Speeches

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, the European Union’s trade with the aggressor state, Russia, and its supporter, Belarus, is immoral and must be stopped. No matter what is traded, or who is trading, the proceeds serve the military objectives of the aggressors, ultimately against Ukrainians and all of us. Russia and Belarus sold more than 1.5 million tonnes of grain to the EU market last year. We’re allowing the aggressors to continue to worsen the situation of our farmers by creating unfair price competition. We must stop the imports of grain and other Russian and Belarusian food products into the EU market as soon as possible. It’s not a matter of survival for us, but allows Russia and alike to continue war crimes. It’s not about economy, it’s rather about politics. That’s why I call on the European Union to take this important decision without any further delay.

Mr President, dear colleagues. I am very grateful to you for a very fruitful and constructive discussion, because you have been speaking from your own experience. You know best how much membership of the European Union can change and influence the future and situation of a Member State. I very much hope that you will bring this message to your constituents as well. For example, during the election campaign to the European Parliament, we must speak openly with our citizens, with our constituents, with Europeans, so that we can also listen to their arguments, their concerns and explain the situation. There is no need to be scared: we can overcome both the whole package of European reforms and prepare for enlargement and welcome new members if we have a road map. I very much hope that this issue will be one of the central issues during the election campaign. Of course, the next European Parliament and the next European Commission will have to take very responsible decisions. I hope for their constructive attitude, our unity, so that we can do what we have been talking about for a long time. And, of course, to conclude, I want to say that only united and strong we can overcome all the challenges of the future. There will be no shortage of them, but the more united and stronger we are, the more confident we will be in overcoming that path. I thank all those who have participated in the debate once again, all the rapporteurs. This confirms once again that we are clearly and responsibly accepting today's challenges and trying to address them together and in a timely manner.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues. The European Union, as a project for cooperation, stability and democracy for Europeans, is once again being tested in time, but it is a strong idea that unites the continent. The achievements and ambitions of European Member States inspire other countries to seek and join membership. This is the right choice, which is confirmed by real life and its changes. Let us be honest, the changes brought about by the enlargement of the European Union, the growth of economic prosperity, the new prospects for societies, the growing international power and influence of the European Union only confirm the achievements of the enlargement policy. Together we are stronger. The ability of the European Union to make use of the established procedures of the enlargement negotiation process establishes equally objective and mutually beneficial conditions. Enlargement is a reform path that ensures the entry into force of European law and the enforcement of sectoral policies, combining national and Union competences. The accession process of the Candidate States determines their future success. To date, no Member State of the European Union has been able to adopt a significant and positive comprehensive change by example. That was and will continue to be the case. We are now on the brink of a new European history, beyond which there is an opportunity to complete the process of European unification in a fundamental way. Eastern European and Western Balkan countries can and must replicate previous successes in the enlargement process. Candidates are seeking. The European Union must create as clear a playing field as possible in the future enlargement process. The progress shown by Candidates in reforms and negotiations is a decisive criterion for accession, but the upholding of fundamental democratic values and the European Union's common foreign and security policy is critical. Candidate countries must choose which area of values and security they want to integrate into. Of course, enlargement also changes the European Union, its sectoral policies, and requires additional financial resources. Inevitably, we must improve and make more effective the decision-making of the European Union by reducing the influence of the right of veto on the decisions that determine the future of the European Union. I agree that the process of enlargement and reform of the European Union must go hand in hand, taking into account the speed of decision-making. We need to strengthen competitiveness and security by strengthening the European Union from within and uniting the European continent. This is the future of Europe that Europeans need. Allow me, dear colleagues, to thank all those who drafted this report, in particular Pedro Pereira, my colleague from the Committee on Constitutional Affairs. It was a good team that I hope will continue its work in the future, because this report will have to be implemented.

Madam President, Council representative, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the war in Ukraine, Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine require an urgent and strong EU capacity to respond adequately to the situation. Limited defence budgets of Member States, insufficient defence industrial capacities and slow collective EU action are the main reasons for the EU’s insufficient response towards war on our continent. Colleagues, the European Commission must establish a kind of war cabinet, now and fully operational. It must consist of the President of the Commission and several key Commissioners responsible for finance, defence industry and common security and defence policy. Secondly, decisions on a compulsory contribution from Member States to military support for Ukraine must be taken. A common level of support from national budgets is essential. Certain derogations can be provided to neutral ones. And thirdly, the EU must use the instrument of European bonds to finance long-term defence and production capabilities, which must form the basis for the future creation of the European Defence Union.

Mr President, Council Representative, Commissioner, the important decision on the Ukraine Facility confirms the EU’s commitment to providing long term assistance to war-torn Ukraine. The EU is sending a strong and clear message to the Ukrainians: we are with you and our support will remain with you. The EU’s commitment to a reformed and democratic Ukraine enters a new phase. The Ukraine Facility is a unique financial and reform instrument that sets out a mutual commitment and a roadmap for change. The EU’s ambition to set clear conditions – respect for democratic values, rule of law and human rights – is embraced by Ukraine’s long-term policy. Through the Ukraine Facility, we seek to preserve the stability of Ukraine statehood, its capacity to resist Russian aggression and to guide future reconstruction efforts. I congratulate us all on this decision and look forward to its responsible implementation for the benefit of Europe as a whole. Let’s get started the engine of Ukraine Facility.

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.