Speeches

Madam President, we have been witnessing Russia's criminal aggression in Ukraine for more than a hundred days. For more than a hundred days, brave Ukrainians have been defending themselves. They defend their homeland, defend freedom and the whole of Europe. Today it is up to us to decide on the future shape of Europe, whether brutality, non-freedom and injustice will win or whether respect for law, freedom and courage will win. I'm sure peace is achievable. I am sure that courage and freedom and right will win. Therefore, our aid to Ukraine must not go unnoticed until it has control over its entire territory. Our help must not go unnoticed also because Ukrainians are fighting for freedom and democracy, and no one deserves a European perspective more than they do. That is why I am sure that we have a duty to offer them a full chair in the family of European nations. Full membership of the European Union. We must also talk about the reconstruction of this country, because freedom and democracy are directly linked to prosperity. That is why it is important that we also help the economic recovery of Ukraine. And I am pleased that this resolution also specifically makes reference to the international tribunal, because this genocide against terrorist Russia must not only be investigated, but also punished. Finally, let me thank all those who help people in need.

Mr President. For the third month, brave Ukrainians have faced criminal Russian military aggression and defended freedom not only in their homeland, but throughout Europe. A few weeks ago, I also had the opportunity to visit Kiev, Bucha, Irpin at the initiative of my colleague Andrius Kubilius. I saw the horrors of war on the spot. For example, in Bucha, where there is not a single military object, Russian criminals have attacked civilians since the first day of the invasion. I saw mass graves, I saw children's toys in front of bombed houses, holes in houses after Russian missiles, just horrors that cannot be forgotten. And it is shocking that Russian military criminal Putin honored these throat-cuts for these crimes. What is heroism for the Russians is a primitive crime for all normal people. Crimes are not to be punished, they are to be punished. I therefore very much welcome the European Commission's decision to include these crimes from Bucha and their authors in the next package of sanctions. I also welcome the inclusion of Russian disinformation channels in this package of sanctions. We have done nothing against Russian propaganda for years and it is time for us to be active. But we have to go further. We need to derust ourselves to protect life in Europe. Let us not be afraid of this, it is necessary to cut ourselves off from Russian energies, although some countries are very dependent on them, including my country, Slovakia, and I understand that concern. But the solution is in a common European approach, in building an Energy Union, in coordinating storage facilities in joint purchases. There are solutions. We must protect the freedom, life and dignity of the human person today, just as the Christian Democrats did in Europe. That's more valuable today. Today we need to help the Ukrainians, who are our role model in dedication. When we help them, we help ourselves. Life is worth more than any money.

Mr President, many attribute responsibility for Russia's military invasion of Ukraine only to Putin and the Kremlin. However, we forget that this perverse ideological machine maintains its position mainly thanks to the support of millions of Russians, and many Russians even support the criminal invasion further west. Opposing repression, intimidation or being able to distinguish between fake news also requires courage and sacrifice. Russia started its war before the criminal invasion of Ukraine. Many years ago, misinformation spewed, and for a long time we underestimated it. In addition to this, there is also an information war. We also have to win, which is why it is important to provide real and truthful information to the Russians as well. I therefore welcome this resolution, which aims, among other things, to help the Russian opposition, intelligence and academics, their work and support the transition of the regime to a democratic one. Russia can only be our partner if it turns into a truly free country that respects the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom, including religious freedom.

Madam President, the criminal Russian invasion of Ukraine has been going on for four weeks now, and for four weeks now, the Ukrainians have been bravely defending not only their homeland, but also freedom, democracy and Europe. I am absolutely sure that we must stop all, indeed all, commercial relations with the aggressor, who directly or indirectly finance the Russian war. Such a decision is not only logical and economic, but also moral. Economic sanctions against the aggressor not only make it difficult to function, but also increase our security. A common European approach to energy, cooperation on energy storage facilities and joint purchasing of energy are guarantees that, as in the pandemic, we can manage the situation together in this insane Russian war. Our support for the brave Ukrainians is ongoing at all levels. Today, President Zelenskyy is the leader in protecting life and freedom of thought, not only in his homeland, but throughout the world. I am sure it deserves our support, as well as our highest award, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Thank you for your support.

Mr President, the number of refugees from the escalating Russian aggression against the civilian population is steadily increasing. According to today's data, more than two million people have already left Ukraine. Mostly to Poland 1.2 million, to Hungary more than 190 thousand, and to Slovakia more than 140 thousand people. These numbers do not include refugees migrating within their own country and people who would like to leave their homes but cannot do so out of fear for their safety. It is precisely the failure to respect the ceasefire in establishing humanitarian corridors that is the biggest acute and fatal problem of Ukrainian refugees. It is here that there is room for all of us to exert all diplomatic and economic pressure on the aggressor to guarantee the safety of humanitarian corridors. However, real assistance to refugees takes place primarily at Member State level. Within the Union, I want to pay special tribute to the activation of the European Directive on the temporary protection of refugees from Ukraine. Today, we also need to redirect EU funds to help refugees and mobilise additional funds for this purpose. We owe it to them because it is the Ukrainians who are fighting and dying on the front line for our values of democracy and freedom. In addition to investing in basic humanitarian aid for human beings and their immediate future, we also need to strengthen the infrastructure of municipalities and regions and Member States. Allow me also from this place, ladies and gentlemen, to thank all the people of good will who show a great heart with all their strength and help the brave Ukrainians. I thank you with all my heart for your help and dedication.

Madam President, the brutality of Russia's criminal invasion of Ukraine has shocked the whole democratic world. I am sure that at least three new challenges arise from this situation. The first is the need to do everything possible to help the brave Ukrainians who today are fighting for freedom and democracy across Europe. Ukrainians today teach the world about patriotism. And I believe that I will live to see their representatives in this House. The second challenge is defensive. We must inevitably improve the defense of our eastern border, because today it is an aggressor who haunts nuclear weapons. A special category is defence against cyberattacks, and we must not forget disinformation and senseless propaganda. The third challenge is energy. It is important that we do not fund the aggressor and achieve energy independence from Russia as soon as possible. We need to work together to build energy infrastructure, joint purchases and the development of renewables. No one knows how long a war criminal will attack innocent Ukrainians. But I am sure that we will meet these new challenges, free people will defeat the mad dictator, and there will be peace in Europe. Democracy and a functioning peaceful European project are the best guarantee.

Madam President, what is going on today is nothing other than just the conflict between authoritarianism and democracy. The Kremlin is testing our unity. During the last years, the Kremlin invested a huge amount of resources just to destabilise our common project – our common project, which brought peace to Europe and prosperity to our families. I am sure that a peaceful solution cannot be reached through inaction. Our position must be clear and strong. In case of any forced attack, stronger sanctions, that will practically cut the aggressor from the developed world, should be our weapon. At the same time, we have to show a friendly face to Ukrainians. I welcome the EUR 1.2 billion package and I do hope we will see more Ukrainians also studying at European universities and to intern at the European institutions. We should continue to empower the EU-Ukraine cooperation at economic level, by reducing burdens at our markets for goods, services and labour. Today we have to show our unity to the dictator and we will not only win, but we will emerge from the current situation even stronger.

Mr President, our common European market is the best proof of our European integration, and it is the pandemic that has shown how important it is, but also how fragile it is. The restrictive measures imposed by many countries, whether for fear of spreading the virus or protecting their interests, have disrupted trade and supply relations, as well as causing enormous economic damage. We are also witnessing today that many small and medium-sized enterprises in particular have to face a number of barriers in the Single Market. When implementing European rules, Member States often use so-called "gold plating", meaning additional unnecessary administration. Ultimately, such action translates into burdensome and costly bureaucracy, misapplication of European legislation, disproportionate sanctions and unjustified actions by national audit authorities, often without adequate appeal possibilities. Simplifying legislation and reducing administrative burdens is therefore a clear solution. This is the best way to help those who create the most jobs - small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. Today, when the digital market is developing the most, it is important to identify all barriers to the development of e-commerce and to remove them effectively. Let us therefore bear in mind not only the necessary completion of the common market, but also the removal of unnecessary obstacles that ultimately make life more expensive for all of us.

Mr President. We are in the midst of a digital revolution that is fundamental to our daily lives. According to analyses, within three years, up to a quarter of global economic activity will be made up of the digital sector. In one decade, this ratio will double. As a result, the digital market is developing faster and faster, it is important to develop not only digital infrastructure and digital skills, but also digital legislation. This is key, and from this point of view, the Digital Services Act is such a ground-breaking piece of legislation that we can talk about a year zero for digital rules. They are so important that when properly set, these European standards will be global standards. These rules must not only protect citizens, consumers, but should also help create new jobs, especially by small firms, which have traditionally created the most jobs. Not in the form of absolute bans, restrictions or an increase in bureaucracy, but clear rules that are operational and set clear rules and obligations for all its participants. Of course, in such an important design there are a number of friction surfaces. In particular, rules to regulate illegal content need to be carefully calibrated so that regulation does not become an instrument of censorship. What is illegal in the offline world must also be banned online. I am aware of the serious societal impact that disinformation has on society's development, and we need to create sufficient room for an informed assessment of individual applications so that we do not achieve the opposite effect. I also understand the media's concerns about a number of provisions when they are concerned about worsening conditions for their work. But I would like to remind you that this is horizontal legislation, which is important and which will be further developed. I also consider the protection of our greatest value to be crucial, so I support the idea that advertisements cannot be targeted at those who cannot yet give their informed consent, that is, our children. I believe that this proposal is indeed crucial. I thank all those who contributed to it and I believe that with this approval we will contribute to fairness, transparency and better protection of citizens in the digital world.

Mr President, the fight against the pandemic is, of course, dominating all other topics today. Today, more than ever, we are aware of the importance of European solidarity, solidarity and cooperation. Therefore, a big thank you goes to everyone who fights the pandemic on a daily basis, especially frontline health professionals, but also to citizens who get vaccinated and follow the measures honestly. I also want to thank scientists and leaders who are not afraid of the necessary and often unpopular measures. We do not know what mutations and viruses will threaten us, but we know that we will win only by respecting scientific knowledge, vaccinations and following the rules. As we know, at the beginning of the pandemic, many countries also engaged in lockdowns within the Union. Let us therefore bear in mind that the functioning of our common market is at the heart of both our economic functioning and our economic recovery. Let us also bear in mind the situation of small businesses in particular, who, because of measures protecting public health, are often unable to carry out their activities, and this is particularly true of the situation in tourism and, in particular, in the gastro-industry, which is one of the most affected sectors. Let us also bear in mind the consistent use of common European funds in the Recovery Fund as a key tool for our economic recovery. I also appreciate that our European aid has already been channelled to one hundred and fifty countries of the world. However, I want to stress in particular the help for our democratic allies, such as Taiwan. This country gave us millions of protective masks at the beginning of the pandemic, and today it has a shortage of vaccines. I am therefore sure that it is our reciprocal assistance through vaccines that is the most correct and useful activity today. Democracies must stand together. I wish you happy, blessed Christmas holidays in your families.

Madam President, today we are all feeling more and more how important the digital world is. This is why I am delighted that today we are dealing with the Digital Markets Act. It sets the rules ex ante and therefore clarifies the necessary rules. Large companies have taken over the online space and we often see abuse of this attitude and market distortion. We must protect fair competition and what is illegal offline must also be illegal online. If companies have access to information about users, they must also be responsible for their content. Advertisements on the Internet must be transparent, it must be clear who the sponsor is and who implements them. The data that is collected must be more closely guarded, and everyone must have the right to ask for it to be completely deleted or refused. The Digital Markets Act also modernises and clearly defines competition. It is crucial that fair competition works, and small businesses in particular have access to information, but also the possibility to reach their customers in a targeted manner. Today we come up with a proposal to create rules not only for big players, but above all to protect users of digital platforms, and not burden small businesses. Many thanks, Andreas, for such a proposal and a huge commitment. Ladies and gentlemen, by approving this proposal, we will introduce standards that have the potential to become global standards for the benefit of citizens.

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. - (DE) Mr President, colleagues, the current economic recovery is accompanied by an increase in energy prices, but even as we have always managed to overcome crisis phenomena with common European solutions, I am convinced that the way out of the current situation is again common solutions in the energy field. It is European cooperation in research and development, both in infrastructure interconnection and in joint purchases of selected energy raw materials, that can lead to better use of resources, better efficiency, which will translate not only into better competitiveness of our products, but also into better prices for our citizens. The European Union has always been a world leader in setting high standards in saving energy prices and protecting the climate. In the context of the completed climate summit and the targets we have set ourselves, it must be said that any efforts to reduce emissions will be superfluous if the countries that pollute the most are not involved. We must pursue active and effective climate and energy diplomacy, also so that others adopt our environmental standards. In doing so, we must not harm our economy and, in particular, small and medium-sized enterprises, which bear the greatest burden of various regulations and also make a significant contribution to energy payments. The current situation, when we are facing an unprecedented increase in prices and an energy crisis, should be a challenge for us to complete a real Energy Union. Only in this way will we be able to overcome the crisis and prepare for the new challenges ahead.

Mr President, protecting the environment for future generations is one of the key challenges ahead of us. The most challenging task will be to find ways to protect the environment in a way that will boost our economy, employment and social care. The environmental agenda is stronger every day and I believe that the organisation of the Glasgow Summit is really a success of our European policy. This is the most important message. There are also three good messages, in my view. The first one is that the Glasgow Agreement has been signed by 151 countries. The second one is that countries also agreed to a robust process to develop a new and larger climate finance goal to come into effect after 2025. Thirdly, finance. There is a significant milestone to address this issue. The Adaptation Fund reached an unprecedented level of contributions, with new pledges for USD 356 million that represent almost three times its mobilisation targets for 2022. On the other hand, there are very high expectations and there are still challenges remaining. The first one is coal. Many countries will phase out coal by 2030, but the world’s largest users of the fuel, like China, India and the United States of America, will not do so. Secondly, transportation. Better investment for sustainable transport modes was not forced in Glasgow. There is still a lack of focus on public transport and cycling. Thirdly, fossil fuels. The subsidisation of fossil fuels, the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions, was opposed by several countries with large fossil-fuel based economic sectors. Glasgow clearly showed that the democratic world is trying to address and solve the issues, while the non-democratic one is still waiting. We can really be leaders and represent the green transformation for the rest of the world.

on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. - (DE) Madam President, colleagues, during the pandemic we have all moved more into the online space, which is a space that reduces costs, removes many obstacles, creates new opportunities, but brings some threats, and the threat is, for example, a threat to the safety of our children. Violence against children online cannot be tolerated and I am glad that many discussions are starting to take place on this topic. I have recently organised one of them myself, and it has been shown that, for example, the number of children who have experienced bullying has increased from 6 to 26% year-on-year, or the number of children who have experienced sexual content has increased from 36 to 61%, for example. These are alarming numbers, and online abuse is a really serious sensitive topic. I think everyone needs to be aware of their share of responsibility in order to protect children from it. In particular, service providers need to be aware of this responsibility. It is about creating an online space that is safe for everyone and especially for our children. It is also about tools for detecting offenders and, equally importantly, for prevention.

Mr President, there are many lessons to be learned from a pandemic, but I do believe that the most important one is that democracies should stand together. During the pandemic, Taiwan sent much-needed masks to the European Union and to other countries. And for us, Taiwan is our inspiration in many fields. For example, as we know Taiwan represents 50% of the world’s semiconductor production. I do believe that our economic cooperation and newly prepared Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) is a natural strengthening of cooperation at the economic level between communities with equal values and belief in democracy and justice. I do believe that Taiwan is an inspiration also in the fight against the pandemic and deserves full membership of the World Health Organization (WHO). We cannot be blind to China’s escalating provocations against the Taiwanese people, and we have to say a clear ‘no’ to these provocations and a clear ‘yes’ to cooperation between our democracies. I am convinced that the cooperation between EU and Taiwan will enrich each other and bring benefits to both parties. Democracies should stand together.

Madam President, since 2020, tourism in the European Union has literally experienced a shock. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism fell by 70%. At the same time, we all know that tourism is one of the fundamental economic pillars on which many European countries base their economies. When we talk about job sustainability, the sector represents 27 million employees, representing 11,2 % of employment within the Union. Before the crisis, the sector accounted for more than 10% of EU GDP. In the European Parliament, we came up very quickly with a number of proposals to address this crisis, and we would very much like to learn more from the Commission. We need the Commission to carry out an analysis of how the two challenging seasons have affected employment and developments in the sector and what the forecasts are. The market will recover in a few years at the earliest, but it would be interesting to know how tourism has also been supported by the European support mechanisms of individual Member States and how these instruments have been effective. The development of tourism has a positive impact on the economic development of regions, infrastructure and regional employment. I do not need to remind you that most employers are small and medium-sized entrepreneurs who are threatened by insecurity. On the other hand, I want to express my admiration for their tenacity, creativity, innovations that help them survive. I think they are a lot of inspiration.

Madam President, first, while recognising the importance of dialogue with China, the EU has every interest in an open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. I am looking forward to seeing the Joint Communication on the EU Strategy for Cooperation in this region, because I do hope that this timely initiative will allow us to boost cooperation with other like-minded democracies. Speaking of this, I would like to underline the necessity of focusing our attention on important regional partners willing to work with us, such as Taiwan. I do believe that Taiwan, being a like-minded partner to the EU, can contribute its experience and expertise in many areas, including on matters relating to trade, technology, critical supplies, or the fight against disinformation, and therefore can be an excellent partner for us. This is also the moment to urge the Commission and the Council to further demonstrate solidarity with Lithuania over its sovereign decision to conduct cultural, economic and diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and to condemn China’s economic sanctions on Lithuania over this issue.