Speeches

Mr President, once again in this Chamber, we ask the Commission to take a legislative initiative on the basis of the PEGA Committee's findings. Our work was completed with painstaking effort and after visits to Member States and contacts with the relevant bodies. I would remind you that my country, Greece, but also Cyprus, unlike other countries, cooperated directly with the members of the committee and provided information on all the cases under consideration. I also recall that Greece first legislated to prohibit the import, use, sale and distribution of illegal software, as well as to tighten the criminal treatment of use. It is important to have similar legislation in all Member States. But, Commissioner, we need a European framework for the confidentiality of communications and the protection of personal data that guarantees the safety of all European citizens. It is imperative that it is completed by the end of this parliamentary term in view of the European elections in June 2024.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, a year ago the use of illegal software by Member States was the subject of an investigation by our Pega Committee, which reached its conclusion. We call today on the Commission to look responsibly into a legislative framework that guarantees the safety of citizens while respecting their rights, the confidentiality of communications and personal data. My country, Greece, was in the spotlight due to legal citizen connections, for reasons of national security by the National Intelligence Service. Unfortunately, however, some in this room slandered Greece with fake news for allegedly using illegal software by the government. But thanks to this government and its legislative initiatives, Greece is the first country in the Union to introduce a horizontal universal ban on the sale, use, possession, distribution and import of malware. The use of such products was upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony, while a special procedure was introduced for the lifting of confidentiality with very strict conditions guaranteeing the protection of fundamental rights. It is no coincidence that my country has climbed nine places in the Democracy Index and 16 in the Transparency Index over the last four years, according to the Transparency International report. Commissioner, you know that we have a responsibility for the safety of the citizens we represent. You must speed up your legislative proposal, especially in view of the very serious challenges we face, such as terrorism and organised crime.

Mr President, Mr Vice-President, you know that in 2023 alone over 2 500 people were lost or missing in the Central Mediterranean. Correspondingly, in the eastern corridor, and specifically in the Aegean, the criminal networks that exploit people continue their action unceasingly. The Greek government for the past four years has effectively guarded Europe's external borders and brought hundreds of smugglers to justice. However, if the fight against these organisations of instrumentalisation of souls is not done with a common European policy and the participation of all Member States, the phenomenon is not defeated. As well, successful management of migration cannot be conceived without the necessary precondition of agreements on legal returns with the countries of origin and transit of asylum seekers. At the same time, the organisation of legal travel routes is more necessary than ever. Colleagues, we have a moral and legal obligation to respond to citizens' top demands. As EPP rapporteur on the crisis management file, in cooperation with colleagues from the other political groups, we have come up with a text with fair positions. When we want, we can. In the run-up to the European elections, we owe to European citizens practical proof that solidarity is an essential European value and I firmly believe that if indiscriminate responsibility is taken on by all members, it could lead to the completion of asylum and migration legislation before the end of our mandate.

Madam President, ten years have passed since the first tragic shipwreck with 368 dead in Lampedusa and we have failed in the management of migration. Those who have instructed us to deal with it holistically in Europe are rightly disappointed. Member States are moving with different policies, legislation is delayed and illegal immigration remains threatening and uncontrolled. At the recent MED9 meeting at the summit in Malta, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis once again showed the way: strict control of external borders, legal travel routes, a resolute crackdown on smugglers' criminal organisations and an effective return policy to the countries of origin. Everything must be agreed immediately, decisively, with solidarity and respect for human life and international law. In the spring, ladies and gentlemen, we will all be judged very harshly in the European elections. We must now assume our responsibilities.

Mr President, this summer my country, Greece, has been put to the test. Deadly fires and unprecedented floods that occur every three hundred years have shaken my homeland. From the extreme phenomena people died, whole villages were buried, forest-lungs disappeared, while houses, businesses and crops were completely destroyed. The Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Mitsotakis, will inform the Presidents of the Commission and Parliament in detail about the extent and magnitude of the disasters and the need for European support. Colleagues, we are at the mercy of climate change, with unpredictable developments. In Europe we have the right financial tools, but they need to be reviewed and adapted to the exceptional circumstances. The affected Member States must benefit without delay and my country, Greece, must immediately receive the financial support it deserves.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, once again we are discussing borders, an issue which needs a European and holistic approach. Commissioner, we find it unacceptable to accuse a country of first reception without arguments and evidence, to accuse Greece of having responsibility for the loss of human lives, without testimonies, without evidence, without data. Do you want to hear what the data is? That men and women of the Greek Coast Guard are heroes, ladies and gentlemen. In the last four years alone, 2019 to 2023, they rescued 40,000 people at sea from around 1,300 incidents and arrested 270 smugglers from 67 criminal organisations. This is the role of Greece and each of us. No one has the right to be and claim to be more humane than the other. We all care about a common problem and try to find a solution. But how can we find a solution if we do not decide that the major and main problem, as you, Commissioner, have pointed out, is the smugglers and the way in which they illegally push people, desperate people, into an uncharted landscape, people who cannot be rescued unless we have a truly powerful rescue and search operation, always in cooperation with Frontex and always following international law. Otherwise, anyone who utters a different voice in order to blame the countries of first reception, colleagues, will allow me to say, does not help the problem.

Madam President, throughout the past period, in every plenary session, specific colleagues, serving political expediencies, have brought up for discussion as a topic "Corruption of the rule of law in Greece", accusing my country with fake news of opacity and corruption. The annual report we are debating today is the resounding and evidence-based response that is restoring reality. Among other positive crises, the report notes a significant improvement in Greece's position in international transparency indicators and progress in the work of the National Transparency Authority, better financial control of state functions, initiatives for the safety of journalists and improved cooperation with civil society organisations. Colleagues, the Greek government, with Kyriakos Mitsotakis as prime minister, is working closely with the Commission, with positions and policies that serve high European standards on the rule of law. This is why in the recent national elections it was rewarded with a strong mandate to govern in its own right, continuing its reform work.

Mr President, in view of the Council it is now necessary to decide, among other things, that the first host states rightly demand solidarity in practice, which in times of crisis can be expressed in terms of compulsory relocation. That countries such as Greece, which effectively guard Europe's borders, must be treated fairly, that everyone must be involved in every way in the ways of guarding, and that Turkey must be pressured, as a safe country and strategic partner, to abide by the terms of the 2016 Joint Declaration on the Control of Smugglers. Dear colleagues, the government of my country, Greece, has in recent years proceeded with legislative initiatives and political practices that effectively address asylum and migration issues, with due respect for human rights. But we are talking about a common European issue that demands responsibility from all the Member States of the European Union. There are no exceptions to our European principles.

Mr President, Commissioner, once again specific MEPs are deliberately targeting Greece, with reference this time to the murder of journalist Karaivaz. Do they mean that the unsolved crimes that exist in all, I repeat, all countries threaten the rule of law? Are we serious? Greece has climbed nine places in the Democracy Index and sixteen in the Transparency Index over the past four years, according to the Transparency International report. The economy has been upgraded, not once, but twelve times over the years by the international rating agencies, because the financial evaluators examine, among other things, the transparency that permeates the areas of financial management and utilization of funds. As regards illegal software, you know that Greece first instituted a ban on its use, possession and marketing, as well as you know that the cases of those affected are pending before the independent judiciary. Are you questioning its validity today? Not even the government's opponents claim it. "There are judges in Athens," the opposition leader said recently. Or has anyone deliberately ignored the fact that democracy in Greece has been operating on a strong foundation for 50 years, that citizens' rights and freedom of the press are guaranteed and that my country is governed on the basis of a constitution by a government democratically elected by the Greek people? Colleagues, the Prime Minister of Greece has called elections for 21 May. Those who raise the issue of the rule of law today are provocatively motivated by the opposition of my country. They put the rule of law at risk. But in the European Parliament we have been elected to defend European values. And now, for the first time in this Chamber, unlawful interference is being attempted in a Member State of the European Union that is officially in the run-up to the elections. Will we allow it?

Mr President, Commissioner, for several months now, in every plenary session of the European Parliament, specific political groups have been obsessively and deliberately targeting Greece. Seriously, colleagues, do you think there is an erosion of the rule of law in Greece? Let's talk data. The wiretapping case is pending before the Greek courts, which alone have jurisdiction. Besides, the government explicitly clarified that it has nothing to do with illegal software, nor was any evidence found to the contrary. Legal connections for security reasons are of course the sole responsibility of each country. I note that, with a new government law, Greece is the first country in the European Union to introduce a ban on the possession, trade and use of malware. We didn't see this happening everywhere. Greece climbed nine places in the Democracy Index in 2022, according to the Economist. It is one of the best performances. And according to the report of Transparency International, for the third consecutive year Greece shows a significant rise in the Corruption Perceptions Index. It has climbed 16 places compared to 2018. Freedom of the press in my country is constitutionally guaranteed and today there are more newspapers and electronic media than ever before. Do you know that there are means that go as far as to insult even the government and the prime minister and no one has ever bothered them? The opposition relies on the non-governmental organization Reporters without borders that ranks Greece under both Chad and Mongolia, without criteria, without methodology, without scientific basis, while despising the report on freedom of expression in the Media Pluralist Monitor, under the auspices of the Council of Europe that evaluates Greece over even countries with a deep tradition. Dear colleagues, Greece is a democratic country and you know it well. By adopting arbitrary allegations and illegitimate interference, especially during the election period, some are seeking to harm the Greek government by supporting the opposition's election campaign. That's the truth.

Madam President, violence against women is a global phenomenon, which knows no borders and is a disgrace to humanity. At European Union level, one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence, with 17 million victims each year. Findings and statistics are useful, but progress is lagging behind. Have we exhausted all available European tools, as we owe it to combat gender-based violence and to support and protect victims? The transnational cooperation of Member States and the evolution of legislation have contributed, as well as the fact that there are increasing reports of acts of violence by victims, at last. But effectively addressing this top problem requires zero tolerance, on the one hand, and the immediate ratification of the Istanbul Convention by all Member States of the European Union, because as the most robust piece of legislation, it is the key to ensuring a life free from violence for all women and girls across Europe and beyond.

Madam President, yesterday Sunday an interview was hosted in a newspaper supporting the main opposition in Greece by the rapporteur of the PEGA Committee entitled "We have serious concerns about the rule of law in Greece". In another interview, a colleague, also a member of PEGA, mentions Greece as a country heading towards autocracy and states that the opposition may request an observer from the European Union to monitor the elections. If that's possible. Is it random? Because what these colleagues have said, by interfering unfairly in the pre-election period, is exactly the same as the unsubstantiated claims of the opposition in my country. This is unprecedented and not in line with the work of MEPs. We have no right to interfere with arbitrary assessments in the internal affairs of countries, creating negative impressions, especially in the run-up to parliamentary elections. It is unacceptable to discredit the work of Greece's democratically elected government, where democracy has been functioning effectively for 50 years.

Mr President, Mrs Strik, first of all there are two different things. Indeed, Greece is protesting against Turkey because it does not accept those it must accept back when it is a safe country. This is completely different from the signing of the EU-Turkey Joint Declaration. Turkey has never cooperated in the fight against smugglers. On the contrary, there are strong indications that it promotes and contributes to trafficking by ‘turning a blind eye’ – as they say in my country, i.e. disregarding and despising its signature. This is Turkey's position vis-à-vis Greece and the evidence I have given you is evidence and evidence. We're not just talking theoretically.

Mr President, once again, a particular political group is insistently bringing up an issue that neither exists nor characterises the Member States in their management of the migration problem. With regard to my country, Greece, it is a given and proven – among other things – that Greece effectively protects the external borders of the European Union, with a commitment to international law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. That, especially in recent years, Greece has been a safe haven for over a million people who came to its territory. Over the period 2015-2022, the men and women of the Coast Guard have self-sacrificedly rescued more than 240 000 third-country nationals in distress at sea. It should also be stressed that, on the top issue of the fight against smugglers, Greece was left alone because Turkey is violating its obligation to control organised trafficking from its coastline, as it has a duty under the 2016 EU-Turkey Joint Statement. Instead of criticizing Turkey for its stance and for systematically instrumentalizing desperate people to blackmail us, we are questioning the legal protection of the borders, without any documentation or evidence whatsoever. The work of NGOs, colleagues, who have assisted in the search and rescue of people at sea, has been recognized by the official authorities of Greece. But we will not accept cases of NGOs involved in facilitating illegal crossings across our borders. For such cases, the first and last reason is the independent judiciary. This means respect for the rule of law. There must now be an end to the adoption of fake news that – obviously – serves purposes. We are all faced with our responsibilities and a fortiori the European Parliament, which is the highest democratic institution of the European Union. (The speaker agreed to answer a question with a "blue card").

Mr President, the intensity of Turkey's aggression against my country, Greece, has increased sharply. Ten days ago, a Turkish coast guard harassed a Coast Guard vessel attempting to identify three Turkish vessels fishing illegally in Greek territorial waters on the island of Farmakonisi. The Turks are deliberately seeking to inflict an accident with a view to instrumentalisation in the run-up to the Turkish elections. At the same time, President Erdogan reinstated the casus belli, directly threatening Greece with war if it extends the territorial sea to 12 nautical miles south of Crete. The Greek Foreign Minister already wrote to High Representative Borrell, Vice-President Schinas and the Commissioner for Fisheries calling for an immediate response. Dear colleagues, in view of the pre-election period of Turkey and Greece and given the revisionist intentions of the neighbour, today – more than ever – it is necessary to immediately demonstrate our due solidarity with Greece. It is necessary to take a decision capable of deterring Turkey's aggression against a Member State of the European Union.

Madam President, every year, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we look at the image of the phenomenon in the European Union and around the world. Gender-based violence online and offline is deeply rooted in society’s structural inequalities and remains silent, constituting a brutal violation of human rights. In today's digital age, citizens' communication, transactions and interactions in digital unknown spaces have highlighted the crime of online gender-based violence, which is constantly taking on uncontrollable proportions, considering that, for example, one in ten women have experienced harassment up to the age of fifteen, while one in five young women in the Union aged eighteen to nineteen report online sexual harassment. Of course, I am not referring to the frequent femicides that are – I think, you all agree – the modern scourge of humanity. The Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality and personally as Vice-Chair urged the European Commission to include gender-based violence in major crimes under Union law and to draw up a protocol to support victims, especially in times of crisis. Ladies and gentlemen, we are already late. The Commission has presented a new proposal for legislation and needs to be finalised immediately. We must respond to the demand of all European citizens. I believe that we all agree that gender-based violence not only offends the principles and values of the European Union, but is a top issue of human rights and culture.

Mr President, Vice-President, Commissioner, today's debate is a good opportunity to see where we stand in relation to migration. In 2022, there was again an increase in illegal entries into the Union after the pandemic. Among other things, we are called upon to manage Turkey's hybrid threats by instrumentalising desperate souls as a means of pressure on the European Union. As a Greek woman, I focus on the challenges that my country continues to face, despite the remarkable progress that the Greek government has made on the problem over the last three years. Turkey continues its provocations in the Aegean, disregarding any notion of law, and not only does it not control the networks of smugglers as it should since 2016, but instead provides them with direct or indirect support, while it continues to unjustifiably refuse returns from the Greek islands to its territory. Colleagues, Greece has managed to effectively guard the external European borders, counter President Erdoğan's threats and save almost daily lives pushed by criminals to death. However, European solidarity remains an issue, which is why it must be defined as mandatory. In times of crisis, in particular, I believe that a mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers throughout the European Union, as well as a fair distribution of responsibility for rescuing people at sea, is a one-way street, as the Greek Minister for Migration Policy, Mr. Mitarakis, is calling for today in an urgent letter.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, according to official European surveys, three out of four children up to the age of four regularly suffer punishment and psychological violence from parents or carers. 3% of children aged two to four do not feel safe at home, 9% at school and 8% online. It goes without saying that these rates rise dramatically in teenagers with many hours of daily activity on the internet. During the pandemic and lockdown, there was a huge increase in cases of domestic violence against children, as well as an alarming increase in online violence against minors, in particular the crime of sexual abuse. Victims of this crime, who at last dare to speak out, highlight the need for a new legislative proposal to prevent and combat the most heinous form of violence. Colleagues, we have a primary obligation to effectively protect every child at risk. I believe you agree that if we, as a European family, are not focused on children and their future, we have no reason to exist.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the report lacks a legal basis and does not lead to clear and concrete conclusions. Any discussion of immigration must be serious and responsible. Let's talk with the truth: The report coincides with the surge in Turkish aggression against Greece and the instrumentalisation of desperate people. Just the day before yesterday, the Turks led 92 people to Evros, abused them, stripped them naked and forced them to cross the Greek border. The Commissioner, Mrs Johansson, has been informed. These people were rescued by the Greek authorities. Is there any proven evidence of illegal pushbacks in the report? Otherwise, that's not her job. Her job is to check those responsible for any mistakes, and mistakes are corrected. Did you know that, every day, men and women of the Greek Coast Guard save lives at sea? Do you know – or is anyone unaware – that Turkey is not fulfilling its obligation, but instead covers – if it does not already support – the smugglers’ circuits and flouts its obligation stemming from the 2016 EU-Turkey Joint Statement? Colleagues, mistakes are corrected. But we are not cancelling the role of Frontex. When we talk about illegalities in relation to human life and human values we must use evidence, arguments and specific facts. Otherwise, we are not serious about the problem. Frontex is needed. We need a strong guarding of the external borders while respecting fundamental rights. European citizens need this and we owe it to them.

Mr President, Turkey has recently intensified its aggression against Greece and Cyprus, with the instrumentalisation of migrants, daily serious threats and propaganda with fake news. President Erdogan and top officials directly threaten military intervention against Greece, remind us of the Asia Minor disaster with reference to Smyrna, question the sovereignty of our islands, and - just today - Mr Çavuşoğlu has told us to gather our minds because we will suffer consequences. The prime minister, Mr. Mitsotakis, and the government, through letters and contacts, internationalize the neighbor's behavior and consistently seek dialogue within the framework of international law and the law of the sea. Colleagues, the so far condemnatory resolutions against Turkey, the progress reports with harsh criticism and the recommendations from the European Union to comply with good neighbourly rules leave President Erdogan indifferent, who disregards history and European values. The time has finally come for serious and harsh sanctions against Turkey to be imposed immediately. If not now, when?

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the subject we are debating today is European and global. Let's talk honestly. The legal surveillance of the phone of our colleague, Mr. Androulakis, was carried out by the secret services of Greece, while the Prime Minister, Mr. Mitsotakis, when he was informed of it, reacted immediately. He ordered full light to be shed on the case by the Justice and Inquiry Committee of the House and clarified that the link has nothing to do with illegal software such as Predator. It immediately accepted resignations from the relevant persons and took a legislative initiative to upgrade the control of the legal grounds for lifting confidentiality, in order to safeguard the rights of citizens. Greece is the cradle of democracy with the rule of law and a liberal democratic government. That's the truth. Malicious software are morbid phenomena that affect fundamental rights and need immediate serious treatment. It's everyone's responsibility.

Madam President, a further twenty-three of our fellow human beings have recently died in tragic circumstances, which calls on us to rise to the occasion. Migration does not lend itself to political exploitation or to quantifying humanism – human life is of paramount value to all – nor does it lend itself to separating the countries of the European Union on the basis of geographical location. Above all, we must not allow the instrumentalisation of desperate people for the sake of expediency. We must in practice show zero tolerance for the miserable work of smugglers and those who support them. Colleagues, the answer to the problem stems from international law and European values: is the common European asylum policy; it is a fair assumption of responsibility in sincere solidarity and it is a serious effective guarding of the external borders – an inalienable right of every Member State.

Madam President, the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States of America to abolish the right of women to a conditional abortion after 50 years is a huge blow to the protection of human rights on a global scale, because this right, together with contraception (1965) and the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships (2003), have been enshrined in the same article of the Constitution of the United States of America. In addition, the judicial majority that resulted in the anachronistic arrangement is in stark contrast to the American society that stands for the right at 60%. However, apart from its regressive nature, the Supreme Court’s decision is clearly dangerous because it misjudged what is happening worldwide today, including that, for example, 60% of 121 million unintended pregnancies end in abortion; whereas decriminalisation of abortion does not act as a deterrent, but instead leads to unsafe medical services for pregnant women; whereas prohibitions and restrictions introduce inequalities between economically ill women who are unable to travel to neighbouring countries to solve their problem; Complications during pregnancy or childbirth are responsible for the death of adolescents aged 15 to 19. Colleagues, the top social issues that concern us are not addressed by bans. In the European Union we have an obligation to make decisions that unite and do not divide. Member States should, organised and always respecting subsidiarity, decriminalise abortion, effectively combat sexual violence, educate adolescents on sexuality, contraception, pregnancy, medical services and postnatal care. The world is changing, colleagues, and we in the European Union of democratic values are looking to the next generations, seriously and responsibly. Fundamental human rights enshrined in struggles of many years require and will have our uninterrupted protection.

Mr President, since the beginning of the year Turkey has embarked on an escalation of aggressive policy with fake news and unfounded accusations against Greece. It systematically violates the territorial integrity of my country and the sovereign rights of the islands, even by constructing false maps. The tension sought by President Erdogan includes, among other things, the instrumentalisation of desperate migrants, whom he sends en masse by sea and land through illegal smugglers' networks. From January to April this year, 15,650 irregular migrants were detected in Evros, compared to only 1,400 in 2021. Also, fifteen days ago, May 24, in one day only five boats transported 500 people from the Turkish coast to Samos and Chios. The European Union must respond effectively this time. There are ways, as long as there is political will.

Mr President, Turkey's revisionist stance, threats and blackmail by President Erdogan have exceeded all limits. Recently, the conscious escalation of tension, Erdogan's insulting reference to the Greek prime minister, the blackmailing dilemmas and the disregard for international law call us to rise to the occasion. Everyday violations and overflights over Greek territory are followed by mystics, just yesterday, by President Erdogan against those who, if possible, left the islands in Greece and allowed Cyprus to enter the European Union. It reached the point of threatening a new invasion of the Aegean and a repetition of 1922. Colleagues, criticism of Erdogan's tactics to date has failed, we have failed. Our debt imposes a dynamic response, similar to that when overnight we decided to impose sanctions against Russia for its illegal aggression against Ukraine. A European Union with double standards is not conceivable, it would do wrong to our historical responsibility towards European citizens and to the Union's democratic moral values. (Applause)