Speeches

Dear Chair, I welcome the latest decision of the European Council to grant assistance to Ukraine and the conclusion of the trilogue that took place last night here in Parliament on the mechanism of this assistance. For years, Ukraine has been courageously bearing heavy sacrifices for its decisions to embark on a European future. Croatia and all its citizens are well acquainted with the challenges posed by the fight for freedom and European democratic values. Our defenders, led by President Tuđman, faced numerous obstacles and lack of support from then weak Europe. Croatia has not only managed to defend itself, but to prevent further massacres in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to lead to the Dayton-Paris peace agreement, the liberation of Croatian territories and the peaceful reintegration of the Danube region despite all the ‘unfaithful tomas’ that we now see here. The European future of BiH is at the opening of negotiations and support in the fight against autocratic regimes and those who are looking at Putin's path thinking that it will easily pass due to the hesitation of conformists. We must therefore remain with Ukraine, together with our transatlantic partners, until the end, and not let history judge us for our conformism.

Dear Chairman, Commissioner, the elections in Serbia are behind us. It is still early to draw conclusions on their regularity until we have received the final ODIHR report. In the meantime, it is essential that all complaints are taken into account in accordance with the rules governing the conduct of elections. At this point, it is essential for Serbia's path to work on further steps towards the democratization of the country and the electoral process, and above all public discourse. We also expect a faster formation of power given the indicators of the party's high representation in power in parliament. What worries me primarily, as a representative of Croats in the European Parliament, wherever they may be, is that Serbia shows reciprocity in the approach and treatment of the Croatian minority and that they are part of the government when they have not already entered the parliament because of the electoral system. It is also important to open a dialogue on the issue of non-discriminatory use of the Croatian language and respect for the Croatian cultural heritage and tradition in Serbia. And finally, above all to resolve the situation and finally come to reconciliation, to resolve the missing from the Homeland War. At these crucial moments of geopolitical change and the erosion of the international rights-based system, Serbia is at a historic crossroads. What matters is the decision they will take, and the way through it goes through truth and reconciliation.

Madam President, I would like to thank the Commissioner for his kind words and to thank all the colleagues for contributing to this very, very rich debate. This is the beginning of our rethinking about what the European Union should do in order to have a more unified voice, in order to maintain its economic and diplomatic strength globally. First of all, we need to rethink our foreign policy-making and invest more in the prevention of the challenges that we are facing. The European Union must seek to prevent conflict before a crisis emerges or violence erupts. This must be a constant and high priority for all EU diplomatic engagements. it is not only when CNN cameras are around that the main people should come. But we must resolve the conflicts, and as my colleague Nacho said, it is very important to address, to understand cultural and historical background and to have people listened to and to have respect. I remember many years ago the late President Chirac told me – I was ambassador in Paris – the main thing is respect, listening and respecting people. He was one of the key people for signing the Dayton-Paris Peace Accord. So in order to prevent and to keep peace, we must understand others and we must invest in peace. Because this, as you rightly said, the whole investment in peace and prevention, pays off – but it pays off because history will ask us where we were when this investment and this human effort was made.

Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, this report is calling for lessons learned where we have made some progress and is also keen to rethinking our policies in order to be better prepared, more coordinated and more focussed on preventing future crises. First of all, I would like to thank my colleagues, shadow rapporteurs from other political groups for their serious and constructive approach during the negotiations on this report. With the Russian war against Ukraine, we have a war that is threatening our countries as well. The war in the Middle East and the situation in the Red sea are a clear reminder that we have set aside all these conflicts without addressing the consequences that we have to be dealing with – from Ukraine to Venezuela, from the South Caucasus to the Western Balkans, crises are popping up and seeking immediate response, for which we need strong coordination in this current, weakened, multilateral world. Ten years after the establishment of the European External Action Service, discussions are still ongoing about the lack of a single voice related to the EU’s external policy and the European Union’s global role. Political leaders have still not found the visionary approach to start building that railroad to prevent conflicts, to fully align and act as a caretaker of the tragedies that we are facing in this volatile world. The global order is changing rapidly. Emerging powers are confronting traditional players. New technologies and further global globalisation are leading to increased international competition. In recent years, our achievements have deteriorated, our presence weakened, and our actions left without concrete results. Just think about the Western Balkans, Africa, the South Caucasus, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and the Middle East that encouraged other actors to take advantage of our lack of interest, putting themselves in an active and malign role in our own backyard. Dear colleagues, we have to ask ourselves the question why has the EU failed on preventing violent outbursts throughout the years? Exactly this thought was on my mind when I initiated this parliamentary report in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, with the intention of launching a ‘lessons learned’ exercise on the European efforts in preventive diplomacy over the years. The report is based on the need to improve the visibility of the European Union in this field of analysis, with six main areas that can be upgraded and improved for the prevention of conflicts around the world. It emphasises the importance to learn from missed opportunities and draw lessons from past experiences. The text also reiterates that the key focus should be on strengthening the EU early warning system, advocating proactive risk analysis and continuous evaluation to improve effectiveness, underscoring the need for interventions tailored to specific contexts. The report highlights the importance of aid responding to countries’ unique cultural, historical and political contexts. It points out that it is crucial to take into account the local cultural and historical background when appointing EU special representatives and envoys to avoid controversies in conflict areas and their role as impartial mediators. Furthermore, the need for a thorough evaluation of their work is emphasised, including the European Parliament’s supervision of their initiatives, results and contribution to preventive diplomacy. Despite being the largest donor of development aid, the results of this investment in public diplomacy are almost insignificant and often overridden by false narratives presented by other major powers present in developing countries. The adopted text also emphasises that international coordination in conflict prevention is crucial and calls on the EU to strengthen cooperation with other organisations on this issue. My hope is that all these recommendations will bring the European Union one step closer to becoming a more visible actor in conflict prevention and resolution worldwide. The fear of conflict is easy to be put to flame again if the seed of hope does not replace the flame of hatred that is left behind, and rebuilding bridges and finding solutions for frozen conflicts and unhealed grievances is the seed for preventing future wars and tragedies. I count on your support.

I will not contribute to the electoral campaign in South Africa, but about the civilian victims, what I can say, I always said Hamas is keeping Gaza and holding people as their hostage, not only hostages that are taken from Israel’s side, but they are held as human shields that they are using in the war on terror, they are hostages and they are victims of this war. So we should discuss how these people should be saved and not be used as a human shield from the Hamas terrorists. I’ve been in a war, and I know what they are doing.

Mr President, on 7 October, I was in Cyprus visiting and seeing the situation which Cyprus, a member country, is living – and 7 October was a day that will always stay in my memory. It’s something unimaginable that could have happened: the atrocities, the kidnapping of poor young people, and still their families don’t know their whereabouts. It’s a reminder of how cruel we are. Not many of you mentioned the hostages. Hamas is not only keeping the hostages in Gaza, they are also keeping hostage whole peoples, trying to get sympathy to divide Europe and to divide the world. Whoever is praying for voters based on a campaign, and dividing the people of Europe on this issue, has not lived through the war. We have a saying that whoever advocates for war and divide and conflict, let this war be in his or her house. The sad story about hostages and their families that are still waiting for the loved ones to return home should be the theme of this debate. To all of those that are using harsh words, I would just like to remind them: one day, history will call upon them and ask them, ‘Where were you, where the war was on the verge of our homes?’ One the last point: I just want to say that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Komšić is using this for his campaign. He was not fighting and he was not a true man. He is sitting in a chair that was provided by peace and reconciliation. So let him shut up and let’s start reconciliating people in Europe and abroad. (The speaker agreed to respond to a blue-card speech)

Mr President, High Representative, I would like to thank the rapporteur on his constructive approach and good cooperation during the negotiations. Well done, Mr Picula. Since the last recommendation on the future of EU-US relations that we adopted in 2021, our relations have reinvigorated significantly. The United States is not only a partner, but also our closest ally, with whom we need to coordinate our approach in crucial foreign policy areas. That includes our immediate neighbourhood, Africa, Latin America, Caribbean, in the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic. During the negotiations, I successfully included my amendments on the need to continue our strategic partnership in the Western Balkans in order to secure stability in the region, security of European external borders. Transatlantic coordination in the region is crucial in supporting the countries on their path to European integration and assisting them in addressing the issues in the region, that includes the electoral and constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue that are key for a European future of the region. As the rapporteur for the report on preventive diplomacy, we have included preventive diplomacy actions around the world, and the visible need that we have on joint actions in preventing future possible conflict. Mr High Representative, we should not be firefighters. We should be, and play, a part, because the world is now in dire need of preventive diplomacy, and especially with our US partner. I remember when the Dayton Peace Agreement was done it was unjust peace, but it was still a peace. And we should not be afraid of a future Congress. I remember Republican Congressman Bob Dole was the one who initiated the actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We should work hand in hand with the future and with the present legislatures on the overseas. We should forget about ideological divides. We should work and build the peace around the world. The world needs Europe and the world needs the United States strong and visible in the arena, otherwise we are all doomed to fail.

Mr President, High Representative, two months after the despicable terrorist attack by Hamas, we still have 128 Israeli people held hostage by this terrorist organisation, among them women, elderly and children. Every second is one second too long for their loved ones, who are in terrible anxiety for their safety and well-being. Hamas and like-minded terrorist organisations hold civilians in front of the world’s public, but they also hold fellow Palestinians as human shields in perpetual attack on Israeli territory. I sympathise with Israel and its people, including governments whose citizens are being held captive, in their joint endeavour to bring back the hostages, and put an end to this source of evil that nourished and incited the heinous crimes committed on that day that will stay forever in our memories. I call on Palestinian politicians to spare their people from being sacrificed, including their youth, indoctrinated with the ideology of hatred. The Middle East and Palestinians need at this moment leaders who put peace and future above the ideology of hatred, and release civilians.

It has been 30 years since the Copenhagen criteria were met by the Honourable President, the Honourable Vice-President. In those ‘93 years, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were under aggression, and the war caught up in an unprepared Europe. Two years later, it was signed in ‘95. The Dayton Peace Agreement. Austria, Sweden and Finland joined the European Union. During that time, ‘93. Belgium received the Constitution, where all three language groups were represented, finally with an equal share of power through federalization. In 2004, there was a major wave of enlargement, which affected Eastern Europe, and in 2005. The Republic of Croatia was granted candidate status alongside Turkey and North Macedonia. The Republic of Croatia enters the last year of 2013. Only the war in Ukraine opened the story of peace and security, enlargement in a realistic way. Gentlemen, Rome was not built in a single day, and so the treaty reforms have neither been nor will be changed, nor are they necessary to achieve enlargement. Enlargement is necessary in order to physically defend ourselves against the threats that come from those who in the meantime use the vacuum that we have left behind. In the end, open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, from it everything began.

Dear Chairman, once again I congratulate the people of Ukraine, the people of Moldova, the people of Georgia, and to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina once again I say: Croatia stands firmly behind you. Congratulations to Mrs. Borjana Krišto for her dedicated and courageous work, what she has done in this little time, congratulations to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for fighting until the last for Bosnia and Herzegovina to get such a conclusion as she has got, congratulations to Dragan Čović for everything she does - but I can't do it alone. I say to Dodik, I say to the Bosniaks: Sit down and make a deal. If the Dayton Peace Agreement could be drafted in a few days, all this can be fulfilled, Bosnia and Herzegovina can start negotiations. You have this obligation to the peoples you represent. You have an obligation to make a final agreement. Sit down, arrange and give Andrej Plenković a chance to finally cross this last bridge for you and put Bosnia and Herzegovina on the forehead where it belongs.

Madam President, as someone who was in the war in the 90s, in 1992, I’m going to remind you of the episode, when the Croatian forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, when they were encircled by the Serbian forces, they took from Jajce 30 000 civilians and then they returned and stayed and fought for seven months until Jajce fell. The difference between soldiers and terrorists is that soldiers protect first the lives of civilians. The Croats knew how to do it. Hamas is a terrorist organisation. They are putting the rockets next to the kindergartens, next to the mosques, next to the UN buildings and trying for sympathy. They should be brave guys, let the hostages from Israel that they took, they should set them free. They should take care of their civilians and not hold hostages from Palestine and from Israel in Gaza. This is not about brave men. These cowards should stop, get out and fight as a real men.

Dear Chair, Honourable Commissioner, I would like to thank the Rapporteur Tonino Picula for including my amendments in his report and for the comprehensive report he has made. This text shows great support for the country's European integration. The text also touches upon, as I pointed out in my amendments, the Croatian community and its traditions in Kotor. Also, with what is sacred for Croatia, and that is its cultural heritage and what is the Adriatic, which means for Dalmatia. The return of the Adriatic means good relations, the return of the Adriatic means the return of history and I think it is high time for Montenegro to do this one friendly act and to finish more with this story. Also, I would like to thank you for the inclusion of the amendments and the vote at AFET, and I believe that we will also vote tomorrow, for the opening of the archives of the secret files of the former Yugoslavia UDBA and KOS. Without it, we can't solve the story of history or historical heritage, criminal networks and everything that drives us to move on. I encourage Montenegro to work on good neighbourly relations, to solve border problems, to shed light on war crimes and to investigate the fate of the missing. This country needs a pro-European government. Do not let us return to that carousel where some of the most advanced ones return to the beginning. Montenegrins will know how to standardize this and I also hope that we will leave the list for some future times when the passions in Montenegro calm down.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, I strongly condemn the attack by an armed terrorist group against Kosovo police officers near Banjska Monastery, which left one police officer and three attackers dead. My deepest condolences to the family of the Kosovo police sergeant killed on the line of duty. In order to deescalate the current situation in northern Kosovo, Serbia must take immediate and decisive steps to reduce both political and ethnic tensions. That includes the immediate withdrawal of its remaining forces from the border region of Kosovo. In that regard, I welcome the decision by NATO to strengthen KFOR to address the situation in Kosovo and to deter Serbia from further escalation. These actions by Serbia cannot remain unanswered and require our clear and strong response.

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, as the European Parliament’s standing rapporteur on Azerbaijan, I strongly condemn the pre-planned and unjustified military attack of Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh’s people. I call on the EU and Member States to immediately offer all necessary assistance to refugees and to deal with the influx of refugees and to help Armenia in the subsequent humanitarian crisis. Azerbaijan remains fully responsible for ensuring the rights and security of the remaining Karabakh Armenians, including the fundamental right for those displaced to return to their homes. We need tangible international presence in Nagorno-Karabakh to monitor the situation on the ground and the independent investigation into alleged crimes committed against the ethnic Armenian community. Furthermore, I strongly urge Azeri authorities to grant an unrestricted access to the UNESCO mission to the heritage site to establish the current state of the heritage that we have of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. We remain committed to supporting the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and welcome the next high-level meeting scheduled for 5 October in Granada within the framework of the European Political Community. However, any attempts by Azerbaijan to exploit this situation to destabilise Armenia or engage in military actions on its territory will be deemed unacceptable. In the event of such actions, we will conduct a true re-evaluation of our relationship with Azerbaijan, and I call then to impose restrictive measures.

Dear Chair, Commissioner, we are voting here on the European Media Freedom Act and I would like to thank rapporteur Sabine Verheyen who has also included my amendments in this extremely important act that will finally allow for the editorial independence of European media, improve the rules for greater transparency of media service providers, which Member States will have to respect, and also information on advertising costs that must be available and public advertising non-discriminatory and transparent. We must remember that media independence is under serious threat in some Member States. In the end, I just want to pay tribute to a great man who we forgot during the war in the Republic of Croatia. J.P. Mackley taught me everything I know about respect for media freedom when the Yugoslav media out there spread falsehoods about the war in Croatia and lies. J.P. Mackley and the American Croats created the Foreign Press Bureau and brought journalists to war lines and where we created, essentially, the truth to reach people. Today we see that it is completely different. Europe protects the media, Europe protects the truth. No authoritarian state will ever be able to control the media again.

Mr President, dear representative, Commissioner, I want to congratulate Nacho Sánchez Amor for his work on this report and for including my amendments in the final text. I extend my condolences to the families affected by the recent tragic earthquake in Türkiye. Our European response was swift, compassionate and the largest ever search and rescue operation was carried out through the EU civil protection mechanism. Dear colleagues, Türkiye is not just a neighbour, it is a key partner in various aspects of our shared interests, including security, trade and migration management. In the complex geopolitical landscape that we find ourselves in today, Türkiye still stands as a vital strategic ally within NATO. However, the threats and aggressive rhetoric are still present in the agency in the East Mediterranean. Upholding shared European values is essential for its progress in the EU accession. We aim for strong relations based on equality and mutual respect. Let us work together for a better and shared future.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, today we stand at a critical crossroad in our relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. In recent years, our engagement in this region has weakened, allowing other negative influences to gain ground. The need for renewed focus became evident during our participation in the EuroLat Assembly in Madrid. I welcome the new agenda to strengthen the EU partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the Global Gateway initiative, which will increase investment, trade and cooperation. This is a bold step forward: a testament to our steadfast dedication to revitalising and modernising our relationship in this vital region. The recent EU-CELAC summit in Brussels reaffirmed our shared determination to relaunch our partnership. The connections we share, thanks to our diaspora, including culture, history, language, religion and our unwavering commitment to principles such as democracy and human rights, naturally align us as likeminded partners and strategic allies. Let us not underestimate the significance of this aspect as we embark on this renewed momentum with the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dear Chair, Commissioner Várhelya, thank the rapporteur Paul Rangel for this year's extraordinary report and his latest report on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The past year has been historic for the country in terms of European integration. I congratulate Bosnia and Herzegovina on the long-awaited and obtained candidate status and welcome the swift formation of the Council of Ministers and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Borjana Krišto, who is leading Bosnia and Herzegovina on the accelerated path to the European Union. The European Union has set a clear expectation on all political actors in the country. Efforts to fulfil constitutional electoral reforms must be stepped up in line with the European Commission's fourteen key priorities. The current crisis in BiH, and regarding the Constitutional Court, once again brings us back to the basic issue of problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina that we have been dealing with in our resolutions since 2014. The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a category of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which established it as the highest instance of preserving the constitutional structure of the country. If all decisions of the Constitutional Court without discrimination are not applied and respected, the issue of Croats who have been waiting for a legitimate presentation for so many years will not be resolved in an equal way. The international community must insist on the implementation of the decisions of the Constitutional Court regarding legitimate representation and the adoption of an electoral law that will ensure that all constituent peoples and other citizens feel equal. We must not allow selective access to the decisions of the Constitutional Court or selective access to peace and justice.

Dear President, Commissioner Lenarčič, Lebanon finds itself today at a critical crossroads, facing a complex web of social, economic and political crisis. Years of political instability have left the country with hyperinflation that has pushed so many below the poverty line. Lebanon, known for hosting the highest number of refugees per capita in the world, is on the verge of humanitarian catastrophe. The absence of a president and the functioning government hinders economic recovery efforts because critical economic, fiscal and monetary reforms and investments in reconstruction are delayed. I call on Lebanon’s political leadership to act swiftly and elect a president who can unite the country and enact the necessary reforms to rescue the economy from this long crisis. Lebanon’s leaders must prioritise the interests of their country and people over personal ambitions and self-interest.

I think everything has been said, and as rapporteur for Azerbaijan, my role is really ungrateful. High Representative, we are trying to play as European Union equidistant role in the conflict situation. Have you considered maybe discussing with different parts why the European Union’s role is not accepted as observer in Nagorno-Karabakh? Because we don’t have proper information. Is there any ongoing discussion to maybe have acceptable mission that could give us a true account of what is going on on the ground, because we cannot assess properly the situation unless we have this information?

Mr President, as we enter the 465th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, our support and commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine remain firm and unwavering. The ongoing intensity of this conflict reminds us of the challenges faced every day by Ukraine and its people. I condemn Russia’s destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, which has displaced thousands of civilians and caused a humanitarian crisis and also brought menace and nuclear danger to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. This not only constitutes a violation of international law, but also has caused an environmental catastrophe that will leave long—term consequences in the region. I welcome the help of the EU civil protection mechanism, which serves around the world as a true ambassador of EU values. We help with solidarity. Russian public diplomacy is distraction and that. While the EU is already contributing substantially to help Ukraine’s ongoing resilience, it is clear that more support will be needed in the future to rebuild the country. The country will always have ... (The President cut off the speaker)

Dear Chairman, I have only one question for the Commissioner. I'm going to Split today, to Dalmatia. Dalmatia is a place where everyone goes to rest, to tourism, preserved cultural and historical heritage and enjoy the beautiful gastronomy caught by Dalmatian fishermen. Dalmatian fishermen. There is no Dalmatia, there is no Croatia without fishermen and do not work against fishermen, and also colleague Matić, meaning, there is no goldfish that will fulfill your wishes if Croatia does not preserve its fisheries. And I invite the Commissioner to come to Dalmatia to talk to the fishermen before he does some plans that will work only in the interest of third countries and imports and will work against the strategic autonomy of the European Union, food security and the preservation of cultural and historical heritage.

Dear Chair, Commissioner, I congratulate rapporteur Viola von Cramon and shadow rapporteurs on the report. I am pleased that my amendments on the issue of the status of minorities in Kosovo and the need to normalise relations between Kosovo and Serbia for progress in their European integration have been included in the final text of the report. Kosovo's recent application for membership of the European Union has confirmed the pro-European orientation of its citizens and a great desire to join the European family, and the long-awaited decision on visa liberalisation has further strengthened our relations with each other. Today is also a special day and I would like to congratulate Janjevaci, the Croatian national minority in Kosovo, which celebrates the 720th anniversary of the first mention of Janjeva. I call on Kosovo to step up its efforts and improve the status of its national minorities, and to protect and promote their cultural heritage, languages and traditions, and above all security. Equally, at this moment it is crucial to continue the dialogue with Belgrade in order to increase mutual trust, overcome international divisions and normalize relations between the two countries.

First of all, I would like to express my condolences to the families of the victims of the recent violence that has struck Serbia and affected all those who see it in this act and in these days in which Serbia mourns its children the time for change. A time for change, a time for reflection and a time to think when violence will stop, when the glorification of violence will stop, when the glorification and rhetoric of violence will stop. I would like to congratulate my colleague Vladimír Bilčík on this demanding report. I would also like to thank the rapporteur and shadow rapporteurs for including my amendments in the final text of the report. Serbia is progressing on its European path, but significant challenges still need to be addressed. This concerns in particular the alignment with our Common Foreign and Security Policy regarding the sanctions regime against Russia. It is very worrying that the level has fallen from 65% last year to 45% today. We want Serbia to be part of the European family, but it must show willingness to adhere to its values. The normalisation of relations with Kosovo and the resolution of all ongoing bilateral issues with neighbouring countries are also important factors for Serbia's progress. (The President interrupted the speaker.)

Madam President, thank you, Commissioner, a few months ago, we were with the Foreign Affairs Committee in Sudan. It’s quite heartbreaking to see all these pictures of the recent events. The ongoing crisis in Sudan has caused immense suffering for the Sudanese people and threatens the stability and security of an already fragile region. It has forced more than 100 000 persons to leave the country, and the involvement of third countries has aggravated the violence and obstructed the de-escalation efforts. I call for immediate ceasefire and urge all parties to commit to a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Such a resolution would enable unimpeded humanitarian access, ensuring the safety of aid workers and providing relief to those in dire need. It is vital that the European Union, the African Union, the UN and the international community work together to find a sustainable solution and support Sudan’s transition to democracy. Only a civilian-led government could address the huge political, economic, security and humanitarian challenges the country is currently facing.