Speeches

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, 90 years ago, the Soviet Government’s attempts to break the will of the people of Ukraine and other regions, to force them to accept the Soviet regime and the abandonment of private property and agriculture turned into a bloody action: the Holodomor. The Soviet Government, which called itself socialist, supposedly working for the good of the people, organised the Holodomor by deliberate and systematic measures. It deprived the peasants of their stocks of grain and other foodstuffs, and imposed martial law, inhuman punishments and persecutions. Punishments up to 10 years in a penal colony or in prison awaited the collection of a few ears of grain in the fields. This applied to everyone, including minors. The Soviet authorities, seeing the enormous number of starving and dying people and entire families dying of starvation, acted cynically and used genocidal methods. Already then, the Soviets resorted to propaganda, hosting foreign journalists favourable to them, who were shown a reality created by deception. This old school of propaganda still exists in Russia today. Dear colleagues, I welcome the European Parliament’s determination to recognise the Holodomor as a genocide against the Ukrainian people. The call for Russia to recognise this crime is equally important. Because only such steps would show that Russian society coming to terms with history, and that it is determined not to repeat such unforgivable mistakes in the future. The social experiments of totalitarian systems based on collective violence, and radical and ideological actions must receive the necessary evaluation and response. As we commemorate 90 years of the Holodomor, and express our condolences to the victims, let us do our utmost to help Ukraine defeat the Russian aggression, who once again threatens the existence of this brave nation and resilient country.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, foreign interference and attacks on our democracy’s fundamentals should be treated as hybrid attacks and crimes, which must be punished accordingly. We must understand that such attempts are primarily directed against our citizens and their democratic and free choice. Therefore our response should include, among other measures, sanctions against third—country institutions, persons or entities that carry out such malign attacks. I therefore call for EU sanctions mechanisms to be complemented by measures that give due weight to interference in the internal affairs of Member States and the Union and ensure democratic stability. We must act effectively to deter future attacks against our societies.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Belarus is a hostage of post-Soviet tyranny. The prosecution of critics and political opponents and fierce violence continue to dominate the Lukashenko regime’s policies. This year’s Nobel Peace Prize for the Belarus human rights organisation ‘Vesna’ is a symbol of the understanding we all have of what is really happening in Belarus and of the support expressed to its democratic opposition and civil society. We must do everything possible to ensure that political opponents and civil society activists return to freedom from overcrowded Belarusian prisons. It is they, together with the country society, not Lukashenko’s gang, who will determine the future of Belarus. I invite you to continue to strengthen our joint action to help the people of Belarus to move away from their dictatorial past. We must continue diplomatic and political pressure, as well as strengthen economic sanctions against the Lukashenko regime. Let us be under no illusions, this is a terrorist policy regime just like the one in the Kremlin.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan has turned this country, ravaged by decades of conflict and tension, into a radical Islam reserve where entire social groups, primarily minorities and women, have become second-class citizens. The Taliban’s systematic action in restricting women’s social and political rights and denying girls access to education is inexcusable. It is a complete waste of the progress of the last 20 years and a reversal of the promise of a better future. The Taliban’s actions deserve to be clearly labelled as gender-based apartheid. These are crimes that must be immediately ceased, investigated and punished. I call on the ICC Prosecutor to immediately undertake an investigation into the Taliban’s crimes of discrimination against and attempted erasure of women and girls from public life. I also call for more EU and international efforts to support women’s rights defenders and for continued action to empower Afghan women and girls.

Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, dear colleagues, who may deny that our excellent decision – I mean to call on Russia as a state—sponsor of terrorism. Our IT systems are down. I think it’s a very clear message. Moscow is watching us, following and making some conclusions. Good luck for you. You will be down, not us. Today, colleagues, more than ever, Ukraine is facing a greater need for extensive support from its partners. Russia’s war of aggression is destroying Ukraine’s economy and pushing its population into energy and social poverty, terrorising its people, with more than 25% being internally displaced and 7 million fleeing abroad. Ukraine has mobilised all its financial resources to fight for its survival and the protection of its population. I congratulate the European Union and its Member States, as well as the outstanding commitment of civil society to help Ukraine through this difficult time. We must realise that by supporting Ukraine and its people we are reaffirming the meaning of European solidarity. Slava Ukraini!

Madam President, Commissioners, honourable colleagues. Lukashenko, who has illegally seized power in Belarus, continues to support Russia’s aggression and is directly involved in the war against Ukraine. Last summer, with the help of migrants, Lukashenko launched a hybrid attack against neighbouring countries of the European Union: Lithuania, Poland and Latvia. Today, he empowers Russia’s aggression against Ukraine by allowing the use of Belarusian territory for lethal attacks that destroy Ukrainian cities and destroy civilians. In recent statements, Lukashenko speculates on unjustified threats to Belarus and illegally threatens to use military force against peaceful neighbours, including European Union Member States. I call on the European Union External Action Service and the Member States to show determination and finally to reduce their diplomatic presence in Minsk. And send Belarusian diplomats occupiers from their capitals accordingly. It is inexcusable that the same individuals who are proposed to be sanctioned and prosecuted for crimes against humanity enjoy diplomatic immunity in the West. Our solidarity with the people of Belarus must remain. We must continue to strongly support the pro-European activities of the Belarusian opposition and provide the necessary support. I stress my support for the freedom fighters who are fighting for Ukrainian freedom in the Kalinauskas and Vytis battalions. I call on the European Commission, which is currently preparing the ninth package of sanctions, to add to it the Belarusian military and officials responsible for the military aggression against Ukraine and the repression of Belarusian civil society. For our freedom and yours! Come to Belarus!

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, do we have enough evidence that Russia is committing state terrorism during the war of aggression against Ukraine? Yes indeed. At this very moment, Russia is carrying out massive missile strikes against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. It is enough to remember the strikes on the Kramatorsk railway station and the Mariupol theatre, with clear indication that it sheltered children. Cities such as Mariupol, Volnovakha, Rubizhne, Popasna, Lyman and Severodonetsk were completely destroyed. In some of them, massive graves as in Bucha, Irpin and Izyum were discovered. More than 400 Ukrainian children have been killed and more than 700 wounded since the beginning of the Russian invasion. More than 2 600 educational institutions have been destroyed or damaged as a result of Russian terrorist attacks. We must recognise and include Russia among the state sponsors of terrorism. Putin and his government must be held accountable before an international tribunal. Only then will justice be served.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, Putin’s Russian aggression against peaceful Ukraine is destroying homes and lives. It is causing terror, uncertainty and pain for the people of Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has turned more than 7 million innocent Ukrainians into refugees, more than the entire population of Bulgaria, or two of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The brutal actions amount to a crime against humanity. Once again, I would like to thank all those who have taken Ukrainian refugees into their homes, cared for them and provided them with a safe haven. It is a true demonstration of European humanism and solidarity. Only together can we overcome all the difficulties and defeat the enemy that threatens our lives and well—being. Slava Ukraini!

Madam President, as the war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine goes on and on, it gets more complicated, in various forms of intimidation and annexation. Just recently, Putin announced about the confiscation of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, the far biggest in Europe, and it happens just days before the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency visits Moscow and Kyiv. So, colleagues, with your permission and understanding, I want to move an amendment which would go as ‘denounces the Russian presidential decree of 5 October 2022 designating the Zaporizhzhia NPP “federal property” and instructing the Russian government to take over its control’. It can't happen unpunished.

Mr President, Mr Commissioner, dear colleagues, Haitians have become hostages to widespread organised gang crime. Their future is determined by criminals seeking only personal gain. The deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country is devastating. Insecurity and lawlessness have taken over. The COVID pandemic, the economic crisis, the conspiracy against the President and the earthquake are the road to the humanitarian abyss. All this coincides with a crisis of governance and corruption that is deeply rooted in Haiti. The main hostages of this situation are the Haitian people, who are deprived of jobs, security, public services and even daily food. We as the European Union must provide at least minimum guarantees for the physical security of the people, for their food security and access to medical services. I also call on the responsible EU institutions to focus on providing assistance to women victims of violence and sexual abuse and on reducing illiteracy in Haiti.

Mr President, Mr Commissioner, Minister, dear colleagues, allow me, first of all, to begin by expressing the condolences of the Renew Europe Group to all the people of Pakistan, and in particular to those affected by the catastrophic flooding caused by monsoon rains this summer. Special condolences to the people of Balochistan and Sindh provinces. In September, we, as a delegation, visited Pakistan and saw first—hand the gravity of the humanitarian situation. Life has become difficult too for over 30 million people in Pakistan, with almost 1 million houses uninhabitable. The consequences of the floods are severe for all and have spared no one. I witnessed it at the Afghan refugee camp, where already modest houses have turned into piles of clay. Pakistan needs our immediate support and humanitarian aid. Dear colleagues, climate change is turning into an invincible disaster that is punishing humanity more and more severely. We need to recognise this and take the necessary steps. Let us ensure that the EU budget is adequately prepared to meet awaiting challenges and allows us to properly respond to all the humanitarian needs of the people of Pakistan.

Mr President, Commissioner, Minister, dear colleagues, the Kremlin’s long—term, systematic and very poisonous disinformation and propaganda war against the West has been aimed at weakening our value orientation and our adequate perception of reality. Let’s admit, Russia’s state information policy has imposed influence on us and our partners’ – such as Ukraine in particular – societies for decades and has managed to create confusion in people’s minds, attempting to weaken critical thinking and trust in state institutions and democratic processes. We must end the presence of the Kremlin and Russia’s state-sponsored propaganda and disinformation channels in our information space – though it’s nothing to do with information – because it is unjustifiable. The Kremlin’s empire of lies cannot be accepted in the West and our societies. We must curb the cases in which Russian—funded European NGOs, political, scientific and cultural institutions become agents of influence on our side.

Madam President, President of the Commission, High Representative, ministers, dear colleagues, it’s probably time to end our empty insignificant disagreements and to focus on real things, on things which shape the present world and our future. Putin, who claims to be the ruler of the world, wanted to conquer Ukraine and enslave its people in three days. Not only has this failed, but it has turned into a continuation of the atrocious crimes against humanity and the shameful defeats incurred by the Russian aggressor. Realising his impotence in the face of a heroic Ukraine, its resistance and nationwide mobilisation, Putin has resorted to the tool of annexation of temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories in order to create a situation of permanent war. It is as a state of terrorism acts in today’s politics, and that is what I call the Russian State, which supports and implements a policy of terrorism. The civilized world must respond to Russia’s colonial war aggression with even stronger sanctions and increased support for Ukraine. Russian policy also demonstrates a turning point from adherence to the international law-based order. To the outside world, it became opportunistic and unpredictable and, domestically, it resulted in a deep moral and social degradation of the Russian state. It is high time to realise that our trade, Western trade, and our economic relations with the Russian aggressor is not an option. It must discontinue. In these extraordinary circumstances, Ukraine needs security guarantees now, not in the distant future. Now is the time for Ukraine when its fate is being decided and the well-being of the Ukrainian people is at stake. It is a time when European security is being challenged and to be decided for next decades. NATO membership for Ukraine is the solution and we need to reap its benefits now as soon as possible through additional formats of cooperation and partnerships. Long live Europe and Slava Ukraini!

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Putin and his regime are stealing Ukrainian children and the country's future. By forcibly deporting Ukrainian civilians, by changing their citizenship, by allowing the speedy adoption of Ukrainian children, and by rewriting Ukrainian textbooks in the occupied territories of Ukraine, he and his entourage are seeking to destroy the Ukrainian identity and the Ukrainian nation. These actions amount to genocide. All those who contribute to the implementation of this policy must be subject to EU sanctions and prosecution before a future tribunal. I call on the EU and its Member States to contribute to a mechanism to facilitate the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian civilians. I express my gratitude to all those who, in spite of personal danger, are restlessly working to locate, forcibly deported Ukrainians, including forcibly adopted children, and to return them safely home. Ukraine's victory against unprovoked Russian aggression is our common goal. We must continue to support the heroic people of Ukraine so that they and their future – their children – are safe. Slava Ukraini.

Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, this week Ukrainians began harvesting their vast, fertile fields. More than 40 million tonnes of grain are expected. Whether this and last year’s harvest will be delivered to the dozens of countries where this grain means starvation or life will depend to a large extent on our immediate action. Russia will take no steps to prevent famine in many countries in Africa and the Middle East. Creating artificial famines is part of Russia’s legacy. In the 1930s, the last century, Soviet Russia perpetrated the inhuman Holodomor, starving millions of Ukrainians to death. I urge the European Commission and the Member States to work together with the international partners to assist Ukraine in creating safe export corridors and restoring safe navigation through the Black Sea. Russia must be pressed and reasoned to accept an uninterrupted maritime corridor for agricultural products in order to alleviate the food crisis it has created.

Mr President bless you, Madam President, Commissioner, Mr Minister, dear colleagues, Europeans have every reason to be proud of and confident in the project of a united Europe, guaranteeing peace, security and prosperity. Our Eastern partners – Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia – have chosen and proven that they deserve the European path. We must now walk this path together and finally consolidate the victory of liberal democracy over Eastern totalitarianism. I firmly believe that an independent and democratic Belarus will repeat its march towards Europe as well. The historic decision to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova and to encourage Georgia to continue on its path will reinforce the EU’s status as an important geopolitical player. Let me congratulate the people of Ukraine and Moldova on their achievements and encourage the people of Georgia to stand united and persevere in their legitimate European aspirations.

Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, a free and independent media is an integral part of Georgia’s EU candidacy. However, such unacceptable actions as the silencing of critical journalists, restricting their access to information, and openly threatening and prosecuting them are moving Georgia further away from this ambition. The European Union, as a guardian of fundamental freedoms, has protected and will continue to protect media freedom in Georgia, even if it means openly criticising the policies of those in power. There is no room for political meddling in the media. If previously the European Parliament used to naively hope for the goodwill and understanding of the Georgian Government, we are now demanding a change in the state’s policy and attitude. It is time for Tbilisi to understand what is at stake for the future of the country.

Madam President, the continent of Europe is no longer divided into Eastern and Western Europe. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine was a uniting factor, which brought us to the need for strong and reliable common security and defence policy. The EU must draw conclusions from unprovoked Russian military aggression in Ukraine. The EU must further strengthen the political and operational dimensions of its common security and defence policy. It is vital that the Eastern Partners do not remain in a grey zone of insecurity, or become isolated in a security vacuum. It is important to involve the Eastern Partners in the formulation and implementation of EU security and defence policy. In order to have a safer tomorrow, we must act today. The European security architecture that can cope with external risks and threats must be inclusive of Eastern Partners. It must be capable of mobilising our defence capabilities and superior to the technological competences of potential adversaries. I urge the European Commission and the Council to assess the possibility of establishing permanent cooperation structures with the Eastern Partners in the field of security and defence. This is both necessary and mutually beneficial.

Mr President, dear colleagues, dear Ukrainian colleagues, the war of aggression launched by Putin against Ukraine is primarily directed against Ukrainian civilians, making them the main targets – an instrument of aggression. The Russian leadership and soldiers have become the perpetrators of genocide and face responsibility. It is only a matter of time before justice is delivered. We must do everything possible to ensure that the war crimes and crimes against humanity that have been committed in Ukraine are duly documented and investigated. The civilised world must send a clear message to Russia. War crimes will be punished and there will be no possibility of hiding. I call on the European Parliament to become as fully involved as possible in the investigations of Russian war crimes by organising public and documented hearings with victims and witnesses. Let us support the Ukrainians and their rightful demand for justice. Slava Ukraini!

Madam President, Mr Commissioner, dear colleagues, Dictator Lukashenko, a vassal of the Russian world, wants to erase Belarus’ statehood and independence. Civil society, human rights and political pluralism have no place in Lukashenko’s vision for the future of Belarus. The result of his almost three decades of rule: free—thinking and pro—European Belarusians are forced to seek refuge abroad. Having crushed and imprisoned the political opposition, Lukashenko has now set his sights on the independent trade unions that defy him. The political persecution and imprisonment of trade union activists is completely unacceptable, and requires our strong response. It is clear that Lukashenko can only be stopped by sanctions and the further isolation of the Belarusian regime. Let us not make the mistakes of the past, when it was thought that dialogue with him would reconcile the democratic choice. Lukashenko is just a vassal of Putin and will not become anything else. His attempt to balance himself and to seek contact with the outside world is merely an attempt to survive. Colleagues, while being critical about Belarus regime, I strongly believe in the European future of the Belarusian people. And very finally, let us not forget the nuclear power plant in Astravyets on the EU border, which threatens the whole of Europe.

Madam President, a year ago, I stood at this very same spot and noted with regret that a strong European Union response to the political prosecution and human rights violations in Cambodia was long overdue. I called for an immediate review of our relations with Cambodia. If you don’t trust me, ask the Cambodian opposition representatives seated in this hall and observing our discussion. Ask those who feel with their own lives the real business line of the Cambodian regime. Can representatives of the Council, the Commission and the EU Delegation to Cambodia present the results of their work to this Parliament? To what extent have the recommendations made in our previous resolutions been implemented? I do not see any improvement in the human rights situation in Cambodia. Let’s be clear: the opposition parties will not participate on an equal footing in the communal elections in June, the number of political prisoners will only increase, and the voice of the Cambodian people will not be taken into account. The EU must use all its tools at its disposal, such as preferential trade agreements and the EU Magnitsky Act, to send a clear message to the ruling Cambodian so—called People’s Party. Our solidarity and support is for the Cambodian people and should be directed accordingly.

Mr President, Russia’s military and hybrid aggression against Ukraine only confirms the global nature and importance of cybersecurity. Russia’s direct and indirect attacks against Ukraine have also increased the impact of the ongoing ‘Cold hybrid war’ on the West. Deterring cyber threats emanating from Russia and its allies, such as Belarus – don’t forget that – requires immediate attention to strengthening the EU’s cyber resilience. We need to reassess existing threats and take the necessary decisions to protect our critical infrastructure and, more importantly, our people. We need to understand that cyber threats are here to stay and can have serious consequences if not properly addressed. We must pay particular attention to protecting our information space and our people from Russian trolls and attempts to interfere in our democratic processes by manipulating public opinion. With Russia waging a brutal war against democracy and freedom in Ukraine, we no longer have the luxury of talking about action. Now it’s time to act and ensure the EU’s and our partners’ cybersecurity.

Mr President, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, responding to a request that he intervenes with Russia’s leaders, with whom he is in a very close partnership, to end the war in Ukraine, accused the West of disregarding Russia’s security concerns and stoking tensions between the two countries in a bid to weaken Russia. He blessed the Russian troops fighting in Ukraine later. Any religion can serve and become a tool in a war of propaganda and disinformation. That’s why, dear colleagues, I prepare and ask your support for the following oral amendment, I quote: ‘Condemns the role of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, Head of the Russian Orthodox Church, for providing theological cover for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Praises the courage of 300 priests of the Russian Orthodox Church who have signed a letter condemning the aggression, grieving over the ordeal of the Ukrainian people and asking to stop the war.’

Madam President, High Representative, Commissioner, dear colleagues, after his failed attempt to turn Ukraine away from Europe, Putin finds himself haunted by a question: What must Russia do with Ukraine? And his answer? I quote: ‘We do not need a Nazi, Banderite Ukraine which is an enemy of Russia and a tool of the West used to destroy Russia’. These lines are taken from an article by Ria Novosti, an official mouthpiece of the Russian state, in response to the Western sanctions to the massacre of civilians in Bucha. Does anyone in this Chamber who is in their right mind, question the existence of Russian fascism and chauvinism? The Russian regime is an enemy of the West – all of us. Dear colleagues, Western support for Ukraine must be based on the binary principle that either we are with Ukraine or we are against freedom, democracy and all the values that we cherish in the European Union. We must not even think about our discomfort or the disruption of our daily lives. We must do everything that is necessary to support the existential fight of Ukraine. I regret that the fifth EU sanctions package does not cover all fossil fuels. It really is a shame on us. We are not convincing Ukrainians that the European Union is doing all it can and must. Finally, High Representative, I call on the European Union to appoint a special representative for Ukraine in order to properly coordinate the delivery of all kinds of aid and the eventual reconstruction process. Let us get ready for this. We have to realise that the Conference on the Future of Europe, without the people of Ukraine, will never fulfil its main purpose. Let’s invite Ukrainians.

Madam President, while we’re sitting here women and girls in Afghanistan are being erased from all parts of society. Women and girls are effectively no longer able to receive an education, participate in public life, or no longer have full access to their bodies, their voice and their future. It is difficult to comprehend. Seemingly overnight, the Taliban has undone over 20 years of progress in the sphere of human rights and female empowerment. And today, women are once again second class citizens in Afghanistan. I stand in solidarity with the Afghan women who, in the face of state violence and arrest, protest and stand up to the de facto Taliban authorities and continue to actively demand the freedom, democracy and equal representation that they rightly deserve. The Taliban regime, which has forcibly taken control of Afghanistan, must adhere to the five benchmarks set out by the Council in order for future new engagement. And the West must present a united front and continue to push the de facto government into respecting the rule of law, human rights and, in particular, women’s rights. Otherwise, we cannot trust them to act responsibly with the human aid that we provide. We have to continue to express our support for Afghan women and girls. We have to give them the hope and we have to fight for their future. This is why, together with my colleagues, we put forward a proposal for the 2023 EU budget to provide funding to the Afghan online university. We believe it is important that Afghans in Afghanistan and abroad in refugee camps continue with their education despite poverty and oppression.