Speeches

Thank you, Sara Skyttedal, for the question. We are legislators, therefore we also have the responsibility to negotiate. I want to work for Swedish interests in the Nature Restoration Act by negotiating compromises. The most important success is, of course, that we increase the flexibility of the legislation, so that we can look at the different interests and different needs of the Member States in different regions. National restoration plans are crucial for this legislation. This is also how we protect the viability of agriculture and forestry in all the Member States.

Mr President, thank you very much. The Commission. Like so many Swedes, I have a close and deep relationship with nature. From our high mountains in the north, to the Skåne rapeseed fields in the south. Nature is our most important asset and we will manage it for our children and grandchildren. Strengthening our rivers, soils, meadows and forests is essential for the green transition. That is why it is also a pillar of the EU Green Deal, and why it is so important that we work hard for legislation that both strengthens nature and protects active Swedish agriculture and forestry. Instead, the right-wing conservatives choose to leave the negotiations, leaving their responsibility for the future. It is not time now to do as in Sweden, to hook an arm with the extreme right to stop the green transition. We are legislators. We stand up for compromises, for Swedish nature, for sustainable forestry and for viable agriculture. (The speaker agreed to answer one question, "blue card").

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. Now it is only seven years left until the world's countries reach the UN's global sustainability goals. It was in 2015 that we agreed to create a better world for each other and for future generations. But instead, things are moving in the wrong direction. Emissions continue to rise. Inequality has increased, especially between men and women. We have wars in Europe and democracy is under threat in more and more countries. We need to demand more efforts from the EU to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We must accelerate the pace of the climate transition, take greater responsibility for peace and democracy, and reduce social inequalities and inequalities. For me as a social democrat, it is the same priority at home in Sweden, in the EU and around the world. I will continue my work to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I hope you do the same.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commission and Council. Russia’s war against Ukraine is still ongoing, but that does not mean that we should postpone discussions on Ukraine’s reconstruction. On the contrary, we must already shape the work and efforts that will be required on that day. whereas the attack on the Nova Kakhovka dam has resulted in devastating floods forcing people to flee, and the destruction risks having serious – both humanitarian and environmental – consequences; Since the start of the war, we Social Democrats have worked hard to strengthen Ukraine's resilience. We have called for special efforts to protect women and children most affected by the war, including a child protection package. We must continue to support Ukraine in both words and deeds, and we must contribute to reconstruction, where the foundations of a free and sustainable Ukraine, capable of taking concrete steps towards its future EU membership, will be at the top of the agenda.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. One in ten children in the world is working. There are different reasons why children are forced to work, but some of the consequences are the same. Children who work are deprived of their rights and opportunities. They lose the right to their childhood. This year's theme for World Day against Child Labour It's about just this: ending child labour and ensuring social justice for all children. Every child has the right to his or her childhood, and child labour is in direct violation of these principles – and it prevents an equal and fair development of society. The EU’s zero-tolerance approach to child labour is very important, but more can be done to address the causes of child labour. It is about poverty, inequality and access to education. Together, we must fight to create a world where children can grow up in equal societies and where children’s rights are always respected – today and every other day.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. I would like to begin by thanking my colleagues for the good work on the resolution. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical issue for the EU and the world. If we are to succeed in countering it, we must cooperate internationally, and that is why it is so important that we take the fight against antibiotic resistance at European level. We must ensure that the messages of this resolution are also reflected in the revision of the EU pharmaceutical legislation. And we need to do even more. A crucial question is how to develop new antibiotics. Looking at my home country – Sweden – I see that it is possible. In Sweden, we have had access to several new medicines earlier than other countries in Europe, for example through the replacement model for certain antibiotics, which is similar to the voucher system proposed by the Commission. I look forward to developing this proposal in the revision of the pharmaceutical legislation. It is time for the EU to get serious.

Mr President, thank you very much. Thank you, Commissioner, Fox. "I didn't want to live anymore," said 13-year-old Moa, who was the victim of cyberbullying. We call it cyberbullying to distinguish between what happens online and what happens in real life. But bullying online is just as real as bullying elsewhere in society. The big difference is that the bullying online, it's there all the time. According to a study of Plan International whereas every second girl is harassed online, and one in five girls has stopped, or decreased, their use of social media after being subjected to violations; That is totally unacceptable! Cyberbullying is not only a threat to the health of our children and young people – it is a serious threat to democracy. Now the EU needs to take action. It's urgent now, we have to act!

Madam President, thank you very much. The Istanbul Convention was established in 2011, but only now will the EU ratify it. Some call it historical. I call it a scandal that we have not progressed any further. How difficult can it be to ratify a convention on protecting women and girls from all forms of violence? We have Member States that are not yet prepared to do so. Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, you should be ashamed, just as you should be doing on the right-wing nationalist bench! To our Danish Member, I would like to say that even Danish-born men beat and rape their women. That is why it is so important that we have the Convention in place and ratified, but also that we have a directive in place, so that we can tell girls and women in Europe that we are taking our responsibility. You should be able to live a life free from violence and abuse.

Mr President, thank you very much. It is so important that we have ambitious legislation on methane emissions in place here in the EU. Methane is 80 times more harmful than carbon dioxide, and as much as a third of global warming is estimated to come from methane emissions. But it also means that measures that reduce methane emissions can then be 80 times more effective. Reducing methane emissions is one of the most effective tools available to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. An effective climate policy is something we really cannot afford to say no to. The compromise proposal we have now negotiated creates the conditions for a just transition, while being ambitious enough to make a real difference to the climate in the years to come – in the energy sector and in agriculture. You remember that at the COP meeting we made an EU pledge to reduce methane emissions, and now is the time to deliver! I therefore call on all my colleagues to honour the negotiations we have had, and to vote in favour of the compromise proposals during the vote tomorrow. We need a fair and effective climate policy that delivers on its promises, for our planet, and for our children and grandchildren.

Mr President, thank you very much. The IPCC says that if we don't rapidly accelerate the pace of the transition, we're heading towards a climate collapse. We politicians need to take responsibility and do what is necessary. After all, in response to the IPCC report, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the world’s largest emitters – the US, China and the EU – to take on a greater responsibility, an even greater responsibility. The Commission replied that the EU must continue to tighten our climate targets, and that is a good thing. Fit for 55 This is a historic step in the right direction. But we know it's just the beginning. We already need to look ahead to the EU’s 2040 climate targets, and there is no time to wait. We have a concrete opportunity to act already at COP 28 this autumn, and the resolution ahead of COP 28 that we are going to produce must send a clear signal to the Commission to continue to speed up and come forward with really concrete proposals that can reduce emissions in the near term. I am very much looking forward to this work, and the EU must continue to show leadership in the climate transition and be a strong global actor. It is about the future of our children and grandchildren – and it is urgent now.

Madam President, thank you very much. I want to highlight a crucial perspective on global health that I miss in the strategy. It is about equality. Whether you are born a woman or a man will be crucial to your health. Equality plays a role in life and death. In some countries, women now live on average a decade longer than men, but more men than women die from suicide. At the same time, a third of the world's girls are married before they turn 18. More and more young women are at risk of premature death from unsafe abortions. We also know that the income gap between women and men is widening again. At the current rate, it would take more than 200 years for women to have the same income as men. Both the pandemic and the conservative anti-abortion movement have hit girls' and women's health hard and it is we who must take responsibility to reverse that trend. I think there is a lack of a gender perspective in the EU's health strategy. Both women and men deserve to live good, free and healthy lives. My country, Sweden, has long been a leader for gender equality in the world, and I expect the Swedish Government and the Swedish Presidency to do more to highlight the increasing inequality in discussions in the Council and with the Commission. We can do better.

Madam President, thank you very much. Recently, a documentary called Dark Water was broadcast in Sweden. It is about thousands of people in Kallinge in southern Sweden who discover that for several years they have been drinking water from the tap that contained huge amounts of the toxic perpetual chemical PFAS. The tracks lead across the Atlantic to the global chemical giants. The people in Kallinge are now constantly living with the fear of developing cancer. A woman says: “I will be toxic until I die, but I want to see a change for the sake of my children and grandchildren, if I get any.” No one – nobody – should have to worry about getting cancer from drinking water from the tap. I will fight for a ban on PFAS and demand that the European Commission now also present its proposal for a revised chemicals legislation. The interests of giants must not take precedence over human health. And the people of Kallinge in southern Sweden can't wait.

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.