What Petras spoke about.

11

Feb

2025

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Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression (debate)

Mr President, Madam Commissioner, Minister, dear colleagues, Ukraine, hand in hand with its Western partners, has withstood three years of bloody and devastating aggression by Russia and its proxies. Respecting the immense price paid by defenders of Ukraine and the defenders of our European values, the European Union efforts must now focus on the following. First, the EU, from the very beginning and fully, must participate in the forthcoming ceasefire or peace talks. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the long‑term future security of Europe. Second, we must continue our military assistance to Ukraine and provide it with maximum security guarantees. Russia has no intention of changing, and we must be ready. Third, we must continue to work hand in hand to help Ukraine reform and integrate into the European Union. I really hope that the three years of Russian aggression and the horrors it has inflicted on the Ukrainian people have revealed the true face of Russian imperialism and international terrorism, and that we have learned a lesson for the future that we must not forget, for the victory of Ukraine and ours.

10

Feb

2025

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Signature of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 81)

Madam President, dear colleagues, taking the floor under Rule 164, and while appreciating our Wednesday debate on the need for targeted support to EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, let me draw your attention to the great action which happened last weekend once the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian energy was finally synchronised with the European continental energy ring. And this is the way we have to go and streamline, cutting down our decades‑long dependencies with eastern countries and synchronising into the single market, whatever it takes, economic, energy or whatever. So, our talk on Wednesday will be about this, about achievements and what we can do together.

22

Jan

2025

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Systematic repression of human rights in Iran, notably the cases of Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, and the taking of EU citizens as hostages

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the mullah's regime in Iran survives at the cost of endless repression. Iran's courts have become a place for handling down long prison and death sentences. The confessions of prisoners and detainees are extracted through psychological and physical pressure and torture. Last year was bloody in Iran, with over 900 executions. We continue to call for a halt of the executions of Pakhshan Azizi, Wrisha Moradi, Behrouz Ehsani, Mehdi Hassani and at least 54 other political prisoners on death row. We also call for the release of dozens EU citizens being held hostage in Iran. The EU policy towards Iran must be proportionate to the crimes committed by the Iranian regime. I urge the European Union to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. I urge the EEAS to exert the necessary influence on the Iranian regime to stop the mass executions and to bring our citizens home.

21

Jan

2025

Speeches LT

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Need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea (debate)

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, honourable Minister, honourable colleagues, Russia's intensifying war against the West, our critical infrastructure, our democratic system and our economy, which has not been officially declared but has been going on for years, is a reality today. Damaged telecommunications and power supply cables in the Baltic Sea are not accidental. This is hybrid warfare. A strong joint response from the European Union and NATO is essential. We need to step up regional cooperation and take concrete action. The Baltic Sea Police mission is essential to ensure our social and economic security. In addition, we must anticipate a programme for the development of cables passing by the sea. The experience of telecommunications and cable protection gained in the Baltic Sea region will be useful in other seas around the European Union.

18

Dec

2024

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Continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV

Mr President, Commissioner, more fossil fuels, fewer political rights and a growing number of political prisoners – this is the reality of Azerbaijan today. The EU-Azerbaijan energy cooperation is not worth the price we and the people of Azerbaijan are paying for it, especially as our goodwill in asking the Azeri authorities to allow Sakharov Prize finalist Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu to attend the award ceremony have been so bluntly ignored. Furthermore, an online exchange with Mr Ibadoghlu, which was due to take place yesterday, was openly prevented by cutting communication lines and preventing and intimidating his relatives. When Mr Ibadoghlu and Václav Havel Human Rights Awardee Anar Mammadli are martyred without medical care, and independent media are forced into the 'online ghetto', we cannot delay any longer the application of the EU's Magnitsky Act sanctions against the Azeri officials responsible, in particular Fuad Alasgarov, Vilayat Eyvazov and Ali Naghiyev.

18

Dec

2024

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11th year of the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the deteriorating human rights situation in occupied Crimea, notably the cases of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov

Mr President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, Russia's occupation and violation of Ukraine's sovereignty have sunk the Crimean Peninsula into a decade of darkness and oppression. The fierce persecution of Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians, civil society activists and journalists is being carried out in the style of the Soviet NKVD. The cases of the imprisonment of the human rights defender and civil journalist Iryna Danylovych, for seven years, and the imprisonment of the Crimean Tatar activist Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov, for 12 years, each show the true face of the Russian occupiers. This is the real Putin, to whom Viktor Orbán still keeps calling. I urge the European Union to further increase the pressure on Moscow by including all 7 000 and more on the list of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation to those responsible for the Russian aggression against Ukraine. I call for joint action to help the detained and imprisoned Crimean activists to regain their freedom and their homeland as soon as possible.

27

Nov

2024

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Hong Kong, notably the cases of Jimmy Lai and the 45 activists recently convicted under the national security law

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Communist China has completely engulfed the once‑democratic Hong Kong and drowned it into the Red swamp. China has broken all its international promises in the Hong Kong Handover Treaty and introduced a draconian, anti‑democratic system of coercion. The persecution of Jimmy Lai illustrates Communist China's repressive role in Hong Kong, and is yet another example of its persecution of dissident and democratic opposition. We must continue to call for the unconditional release of Jimmy Lai and the other 45 activists recently sentenced. Moreover, we must take urgent decisions to suspend Hong Kong's special status as a separate customs territory. We must retaliate against Hong Kong's involvement in helping Russia evade Western sanctions. Finally, we must suspend the extradition treaties with China and Hong Kong.

26

Nov

2024

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Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia (debate)

Madam President, Mr Commissioner, dear colleagues, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which has been going on for more than a thousand days, confirms Russia's turn to the path of increasingly open military confrontation with the West and its partners. Russia is expanding the circle of allies of the Axis of Evil, and in addition to the support it has received from Belarus, Iran, China and North Korea, has begun to make full use of North Korean military units. Notably, involvement of North Korean troops in aggression against Ukraine preceded increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula. At this critical juncture, we must, first, continue to mobilise financial and military support for Ukraine without any restrictions on the use of arms. The fate of global future security in Europe, in particular, and in the West, in general, is now being decided in Ukraine. Secondly, strengthen the global sanctions regime against Russia and its allies, including those who vigorously help evade sanctions. Violators must pay a high price now. Thirdly, we must provide Ukraine with security guarantees from the Western security organisations, thereby ensuring Ukraine's future membership of NATO. Security must be guaranteed. It is not given by chance.

23

Oct

2024

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Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the bloody aggression against Ukraine has pushed Russia to the edge of civilisation. Russia has deliberately chosen this path and must pay the price. To create psychological pressure, and led by revenge, the Russian army is systematically killing Ukrainian prisoners of war. There are currently over 170 cases of evidence of such war crimes. These are genocidal war crimes committed by Russia against Ukrainians. They must be recognised and punished under international law. Each murder of the prisoner of war must become a separate case against the Russian Federation. Everyone who ordered and executed that crime must be punished. While expressing our condolences and support to the Ukrainian families after the loss of their loved ones, we must increase the pressure on the aggressor state in every possible way, using financial-economic sanctions and political-legal measures to isolate Russia. Our response to the aggressor Russia remains firm: its aggression against Ukraine is genocidal crime and it will be punished.

22

Oct

2024

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State sponsored terrorism by the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of the recent attacks in Europe (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Iran, a country with ancient and rich traditions and culture, has become a hostage to religious fanaticism, military terrorism and political terror. The Iranian regime cooperates with, supports and directs the criminal activities of Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ansar Allah and other terrorist organisations. The Iranian regime does not limit its terrorist actions against single countries, such as Ukraine or Israel, and initiates armed attacks against individuals, such as our former colleague Alejo Vidal-Quadres, who luckily escaped from hitman's shots. Dear colleagues, I invite you to support the decision of the Lithuanian Parliament adopted earlier this month to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. It must be done as soon as possible on EU level. We must take concrete action at the EU level to stop the Iranian regime's terrorism at sea and on land. Tehran's regime presents a real regional and international risk and domestic threat for Iranians themselves.

22

Oct

2024

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Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, first of all, I would like to reassure our opponents for their allegedly unfounded criticism of Azerbaijan: the Council of Europe suspended the country's membership in the Parliamentary Assembly at the beginning of this year – a clear proof. This is the result of a long-term and systematic crackdown by the Baku authorities on political opponents, dissidents, non-governmental organisations and human rights activists. As we speak, dear colleagues at plenary tonight, the health of Gubad Ibadoghlu is in a very, very critical state. But authorities do not allow him to travel abroad for proper medical treatment. Let me call on EU leaders, who willingly will take part in COP29 meeting, to bring out Gubad Ibadoghlu by their planes from Baku. It's the only way to save his life.

21

Oct

2024

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Signature of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 81)

Madam President, it is very much a point of order about us and somebody. I would like to draw the attention of my colleagues to a visit of SMER MEP Ľuboš Blaha to Moscow last week, where he thanked Russia for freedom and peace. On behalf of the Informal Group of Friends of European Ukraine, I would like to state that the Russian Government has caused the war in Ukraine, bringing death and destruction in a sovereign state. Such actions are shameful and incompatible with EU policy. We are here to set up a policy line, not to become Putin's propagandists. They might be the position of the SMER party, but not of the European Parliament. Madam President, I expect that Ľuboš Blaha's trip to Moscow will be properly evaluated by the EP leadership.

9

Oct

2024

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The cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, today we pay tribute to Sakharov Prize laureate Ilham Tohti, a Uyghur human rights defender, who has been in Chinese prison for ten years with a life sentence, and Gulshan Abbas, who was sentenced for 20 years for her sister's criticism of the Chinese regime's oppression of the Uyghurs. This is a very grim reality of communist China, where Beijing is in a quest for global hegemony and uses the harshest methods against human rights defenders, dissidents, and ethnic minorities. Beijing's systematic actions to destroy the historical and cultural identity of the Uyghurs, the uprooting of Tibetans from their historical lands and indoctrination of Tibetan children and the destruction of the democratic institutions in Hong Kong demand a very strong response from the European Union and the West in general. I call on the EU Member States and the European Union to take action in response to those deplorable crimes.

8

Oct

2024

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The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the actions of the Georgian authorities took the country in a different – non-European, non-Western – direction. The Georgian Government has abandoned its previous commitments to the nation and turned to the path of eastern populism. The public hysteria created by the ruling Georgian Dream party over so-called 'family values' only confirms its decision to pander to ultra-radical populism. I also repeat on this occasion our joint call for the urgent and unconditional release of President Mikheil Saakashvili. The actions of those in power to provoke antagonism with the West have had their effect. Political dialogue with the European Union, with the United States of America, has largely ceased and the Georgian authorities have confined themselves to the summit of Mount Kazbek. The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Georgia to restore its European dream. I call on the Georgian people to reject the dangerously destructive manipulation from Russia. Europe is where you belong.

8

Oct

2024

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Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, the efforts of the collapsing Soviet empire, and later Russia, to weaken, divide and influence Moldova can be seen as a classic example of interference in the affairs of other states. Unprecedented political interference, economic influence and a combination of intelligence operations are at the heart of Russian policy in Moldova. By 2020, internally corrupt oligarchy, influenced political forces and mass disinformation have weakened Moldova's statehood to the point of critical danger. Fortunately, pro-independence political forces, along with Western partners, have made significant efforts in stabilising the situation. I strongly welcome Moldova's determination to follow the European path, to implement reforms and to pursue the well-being of the Moldovan people. Let's help our partners throw off the shackles of the past.

7

Oct

2024

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Signature of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 81)

Madam President, dear colleagues, on 3 October, the Lithuanian Parliament designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a terrorist organisation. Those activities pose a threat to international security and stability, as the regime in Tehran increasingly and consistently pursues a hostile policy towards the domestic opposition, persecuting and repressing opponents – including women – and poses a clear threat to regional and international security by providing arms to Russia to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine and the recent missile attacks against Israel. Dear colleagues, I call on the European Union to follow this recent decision and to add Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the EU list of terrorist organisations.

18

Sep

2024

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The severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, Lukashenka has been in power for 30 years and has created a system characterised by social populism, Soviet-style thinking and widespread human rights abuses. There is no place in Belarus for pluralism of opinion and free political activity. Everyone and everything is controlled and opponents are brutally repressed, often at the cost of their lives. We must not be deceived by the regime's current tactics of releasing some – I emphasise 'some' – political prisoners. They may be arrested once again. Nothing has changed in the country controlled by Lukashenka. We must be firm in demanding the release of all political prisoners, many of whom are in very poor health condition. As long as repression and a KGB loyal to the dictator are used to maintain power, we cannot stop increasing the pressure on Minsk. A firm determination to increase the pressure through sanctions, a united stance and support for the democratic forces in Belarus is what we must continue to do. This is our way to a different future Belarus.

18

Sep

2024

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The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the Taliban's systematic and consistent decisions to turn Afghanistan into a radical Sharia territory must be met with a strong response from the civilised world. There is no alternative. Afghan women and girls have become the main target of discrimination and exclusion from public life. They are being excluded from social life, progress and opportunities for participation in decision making. This violates their political and social rights and robs the country of its future potential. We must do everything possible to ensure that gender apartheid is recognised as a crime against humanity. I call on the European Union to take all possible action in this area. There can be no decisions on Afghanistan without the participation of Afghan women. We must maintain the policy of non-recognition of the Taliban and prevent this regime from becoming an international partner and a dictator of social regression.

17

Sep

2024

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Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Russia is ready to continue its aggression against Ukraine, mobilising all possible resources and securing the support of its allies. Western support for Ukraine is an essential condition and option for its survival. We made the right choice in the David and Goliath struggle and we must keep our promise. I call on the EU Member States not only to continue their support for Ukraine, but also to increase it to the level of 0.25 % of GDP. This is the way to victory for Ukraine and lasting peace in the region. Yes, we need peace, but not by Putin's one, as Russia can dictate and decide destinies of others. Colleagues, using this opportunity, let me express my criticism of the IMF when its head, Ms Georgieva, decided to visit the capital of the aggressor state. The IMF must also be concerned about world security and the future of Ukraine.

25

Apr

2024

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Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, let me first of all thank Guy Verhofstadt for his great contribution during his years in the European Parliament and even beyond for building a more united, better Union which embraces everybody in the European Union. Thank you, Guy. You will remain for me a great example of a European-level statesman. Deepening and widening of the European Union integration are two important and interrelated aspects of the Union’s development. A reformed and well-functioning European Union responding to the expectations and reforms of its new members is a stronger European Union, better able to cope with global competition while building comprehensive security. The EU’s openness to enlargement, a clear enlargement strategy and fulfilment of commitments by new members are essential conditions for achieving the goals of our united Union. It is necessary to take into account the time frame, which is a very much mobilising element. The next European Parliament will have to devote more time for these issues. And finally, dear colleagues, I invite the European Commission to prepare for the inter-governmental conference with Ukraine and Moldova under the Belgian Presidency, giving a fresh start to the accession negotiations. Time matters.

24

Apr

2024

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Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, internationally renowned economist Gubad Ibadoghlu spent nine months in prison and was only released to house arrest at the start of this European Parliament session. Interesting. Today, his daughter Zhala is visiting the European Parliament to ask for our continued support to enable Dr Gubad to receive a life-saving operation in Germany. Thank you, Zhala, for your commitment, thank you. Human rights activist Ilhamiz Guliyev could spend 12 years in prison after revealing how police plant incriminating evidence against government critics. Mass persecution of independent media, such as Abzas Media, and members of civil society continues. Last week, Meclis.info – the Azerbaijani parliamentary monitoring platform – was targeted. The Azerbaijani authorities have chosen a model of a controlled society, dominated by the institution of the presidency and benefiting, highly by the way, from a power of energy resources. I call on the European Commission to take immediate steps to protect human and political rights in Azerbaijan, and definitely our so-called strategic partnership with Azerbaijan must be reviewed.

23

Apr

2024

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Attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society (debate)

Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, let me, on behalf of all of us, welcome present in this House, Nika Gvaramia, one of the opposition leaders in Georgia. Thank you, Nika, for your dedication and your fight for a better future for Georgia. Colleagues, the repeated attempts by the ruling party in Georgia to pass a law on foreign influence are an example of its intent to control civil society, to influence media and the forthcoming parliamentary elections. All of this runs against Georgia’s status as an EU candidate country, its commitment and the spirit of political reforms. Attempts to justify the oppressing law by applying so-called ‘western practice’ are simply pathetic. Such law is the key to return to Russian authoritarianism. At the same time, I warmly welcome the Georgian people in their opposition to such a move. The civic activism defends the country’s Western future. Colleagues, taking this opportunity, I call on EU institutions to apply targeted sanctions on Georgian individuals undermining democratic processes and organising the persecution of peaceful demonstrators, in particular Zviad Kharazishvili and Vazha Siradze – those people are acting against the will of Georgian people.

23

Apr

2024

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The use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction (debate)

Madam President, the aggressor must pay and suffer significant financial damage, and the attacked party is entitled to fair compensation. This is a principle of international law that must fully apply to Russia, which brutally attacked Ukraine. So full confiscation of state assets must come. The delay in using Russian state assets to rebuild Ukraine is incomprehensible, unjustified and even risky. It gives no hope of justice and does not send a strong message to the aggressor side. We must stop hesitating about the volatility of the decision and take very concrete steps. Even the expropriation of the annual interest would be in Ukraine’s advantage, and, if continued for at least a decade, would represent a significant financial burden for Russia. Given the scale of the losses and destruction caused by military aggression in Ukraine, we must mobilise all possible financial resources for the future reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine now.

10

Apr

2024

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New allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, in the upcoming EU elections and the impact on the Union (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, for decades, Russia has devoted enormous resources and efforts to weakening Europe, our democracy and our resilience. The time has come to realise that Russkiy Mir, the Kremlin’s ideological concept, is incompatible with our European values. Therefore, according to Kremlin, the latter must be weakened and finally eradicated. All the recent evidence of Russian interference in European political processes must be taken seriously and followed by our concrete action. The European Parliament’s latest resolution on this issue was adopted just in February, but we need to go well beyond declarations. Firstly, EU rules on the financing of the political parties and associations must be harmonised. Secondly, the European Media Freedom Act must be fully implemented – now and forever. We must realise that Moscow’s voice and hand will continue to try to imprison us in a false narrative and distorted reality, if we do not build a solid firewall.

14

Mar

2024

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Promised revision of the EU animal welfare legislation and the animal welfare-related European citizens’ initiatives (debate)

Madam President, animal welfare-related policy area is the one where Europeans are well ahead of their governments and the European Union in general. The recent European Citizens’ Initiative with 1.4 million signatures is the best example of that, while the European Commission is lagging behind with promised legislation. Colleagues, we need a Schengen-like companion animals free movement area with a proper electronically checked identification and registration system. Good for animals, good for people. Secondly, there must be Union-level established standards for pets breeding and breeders’ responsibility and registration rules. I invite the European Commission to react to European citizens’ expectations as soon as possible, inviting many non-governmental animal welfare organisations who did a good job and still do a good job, hand in hand for common cause for animal welfare.