Speeches

Mr President, for ten years as a Member of the European Parliament and a member of the Committee on Civil Liberties and Internal Affairs, I have been following closely the evolution of migration in the European Union. Today we are controlling the phenomenon with organised guarding of the external borders, reinforced Frontex, cooperation of Member States and modernisation of our asylum and migration legislation. But each Member State has its own responsibility. My country, Greece, a key gateway, has succeeded over the past six years in curbing illegal immigration with targeted actions. Recently, the government, with a new law, sent a strict message of zero tolerance to the violation of borders in all directions and especially to traffickers who criminally instrumentalize people to get rich illegally. Colleagues, let us finally decide together that today is one of our obligations: guarding our borders. It is a challenge, a duty and a sacred mission. And it is certain that we can fulfill it.

Mr President, Italy, 2016, train collision, 23 dead; Germany, 2016, train crash, 12 dead, 85 injured; Spain, 2013, train derailment, 80 dead, 40 injured. I'm not going on, colleagues. Why were such cases not discussed in plenary? Why is the Tempi tragedy only being discussed, two years after the accident and after a statement by the President of the European Parliament in March this year? Because the opposition in Greece - which provoked today's debate - believes that the legitimate government can fall, vilifying it everywhere as solely responsible for the tragedy and calling for a number of ministers and the prime minister himself to be convicted as criminals under common criminal law, with heterogeneous alliances. The government, however, from the outset, acknowledging the mistakes and omissions, took steps – among others – to complete the teleadministration system and implement additional security projects with additional funding. It also submits every two months a progress report on agreed actions – mentioned by the Commissioner – in cooperation with the Commission, to enhance railway safety. At the same time, with legislative interventions, the government immediately facilitated the acceleration of judicial proceedings to investigate the causes of the tragic accident, while the investigation is in full swing. 43 people have already been brought to justice and more than 250 requests submitted to the investigating magistrate by relatives of the victims, as they were entitled to do so, have been examined. Greece is a state governed by the rule of law with strong institutions that work. Relatives of the victims of the tragedy, like Greek citizens, are seeking justice and punishment for those responsible – and will receive it from the independent judiciary of my country. The work of the government at all levels – including in the field of transport safety – will be judged in two years' time in the national elections by the Greek people.

Madam President, the increasing use of technology in communication and information, without any control whatsoever, makes more urgent than ever the need to modernise European Union law to prevent and combat child sexual abuse online and offline. The new arrangements in the excellent Lenaers report effectively enhance the safety and security of children and encourage reporting – even taking into account new forms of crime, especially in the digital environment. Artificial images or videos of abuse and virtual rape must be criminalised immediately and without exception. It is also necessary to provide for responsibility for digital platforms. Technology must stop harboring perpetrators of child sexual abuse. In addition, the revised rules are the basis for cooperation between Member States, with the aim of effectively reducing these heinous crimes and ensuring the protection of children’s rights in all aspects of their minority. Colleagues, we have a duty at last to show zero tolerance through the common strict rules that we establish and, above all, to ensure that they are properly applied. Child protection needs to be enduring, decisive and – above all – non-negotiable.

Mr President, Commissioner, in the current circumstances there is no European perspective for Turkey. The report rightly points to significant backsliding in the areas of the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights, freedom of the press and the safeguarding of democratic values. Turkey is not delivering on its commitments to security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean in the context of good neighbourly relations – a matter of major importance for the Union. The constant questioning of the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus, the promotion of the doctrine of the "Blue Homeland", the contempt for the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Orthodox Christians, the lack of cooperation for the control of illegal immigration and the threat of war for the 12 nautical miles in the Aegean constitute the image of a country that insists on its revisionist policy, in complete contradiction with European ideals, international law and the decisions of the Council of the United Nations. Unfortunately, colleagues, the gap between Turkey and European values remains – at its own risk – unbridgeable.

Madam President, Commissioner, the recent arrest of the mayor of Istanbul İmamoğlu, a political opponent of President Erdoğan, with the aim of excluding him from the presidency of 2028, was not surprising. Because during Erdoğan’s ten-year tenure there have been dozens of convictions of journalists, a ban on the operation of media outlets, mass arrests of protesters and total manipulation of justice. In addition, Turkey's revisionist policy against Greece and Cyprus continues to exist with at times inflammatory statements, direct questioning of international law, non-compliance with agreements and refusal to comply with the Commission's recommendations. Turkey, ladies and gentlemen, is characterised by a serious crisis of democracy and the absence of the rule of law. This is why today, more than ever, it highlights the need for the Commission's annual report to clearly reflect the following: Zero tolerance for the undermining of fundamental rights and the systematic disregard of international law and European values by the Turkish government.

Madam President, Commissioner, we welcome the proposal for the new regulation. It is a necessary complement to the proper implementation of the Pact on Asylum and Migration. In recent years we have indeed faced threats to the security of our citizens, also because of our failure to return those who do not have the right to stay on European soil. But return policies are not just Europe's responsibility. Cooperation with third countries of origin and transit is key to their success. I recall that the joint EU-Turkey statement, which provides for returns, and the readmission agreement, which has been in force since 2016, are not being implemented by Turkey. It is necessary to agree that third countries of origin and transit of migrants who refuse to accept rejected asylum seekers will henceforth face consequences – as you have said. In addition, the European Parliament should insist on the mandatory mutual recognition or enforcement of return decisions by any Member State to ensure the effective implementation of the new legislation. Otherwise, we risk adopting unenforceable policies once again. The need to strengthen Frontex is self-evident. Dear colleagues, only a common European return system with the active participation of all Member States can shield the Schengen area from secondary movements. Thank you very much.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, this year International Women's Day brings out the strong message for all women and girls: "rights, equality, empowerment", which holds us accountable. Although the 2024 Gender Equality Index shows significant progress in the Union, women continue to face serious inequalities, mainly in the workplace. The gender stereotypes of modern societies continue to affect women's daily lives in all areas. According to the Gender Equality Roadmap, the majority of women still cover underpaid and underpaid but meaningful jobs. Even today, in the 21st century, women are still fighting for recognition of their rights. Colleagues, we owe a brave self-criticism to the European citizens who have entrusted us with crisis management. We have taken important steps, but the fight to eradicate discrimination has not yet been won. We have an obligation to raise the awareness of civil society through information campaigns on the roots of prejudices and by promoting healthy models for example. Provide institutional incentives for career women and financial tools to implement innovative initiatives, and promote common practices through exchange of programmes between Member States to balance work and private life. Looking to future generations, with a sense of duty and quality political will, the goal is not far off.

Madam President, I welcome the Commission's work programme for 2025. Important initiatives in individual policy areas to strengthen the Union’s competitiveness, resilience and cohesion. I focus on security issues and the implementation of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, because they are the main pillars of development and progress. To strengthen competitiveness, we need to maintain security. The fight against organised crime, including trafficking in human beings and cybercrime, is a prerequisite for the well-being of citizens and the stability of Member States. Effectively guarding our external borders against illegal influxes and cracking down on smugglers' networks requires long-term strategic planning and operational coordination. Otherwise, we risk strengthening the voice of populists who, through propaganda and fake news, instrumentalise human suffering. This, however, primarily implies uniform implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and the avoidance of unilateral measures by some Member States. It is necessary to immediately promote a new legislative framework to speed up, simplify the return process and strengthen readmission agreements with third countries. In the same context, we must ensure that returns are carried out with respect for human rights and that decisions are mutually recognised throughout Europe.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, let us be honest, migrant smuggling is an important part of organised crime and a key activity for criminal networks operating in the European Union. We have not yet managed to control irregular migration and break the business model of smugglers. Smuggling with sophisticated methods is a high-profit business. More than 90% of irregular migrants resort to the assistance of smugglers. From this Chamber we have repeatedly pushed for operational cross-border cooperation and data exchange between the competent authorities of the Member States. Immediate implementation of the new asylum and migration package is now needed. Developing legal travel routes and a pan-European return system in cooperation with third countries. With irregular crossings at the external borders increasing, it is more necessary than ever to step up prevention and effectively tackle these crimes.

Madam President, Turkey has since July returned to the policy of provocations against Greece by sea and air at a four-year high after 2020. A few days ago, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for Thrace to be included in the Greek-Turkish leaders' talks, calling the region's Muslim minority for the first time Turkish, while Devlet Bahçeli, Erdogan's government partner, claimed that Greece usurped the Dodecanese islands which he took, verbatim he said, "with toys of the foot". The response from the Greek Foreign Ministry was shocking, with reference to Greece's sovereignty and international law, and with the explicit statement that Greece does not relinquish its right to defence, especially when threatened with casus belli, war. President Erdogan's ongoing revisionist policy defiantly flouts international law and institutional decisions. A swift and rigorous response from the European Union is now more necessary than ever.

Madam President, at the European Council on 17 October the issue of immigration was extensively discussed under the weight of new recent initiatives, such as Germany with temporary internal border controls and Italy with the transfer of migrants to Albania. We will not stop stressing that addressing this issue requires responsible implementation by all Member States of the new legislation based on solidarity. Equal burden-sharing, cracking down on smugglers' networks and guarding the Union's external borders are arms of the new package. Returns, in addition, guarantee and determine its successful implementation. That is why EU leaders asked the Commission for an immediate and swift legislative proposal on returns and clear recognition of safe third countries. We all need a unified stance and immediate implementation of the legislation we have recently voted on. When we talk about a fair European immigration policy, we must also mean it.

Madam President, Mr Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, in recent times, with what is happening in the Middle East and the risk of a generalised war, concern about uncontrolled mass immigration seems reasonable. In the previous term, after many negotiations and collaborations, we completed a balanced pact on asylum and migration, which all member states must implement without exception. It is the only way to demonstrate what European citizens are asking us to do, solidarity in practice. But it is neither solidarity nor unilateral actions to impose internal border controls, nor the unequal burden on first-host countries. It is certain that an effective guarding of our external borders is a prerequisite for the correct and fair implementation of a single European asylum policy. My country, Greece, as the first country of entry, is doing well. But it is not a matter of the South. It's all over the European Union. That is why, colleagues, we have a duty to complete the Union's agreements with the countries of origin of asylum seekers to facilitate returns, to secure substantial funds from the European Commission for infrastructure and management projects to control the external borders, to step up operations to combat smugglers' networks and to strengthen Frontex, always in cooperation with the Member States and with respect for the law and fundamental rights.

Mr President, at the end of the previous period we voted for a balanced new Pact on Asylum and Migration, which – for the first time – introduces mandatory solidarity and equal sharing of responsibility. Proper implementation of the new rules guarantees the security of European citizens under the following conditions: effectively guarding the Union’s external borders – a mission that recognised Greece’s success, creating legal pathways for migration by cracking down on smugglers’ networks and improving cooperation with third countries to carry out returns. Turkey, for example, is not respecting the 2016 agreement and has not accepted a single return. Colleagues, the immigration issue concerns us all. It is not fair that first-receiving countries shoulder the brunt, and unilateral border closures undermine the single Schengen area and the European common migration policy.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the agreement we are voting on today is a resounding response to those who accuse the Union of failing to respond to citizens' major and serious problems. The regulation on situations of crisis and force majeure, which I had the honour of being rapporteur for my political group, the PPE Group, allows Member States to deal with sudden and massive inflows of third-country nationals, by way of derogation from the general provisions, always of course with respect for the fundamental rights of asylum seekers. And we have succeeded in including the instrumentalisation of migrants – a long-standing tactic of third countries, such as Turkey. This is an important political achievement, especially for the first host Member States, such as my country, Greece. The new legislation, applicable throughout the European Union, provides for mandatory solidarity between Member States and a proportionate sharing of responsibilities. In addition, it also provides for mandatory compensation from contributing countries to cover 100% of the needs of the Member State in crisis. Finally, I think it is necessary to point out that the fair demands of the first host countries are finally being met.

Mr President, the Commission's Rule of Law Report is our impartial institutional tool for assessing the progress of each Member State in matters of the quality of democracy. This year's report acknowledges the significant progress made by Greece and highlights the reforms undertaken by the Greek government to enhance transparency, equality, better financial control of state officials and the safety of journalists. My country today ranks among the top 20 democracies according to the Democracy Index 2023. Regarding the text on the rule of law and media freedom in Greece, the country's Supreme Court strongly protested against vague references and unjustified direct interference in the work of the independent judiciary. Colleagues, issues to be improved on the crucial issues of democracy are being observed in all the Member States of the Union. This is why, when we report breaches of the rule of law, we have an obligation to provide official data. European citizens demand objectivity from us with a high sense of responsibility.

Mr President, on Wednesday in plenary the well-known political groups once again attack my country, Greece, promoting a resolution on the rule of law and press freedom that is leniently unacceptable. Because they consciously ignore the serious institutional and administrative reforms carried out by the government over the last four years and deliberately omit the formal conclusions of the Commission’s 2023 Rule of Law Report, which highlights my country’s progress in its recommendations. It is provocative that the resolution deliberately adopts fake news and arbitrary claims disseminated by the opposition in Greece. In addition, illegal interference in the independent Greek judiciary is attempted for pending cases. The issue, ladies and gentlemen, is very serious. This resolution serves political purposes ahead of the European elections, in an effort to hurt Greece's self-sustaining government and its prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Texts such as this are the epitome of populism and disinformation and, unfortunately, undermine the credibility of the European Parliament.

Madam President, how many more times in plenary will the same political groups as the same colleagues bring back a malicious debate on the rule of law in Greece? The petition is about the very same cases pending before the independent Greek judiciary and about the very same unsubstantiated complaints that we have discussed extensively on several occasions, we have reached resolutions, followed by PEGA Committee recommendations and findings. Two people have already been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of journalist Karaivaz. What else do you know, colleagues? Whatever you know, say it, report it to the D.A.'s office. No slander without evidence. As far as freedom of the press is concerned, we will be with the Council of Europe, which recognized only in July 23 the government initiatives of my country, or with fake news, such as the supposedly abandoned dead refugee in Evros, for which even the reputable newspaper Der Spiegel apologized to Greece. In the summer, colleagues, elections were held in Greece that showed democratically for the second four years, a strong self-sustaining government of New Democracy at the helm of the country. Was there a problem in the functioning of the rule of law in this? Nothing at all. Do you not wonder what the purpose of today's debate is in view of the upcoming elections? Should we not be concerned about the attempt to vilify my country without any serious evidence that offends the Greek people for their recent verdict? Those who seek it will fail once again. With malignancies and fake news, colleagues, there is no policy of principles. Our European values dictate otherwise.

Mr President, in recent years, and especially after the end of the pandemic restrictions, there has been an alarming increase in child delinquency throughout the European Union, and in my country, Greece, repeated cases of violence involving minors as victims or perpetrators impress negatively. We are not only talking about school blackmail, but also about crimes, even felonies and a plethora of hate crimes. Experts focus on parental or educational deficit, but mainly on the catalytic role of the internet, because children and adolescents are unable to manage a variety of stimuli and in many cases identify with perpetrators. The Union Youth Strategy and the Procedural Safeguards Directive for suspected or accused minors are not enough. It is imperative today, with information campaigns, the promotion of sound standards and the exchange of information and know-how, to have a directly organised European policy to prevent child delinquency. We must effectively control the phenomenon before it reaches uncontrollable proportions.

Madam President, in every plenary session lately, for many months, this demand for the rule of law in Greece and for matters that are before the Greek judiciary comes and goes back. The Greek judiciary is an independent authority, completely independent and proven, and this obsessive repetition of an issue is directed against the Greek government, which only in the recent national elections was elected as a one-person self-reliant government by the Greek people. I believe that this request should not pass, because it has been repeatedly judged without evidence, without any substantive data against the rule of law in Greece.

Mr President, today we are discussing gender-based violence in the shadow of wars taking place in Europe's wider neighbourhood, leaving behind hundreds of thousands of women, brutally abused, sunk and murdered, and mothers with babies in their arms uprooted, hopeless. We must be haunted by these images of shame. But across the world and on our continent, of course, in times of peace, women are being abused every day with all forms of violence, and incidents are growing at an alarming rate. Completing European legislation that we are proud of and must – we stress – include rape in the crimes of major worth, cannot in itself control this appalling phenomenon that plagues our societies. We need new common European standards to effectively tackle violence. Because taking pan-European actions in cooperation with competent bodies and women's organisations remains our main priority in the FEMM Committee with very important legislative and political work, but, colleagues, we must not forget that gender-based violence is based on a distorted conception of gender equality. With this premise, this fact, we have a moral obligation to nurture new generations, starting with elementary education, so that young people know from a very early age that all people, regardless of gender, have equal rights and obligations.

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.