Speeches

Madam President, it is of course important that we discuss the future of the Western Balkans, especially in the context of the Council, at the forum that is taking place - the EU-Western Balkans Summit. But don't let this forum become another filming. Let this forum also not be another single transferrable speech when it is spoken and nothing is said. I hope that the beginning of this mandate of the European Commission and the European Council will be fundamental to the enlargement of the Union itself. What do I mean? Let us ensure that the countries of the Western Balkans are prepared with their democracies long before they enter the European Union itself, meet these high standards of respect for human rights, and also have a real preparation for their economies. The development plan has provided a good basis, but we must ensure that this plan leads to investment and that the funds allocated to the countries of the Western Balkans are used for their intended purpose.

Mr President, these days mark 40 years of the so-called revival process, a cynical name for the attempt at total assimilation of the Bulgarian Turks in Bulgaria. Of course, these 40 years also have their backstory – what happened in the 1960s and 1970s with the story of our Pomaks brothers and sisters. What does a revival process mean? It's hard to explain in 30 seconds, but let me try. You are born Johann and a few years later you are renamed Ilian. It's different, isn't it? You speak your mother tongue and at some point you realize that you have to pay a fine. That's what my parents paid for. And when you disobey, there's a fight. And when you disobey again, more fights and jails and concentration camps. And so an identity is erased. These are some of the dark pages of Bulgarian history. And if you ask me right here, at the point of reconciliation between Germany and France, Alsace, whether the Bulgarian state has done enough, it has done almost nothing. Bulgarian justice was concerned with everything, but not with providing answers to the difficult questions that still remain.

Madam President, Atamana, Galata, Sharana, Diapers, Three Hicks - these are not the names of cartoon characters, nor are they superstars from the Hollywood industry, but voice buyers who are ready to do the largest vote-buying action in my country, Bulgaria. Of course, the action is followed by other things, and there are its prehistory as dismissals of people, as punishment for those who define themselves as naughty. And if you ask yourself why this is aimed at, there is only one goal - to recharge the power of Delyan Peevski once again so that he can manage the institutions in the country so that he can benefit uncontrollably from the democratic mechanisms of the country. This is not the rule of law I dreamed of. This is not the rule of law for which many have given their lives to be part of this democratic space. We need protection, but first we need to join forces to build this democratic immunity in Bulgaria. We will do it with the strong voice of the Bulgarian citizens on October 27th. But my request to the European institutions is to make sure that this phenomenon gets its political repercussions.

Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I am, of course, taking the floor in the presence of the European Commission to ask a fundamental question - how are the rules being respected in the EU? When there is a regulation or directive, does it apply to all countries and is subject to equal treatment, or can each country choose which to apply and which not to apply? My main question relates to the scope of Regulation No 883/2004 and I ask whether treatment is possible. This issue gained popularity in Bulgaria as the so-called "French unemployment" and despite the referral to the Bulgarian national authorities, mainly from the region of Blagoevgrad, 8 000 signatures were deposited at the registry of the Bulgarian institutions. And notice - silence. I asked the Commissioner for Social Policy of the European Union a question and he replied to me again in the same blanket way: ‘Every country can regulate its own legislation when it comes to the field of social policy’. This is a double standard, there cannot be one standard for Western European countries and another standard for Eastern European countries. I see that my fellow citizens, especially from Blagoevgrad, are harmed and we will seek our rights to the end. I speak for them, I speak for me.

Member of the Commission. - Mr President, I would like to draw the attention of the honourable plenary to a case that took place two weeks ago in Zollingen, Germany. Four Bulgarian citizens were set on fire. You're probably asking yourself why I'm talking about this. Is there a need because the European Parliament is neither a prosecutor's office nor a court? I put it in order that there may be justice to the victims of this act, which has been committed in Zollingen, and to the community which awaits such justice. My colleagues and I took part in a protest procession and it was peaceful. Various citizens participated in it, and many of them were actually Germans, and the call of this protest was Kein Hasse Solingen (We don't want hate.) However, along with this call, there was also a very strong call for the perpetrators of the crime to be identified. And we really owe it to them as a European civil society. However, there are also some doubts about the recent actions in Zolingen – how the building is being renovated, there have been attempts to push this building down. This in itself raises the big question of the objectivity of the investigation. We cannot cast any shadow on what is happening in Zollingen, and crimes cannot be left unsolved in any way.

Madam President, I am pleased that this report will be voted on tomorrow, because it is very clear, with concrete proposals that give two-way messages. The first message is that whoever fulfils the conditions can be part of the European Union. The second message is that enlargement policy can go hand in hand with the policy of deepening reforms within the European Union. And perhaps most importantly, this conversation finds its institutional framework here in the European Parliament. Let's be more honest with ourselves. If the worst had not happened, namely the war on European soil, what geopolitical outcome would the European Commission have taken into account? It's zero. Zero progress on enlargement policy. Twenty years in the Western Balkan countries are waiting to take a step forward. I think we owe them.

Madam President, of course this debate is very important, but it seems to me that it is very late. We look at it in the context of what happened four months ago, and it has deep roots. And the mistake we are once again making in the European institutions is that we are looking at the consequences, not so much the reasons for what happened. However, I agree with the general finding. We can only talk about a holistic approach and active fight against all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, speech and other forms of hatred when the measures cover the whole of society. And it seems to me that here we have to start first of all from education. The funds put forward in the European Commission's plan are too insufficient, but I respect the approach of talking to civil society. Secondly, the collective effort requires us to formulate what anti-Semitism and Islamophobia mean, to have a working concept. In how many of the European legislation and in the criminal codes of the Member States does the working concept of "Islamophobia" and "anti-Semitism" exist? Not much. There are efforts in some nation states to create a system of coordinators, to coordinate policy against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Why should this not be a European policy and there should be a special envoy from the European Union on these issues? Because, as you have already said, Commissioner, they are at the heart of European integration. And of course, last but not least, I think the attitude of this room. How many times have we witnessed indirect insults on the basis of ethnicity and religion being passed over without punishment? If we are not ready to sanction this behaviour of our colleagues, we will not be ready to meet the expectations of European civil society and to fight this evil because it is evil.

Mr President, the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area by air and water was received with different feelings. Some Bulgarian citizens and politicians mostly described it as a great success, others as a huge failure. I was among those who say that this is a step forward, clearly realizing that this is not what we have worked for and that this is not the fair solution for the Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, because since 2011 we have been waiting and fulfilling all the criteria, and we receive the assessment of the Council, the European Commission and here in the European Parliament with ever stronger and stronger resolutions. However, in the last few days we have also seen the consequences of the partial decisions of the European Council. The border between Bulgaria and Romania cannot be crossed in 12-14 hours. Cars, and more specifically heavy-duty vehicles, are experiencing enormous difficulties. Is this European integration? Austrian top-level politicians say ‘we have shoved ourselves in the wound’. Which wound? In the dignity, in the honour of those people who have been implementing all the decisions of the European institutions for years. It is time to correct this injustice. Decide in 2024 that the rules will ultimately apply to all European citizens.

Mr President, today we are reflecting on a classic dilemma: whether the enlargement policy is the product of geopolitical reasons or the product of Copenhagen criteria. The answer is clear. Geopolitics always has an advantage. This is what happened when my country Bulgaria joined the European Union. We were definitely not ready for all the criteria, but the leading base was the criterion. Yes, we had to meet the fundamental criteria of Copenhagen – the stability of institutions, democracy, the rule of law, respect for minority rights, the functioning of the market economy and the readiness to be part of a financial, economic and political union that would go along with all the other Member States already of the European Union. Today, however, we are faced with a more serious dilemma: whether we want to multi-commitmentally not just financially, socially and economically support the countries of the Western Balkans, plus Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia to this area that shares common values of the rule of law and democratic standards. And for me, the answer must be yes, definitely yes, if we want to be a geopolitical European Union.

Mr President, we come to a plenary today concerned again about the threats to the rule of law in the European Union. As the Liberals, we have spearheaded this cause and have led the defence of the rule of law each and every time anyone has attempted to confront it – just to name them, Poland, Hungary or today Spain. We are worried to see political concessions like an amnesty war or a parliamentary investigation of an independent judicial system. Sacrificing the rule of law and the separation of powers in exchange of votes to secure a government is political corruption and, I would say, a political mistake. Prioritising political wins over upholding legal institutions sets a dangerous trend, allowing politics to sway legal matters. It erodes the essential balance of power, a trait of every healthy democracy. Upholding the rule of law and an independent judiciary are non-negotiable here in this European House. That is why: Ciudadanos españoles, no estáis solos.

Member of the Commission. - Madam President, Prime Minister, colleagues, I have participated in such debates many times and all have concluded with the same conclusion. Debate on the domestic policy of Bulgaria. Let us make sure that this debate is not about Bulgaria's domestic policy, but about the future of Europe, in which I want Bulgaria to participate very actively and to use this pro-European majority for the necessary reforms, which are so urgent both in the national context and in the European one. If there is a consensus on one issue for years between the European Commission, MEPs, the Bulgarian national elite, this is the topic of Schengen. By the end of 2023, if Bulgaria and Romania do not join Schengen, we risk a lot as the European Union. We risk undermining the foundations of everything we have achieved in these more than 70 years. Why? Because Bulgarian and Romanian citizens cannot continue to be treated in the same way as they have been treated in recent years, because they are no different from German, Austrian, Dutch and other citizens. Because the Bulgarian economy is suffering enormous damage. And if we want to have a Union that is based on a strong economy that is competitive, a Union that relies on the single market, we need Bulgaria and Romania to be part of Schengen. Another topic that seems very important to me. I would like, Prime Minister, Bulgaria to be ambitious with its ideas, with its plans, with its proposals in the European institutions. We cannot have an EU that wants to have a strong foreign policy if we continue to make decisions in this way. It will always be too little, too slow. 27 countries come together, make decisions and how they do it, for months, with delay, with bargaining. There are a number of initiatives, including those of countries that are on our rug, so to speak, to change the way we make decisions. Move from unanimity to qualified majority. I know what these nationalist forces will tell me. Ilhan Kyuchyuk wants to promote the interests of the Western Balkans. It was never a topic. The topic of enlargement, enlargement policy, was not part of this debate. So let us be ambitious and accountable to the future of the EU, because it is a union of all of us.

Madam President, Commissioner, of course we must start by thanking you, because enlargement policy has not been the most popular in recent years in the European Union. And yet you managed to take it to a very serious level. Today, in addition to the traditional clichés in this room to talk about a plan, an economic plan that should be aimed at the social recovery of the countries of the Western Balkans mainly, but also others. If we have to look for news, there are actually two news stories. One news is about Ukraine and Moldova with the start of the negotiation process, and the other news is about Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. But I wouldn't be too hasty to say that this is some kind of historic decision. If it is to be assumed that it is historical in terms of being included for the first time, yes, it is historical, but many other historical decisions we have made here and have remained simply on paper. Let us think about how seriously these countries can gradually be integrated into the European Union and be realistic, enlargement will not happen today and tomorrow, but we must give them sufficiently clear messages and concrete steps, actions, in order to show them, above all, to the citizens of these countries, that they will belong to the European Union. And I welcome Roberta Metsola's proposal, giving these countries status, their politicians, to be here with you, with us, without having the right to vote.

Mr President, I wish to thank the Commissioner again for his concluding remarks and to thank colleagues for their input. I fully agree with those saying that we need more diplomacy and cooperation with Uzbekistan, not less. Let me conclude by saying what is the most important part of the discussion and what is the way forward, actually. First, I think we should continue to carefully monitor the NGOs and civil society registration process in Uzbekistan. This will be important both for human, environmental and labour rights under due diligence, and therefore also affecting the business and investment climate. Secondly, increase the EU-Uzbekistan security and digital engagement dialogues. This is a key prerequisite for EU and private sector risk assessment for existing, future and new supply chain hubs in the region, especially ahead of the new year’s investors’ forum. Thirdly, continuous support for international and EU-funded organisations like the European Neighbourhood Council, Human Rights Watch, and the ILO in order to conduct evidence-based research, data collection and surveying in Uzbekistan. This helps guide our choices and policies and should not be infringed under any circumstances. Fourthly, continue cooperation and exchanging with the European External Action Service, Member States, DGs and across political parties on the important new relationship with the EU, and develop the new Central Asia Asian Strategy together with Uzbekistan, both ahead of the Global Gateway Conference at the end of October, as well as in tandem with a potential summit visit next year. Thank you so much for having this discussion today. I think it is important to strengthen the relationship with Uzbekistan, and certainly I have many takeaways from you, colleagues.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, this report tells us a lot about it. Firstly, the EU-Uzbekistan relationship as of 2023 and the important transformation which Uzbekistan has gone through. Secondly, the new geostrategic importance of the EU’s Central Asian relations, with Uzbekistan playing a central role. Thirdly, the very positive regional integration initiatives, which have been taken by all Central Asian republics. And finally, the many hurdles, which still exist in terms of human rights and environmental protection, but which stand ready to be tackled and improved. I am proud to say that our House, the European Parliament, often manages to find a constructive consensus on difficult policies. Today’s report on Uzbekistan is no exception. Our report received broad and solid backing from across political parties as well as European institutions and Member States during the AFET Committee vote. One might start asking oneself: ‘Why is this report so relevant for the EU today, both here in Parliament as well as across other EU institutions and in Member State capitals?’ And I tell you the answer: it is because our relationship with Central Asia has changed dramatically since the war in Ukraine and because the relationship represents an important strategic milestone in EU foreign policy. And the number of visits to the region is unprecedented and speaks for itself. Times are changing fast and the EU of our early careers is becoming a mature union of principles, strategically sovereign choices and inevitable power projection, which comes with new responsibilities. The war in Ukraine told us that we must be able to defend our values and interests and seek out like-minded, new and independent partnerships for regional integration, water security, digital safety, supply chains, connectivity, critical raw materials and the environment, all of which are key in Uzbekistan and across other parts of Central Asia. This is because Uzbekistan and Central Asia are rich in minerals needed for our renewable transition. And because this is a highly skilled and educated region with existing supply chain infrastructure and with relatively low levels of conflict compared to elsewhere. It is also because it’s part of the post-Soviet group of countries that are keenly seeking to break away from Russia and form a new and equal relationship with the EU and their own regional neighbours. Another very important reason why this report is relevant is because it both highlights the important geoeconomic and geopolitical priorities, while showing important developments made by Uzbekistan over the past decade – as well as the remaining issues and pitfalls, namely surrounding human rights. It is important to stay realistic and fact based on this sensitive subject. Firstly, Uzbekistan continues to encounter serious human rights breaches. This is clear when taking into account EU delegation as well as international and local civil society assessments and reports. The most urgent point to raise is that civil society registration remains biased and difficult, while better legal protection and civil society registration should be diligently pursued by the Uzbek Government and carefully monitored. This is not only because it is a key component of the relationship with the EU, but equally because labour, environmental and human rights are prerequisites for future EU private sector investments and supply chains across the region as part of the EU diligence legislation. Despite these challenges, it should, however, be noted that Uzbekistan has – in relative terms – progressed more than most countries in the same time span.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, well, EULEX and KFOR are on the ground working closely with authorities to manage the situation. We cannot turn a blind eye to the troublesome military movements by Serbia along the Kosovo border. Stability in the region is hanging by a thread and the rhetoric and actions emerging from Serbia’s leadership, particularly in the context of the broader European security situation, are indeed a cause for concern. It is unbelievable that we have to hear through our staunch allies, the Americans, about the military build-up by the Serbians. We must question why, despite our collective experiences, our historical scars of war and the conflict, do we find ourselves on the brink once more? It is untenable to think that Europe might once again be plunged into the darkness of even more conflicts. The EU, its Member States and global partners must stand firmly against any actions that destabilise the region. We must not pander to those who would seek to undermine peace and security in the region. Our message must be clear to President Vučić and his administration: military posturing and escalating tensions are not the path forward. So it’s time to unite our forces against those dictatorial regimes in the region.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, when we talk about the Schengen area, we cannot but mention the fact that two countries that want to be part of it are not yet. We are talking about Bulgaria and Romania. Of course, Schengen is a matter of trust. And the data on the sale of visas in the Schengen area is undeniably worrying. We have been repeating for years that in the territory of shared trust there is no place for golden visas and golden passports, for unjustifiably granting access to the greatest achievement of the European Union, in its free zone of movement only on the grounds of financial opportunity. Bulgaria realized these facts and we fought back. Bulgaria last year passed legislation and put an end to the citizenship investment scheme, ensuring transparency and clear rules for access to the country. Thus, Bulgaria proved itself as a reliable partner. However, it is now time for the two countries, Austria and the Netherlands, to show that the debate on the future of migration and asylum policy goes through Bulgaria and Romania being part of the Schengen area. Today, this Parliament must once again say with the utmost seriousness that the two countries deserve to be part of Schengen. I do not accept the fact that there are some citizens who are privileged and others who are waiting in line. This will not make the European Union stronger. It's time for unification.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, we need to break the anchor/credibility dilemma in Türkiye-EU relations. Türkiye is a candidate country and the Turkish people overwhelmingly support EU membership. The more we are anchoring Türkiye, the more credible Türkiye will become and the more it will make the necessary steps towards European Union. Despite all the difficulties and complexities, we have to keep Türkiye’s accession perspective open and encourage EU reforms. Tackling the Russian war, ensuring European military, energy, food and supply security, managing migration crisis and claiming global actorness for the EU require a membership relation with this geostrategic candidate, Türkiye. It is time to play vision, leadership and, I would say, mutual commitment.

Member of the Commission. - Mr President, many of our fellow Members have spoken about natural disasters, which unfortunately are on our territory. We had a few of them, not to list all the countries, but in any case I would like to highlight a few of the latter - the floods in Greece and in my country, Bulgaria. It seems to me that we need to look much more seriously at some of the structural changes that the European Union has to make. First of all, a change in the rules under which the Solidarity Fund is organised is absolutely insufficient. Secondly, with regard to the criteria in the fund itself, 0.6% of gross domestic product must cover one country, i.e. there must be such damage, which is more than 0.6% of gross domestic product. But if there's a lot of damage, there's a few? This raises the big question, how exactly are they calculated by the gross domestic product indicator? We are entering a sensitive period for European democracy, but it is also an opportunity to change budgetary rules. Right in the middle of the budgetary procedure, it seems to me that there should be much larger funds and much simpler rules.

Mr President, this is not a debate about Bulgaria and Romania, this is a debate about the essence of the European Union. Do we want to leave two countries outside the Schengen area so many years after they made for European integration? This is not fair and no one should support it. It is a joy that we have the support of the European Parliament, the European Commission, but it is time for the European Council to show political maturity and finally the two countries, which are the huge obstacle to the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union, to give the green light. We cannot stigmatise European citizens. We have never encouraged this to have a dual quality of European citizens - some who have greater privileges and others who do not. This is exactly what we are doing right now with Schengen. At a time when there must be political and moral unity in the European Union. We must support those outside the Union to make it possible to be strong and secure, but at the same time we cannot close the doors to Bulgaria and Romania. I do not want to stigmatize these citizens, they are no less citizens than everyone else - Germans, French, Austrians, Dutchmen. Therefore, let us call on everyone with great support to support this petition of the European Parliament.

Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, Albania has come a long way on its European path and with continued determination to resolve undoubtedly difficult issues. Over the past years, the country has demonstrated steadfast, unwavering and strategic commitment to European Union integration. Its dedication reflects the consensus among political parties and garners overwhelming support among its citizens. The country has constantly emphasised the importance of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation, understanding that unity is the key to achieve progress and prosperity. This commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship sets an exemplary model for the entire region. Furthermore, Albania’s consistent and full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy is commendable. The country’s resolute efforts to align its interests with those of the European Union demonstrate a profound understanding of the benefits of cooperation and shared values. The country has maintained a focused approach on EU-related reforms. Of course, there is still work to be done. It is imperative to intensify efforts aimed at improving the functioning of the rule of law and judiciary, and the European Parliament should stand ready to support the country on this journey.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, Minister, colleagues, illegal occupation, annexation, full-scale invasion, terrorist acts and now ecocide is a small part of daily life of innocent Ukrainian citizens. The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam would disrupt the lives of thousands of people, leading force displacements, loss of homes and the breakdown of essential infrastructure. The environmental impact would be catastrophic, and we urgently need to provide the International Atomic Energy Agency with full access to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in order to check for possible discrepancy, which would have impact beyond Ukrainian borders. Russia’s act is a red line for us not to stop our support to Ukraine and for the Euro-Atlantic integration. It is already clear for everyone that the brave people of Ukraine are winning this war. We owe them not just our admiration and words of solidarity, but full-fledged support for reconstruction and development.

Mr President, "Another scandal in Bulgaria: Ursula von der Leyen - could she have avoided it?” This is today’s headline of the authoritative French publication Le Monde. No, he could not avoid it, because the scandal happened between the former Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Kiril Petkov, the current leader, one of the leaders of ‘Continuing the Change’, and Ursula von der Leyen. Let me just read you. This is not a series from Latin America, but it is happening in European Bulgaria. A record that gained popularity not only in Bulgaria, unfortunately. ‘I asked her what our chances of being accepted are,’ says Petkov. She said to me: "You have a great chance for Schengen. For the euro area, you need to find a way around the rules, in the sense of getting into the framework.” “I replied to it,” says Petkov, “Can we have inflation that is minus the effect of Ukraine?” She told me: “Don’t quote me. We will try to help you.” This is a conversation that is taking place between Ursula von der Leyen and Kiril Petkov at a time when the fate of Bulgaria must be decided, after five choices to have a regular government. And there are other things that most of you already know. How should people be listened to? How should police chiefs be replaced to ensure election victory? But, as they say, I have one minute.

Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the European Parliament progress report on Kosovo is an encouraging and positive reflection of the country’s commitment to the Euro-Atlantic community and its efforts towards reform. And thank you, Viola von Cramon, for your very balanced and accurate report. Over the past years, Kosovo has made significant progress in implementing its reform agenda, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Government and the people of Kosovo. One particularly noteworthy achievement is the population’s successful efforts to secure visa liberalisation. And I commend Kosovo and the authorities, but foremost, the citizens of the country. This important step is a clear indication of Kosovo’s determination to integrate fully into the European community and demonstrates the significant progress made in improving the country’s democratic institutions and rule of law. Furthermore, Kosovo’s ongoing efforts towards reconciliation with Serbia through dialogue should continue. These discussions are critical to building lasting peace and stability in the region, and I commend the continued commitment of both Kosovo and Serbia to continue with this process. Kosovo is among the countries in the region where the EU integration process enjoys strong support among the citizens and all political actors, and in the past years, it was clear that the country is unwaveringly committed in supporting the democratic values. We should encourage Kosovo to continue its efforts towards reform and dialogue, and I am looking forward to celebrate new moments with the country.

Madam President, dear colleagues, on Monday this week, Vladimir Kara-Murza was sentenced for 25 years in prison for alleged treason. His crime for this absurd sentence: speaking out and speaking for millions who disagree with Putin’s war in Ukraine and the escalating repression in the country he loved. Let me remind you what Vladimir had told us already back in 2017: ‘however strong the dictatorship and the repression, if enough dedicated people are prepared to stand their ground and stand up for their liberty and their rights and their dignity, they will prevail’. After hearing the verdict, he simply said ‘Russia will be free’. One day it will be. Russian citizens deserve it. Stay strong, Vladimir, we are with you. But it’s time for us, time for the European Union to act and act now. Tomorrow will be late.