Speeches

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, a tuft of hair escapes the veil and a woman in Iran is killed; a ballet and five girls are arrested; A day behind the school desk and the students are poisoned. We can no longer tolerate violence that aims to deprive girls of the right to their future. Thousands of students have been victims of chemical weapons in recent months, a terrible and cowardly crime. Chemical weapons used in schools that represent the place par excellence of emancipation. Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, addressing this House today, was clear: Don't turn the other way. I want to say to Mrs. Ebadi, to the family of Mahsa Amini, to the five girls arrested, to the students who are afraid to go back to school and to all those who protest for their freedoms, that we will continue to work so that the Revolutionary Guard is considered a terrorist group, so that sanctions are implemented, so that no trade or financial agreement is carried out with the Iranian government. We will work for safe humanitarian channels for activists and continue to advocate for those who have been unjustly imprisoned and risk their lives. We support women and a free Iran. Woman. Life. Freedom.

Thank you, Mr. President. Dear Commissioner, I am happy to see you here today. I am convinced that these moments of exchange are essential to continue the path that brings our Union and the Balkan countries on the same track. Much has been said about the issue of Serbia's alignment with European foreign and security policy, in particular with regard to the sanctions applied to Russia. This is certainly a major issue, but there are other rule of law issues that deserve to be explored. Serbia has recently adopted constitutional reforms in the field of justice. I ask you, Commissioner, how you see these reforms. Is there enough progress for the country? And then, with regard to freedom of the press and the very poor representation of opposition in the Serbian media, how can the European Union facilitate a balanced narrative, free from disinformation and Russian propaganda, often precisely anti-European?

(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the green transition, the recovery of the pandemic and the digital revolution are shaping a fast-changing world and it is our task to ensure that no one is left behind. We need an inclusive digital economy, taking into account gender-specific needs, so that women and girls, in all their diversity, are not harmed or excluded from it. Supporting women's access to STEM, business and technology, not only ensures equality, but also ensures a decisive contribution that women can make to our economies. Work, which generates women's independence and economic emancipation, is fundamental to free them from violence in all its forms. That is why I support working with the United Nations to ensure that the Global Digital Pact is gender-sensitive. I close by addressing my colleagues, especially from the ID group and therefore from the League. I have spoken of women in all their diversity because I remember that every woman must be free to determine herself and to decide who she is. When the League talks about the negative effect that gender self-identification has on women's rights, it may forget that every individual is free to choose how to manage their body, without women's rights being defended at the expense of other rights.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the violent earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, causing tens of thousands of victims, marks the beginning of an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. It will be the most fragile people who survived the earthquake that will pay the highest price. I am thinking, in particular, of women and children. The Commission must support the implementation of the process of identification, census and search for children separated from their families and must step up special border surveillance to combat trafficking and illegal adoption of children. Dear Commissioner, I believe that Europe should call on the Member States to change the adoption procedures in order to quickly help those children who have lost their families as a result of the earthquake. In addition, we can already imagine building humanitarian corridors to facilitate the family cares that were so successful for the children, for example, of Chernobyl. Dear Commissioner, let us do something concrete.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, there are more than a million girls in Afghanistan who cannot go to school. Banning girls' education not only denies a fundamental right, but deprives Afghanistan of the professional, cultural, economic and social contribution of women, because without women's work the country will not be able to recover from the current situation, which sees 97% of the population in poverty and 20 million people suffering from acute hunger. At risk are all those essential services, normally run by women, essential to save lives, especially of girls and children. Today they are victims of violence, torture and sexual abuse, without being able to call for legal and health assistance. I call on the European institutions to support the granting of temporary visas for Afghan girls and women, so that they can find a safe environment in Europe and escape from hell. Let's not turn off the spotlight on Afghanistan, let's continue to denounce the abuses and violence that women suffer at the hands of the Taliban. Let's not leave them alone.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I think it is very important today to discuss this complicated picture, which sees on the one hand the emergence of different strains of respiratory and flu diseases that are associated with COVID and, at the same time, the shortage of certain types of medicines that are starting to become worrying for some countries. Some of the solutions have long been proposed by the European Parliament, which adopted the report on the shortage of medicines, the identification of medicines considered strategic, a coordinated European initiative for the supply of medicines, the strengthening of conditionalities linked to public funding for research and development, to give just a few examples. However, I believe that one of the priorities today is to push more and more with joint purchases and the coordinating role of the European Union, which have worked well for vaccines and which could also serve to address the shortcomings of recent weeks and are fundamental. It would be a huge mistake if Europe did not build on what happened during the pandemic, drawing on the best practices and successes we achieved during that complicated period.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality, minority rights, alignment with an environmental sustainability policy, a common foreign policy: These pillars, on which Europe cannot deal and on which it will not step back, because this is the starting point for a solid, credible and forward-looking enlargement policy. The last few months, in which we have seen peace in Europe at risk, have reminded us that enlargement policy is a decisive instrument for the European Union. Opening up our family by sharing values and responsibilities will strengthen the Union, increasing its centrality in the international geopolitical framework. We do not discount countries waiting to join, especially when it comes to values, democracy and rights. However, I call on Europe to strengthen its credibility vis-à-vis the countries involved. We are shortening the time to prevent citizens from losing hope, as is happening in Serbia, where the proportion of citizens who are in favour of accession is falling from month to month and is already below 50%. We introduce qualified majority voting to prevent regional downturns from putting the project at risk. We make citizens feel the benefits of being part of Europe during the accession process, not just at the end. At the same time, I call on the candidate countries to demonstrate their determination to become members of Europe through the adoption and implementation of reforms guaranteeing the rule of law and, at this difficult time, alignment with European foreign and security policy.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the news coming from Iran is terrible and frightening: More than 300 people have died, including 40 children, 14,000 arrests and at least six death sentences. Many of the women who started the protests are in prison, detained in atrocious conditions, victims of torture and rape. Yet the courage of women, young people, workers, many Iranians does not stop and continues to break down barriers, fueling the determination of the most prolonged protests in recent decades. Faced with this courage and the harrowing and harrowing demand for freedom, the European Union cannot stand by and watch. I welcomed the sanctions put in place, as well as repeated calls to free unjustly detained people, end violent repression, lift death sentences and ensure the free flow of information, including access to the internet. However, I believe it is important for Europe to be ready to provide real and useful support. We need a coherent and concrete European foreign policy that is able to act in a timely manner in relation to dictatorial regimes. We need a European strategy that enforces sanctions, isolates authoritarian governments and at the same time is close to countries that are embarking on a path towards the rule of law and European values. We will be very tough, but we will be equally supportive of civil society, of NGOs, of those who want to rebuild an economic, educational and health system that respects the rights of women and minorities and the freedoms of all. Woman, life, freedom. Women, Life, Freedom.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we can no longer postpone the alarm clock that dictates the rhythm of enlargement policy, which has been sounded for a long time and Putin's unjustified war in Ukraine has only turned this sound into alarm. The time has long, in fact, come to address with commitment and credibility the issue of the enlargement of the Union to the Western Balkans. We are talking about a part of the European family that we risk losing because we are disappointed and discouraged by our slow progress. In Serbia, polls say that only 46% of the population is in favour of joining Europe, a percentage that decreases from month to month. Years of European stalling have left room for ferocious Russian propaganda which, through disinformation and fake news, has drawn public opinion into its orbit. Enlargement policy is now more than ever a strategic investment for peace, security and stability across the continent. Of course, the European alarm clock is not enough. It is essential that these countries resolutely pursue the necessary reforms. Only through concrete guarantees on the rule of law, normalisation of relations with the neighbourhood and alignment with a common security and defence policy could we truly come together under the same European flag.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, this is an extremely important regulation. Indeed, the availability of recharging and refuelling infrastructure primarily for cars, light commercial vehicles and trucks, but also for the maritime and aviation sectors is a key parameter for determining the future market share of low- and zero-emission vehicles in Europe in the years to come. The more recharging points there are, the more attractive it will be for consumers and operators to switch to cleaner propulsion technologies, such as electric and hydrogen vehicles. Today we are at a crossroads: With this piece of legislation, we will set the course for the coming decades in the field of mobility, and it is an important step towards an energy-independent Europe with green renewables. Having charging points in adequate numbers, efficient and easy is the most correct way to make our desire to achieve the objectives of the Climate Law and REPowerEU. For a clean Europe, an energy-independent Europe, a stronger Europe.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I turn to you and ask you: In which direction is our European Union going? What has happened to the values of solidarity, peace and the defence of human rights that should guide and inspire the Union's actions? What has happened to international law, which stipulates that every person seeking protection must – and I stress – be welcomed in the countries to which he or she flees? What happened to our humanity? These are the questions that arise when I read the OLAF report and when I hear testimonies of very serious violations of fundamental rights by a European agency. It cannot be tolerated that an agency acting under the mandate of the Union does not respect its fundamental principles, violating conventions, codes, internal regulations. I am Italian, I know well what it means to see migrants disembark on their coasts, I understand the commitment that is asked of the country that welcomes them, but I also know what these people are fleeing from, something that leaves no escape. I have also seen with my own eyes the migrants who populate the Balkan routes, who walk barefoot in the snow in order to reach a hope and who suffer illegal pushbacks. Colleagues, it is time to have courage and finally reach a common policy to manage immigration, based on solidarity and cooperation inside and outside the Union and respecting the human rights of all, always.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Serbia has finally today, three months after last April's elections, announced the official results of the polls and will be able to work on the formation of a government from tomorrow. What this executive will have to face in the critical period we are experiencing are important, complex, as well as urgent decisions, action, together with the process of European integration, which only a responsible and forward-looking government can complete. We understand the difficulties and peculiarities of the historical reasons, we appreciate the efforts already made on reforms, as well as the commitment to welcome Ukrainian refugees, and yet it is not enough. We call on the Serbian authorities to have courage and to stand unambiguously on the side of the Ukrainian people, invaded without justifiable motivation and violated in their sovereignty. This also means defending the European values of democracy and freedom against Russian propaganda, which continues to infiltrate the Serbian media to subtly condition public opinion. Finally, I call on the Serbian Government to have the courage to reach an agreement that will bring about the complete normalisation of relations with neighbouring countries, an essential step in accelerating the European path. Take courage and Europe will be at your side to support you.

Mr President, following the vote on the amendments, on behalf of the rapporteur Ms Bonafè, I would like to request referral back to committee pursuant to Rule 59(4), in order to start interinstitutional negotiations.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, we tend to paint feminism as redundant and outdated. I am convinced that feminist struggles need our strength more than ever. The current challenge par excellence is that of climate change, a threat that hangs on our heads but above all on the heads of women. Many countries structured according to patriarchal patterns trap women in marginal roles, such as managing increasingly arid lands or sourcing increasingly scarce resources. The major international summits must develop concrete proposals and strategies to support women in the face of climate change, so that they are not forced to migrate, facing violence, exploitation, being denied access to health rights and services, including sexual and reproductive. It is necessary to offer girls opportunities for study in STEM subjects, which represent the future in the management of climate change. Being feminists today, colleagues, is important because it means fighting for a fairer, freer, more civilized and safer world for half of the world's population.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Madam rapporteur, Madam Commissioner, we are at the end of a journey that has led us to listen to the whole broad community fighting cancer. I would like to thank them first of all, the many scientific associations and societies, the world of volunteering, patients, the organizations that represent them, and then doctors and researchers, without whom we will have very little hope of defeating this evil. Today we are presenting to the House an ambitious text, which proposes many ideas, decisive for the years to come. Prevention first and foremost, but also early diagnosis, screening programmes, innovative care and research, social reintegration of survivors and the right to be forgotten. From a broader perspective, I believe that this plan must be placed within the framework of a true European Health Union, which we must build on the principles of equity in access, on the fundamental principle that health and care are for all, without social and territorial distinctions. There are still too many differences, even in terms of the fight against cancer, between European countries and even within the same countries. It is unacceptable that life expectancy in Europe today is so different depending on where you are born. The value of public health, universal and of quality, becomes evident today when we discuss cancers, but also research, which is directed towards the needs of patients and not towards partisan interests. We then recalled the connection between the environment and cancer, knowing that sustainable development also protects us from this disease. Our group has defended these principles in these months of work in the BECA Committee, building on what doctors and science told us, and will continue to do so in the future. To all those who have accompanied us on this journey we say: "Stay close to us again. This vote is not the end of a path in the fight against cancer, but rather the beginning of a still long road, which we want to do together with you.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank the Commissioner and my colleague, Mr Wölken, for their work together with the other rapporteurs on such a sensitive and important subject. I believe that the end result is a good compromise in the interest of all European citizens. Health technology assessment is an extremely delicate step, because it sometimes takes place with patients waiting for new treatment opportunities. At the same time, a rigorous process is needed, because no medical device or therapy can be approved without real added value for citizens. We are well on the way to greater integration and coordination between the different national authorities, knowing that this is one of the typical situations in which Europe can play a fundamental role in the interests of citizens and patients. I believe that this measure should be seen as a starting point, ready for further integration at European level, if the situation on this dedicated ground so requires.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, in order to tackle the issue of rare diseases and the European strategy to be implemented in this regard, two aspects must be taken into account: the problem of the availability of appropriate medicines and therapies and, at the same time, the problem of accessibility and the right to care for all patients, and in all European countries, when these therapies are already available. In this context, Italy, a few days ago, approved an organic and thorough law on rare diseases, to which it dedicates funds and programs both for research and in support of patients. However, it cannot be a theme left to individual states, because one of the fundamental problems of rare diseases is the scarcity of data that hinder the identification of therapies and clinical pathways. Above all, however, the Union must play a key role in coordinating, promoting good practice and, even more decisively, guaranteeing equal rights for all patients with rare diseases. I think especially of the children affected by such terrible diagnoses and their families. These diseases can only be effectively addressed at European level. It is therefore necessary to make the European plan for rare diseases a priority to be included in the context of the European Health Union, the implementation of which is becoming increasingly urgent, day after day. The Socialist Group stands by all the sick and their families and we call on the Commission to take prompt action to tackle this urgent issue with concrete measures.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, I would like to thank Mrs Montserrat and all the rapporteurs from the other groups for the work they have done together in recent months. I think the final text is really a result to be proud of. The pandemic has put health and the need for an efficient health and pharmaceutical system at the centre and at the service of citizens. With this pharmaceutical strategy we have restored dignity to patients, calling all stakeholders to their responsibilities. On the one hand, public authorities, European and national, which must support research and innovation to allow Europe to be independent also in the health sector, but, on the other hand, also private entities, which have enormous responsibilities, in particular when they enjoy public support and financial aid. Too many countries and too many patients in Europe do not have access to treatment, even life-saving, because their markets are not commercially viable. Too much discrimination still exists in Europe between more or less rich countries. This is no longer acceptable. Now is the time to create a true European Health Union, in which all citizens finally see their right to a public and quality health system recognised and guaranteed, with minimum standards of health performance valid throughout Europe. We need maximum transparency and traceability of public funds, with the pricing of drugs that cannot be determined by how important this drug is for patients, but that must be linked to the real costs of research and development. Binding marketing clauses are needed in all European countries to leave no one behind. Maximum effort is needed to link the pharmaceutical strategy to the themes of sustainable development and sustainable development. Green Deal. From today, work on these strategic issues for the future of our Europe begins, and does not end.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, despite the obvious success in its final results of the European strategy to combat the pandemic, we are all well aware of the extremely difficult scenes of national and European authorities mainly due to Europe's lack of direct expertise on health. I therefore welcome the Commission's proposal on the HERA authority as a first step, although we cannot consider it sufficient. We understand the difficulty of the Commission, which has been faced with a wall by some governments, which, after demonstrating their total inadequacy, unfortunately remain anchored to national logics with respect to global threats. Unfortunately, a light structure is not enough, but we need a real European authority with competences, adequate structures and resources, and it is no less acceptable for Parliament to be cut off from the governance of such an important sector. Parliament will have to claim a role, both in front of the Commission and in front of national governments, especially those who continue to have a short-sighted and selfish look at the most precious good of our citizens: health.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, in these difficult months of the pandemic, we finally have one thing clear: More Europe is needed, including in the area of health. Citizens are asking us to let Europe handle the big public health and health issues. Citizens do not understand how it is possible that in a continent that is now interconnected from all points of view, there are today so great disparities and inequalities in such a delicate and decisive area for people's lives. The reports under discussion, which relaunch European competences, are therefore good, with a greater role of responsibility for the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and for a stronger coordination of the fight against cross-border threats. These are two more pieces for the final goal: a European Health Union that guarantees minimum rights and benefits for all European citizens. A Europe that ensures a quality public health system for all.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, the pandemic has made us appreciate the competence and humanity of our doctors, the readiness of health workers, workers and workers in essential services, the generosity of our fellow citizens, but at the same time the pandemic has highlighted the fragilities of national health systems, the weakness of the response to the crisis that has been too fragmented among the 27. In the face of today's and tomorrow's threats, the national response is no longer enough. We need a stronger Europe with more expertise and more effective tools and, as part of the European Health Union project, a stronger role for the European Medicines Agency with adequate resources, expertise, including enhanced coordination, including with respect to national counterparts. This is a necessary innovation if we are to be ready to defend our fellow citizens, our health, our economies, in the event of pandemic events such as COVID-19.