recently executed Vahid Beni-Amerian, I call on you, colleagues, to work together for justice and accountability. In the face of the challenges of the war in the Middle East, we cannot turn a blind eye to the Iranian regime's ongoing repression within the country.

Madam President, High Representative, dear colleagues, the communist regime in Cuba proudly called the country the 'island of freedom'. But just look at what this communist Paradise has become: the persecution of dissidents and opposition figures, overflowing prisons filled with political prisoners, and a catastrophic social and humanitarian situation, with only 3 % of the population having full access to medication. Public dissatisfaction with the Cuban regime has reached a peak. Cuba, a former Soviet ally that became a base for exporting communism to Latin America and Africa, has clearly reached the end of the road. The crumbling regime is now trying to cling on to increasing repression and pressure against voices of protest. The EU must abandon the long standing policy of appeasement towards the regime and adopt a critical political stance, demanding respect for fundamental human freedoms and guarantees for basic human rights. Only then will Cuba truly become an island of free people.

Mr President, honourable High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, honourable colleagues. Although Europe has already made long-term commitments to increase its investment in security and defence, the US military presence in Europe has not become, and certainly will not become, excessive. The Kremlin's terrorist regime recognises and understands only one language, namely strength and strength. Therefore, in the territory of the European Union, especially in the eastern flank of the European Union, military forces and military equipment simply cannot decrease. Recently, Russia has been strengthening the front line of information attacks against the Baltic states in particular, probably paving the way for new and very dangerous provocations. The European Union can and must do its utmost to maintain a strategic U.S. military presence in Europe, especially at the eastern borders, where drones, cyber-attacks and illegal migration pose the greatest threats. I invite the European Union and the Member States to find ways to strengthen a partnership of equals between the European Union and the US.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues. Using sport and culture, the terrorist Russia is seeking to further divide the international community. Russia desperately wants to return to the world's most important cultural and sporting events as soon as possible. Potiomkin's long-known strategy, in which the public is bewildered and attempts are made to present it with a false beautiful façade picture, continues. Like many of you, I am ashamed that the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees, some international sports federations, as well as major art events such as the Venice Art Biennale, are flirting with the terrorist state of Russia. Sports organizations and art institutions are openly collaborating with Russia and Belarus, which are continuing their military aggression. I welcome the European Commission's decision to withdraw the planned funding for the Venice Biennale, and I call on the Member States of the European Union to jointly suspend their support for those who are bloodthirsty and are trying to wash their mundura today.

Madam President, Madam Minister, Commissioner, dear colleagues, today marks the 1 525th day since Russia began its full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. Every day is a reminder of the tens of thousands of lives lost and families torn apart by the abduction of children. It is also a reminder of the ruined cities and the irreplaceable historical and cultural treasures lost. After four years of war, our solidarity with the Ukrainian people only grows stronger. I eagerly await the full establishment of a special tribunal, where those responsible for war crimes will be brought to justice. This will happen. I have no doubt about it. I call on the EU and its Member States to complete all preparations for the special tribunal's work as soon as possible and to inaugurate the institution. We must continue to increase pressure in every way on the aggressors – the Russian and Belarusian regimes. I also call on the EU to adopt a decision, as soon as possible, banning those responsible for war crimes from entering the EU for life. Their journey must end in The Hague.

Mr President, colleagues, dear Commissioner, I would like to really thank all my colleagues who have participated constructively in our joint work and in today's discussion. This approach is the way forward in finding the necessary solutions and preparing for EU enlargement. We must recognise that no effort is too great when it comes to informing and involving the public in broad discussions about the future of the European Union, its enlargement and the challenges that lie ahead. A responsible and inclusive discussion must be based on objective criteria and on our vision for the future of our Union. The European Parliament has a particularly important role to play in this area. We are witnessing fundamental events and changing in the European Union and in our neighbourhood, with a clear understanding of the need for further enlargement and deeper integration. With political understanding and a clear strategy for EU enlargement, together, we can manage these processes and deliver what Europeans expect: a secure, strong and growing Europe. Enlargement is our common task, dear colleagues. And I am looking forward to working together with the European Commission and all Member States to achieve a more united Europe. Long live a more united and larger European Union.

Mr President, dear Marta, dear Commissioner, colleagues, history has proved that European unification, which is so necessary today, has been firmly based on EU enlargement. Each stage of EU enlargement has positively contributed to Europe's growth in political and economic power, promoting the prosperity and security of all EU Member States and the EU in general, not to speak about their citizens. The end of the Cold War and the emergence of the Copenhagen criteria laid the foundations for the enlargement policy of recent decades. However, the situation changed when a direct threat to democracy and European sovereignty re-emerged on the continent. Russia's direct military aggression against Ukraine and its hybrid warfare against Europe require us to rethink our unification strategies. Our geostrategic interests require more coordinated, firm and clear responses that leave no room for insecurity or uncertainty. On the other hand, the EU must maintain a high level of normative policy, and rely on legal harmonisation and policy convergence by new members. This is both the EU's strength and its challenge. Without a clear enlargement strategy, the integration process based on legal norms becomes a politically unbearable dialogue. Clearly, the EU must develop an integration model that aligns with its own interests and the expectations of the candidate countries. Any delay is unjustifiable. When rethinking the enlargement model, maintaining a clear start date for negotiations, the regatta principle of healthy competition between candidates and the EU's geostrategic interests are paramount. Everything else – at least for me – is just technicalities. I would like to revisit the advantages of EU enlargement, which are often overlooked in political debates full of uncertainty. Just to illustrate the results of the historical EU 'big bang' enlargement, I would like to mention that trade between my country, Lithuania, and Germany has grown 3.6 times over the last 20 years, while trade between the Czech Republic and the Netherlands has grown fourfold during the same period of time. In both cases, the positive trade balance is on the side of the so-called 'old' EU Member States. I am convinced that the upcoming enlargement will produce similar and even better results. EU enlargement is directly intertwined with internal EU reforms, ensuring the EU's institutional functionality and decision-making efficiency, especially the expanded use of qualified majority voting. Undoubtedly, it is also linked to the internal political and economic reforms of the candidate countries. One cannot be expected without the another. We must do our homework on internal EU reforms and be ready when candidates are prepared for accession. Colleagues, now is the time to apply and demonstrate European values. We must apply them to broader politics, support European solidarity, and foster a free society and common partnership. In the face of global challenges, let us not forget that standing together and growing stronger is an opportunity history has given us – one we must seize. Before turning the floor over to my colleagues, I would like to sincerely thank the shadow rapporteurs and my fellow colleagues for great cooperation in preparing this report.

Madam President, colleagues, I wish to make a proposal to extend paragraph 11 with the following amendment: 'Strongly deplores the Hungarian Government's continued obstruction of EU support for Ukraine, as well as the Slovak Government's announced decision to cut off emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine.'

Madam President, Commissioners, colleagues, the brutal war that Russia launched against Ukraine has been going on for 12 years – spanning a third term of the European Parliament. In its failed attempt to seize Ukraine in three days, Russia suffered a historic defeat: Ukraine stood firm, turned decisively towards the West, and in doing so transformed not only itself, but Europe as well – profoundly and, I hope, irreversibly. Russia's atrocious crimes against a sovereign neighbour, against humanity and international law cannot be erased, not even by a so-called peace agreement. To war crimes committed in Bucha, Irpin and elsewhere the principle of immunity cannot be applied. Understanding, solidarity and steadfast support for Ukraine defined today's Europe. They affirm our core principles not merely in words, but in action. This is the response of European civilisation to autocracy and imperial aggression. Let us not waver. Let us not falter. Let us not lose hope. At the same time, the Hungarian Government's open threats towards Ukraine and its obstruction of EU policy stand in stark contradiction to European values. It is unjustifiable and unacceptable. The memory of Soviet tanks rolling through Budapest in 1956 reminds us of what Russia sought to impose on Kyiv four years ago. Historical blindness carries grave consequences. Slava Ukraini!

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Türkiye remains an important partner of the European Union and a candidate country, even though negotiations and integration have been suspended. Nevertheless, Türkiye must adhere to the fundamental principles enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights, which guarantees the rights of journalists and religious communities. Türkiye has yet to implement the Venice Commission's recommendations on the legal recognition of religious communities other than Muslim ones. Restrictions on media freedoms in Türkiye raises serious concern, including the revocation of press accreditation and residence permits for foreign journalists and their expulsion from the country. I appeal to the Turkish authorities to release Iranian journalist Kaveh Taheri and permit him to remain in Türkiye. Open and critical dialogue between the European Union and Türkiye is essential. I hope that through goodwill we will find common solutions that fulfil the expectations of our partnership.

Mr President, the radical mullahs' regime in Iran continues to oppress its own citizens, creating unbearable living conditions and spreading violence. The regime is guilty of ruthless discrimination against women, the systematic persecution of religious communities, restrictions on freedom of speech and access to the internet, torture, and the widespread use of the death penalty. These are Tehran's true policies. Those responsible for the regime's repression must face the punishment they deserve. They cannot be unpunished. For now, this must come from outside. The European Union must increase its use of sanctions and other restrictions and measures. Colleagues, we have to stop listening to mullahs, and listen better to people, because the future of Iran lies in the hands of its people. And I believe it will be a future based on freedom, democracy and self-determination. Free Iran.

Mr President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, realising it would not be able to break the spirits of the Ukrainian people with weapons, Russia resorted to tormenting them with cold and darkness. By destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Russia is committing crimes equivalent to genocide and crimes against humanity, which must be judged by the Special Tribunal. In recent months, the Kyiv, Donetsk, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odesa and Mykolaiv regions were left without, or with very limited, access to power – often just two hours a day with temperatures well below -15°C. This constitutes a humanitarian crisis – human suffering on a national scale. At the same time, we must acknowledge that, as partners, we, the European Union, have failed to provide Ukraine with the necessary support to protect its skies. Each Russian missile or drone that hits its target serves as a reminder of the broken promises. Despite the hardships, Ukrainians remain united and resourceful in their fight. The dedication of Ukrainian energy sector workers in restoring energy supplies is commendable. However, all this requires significant financial and technical resources. Let us provide Ukraine with our support for as long as it is needed.

Madam President, colleagues, attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russia constitute not only a violation of international law, but a deliberate strategy to undermine civilian resilience, destabilise the region and weaponise energy as a tool of coercion. These continuous attacks, at a time when Ukrainian and Russian delegations are meeting to talk peace possibilities, clearly show that Russia is not interested in peace, but is determined to exterminate the Ukrainian nation by executing 'Kholodomor': genocide through cold weather. In the face of the acute humanitarian situation, Ukraine needs continued and increased EU humanitarian assistance, as well as scaled‑up and institutionalised energy assistance. That is why the Renew Europe Group wishes to propose a Commission statement on 'the European response to the attacks on the Ukrainian energy system, causing a humanitarian crisis'.

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, honourable colleagues, as a Member who works extensively on Ukraine, nothing matters more to me than ensuring that those responsible for genocide against the Ukrainian people – including Ukrainian children – are held accountable. That is why I strongly support the work of the International Criminal Court and the establishment of a special tribunal on this issue. Justice must prevail because when justice becomes revenge, it loses its meaning. The death penalty still remains in more than one third of the world's countries. It is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment that is incompatible with international human rights law. Today, most executions are carried out by states that systematically – I emphasise, systematically – violate human rights and deny fair trials, such as China, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Just to illustrate, last year, more than 2 200 people were executed in Iran, double the number in 2024. Among those executed were at least 64 women and 6 juvenile offenders. Let's be clear: death sentences are used to silence political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders and protesters. Dear colleagues, nothing can justify the taking of human life. An eye for an eye for an eye only makes us blind, and justice that kills is no justice at all. I therefore urge the Commission and the Member States to adopt a firm, human rights-based approach towards the more than 70 countries that still retain the death penalty in books, and to continue raising this issue of death sentences and executions in all international forums.

Mr. Gražuli, do not confuse the European Parliament, the Lithuanian public broadcaster. You are able to engage demagogically in unnecessary and meaningless discussions. You are already an unbeatable master. What the governors do in Lithuania with the public broadcaster, I think we all see, independent experts confirm. Therefore, if you have brilliant suggestions on how to change the procedures of the European Parliament, please do so. But somehow we do not see those constructive proposals from your side.

Thank you, colleague, for indeed a very current question. You know that the Lithuanian economy is already in the fifth or sixth year of economic growth. There is no fiscal reason to, you know, limit the budget of the public broadcaster. The reason is a political one: you freeze financing, you put some ceilings, you give a very clear political message. So that's why I would call it a kind of political revenge against those who broadcast and support democracy in the country.

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues. This cold winter, tens of thousands of people gathered for mass protests near the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. Their sole aim was to protect the Lithuanian public broadcaster, Lithuanian Radio and Television, from imminent political capture. The protesters held banners that proclaimed ‘Away from free speech’. Despite a strong public reaction, the Lithuanian government, which consists of the Social Democrats and the radical right, does not retreat from the scandalous amendments, and continues to push for the adoption of the amendments as a matter of extreme urgency, even during the night meetings. Independent experts clearly stated that the amendments to the law regarding the public broadcaster are contrary to both the Lithuanian Constitution and the European Media Freedom Act. The European Commission has already warned Lithuania's rulers about the impending damage to democracy and the possible consequences. Today, the strong support of the European Parliament is more necessary than ever, so that the Lithuanian public broadcaster remains independent, politically uncontrollable and so that Lithuania does not turn away from the path of democracy by the mistakes of the Orban or Fico governments. I do not lose hope that the ruling coalition of Lithuania, having heard and understood the opinion of the European Parliament, will not ignore and abandon the very disastrous intentions.

Mr President, colleagues, in light of the significantly deteriorating security environment, the European Union has no alternative but to increase its defence capacity and effective deterrence policy. While I am very pleased to see the numerous political commitments made to boost European defence capacity, I am still looking forward to their full and timely implementation. In the face of existing and emerging security threats, it is of the utmost importance to develop modern warfare capacities, using innovative technologies and AI solutions, and to support future technological developments. In 2025, we observed, at least from my point of view, two positive trends. Firstly, we are cooperating with and learning from Ukraine more. Secondly, I would like to emphasise the so-needed and increasingly effective activities of the fully-fledged Security and Defence Committee of this Parliament.

Mr President, dear High Representative, colleagues, for five decades, Iran has been ruled by religious fanaticism. During this time, the Mullahs' regime has engaged in the endless repression of internal opponents and Iranians demanding change. It has also supported international terrorism and partnered with totalitarian regimes. Ayatollah Khamenei's vision for Iran has resulted in endless death sentences, a crackdown on women's rights, a deteriorating quality of life, and internal isolation. Ayatollah's Iran offers no future. The EU has been unjustifiably slow to adopt a firm political stance on Iran. The Iranian people must feel the impact of economic sanctions as soon as possible. Those responsible for the repression must be persecuted and punished. The Iranian people, not Mullahs, nor the former Shah family, have the right for political change and self-determination.