Speeches

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, the Lukashenka regime continues trampling on the basic human rights of Belarusians and selling the country’s sovereignty to the Kremlin. Its anger is directed against critics and free thinkers who aspire a different future for Belarus, a democratic and European future. The arrest of Maryna Adamavich, the wife of Mikalai Statkevich, as well as the wives and mothers of other political prisoners, demands an appropriate response from the European Union. We must also react to the nuclear dangers posed by the Lukashenka regime, such as unsafe nuclear power plant in Astravets and the deployment of the Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus. I call on the EU High Representative, Mr Borrell, to take an active role in reducing the number of Belarusian diplomats in Brussels and to ensure that a number of Belarusian physical and legal persons, enablers of Lukashenka regime are included in the EU’s 13th sanctions package.

Mr President, honourable Minister, Commissioner. The hand of authoritarian Russia had reached not only the pockets of Europeans, for a long time influencing energy prices, but also the worldview, imposing fictional narratives and acting from within. The unstoppable Kremlin will never stop, will seek to maintain its influence, accusing others of Russophobia, will continue to spread euro skepticism and euro fatigue. The doors of the European Parliament must be firmly closed to agents of Russia and other authoritarian regimes and their favourites. We need to strengthen our democratic resilience and prevent dangerous foreign interference and influence. We must understand that democracy in itself does not have the ability to protect itself from hostile forces acting from within, or has very little such power. Our response must therefore prevent actors such as Ždanoka from taking responsible public positions and from undermining the common European interest. Dear colleagues, let us also finally silence the ‘Voice of Moscow’, which still works for the citizens of the European Union through the accessible ‘Russia Today’ and ‘Sputnik’. These are poisons that weaken the resilience of our societies.

Mr President, Commissioner, Madam Minister, dear colleagues, a day before I spoke with a colleague in Ukraine who shared the following observations. I quote: ‘Only a strong Europe with strong defence capabilities can stop Russia from continuing on its war path. The war in Ukraine only gives us – Europeans – time to properly prepare. Russian society has been enslaved by Putin’s regime and is part of the war machine. It is therefore important that Europe’s security challenges are properly understood by our citizens, especially by the young people who will continue the fight against eastern totalitarianism.’ Two years into the brutal war in Ukraine, my friend’s observations sound like a clear manifesto for Europe, calling for solutions to be fully implemented. Yesterday, we concluded trilogue negotiations on Ukraine’s facility, but the amount of our support for Ukraine needs to be multiplied. So must European defence capabilities. Only in this way can the threat to Europeans from Russian fascism be averted. Slava Ukraini and Europeans!

– Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues. The persecution and detention of journalists and their legal defenders, the crackdown on independent media and the closure of many media outlets have become a grim reality in Tajikistan. These and other human rights violations and restrictions of civil society activities are completely unacceptable and must be met with the appropriate response from the EU and Member States. We must demand that these human rights and media freedom violations are stopped, that independent investigations are carried out, and the necessary legislative changes are made. I call on the European Commission to defend the rights of independent media and the situation of journalists in Tajikistan in a principled manner, and to link these issues directly to the negotiations on the EU—Tajikistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the possibility of granting GSP+ to Tajikistan. I also call on the political elite in Tajikistan to abandon authoritarian policies and respect the rights of independent media.

Mr President, Madam Minister, Commissioner, the fate of Ukraine as a state and of Ukrainians as a nation is being decided on the battlefield. Our ally Ukraine can only contain and defeat the aggressor if, among other things, it is given the necessary military support. It goes without saying that in order to defeat the terrorist state Russia, the amount of the Western military support must far exceed the increase in Russian military spending. Let us frankly admit that this has not yet happened. Our European commitment to Ukraine in terms of military aid must not only be met, but well exceeded. Only in this way will we be able to provide the necessary assistance to Ukraine and protect our countries from any possible Russian military provocation. I call on the EU Member States to honour the commitments they have made to Ukraine and its people. Ukraine has no choice but to fight for its survival, paying a high price in the lives of its people and other devastating losses. Peace in Ukraine can only be restored and secured with the support of its Western allies. Dear colleagues, insufficient military deliveries could lead to the defeat of Ukraine and, consequently, to the destruction of the Western security system. Let’s do our utmost to prevent that from happening. Let’s do it now.

Madam President, madam Commissioner, Council representatives, dear colleagues, the front line in the east and south of Ukraine stretch over 1200 kilometres. Over the last two years, Ukraine’s western borders have been closed for 38 days. How it is possible that truckers from neighbouring EU countries have declared economic war on Ukraine? This is a knife in Ukraine’s back. Transport policy of the European Union is a shared competence of the Union. Why did it take a month and a half for the Commission to react? Have the Commission representatives personally visited blocked border crossings? What could they have said to the Ukrainian truckers waiting in 30 kilometre queues and suffering the hardships of winter? Selfies of European Commission representatives in front of long queues of lorries would be a right step towards long overdue solutions. Ukraine’s extreme dependence on foreign aid and the strategic importance of military and humanitarian supplies raise questions about Russia’s possible indirect involvement and influence. I call for immediate actions.

Madam President, Commissioner – no Council – but dear colleagues, I would like to use my minute and read a letter from Marina Statkevich, the wife of Mikalai Statkevich, and ask you for understanding if I overstep some one-minute boundary. I really plead to you. ‘Dear members of the European Parliament. We believe and know that solidarity is not an empty word for you. I ask for solidarity with my country, with Belarus. For 307 days there is no single message or news from behind my husband’s prison walls. Like many relatives, I bang my head against this ‘wall’ and often feel alone in trying to break through. In recent weeks, there have been rumours that Mikalai is no longer alive. I cannot believe it, but it could be true. Please demand an end to the torture of the unknown. Please demand that Mikalai, Maksim Znak, Ihar Losik and all those who have not been heard from for a long time, be shown to their families. Please, help to save my husband. Help to save Belarus. Terror and violence must stop.’

Madam President, since 6 November, truck drivers in Poland have blocked access roads to four border crossings, creating lines that stretch for more than 30km. Around 3300 Ukrainian trucks are stuck in freezing temperatures. It greatly affected cargo flow from both border sides. The crisis has expanded, with Slovakian hauliers, aided by Hungarian ones, joining the protest to obstruct another main border crossing. According to some assessments, the blockade is expected to lead up to a 1 % drop in Ukraine’s GDP for 2023. At the time of this high crisis, we lacked clear and timely action from the European Commission. That’s why we call for the Commission and Council statements on ensuring proper functioning of the EU and Ukraine solidarity lanes.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the Russian occupation of 20% of the territory of Georgia is direct evidence of war crimes and a violation of the territorial integrity of Georgia. The occupying Russian authorities are pursuing an active policy of provocation, constantly expanding the occupied territories, abducting and terrorising the local population. Tamaz Ginturi, a 58-year-old Georgian citizen, is the latest victim of the Russian occupiers. He was murdered in cold blood while visiting his father’s grave. Levan Dotiashvili, who was with him, was illegally captured. The crimes of the Russian occupiers must be met with strong condemnation by the international community and further legal action, as well as EU sanctions against those responsible for serious human rights violations.

Mr President, the European leaders' meeting in June 1993 was an important step towards removing the marks of the Berlin Wall that divided the European continent. It was a wise and well-weighted political decision that opened the door to the process of European unification, a process that strengthened Europe itself. The Copenhagen criteria are still valid today. Naturally, they are being replaced by a new geopolitical situation and there is a need for its strategic factors. The Copenhagen criteria set objective parameters for membership, objective parameters, allowing for comparability and constructive competition between candidate countries. Dear colleagues, let us not forget the political history of our continent and let us not be afraid to follow the path of a united Europe.

Colleague, you mentioned many so to say shortcomings of the new Member States. But there are some shortcomings within older Member States. You didn’t speak about the lack of democracy in Hungary. The group, I mean, which accommodates probably some affiliated from Orbán party. You did not mention about opt-outs some countries use to limit their participation within the European Union. And finally, you did not speak about the unification of Europe. Do you still believe that this is a very technical project, as the European Union is?

Mr President, Commissioner, Council representatives, ladies and gentlemen, calls for a united and strong Europe, a Union that meets the expectations of Europeans, are constantly repeated in the European Parliament, and rightly so. I see this as an obligation for all of us to take all the necessary decisions, including amendments to the EU Treaties, to maintain smooth and effective decision-making, ensuring joint action versus a single one. In strengthening the EU competences in areas that affect Europe’s future competitiveness, qualifications, defence, we must make due use of the democratic principle of subsidiarity and actively involve national parliaments as well. I am convinced that the proposed changes for amending the Treaties will be duly debated in the agora of the EU citizens. Listening to everyone and finding so-needed consensus.

Madam President, Mr Commissioner, dear colleagues, today is another important historical moment for Ukraine and its brave people who, despite the absolute atrocities committed by the Russian terrorist regime, continue to pursue their dream of European Union membership and to implement a comprehensive programme of political, legal and economic reforms. We are united by our common dream and goal to bring Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and the Western Balkan countries into the European Union as equal among equals. As we continue our strong support to these countries, let us not forget that the European Union itself must prepare for future enlargement. We need to adapt the European Union’s institutional financing and decision-making arrangements and this must be undertaken without any delay. Let us take inspiration from candidate countries, like Ukraine, and prepare our Union to become not only geographically larger, but also economically, geopolitically stronger and more secure for our citizens. Finally, let me commend the European Commission for a very solid enlargement report with a clear geopolitical footprint.

Thank you, President of the sitting, dear colleagues, first of all, to all the conscious European citizens who have voted in favour of this important initiative. Europe is free from the torture of fur animals. I could not call this initiative otherwise. And I am convinced that the institutions of the European Union must now respond quickly to those voices of millions of citizens, to their opinions and to come to a reasoned conclusion. Indeed, Europe is mature for such a decision and any delay is hardly justified. I am really pleased to announce that Lithuania was the last country in the European Union that, in October, the Sejm – the parliament – took the decision to end the torture of animals from 2027 onwards. This is a good example. Finally, my colleagues: Shouldn't we call it a ban? It is simply a restriction in the public interest.

Mr President, honourable High Representative, President-in-Office of the Council, colleagues and colleagues. Europe does not have the privilege of living by ignoring the radically changed geopolitics. The Western political and security system is faced with direct and dangerous challenges, which represent a change in the conditions of play and life. The European response must not be based on initiatives by individual Member States and calls for coalitions, but on a united and timely response from the European Union. Admittedly, the application of qualified majority voting in security and foreign policy is inevitable and necessary. The soft and economic power of the European Union must be complemented by political and hard power. Europeans must feel safe and our partners must feel directly supported. By deepening the integration of the European Union and accepting new members within our borders, we are creating a new and sovereign geopolitical area for the European Union that complements the transatlantic axis and our cooperation in a coherent way. Dear colleagues, the choice is simple: Either we create geopolitics together, or geopolitics will take over us.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, even after eleven months of sanctions, after the eleventh package of sanctions, convertible currency is flowing into the Russian budget. Every euro has enabled Russia to continue its war against Ukraine, to kill and to destroy. Greek tankers willingly serve Russian oil exports. Lithuanian carriers do not refuse cargo to Russia, Belgian diamond makers do not get rid of Russian stones. What to do? We can talk about it, but what can we really do about it? In the first eight months of this year, German exports to Kyrgyzstan increased fourteenfold. It's hard to understand, but these are the numbers that enable Russia to go to war. Colleagues, I propose one simple solution. I propose to put an end to development cooperation programmes with those third countries that are involved in the circumvention of Western sanctions. Typically, take and make. Humanitarian aid is one thing, development cooperation aid is another, and let us do it now.

. – Dear President of the sitting, Commissioner, dear Ukrainians, colleagues and colleagues. Today marks 600 days when Russian aggressors are systematically destroying the country's infrastructure, killing the Ukrainian people and committing other terrible war crimes. The war launched by Russia against Ukraine and its cost is enormous. It will take decades for the country and its economy to recover. The European Union's decision to establish a long-term support programme for Ukraine for 2024-2027 is a truly welcome step. This clearly confirms the solidarity of our policy towards Ukraine and is therefore real action. It is important for all of us that the Ukraine Support Programme enables a deep modernisation of the country's economy, improves energy efficiency and, in the long term, leads to an increase in people's incomes. I stress that the full and responsible involvement of the Ukrainian side of the government, the Verkhovna Rada, is essential, including the involvement of social and economic partners. The Ukraine Instrument is a truly good example of the partnership between the European Union and Ukraine. This is the way forward. Restoring Ukraine's economic potential and advancing society will become the best symbol of Russia's imperial defeat. I believe that!

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, let me start by welcoming Ahmad Massoud, a leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, present with his delegation here in this hall. I am saluting you as a son of the great Ahmad Shah Massoud, a great leader and guerrilla leader of Afghanistan decades ago. Thank you. Despite the announced general amnesty by Taliban, many former Afghan Government officials and armed force members, as well as human rights defenders, are facing direct harassment, imprisonment, torture and revenge killings. Hundreds and hundreds of cases of such violations have been reported. These persecuted people have no place in a country ruled by Taliban. Colleagues, I appeal to you to support the nomination of the Afghan education rights activists Parasto Hakim, Marzia Amiri and Matiullah Wesa for this year’s Sakharov Prize. It would be the best way to salute those people fighting for democracy and different (end of speech off mic) ...

Mr President, Mr Commissioner, Council Representative, dear colleagues, the Republic of Moldova’s future is closely linked to full membership of the European Union. At this point in time, it is essential, on the one hand, to continue and complete the reform of state institutions and to strengthen them, and, on the other hand, to increase Moldova’s resilience to threats from Russia. In particular I would like to stress that it would be a mistake to underestimate the activities of corrupt and Russian-influenced and controlled political parties acting against the state and its citizens. The development of loyalty in Gagauzia and the dominance of the country’s constitution in Transnistria are of great importance for the essential stability of the country and its prospects. We must continue to give our full support and assistance to the democratic government and people of Moldova in meeting these challenges. More importantly, we must open EU accession negotiations with Moldova by the end of this year. Mulțumesc.

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, Council representative, dear colleagues, everyone would agree that for too long Nagorno-Karabakh has been associated with military conflict, deportations, human suffering and non-compliance with numerous ceasefire agreements. The Soviet dictatorship's tradition of red pencil borders and Russia's policy of regional domination have fundamentally disturbed and crossed nations and peoples. Peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through genuine dialogue between Armenia, Azerbaijan and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. I call on the European Union to learn from past mistakes and take an active role in preventing the ethnic cleansing of Karabakh Armenians and their cultural heritage, and a new military escalation against Armenia.

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, a prominent academic, civil activist, and campaigner against corruption and for democratic reform, was forcibly arrested and detained with limited access to a lawyer on 23 July this year. Mr Ibadoghlu is also the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Democracy and Prosperity Movement. Because he challenged the kleptocracy, he now faces 12 years in prison. We must demand that the Azerbaijani authorities stop persecuting Dr Ibadoghlu and release him immediately. His unlawful detention, as well as the ongoing persecution of civil rights activists, journalists and opposition politicians in that country must be considered the main obstacle to the development and deepening of EU-Azerbaijan relations.

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, thank you, first of all, to all of you who spoke out in favour of a different Belarus – one that is sovereign, democratic and European. That is our common goal. I agree with the call to continue our unconditional support for the Belarusian democratic opposition and civil society, which are best placed to influence change, to provide independent information and the necessary support to the people of Belarus wherever they are. I do not know how long this struggle will take, but we have no right to become tired or despondent. I call on the EU institutions and Member States to continue to increase the pressure on the Lukashenko regime through extension of sanctions, through the personal financial pursuit of those who enable the regime and through the detailed preparations for the international tribunal for war crimes against Ukraine. Let us develop a genuine political dialogue with the Belarusian democratic forces on the European perspective of Belarus. Let us prevent further ambitions of Russian imperialism. I thank you all, and I wish to turn our words into deeds. To our freedom and yours.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, in preparing this report on the EU’s relations with Belarus, we had a solid consensus with representatives of the main political groups. I thank you, my colleagues, the shadow rapporteurs. This report reaffirms our shared commitment to a democratic future for Belarus. The founding values of the European Union are incompatible with the policies of the Lukashenka regime and its ruthless repression of opponents and drivers of change. Our common goal is to maintain the unconditional support of the EU and its Member States for the Belarusian democratic forces currently mainly based abroad and giving the people of Belarus hope for a different future. Let us not give up the fight for the human rights of the Belarusian people, because in doing so we confirm our own values. The fiercely persecuted political prisoners, who have been subjected to torture, humiliation and oppression, and their families, must continue to receive support from the international community. Let me just remind you that Belarus remains one of the few countries in the world where a Nobel laureate is imprisoned. Ensuring that persecuted people are able to leave for safe countries is not a matter of choice, but of our unconditional commitment. The struggle for the democratic and European future of Belarus is also taking place in Ukraine, where Belarusian volunteers are fighting shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian defenders against the Russian oppressor. They are kind of the 21st century rebels of Kastus Kalinouski’s struggle for freedom. They need our recognition and support. The way forward for Belarus is Europe, breaking free from Russia’s grip and building its national identity. I congratulate all Belarusian enthusiasts who, since the beginning of 2022, have consistently pursued the path of European choice and tried to awaken genuine European ambitions among their fellow citizens. I believe that the democratic Belarusian opposition, in building a vision of a European Belarus eventually integrated into the EU, will follow the path of collective cooperation and will exorcise the ghosts of historical revisionism. The Sakharov Prize awarded by the European Parliament in 2020 to the democratic opposition in Belarus is a commitment between us to inevitable change. I sincerely believe that this European Parliament report will empower all the EU institutions and Member States to take a unified course and, ultimately, lead to democratic change. We are witnessing a global struggle for an approach from Lisbon to Minsk. That is Europe’s challenge to the dictators of the East today. Let us help the democrats of Belarus to return to their homeland and to create in it a part of Europe that we all share and cherish. (The speaker used a slogan in a non-EU language)

Dear colleagues, I do share your legitimate concerns, since Ukrainian grain primarily is not oriented to be transported and sold on the EU markets. It is clear, but I do see a lot of technical possibilities to monitor this situation, to use the most advanced GPS or digital monitoring systems along the transport corridors in order to bring Ukrainian grain from Point A in Ukraine to the ports of the export destination. It is so easy. That’s why I wish to abstain from sending a very negative message to Ukraine by prolonging restrictions and it’s why I wish to work on more bilateral basis. I am sure Poland will be a good partner in this regard.

–Madam Chair, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Ukrainian grain has been and continues to be a lifeline for many people in third countries increasingly facing food insecurity and hunger. Grain exports are also a vital part of the revenue for the Ukrainian budget. While the Black Sea grain initiative was in place, Ukraine supplied the World Food Programme with more than 80 % of all its grain. Ukrainian grain reached Afghanistan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, and more. Ukrainian grain, destined primarily to the third countries, must be transported via EU Member States in an orderly manner with digital monitoring in place. I therefore call on the European Commission not to prolong the restrictive measures and to address the infrastructure and monitoring of Ukrainian exports in cooperation with the relevant EU Member States and international organisations. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question)