Speeches

Mr President, thank you very much. ‘They said that no one needs me, that I will have a new family, a Russian family.’ That was said by a 12-year-old boy who was abducted to Russia – one of thousands of children estimated to have been abducted to Russia. Children are killed, children abducted and women raped and sexually abused. Anyone who has committed crimes in Russia’s war against Ukraine must be brought to justice. A year ago, we Social Democrats initiated a resolution on the EU's protection of children and young people affected by the war. Even then, we demanded preventive measures for children at risk of abduction. We will continue to fight that fight. It is about children's rights and the obligations of adults. This is about kids.

Mr President, thank you very much. Tomorrow we have a historic vote for Europe, for the climate and for the future. The tightening of emissions trading, the introduction of climate tariffs and the Social Climate Fund are perhaps the most important reforms in Fit for 55, which will bring us to the EU’s 2030 climate target. Not only will the EU reduce its emissions by more than half by 2030, we will also take responsibility for a just transition for our citizens and create a level playing field for our businesses both inside and outside the EU. This is so clear – the EU is taking the lead in the green transition and is now showing the rest of the world that a sustainable future is possible. Implementing the green transition is about exactly this: to take responsibility. It's about respect and it's about justice. I am really proud that we in the European Union are now actually doing what is required. But at the same time as the EU is speeding up, a great deal of responsibility is being placed on our Member States, where the policy is now to be implemented. Of course, I am genuinely concerned about what is happening in my country. Almost daily we see how Swedish climate policy is dismantled by the Sweden Democrats and a right-wing government. No new proposals are presented on how Sweden will achieve the climate targets. It's irresponsible and it's not leadership. But we in the EU are going to do our part, and we are going to make it up to all Member States – including the Swedish Government – and everyone else to do their part of the job. It is important for the sake of our children and grandchildren and for our common future.

Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission and the Council! Imagine seeking care and being denied. Imagine that you are not allowed to make decisions about your own body. Imagine that you help a fellow human being with advice and support to which they are actually entitled – but you risk imprisonment. It is a brutal reality in many places around the world, including in our Union, most recently in Poland. We who participated together at the UN Commission on the Status of Women last week all heard the same news, regardless of who we talked to. It was the UN, it was civil society, it was human rights defenders – everyone said the same thing: We need to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights. The EU can and must do more. We must not allow those in power to restrict the fundamental rights of women and girls. I think our message and our message is clear here in tonight's debate: All women and girls should have human rights.

Mr President, thank you very much. The Commission and the Council! One in three women in the EU has no job of their own and no income of their own, i.e. one in three women. Among the women who work, it is usually a matter of part-time or precarious employment. When we talk about tomorrow's competitive economy and more jobs, we must therefore ensure that women are also part of that. Women's skills are needed, not least in the climate transition. Let me be clear: whereas women’s participation in the labour market is central to growth in the EU; We must be a Union where both women and men go to work, where they have a living wage and family and work can be combined. When women in our Union work, both the individual's freedom and the countries' GDP are strengthened. It is a question of our fundamental values, of power and influence in society. It is also about being a tool, a key, to eradicate child poverty and a prerequisite for women to be able to leave a violent partner. The competitive economy of tomorrow should benefit everyone, but that means that everyone must also be a part of it. The full participation of women in the labour market is crucial for meeting the challenges facing our Union. We're actually writing in 2023. That should be self-evident. We just celebrated International Women's Day. Let us take responsibility and ensure that we have an equal labour market. It benefits everyone in our European Union.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. Fit for 55 is coming soon. I hope that everyone understands today that the market stability reserve is very large and important for the climate. It is a key factor for the EU ETS to work as it was actually intended. As we all know, there have been problems with the EU emissions trading with the large surplus that we received on allowances after the financial crisis. Prices were low, and there were weak signals to industry to reduce CO2 emissions. But with the Market Stability Reserve, ETS prices are now sending the right signals to industry to actually reduce their emissions. That is why I think it is important on a day like this to express our thanks to our negotiators. This applies not only to this part of the market stability reserve, but also to the other important dossiers which are now pushing us forward, and which allow us in each Member State to really take the fight to cope with the climate transition in such a way that we can promise our children and grandchildren and future generations that, indeed, in this Parliament, in our Europe, in our Union, we take responsibility for the climate transition and leave a planet and an environment to future generations. Thank you very much! I would call for broad support for the proposal when it is to be decided in this House. It is critical and crucial that we have broad support in our Parliament for the climate transition. Now the journey with Fit for 55 really start!

Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission! Yes, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has hit both European and global food security hard. We see this in Europe's great dependence on fossil fuels and artificial fertilisers from Russia. I therefore welcome strong action by the Commission to strengthen agriculture and ensure food production. We must act in the long term and accelerate the transition to sustainable and fossil-free agriculture. I come from an agricultural area. I know how important it is that we embrace ecological solutions. Residues, for example from biogas production, are a good and excellent alternative that can replace imported fertilizers. And the fertiliser we still have to use must be circular, climate-neutral and European. And new projects for fossil-free production of artificial fertiliser must be given the conditions to succeed. Only then can we resist our dependence on Russia. And we need to agree again on artificial fertilisers.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner and Minister! Yes, when trust in politicians and EU institutions is damaged, then our democracy is damaged. whereas the independence, transparency and accountability of public institutions and all elected representatives must be exemplary; This is a prerequisite for promoting both trust and democracy. This is a prerequisite for the functioning of our institutions. The fact that corruption has come to light in this Parliament is very serious and it shows shortcomings that are totally unacceptable. We shall have zero tolerance and I welcome the measures adopted by Parliament so far. And I call for continued work to be started to ensure that we live up to the very highest standards of ethical behaviour. There should be no doubt about the ethical rules that apply in the EU institutions. Improving integrity, transparency and accountability does not only benefit our institutions – it is a prerequisite for our democracy. And we owe it to all European citizens to live up to it.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, Minister! Soon the Commission on the Status of Women will meet in New York and I am pleased to be part of Parliament's delegation. I was there in 2016 on behalf of Sweden and I know that the Women's Commission is an excellent and important opportunity to join forces to raise our global ambitions and put the focus on gender equality and women's rights. Now we know that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has horribly affected women and children. We see the effects of the pandemic, the climate crisis, sexual and reproductive health and rights. We have seen a backlash about women's rights and we have important issues to discuss at the conference. With the theme of digitalisation, it is just like with the climate transition. It must go hand in hand with equality. We must have equal decision-making and girls and women's full access to both education and jobs. This must go hand in hand with digital development. This is the only way we can increase gender equality in society at large, but also strengthen our economies. The EU must take clear leadership in New York and push for ambitious goals and actions. It wasn't like that in 2016 when I was there. At the time, the EU did not even have a gender equality strategy. We must therefore show that, within our Union, we are doing our homework. We cannot wait for generations for the world to become more equal. It won't be on its own. New York will be an opportunity to put gender equality on the agenda. Equality is not only morally right, it's smarter, it's more sustainable and it creates growth. This is the only way to build a stronger society.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. We have a historic vote today. We now have the chance to put an end to new fossil-fuelled cars from 2035. Because the development is fast. They are getting cheaper and better and the car companies want to work climate smart. And it will be even quicker if the policy is also clear about that direction. I want a clear end date and although I would have liked biogas to have been better included, we now have to take responsibility for the agreement. It is deeply irresponsible of the EPP and the right-wing forces not to stand behind this agreement. It's time we took responsibility. It is time that we take responsibility for the climate, that we choose the right path for the car. A road that is climate neutral, noise-free and healthy. It is time to vote for this now.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. Zero tolerance – there should be no doubt that the EU institutions should have zero tolerance for the terrible poison of corruption, a poison that damages our institutions, that damages trust in politicians and that damages democracy. Since the accusations came to light in December, we in the Socialist Group have been working intensively to implement reforms and fight corruption. We need to increase responsibility, transparency and integrity, and I therefore welcome Commissioner Johansson's proposal and the important work of the European Parliament. It is about our citizens and for them to have full confidence in the EU and our democratic processes. There should be no doubt that we are united in a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of corruption and foreign interference.

Mr President, thank you very much. The Commission! Computer games are more than just entertainment. It is an important part of our culture and identity, but also a major nutrient. Computer games are a source of joy and community, while also contributing to important skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. But in our work, we must never turn a blind eye to the negative effects. We need to ensure inclusion, gender equality and the promotion of a fair and safe environment to play in. Strong and safe consumer protection is therefore crucial. We Social Democrats want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to enjoy these computer games. We will continue to work to ensure that all players have the right to a safe and positive gaming experience. This is especially important for all children and young people.

Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission and Prime Minister Kristersson! There are always great expectations for a presidency, and for me as a Swede it is especially so now that we welcome the Swedish presidency. But it is with mixed feelings that I stand here today. Sweden is well known internationally for its successful work on the climate, on gender equality and on issues relating to democracy and the rule of law. But, and it must be said, today Sweden is led by a right-wing conservative government with the support of a larger nationalist, far-right party, which also means, for the EU issue, that it is the Sweden Democrats who hold the baton. How will this affect our work? In your speech, the Prime Minister, you give a picture that the green transition remains a priority for Sweden. But at home in Sweden, you have clearly abandoned the climate goals. There, the Sweden Democrats say that all policies within the framework of the EU's climate should be negotiated with them before it proceeds. Is it just beautiful words or should Sweden continue to lead the climate transition? For more than a decade, Sweden has also topped the EU Gender Equality Index and pushed for a more gender-equal EU. The Prime Minister began the government's work to scrap the successful feminist foreign policy, and today the Prime Minister did not mention in a word the word gender equality in his speech. Will the Presidency work on gender equality? In a difficult time of war and crisis, political courage, clear leadership and responsible decisions are required. I am facing a concern here in Parliament, and I look forward to the government now leading the Swedish Presidency. Up to proof of a stronger Europe where we take responsibility together! So welcome to this work, Ulf Kristersson!

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. Russia's terrible war against Ukraine is ongoing here and now. Infrastructure is under attack. Houses, schools, playgrounds are bombed. People's lives are shattered. Now there is a winter, a Christmas holiday, but the EU must not take a break. We must continue our full support to Ukraine in words and deeds. This spring, we Social Democrats initiated a resolution calling for concrete measures to protect children and young people affected by the war. And it's just as urgent now. We must maintain a child rights perspective in the actions we are sending to Ukraine. These are humanitarian aid, the reconstruction of vital infrastructure and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We must continue to give our full support, for the sake of the Ukrainian people, for democracy and freedom in Europe and the world.

Mr President, thank you very much. To this question from Mr Weimers, I would just like to say that Mr Weimers knows perfectly well that we voted on formality on the agenda. When we then came to the resolution, I can clearly state that, as a social democrat, I, together with my group, stand up for workers' rights, girls' and women's rights. And we do that every time we make such important decisions, unlike Charlie Weimers.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. I am also shocked and angry that it seems that we have corruption in our elected parliament. It not only damages our European Parliament as an institution, it damages politics, it damages democracy and it damages credibility. I would like to say thank you to our Commissioner, Ylva Johansson, for your clear speech. And yes, they should be ashamed. Of course, anyone who has committed crimes should be brought to justice, but at the same time we must assume our responsibilities in Parliament, in the European institutions. We must have reforms that strengthen transparency and openness. We must have systems where it feels safe for our citizens. They should be able to trust our institutions and they should be able to trust us. Let us use our anger, as we now know, to ensure that this never, ever again enters our Parliament. (The speaker agreed to reply to a post ("blue card"))

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. One in three children in the world is threatened by both the climate crisis and poverty. This is what Save the Children says in its report. When dealing with crises, no matter what the crisis, we must have children's rights in focus. It's about their future. We know that families across Europe are having an incredibly hard time financially at this time and this is something that affects children very hard. Growing up in poverty has a negative impact on children's schooling, on children's rights and opportunities later in life. Ending child poverty and ending the climate crisis requires political will and prioritisation of children. The Child Guarantee is an important tool for this. Every child in the EU should be able to grow up in a safe environment and enjoy their rights. All children should be able to feel hope in the EU.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. The European Agenda for Culture was established in 2016. But it was a time before cultural workers had to endure a pandemic, a time before the climate transition's extensive renovation wave and a time before the war that wiped out beautiful cultural heritage. The new updated cultural policy must be shaped from a child and youth perspective. After the pandemic, it is young adults who doubt the future of culture. It is children who have been most affected by the climate crisis, and it is for future generations that we must preserve our cultural heritage. Our young people have expectations of the EU's work on health and sustainability and therefore we should not erode chemical laws even to renovate beautiful art, but let us affirm research and innovation to securely preserve cultural heritage from generation to generation.

Madam President, Commissioner. It was both exciting and important to be there at COP27 in Egypt, but it was with concern and disappointment that I left the climate summit. I would have wanted so much more. I am concerned about the women and children who emit the least, but suffer the most when, for example, one third of Pakistan's large country falls under water. I am disappointed that so little progress was made in the negotiations to slow down global warming. But I'm also proud. Proud of the role played by the EU and our Commissioner Timmermans in the negotiations. The EU really became the bridge that opened for the fund to deal with the damage of the climate crisis. The EU took responsibility and raised the bar further. But until the next meeting, Europe's leadership will be absolutely crucial and we need to hold on to it. We need to raise our ambitions even further. If we are to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, there is a real urgency now. If we're going to meet the 1.5-degree target, we're going to have to move up a gear. And we are guilty, indeed we are guilty, all innocent women, children and young people who release the least but suffer the most.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. We have wars in Europe, we have a climate crisis and we still have the consequences of the pandemic that plagues us. All of this is experienced by young people across Europe and is of great concern. In my country, Sweden, the young generation responds that hopefulness is diminishing. Fewer than half now see their future brightly. That is why it is so important that we take children's and young people's concerns seriously, and why a European Year of Youth was welcome. The EU has so much to offer young people: high-quality Erasmus student exchanges, opportunities to train and discover Europe, a first job or an internship in another EU country, perhaps here in Parliament. However, we can do even more. We need more student exchanges, smoother train routes and decent wages and conditions. The European Year of Youth must go beyond individual events and seminars. It must be a kick-start for a policy for young people that shows continued solidarity with Ukraine, is gender-equal and inclusive, and takes the climate crisis seriously. There is a lot at stake in our Europe. Let the European Year of Youth be a turning point of hope for all young people in Europe, for the future of our Union.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. Seven out of ten are men on the boards of the largest listed companies in the EU. Seven out of ten are men. This is not because men have unique management skills, but because in practice they have set quotas for themselves. But now it's over. At last, we are getting a directive that will contribute to more gender equality and thus also to a higher level of competence on the boards of companies. I would really like to congratulate the rapporteurs on their very successful work. For a decade, I know we've been fighting together for something that should be obvious: that the boards of directors take advantage of the skills and knowledge of the entire population. Quotas on company boards are not only about an equal distribution of power and influence, but actually also about better decision-making. And you know what? It benefits businesses, growth and society alike. Achieving a gender-equal and sustainable EU requires an equal distribution of both power and resources. It also requires that we constantly prioritize gender equality, because a gender-equal society never, never comes by itself. This directive is welcome and an important step in the right direction.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. Nowhere in the world is type 1 diabetes as common among children and young people as here in the EU. This is an understatement of today's prevention efforts. Now we need to speed up. We need to prevent smoking, reduce alcohol consumption and eat more healthily. The EU has a role to play here, for example by making the labelling of alcohol packaging clearer. We must also ensure that Europe never finds itself in the situation of 1.3 million Americans, who are forced to skip their insulin because they cannot afford it. For us social democrats, equal access to medicine for all is self-evident. I would also like to highlight the importance of following technical developments in the measurement of blood sugar. No old prejudice should lead to discrimination against diabetics.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. It started as an activity for a few people, but in a few decades it has become a common medium used in the EU by every second person between the ages of 6 and 64. We see it on smartphones, computers and game consoles. Computer games and esports have grown into a huge industry, and this development deserves our full attention. I therefore welcome the fact that we are raising this issue here in the European Parliament for the first time. It is about how we in the EU can support growth and innovation. But it is also about the challenges, i.e. ensuring inclusion and tolerance, fighting harassment and hatred, which often affects girls and women who play, and ensuring that more women come to the sector and that we have more diversity. In conclusion, I would like to thank our rapporteur, Mr Farreng, for his excellent and constructive work on the report. It is simply a very, very good report.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. The increase in energy prices has increased Russia’s fossil fuel revenues from the EU by over EUR 100 billion. REPowerEU must be used to break the fossil dependency, because Putin should know that it is stopping more fossil revenues from the EU. This is why it is so important for the whole of the EU to rapidly increase renewable energy production. We need wind, solar and sustainable biogas. I see great potential for replacing fossil gas with green, renewable biogas throughout Europe. That is why I welcome the compromises. By not creating new emission allowances in emissions trading, we also save five years of, for example, Swedish emissions. We are also clearly targeting efforts away from fossil gas and towards renewables, which is a good thing. We need more ambition for the climate.

Mr President, thank you very much. The Commission and the Council! “The Sweden Democrats have a nationalist background and a deplorable past. They stand for things I don't stand for. They have a different view of culture and equality. The words come from the Swedish Liberal Party leader Johan Pehrson in a TV interview. The same party, the Liberals, has now entered into an agreement with this far-right party, the Sweden Democrats. An agreement that means that the Sweden Democrats with their far-right agenda now dictates the conditions for the new Swedish government where the Liberals are included. What a few years ago was inconceivable for the right-wing parties and the Liberals, to cooperate with the far right, has become accepted and normal, to the point of opting out of their own policies. For the Liberals had a choice, a decisive choice, and they chose to give power to the far right. I never thought, never that this could happen in my country, Sweden. Liberals in Sweden are embarrassed. Through the Swedish Liberals, Renew has now opened the door for cooperation with ECR. Will we go the same way in this house? Renew, it's your turn. You must be clear. You have to make your choice. We have challenges in Europe, where we have to stick together. And for us Social Democrats, it is a matter of course to protect our fundamental values and not to give the far right more influence than it already has by being elected to Parliament. I hope both the EPP and Renew understand the seriousness of this issue. One example in Sweden is that the new government has already scrapped the well-known feminist foreign policy. It's just the beginning.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commission, Council! Democracy, peace and freedom – these are three obvious values of our EU. Since Russia started its brutal war against Ukraine, our task of defending these values has become more important than ever. We are in the most serious security situation in a very, very long time, and we need to continue with strong sanctions against Russia's unacceptable actions and to fully support Ukraine in both words and actions. While we must also deal with the ongoing energy crisis, we must be able to think long-term. Democracy, peace and security, as well as equality, gender equality and sustainable development for future generations – these are goals and values that hold us together and that the EU must never, ever compromise, either in acute crises or in our long-term work for the future.