Speeches

Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission! Every human being is unique, but human dignity is equal. All people, regardless of colour, ethnic and cultural affiliation or religion, have the right to be treated with respect. Nevertheless, racism and discrimination on grounds of ethnicity are still prevalent both within and outside the EU. This is totally unacceptable. The EU anti-racism action plan is a good starting point, and it is needed in all policy areas. Culture, education and sport are fundamental to promoting an open and welcoming society for all. I therefore welcome the report and several of the measures highlighted. Promoting a comprehensive approach to the fight against racism and discrimination in these areas is extremely important. It is simply about the equal value of all people.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commission, High Representative! Yes, there is war in Europe. Bombs fall, civilians are murdered, homes become ruins and children cry. Putin's invasion can only be described as cold-blooded. The Russian government is solely responsible for this human suffering. But the EU is more united than ever, targeting the largest and most severe sanctions in its history. Ukraine and President Zelenskyy will feel Europe's collective solidarity and support, and Putin will be met with a united and strong response. The resolution is proof of our collective strength in the Union. We have a Europe that speaks with one voice, and Russia's aggression against Ukraine must stop immediately. We are ready to do whatever it takes. We stand up for Europe's security. My Sweden, which wears the same beautiful colours as Ukraine, we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner Schmit! As a social democrat, it goes without saying: No one should have to die from their work. In Europe, 10 people die every hour from cancer caused by dangerous substances and medicines at work. That's a hundred thousand people a year. It is about nurses, who care for cancer patients and who are at risk of getting cancer because of their job. It is about firefighters, who are at risk of being exposed to benzene, which can cause leukemia. It's about someone's parent, sibling or child, who goes to work every day and who works to get food on the table and pay the rent. This is totally unacceptable. Cancer is currently the most common cause of death associated with work. That is why we need to do much more to protect vulnerable workers. Everything else is irresponsible. That is why I am both happy and proud of the agreement we are going to adopt here later today. The new legislation ensures that reprotoxic substances will be subject to the same workplace prevention rules as carcinogens and mutagens. We strengthen the protection of healthcare professionals and nurses with regard to exposure to HMPs. It is a great success. I also look forward to the Commission's upcoming action plan to include another 25 topics in the legislation. With stricter rules, we can save thousands of lives every year. This is important for the health and safety of employees. For me, it goes without saying that Europe should not compete with bad conditions. We will be at the forefront of a safe and secure working environment. I would like to say that our goal is zero and I would like to thank you for good cooperation with the rapporteurs and the other shadows.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner Dalli! The climate crisis is the biggest challenge of our time and we know that women and girls are being hit harder by the crisis, but at the same time they are showing leadership in the climate transition. Despite this, we do not take advantage of women's and girls' skills, knowledge and commitment when we are about to change. Women are also underrepresented when it comes to climate and the environment. To succeed in the climate transition and contribute to climate justice, gender equality and women’s rights must be taken into account. With the UN Climate Change Commission now being implemented in March, we Social Democrats are demanding that the EU show and take leadership. By integrating the gender perspective, we will be able to accelerate and strengthen a climate transition that is sustainable and fair for all, because climate and gender equality must go hand in hand.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. The pandemic has been a particularly difficult time for children and young people. Many dreams have come back. Many have lost their jobs, others have seen their study or travel opportunities cancelled, and particularly affected are children and young people coming from already vulnerable environments with weaker social safety nets. Our children and young people, that is our future, and our future is largely determined by what we do here and now. More than ever, we need to listen to our young people, but we also need to act. The establishment of the European Year of Youth is therefore very, very positive. It puts pressure on us to work more purposefully towards a Europe for young people, and as part of shaping their own lives and influencing societal development, we must also prioritise living conditions. We in the Socialist Group want to create more jobs with good conditions and decent wages. We want to ensure quality education with fair remuneration for traineeships and apprenticeships. We want to put an end to unpaid practice. Yes, there are things we can do. There are things we should do. And then there are things we have to do to be able to look at ourselves in the mirror. I want young people in our Europe to be able to dream and, above all, to be able to make their dreams come true.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. 1.3 million people die from cancer every year in Europe and far more are diagnosed. Each of us in this room is affected by cancer. The disease does not only affect those who receive a diagnosis. It affects relatives, friends and society at large. The report calls for concrete action at all levels, and that is a good thing. The decisions taken in our Union must be based on science and research. We know that we dramatically improve the chances of surviving cancer through research. It is also critical to attach great importance to prevention, as this report puts it. whereas around 40 % of all cancer cases in the EU could be avoided by preventive measures; We are aware of the risks of tobacco, for example. When developing new tobacco products, it is therefore necessary to apply the precautionary principle in legislation, not least to protect those who are most vulnerable. It's about our young people and the same goes for alcohol. It is therefore good that the report highlights research into the carcinogenicity of alcohol. We need to listen to science and put people's health first. We social democrats demand that equality and equality are key words in the efforts against cancer. Today, on International Childhood Cancer Day, we will show that we are taking responsibility for ensuring that all European citizens can rely on equal, effective and high-quality cancer care. It saves lives.

Madam President, I would like to thank Ms Fitzgerald for her strong position. Fru talman! Förra året antog vi här i parlamentet ett historiskt betänkande om sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa och rättigheter (SRHR). Jag önskar att vi kunde fira segrar och framgångar, men vi kan aldrig ta detta för givet. SRHR handlar inte bara om sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa och rättigheter. Det handlar om demokrati, rättvisa, jämställdhet. SRHR är en förutsättning för att kvinnor och flickor ska kunna bestämma över sig själva och sina kroppar. Varje dag utsätts flickor och kvinnor för våld och sexuella övergrepp. Vi har medlemsstater i vår union där kvinnor förvägras rätten till abort. SRHR stärker vår union om vi vågar gå framåt och säkra dessa rättigheter så att vi kan ge våra invånare möjlighet att vara självständiga människor. Det innebär nämligen en utveckling, både politiskt och ekonomiskt, för vår union. Jag förväntar mig att vårt parlament står upp för varje människas rätt att själv kunna bestämma över sin egen kropp, och att varje medlemsstat tar sitt fulla ansvar för att värna dessa rättigheter. Året är 2022, och varje dag utsätts flickor och kvinnor för våld och sexuella övergrepp, varje dag äventyrar vi små barns liv, barn som ska behöva växa upp med våld och sexuella övergrepp, antingen genom att de själva utsätts eller genom att de blir utsatta för det i sin egen familj, av närstående eller andra som berör barnet. Det är dags att vi står upp för detta. Vi har ett bra betänkande. Se till att vi tar fighten så att dessa rättigheter når alla EU:s invånare nu.

Madam President, Mr President! I welcome the priorities of the French Presidency, but the work in Europe must not stop at fine words. We need to take action now. It's a big responsibility for you, Mr. President. The current pandemic requires continued cooperation and coordination, so that more people are vaccinated. The EU needs to take clear leadership in the green transition, and it is urgent now. Our Green Deal must be gender mainstreamed. One third of women in the EU do not have a job. Girls and women are victims of violence every day, and it is time for a gender-equal Europe now. We can't wait for decades. Finally, I would like to say that I come from Sweden, and that your promise regarding minimum wages, to ensure respect for each country's national model, is important for my Sweden and for our party model.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. At the request of certain groups, we are discussing an inclusive language today. But it is not because one wants to highlight the importance of inclusive language or the work for equality and equality and anti-discrimination, but just the opposite. We social democrats, however, refuse to accept those attacks that are now flourishing without foundation. We stand up for our core values of a Europe that promotes equality and gender equality. Language describes our world, but language can also affect our world. Using a language that is equal and inclusive is about communicating with all citizens of society on equal terms. For us Social Democrats, it goes without saying that all EU institutions must communicate equally and inclusively. It is about taking responsibility, countering stereotypes and prejudices, and ensuring that all residents feel included and respected. It is a matter of course if we are to live up to our fundamental values. We do not accept retrogressive forces that want to violate human rights and limit the right to their own body and oppose democracy, equality and equality. We are proud of the work that is being done. We will continue and take the fight because we express ourselves in the way that represents our values.

Mr President, thank you very much. The global spread of infection continues to be very serious, and the vaccination rate is far from satisfactory. Access to vaccines in parts of the world is unacceptable. In Africa it is 4%. The EU must continue to take strong leadership, characterised by coordinated action. When new variants of the virus appear, we must act. We need to step up efforts to ensure access to vaccines for all, both within the Union and globally. We know that vaccination is crucial to put an end to the pandemic. Therefore, it is important that all citizens are properly informed and take full responsibility. The response to the pandemic must be characterised by solidarity and cooperation. That's the only way we can solve it together. Now we need to be patient, take advantage of our lessons and continue working hard to fight the pandemic.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. The European Year of Youth is a year of opportunities. One aim is to give young people more and better opportunities for the future. However, I would like to highlight the opportunities that it also offers for us in the EU. By promoting dialogue with young people and encouraging them to be active citizens, we are actually creating opportunities in all directions. We need young people's visions, insights, ideas and knowledge in our work, in our Union. It should be obvious that young people have an influence when we make decisions for the future, but just as much for the here and now. It is about young people and their present and future. We must listen to young people and allow them to have a real influence. We need to work with young people so that we include them when it comes to every day that we make decisions. In addition, we need to ensure that gender equality and equality are mainstreamed across all issues related to young people, not least in the green transition. Young people show that they are taking the lead. I therefore have expectations for the European Year and for it to be a year in which we genuinely strengthen young people's influence in the long term. This is an opportunity for Europe.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner Dalli! To be able to live a life free from violence, to have control over one's own body, to have the power to shape society and one's own life, to have one's own job, simply, to be able to have one's human rights – this should be a matter of course for all European citizens, but it is not the reality for all women and girls today. The progress towards a gender-equal Europe is shamefully slow, and we have learned how important progress can never be taken for granted. Europe will not be equal if we do not increase the pace. It requires both political will and decisive action. As a Swedish Social Democrat, I am proud that Sweden has yet another year to top the EU Gender Equality Index. But there is still work to be done in Sweden as well. However, we are the world’s first feminist government, and gender equality is a priority – it is leadership that actually delivers. The EU must put gender equality at the centre and live up to the goals of a Union where everyone can participate and lead in our society on an equal footing, where men's violence against women ceases, where every woman and girl has the right to their own body and where women have their own job to go to. Gender equality is not just a women's issue. It is a matter for everyone – for women and girls, for men and boys. It is about people’s equal value and rights, but it is also about how we build our societies – sustainable societies, healthy societies. And you know what, equality is business. Gender equality leads to growth. We social democrats will continue that struggle every day here in Europe.

Mr President, thank you very much. Yes, men's violence against women is one of our biggest societal problems. It is both a cause and a consequence of unequal societies, and violence in all its forms is preventable, but it requires political will. We cannot afford to wait another day for women to enjoy their human rights. It is also about the children. Every child has the right to a safe and loving childhood, and no child should have to experience violence. No child should see their mother being abused by a man, and all girls and women should have the right to live their lives without violence and abuse. It is therefore important that both the EU and all Member States ratify the Istanbul Convention. We can't wait another day. Women and girls have the right to live a life free from violence and abuse.

Madam President, thank you very much. Imagine a pandemic strikes with full force. Imagine that a vaccine is being developed and that vaccinations are taking off. Imagine that the majority of the population in parts of the world is fully vaccinated. But imagine now that you live in a poor country where only 5% – and I repeat: 5% – received its first dose. This is not an imaginary example. This is a crass reality. This is what it looks like, if we just look at Africa for example, in our vicinity. No one is safe until everyone is safe. These words are beginning to sound like a cliché, but it is imperative that we continue to repeat this sentence and, above all, that we act. The pandemic is on the rise again and despite the fact that we have secured important vaccines, vaccination rates are uneven and unequal, including in our EU. That is why we and our Member States must ensure that more people are vaccinated, both inside and outside the Union. We need to do more to ensure that all countries have access to vaccines. Equal access to vaccines is our best hope for slowing down the pandemic and saving lives. It is about acting in solidarity, preventing health consequences and mitigating the negative consequences for our economy. Today, we are going to ask ourselves the question 'How can the whole world be vaccinated?' As a Democrat, my answer is clear: Political will is required. It requires that we show solidarity and that we dare to make courageous and smart decisions that put equality and gender equality in focus. I repeat: No one is safe until everyone is safe.

Mr President, thank you very much. Coordination on EU measures to address the COVID-19 outbreak was already on the agenda in March 2020, when the European Council met. It now reads "Coordination of measures in the context of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the EU". Yes, it is on the agenda today, 20 months later, but the discussion is as important now as it was then. Now the number of cases is rising across Europe, but there is a big difference in the discussion from March 2020 and to the discussions we have now, because over 20 months the institutions and the Member States have increased their knowledge and in the EU we have a common vaccine in place. We must now show that we are taking responsibility, and it is critical that we take advantage of the lessons we have learned. Our focus will continue to be on curbing the spread of infection. We will protect life, health and jobs. Vaccination is an important part of this. Each individual must assume his or her responsibilities and each Member State must do itss. The EU must take advantage of the lessons learned about the importance of coordination and cooperation. It's critical. We can only solve this together and now we must continue to act.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. Since the introduction of the abortion ban in Poland, tens of thousands of pregnant women and girls have been affected. An abortion ban not only threatens people's health and well-being. It threatens people's freedom, dignity and empowerment. Sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental part of the health and well-being of all people. It's about being able to choose if, when and with whom you want to have children. It is about the right to safe care. It is about empowerment and sexuality. It is about equality and equal relations. Poland's abortion ban violates women's basic human rights, and it is contrary to the principles of the rule of law. We cannot wait for more anniversaries of this terrible law. Because women's and girls' rights are human rights.

Madam President, the Commission and the Council! This debate is about solidarity and about people's lives and health. Global access to vaccines is crucial to tackle the pandemic, and it is in everyone’s interest. The EU must act decisively to ensure global access. We need to help others and fight the pandemic in the world. In discussions on pandemics and vaccines, global access needs to be raised much more clearly. The Council will also discuss migration. Europe does not have a day to lose. It requires all Member States to stand up for a responsible migration policy. But I would also like to mention the point that is not on the agenda of this week's meeting. This is about Poland. Yesterday we listened to the Prime Minister of Poland. A terrifying speech that once again shows that decision-makers in Poland do not respect what our cooperation is based on. We Social Democrats expect the Council to give priority to this issue. We expect all Member States to stand up for our common values, for the rule of law and for the human rights of women and LGBTIQ people. We all have a responsibility and we cannot allow exceptions. We have a lot of tools. The conditionality mechanism is one. It is time for the Commission and the Council to push hard.

Mr President, thank you very much. Madam President, thank you very much. Mr. Prime Minister! Your speech today scares me. Because we have our fundamental values in the EU of freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights. Everyone should be able to control their own body. Everyone should be able to be themselves and love whoever they want. It should be self-evident throughout our Europe, because our Union rests on the rule of law. Poland has joined the EU and approved the treaty. Poland has thus also agreed to play according to the common rules of the game. It is your job as Prime Minister to ensure that it actually does. This means that Poland, like everyone else, must respect the human rights of women and LGBTIQ people. It is high time that the Commission acted and that Poland followed our common rules, for the sake of the Polish people.

Mr President, thank you very much. Imagine that you are the parent of a 14-year-old daughter. She's been raped and it turns out she's pregnant. She doesn't want to complete the pregnancy, but because of the law where you live, your daughter can't decide for herself. Imagine you are 30 years old. You are married, have children and become pregnant. You do not want to pursue this pregnancy, but because of the law in which you live, you are not allowed to decide for yourself. Abortion that is forbidden means that you have no opportunity to make your own decision. Whether you are 14 or 30 years old, regardless of your life situation or reason, it must be each individual's right to decide over their own body. Today we are going to vote on a resolution condemning the abortion law in the state of Texas in the United States. They have a law that prohibits abortion from the sixth week of pregnancy, a ban that also applies to those who have become pregnant through rape or incest. Let me be clear. Abortion bans do not prevent abortions. However, this results in more unsafe and often fatal abortions. Abortion is best prevented by full access to sex and relationship education and modern contraception, because it is about knowledge and information and access to sexual and reproductive rights. Today we were reached by the news that the federal judge has temporarily stopped the law. That is good, but it will be appealed, so our resolution is very important. I would like to thank all of you who have contributed in the negotiations and in various ways to this important resolution. Now we in the EU can decide that every human being has the right to decide over his or her own body.

Madam President, thank you very much. Pandemics and health threats will continue to be part of our future. COVID-19 is not over and new crises are emerging. We cannot prevent future health crises from coming, but we can coordinate our efforts to prevent and manage these threats. We can take advantage of lessons learned. We can support the research, development and production of critical products. We can mobilize tools and resources. To achieve this, coordination is needed, with all stakeholders involved in the coordination. There must be conditions for cooperation between EU bodies and national and international counterparts. It is therefore regrettable that the European Parliament is not fully part of HERA coordination. We in the S&D Group support the strengthening of HERA's mandate, but we call for higher and greater ambition and for the European Parliament to have a role. This is necessary to ensure appropriate tools for identifying, developing and procuring measures to respond to future crises. HERA is an important part of the European Health Union. It will be a central authority in the work to prevent, detect and respond quickly to health risks. This work must be well coordinated, with all parties fully contributing to strengthening resilience and the EU’s crisis preparedness. For it is now that we must take responsibility, as we learn from a pandemic. We must do it for the benefit of the citizens and we must do it within the European Union.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner Dalli! Yes, every child has the right to a safe and loving childhood. No child should be subjected to or experience violence, abuse or offensive treatment. When we talk about men's violence against women and about parents who practice violence, we must always have a child's perspective. When a parent takes the step of leaving a violent partner, there must be protection for the children. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is clear. Article 3: ‘In all decisions concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration’ and Article 12: ‘Children have the right to express their opinion and be heard on all matters concerning the child’. We need to ensure stronger protection for children against parents who have used violence. This is how we work in Sweden, and I want us to do that throughout the EU, because the best interests of the child should always come first.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. I would like to reiterate the most important sentence of the evening: One in three women in the EU has been subjected to violence. That is the equivalent of more than 90 women in this House. Every time a man exposes a woman to violence is once too much, and this must be stopped. The EU must act vigorously. This week we have a chance. We are voting on a report that can serve as a basis for making gender-based violence an EU crime. We – each of us in here – can stand up for the fundamental values of the EU. It is about demanding human rights. Women's rights are human rights. We are writing in 2021. Let us stand up for all women and men, girls and boys, in all their diversity, to live a life free from violence. Vote for this!

Mr President, thank you very much. Thank you, President von der Leyen, for your speeches and important promises! Freedom and security, equality and gender equality, a green and sustainable Europe, where people can have confidence in the future. Yes, that is how we social democrats describe the world we want to live in. If we are to achieve that, it is high time for the EU to accelerate. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows that the climate situation is more serious than we thought, and that it is man who is the cause. The European Institute for Gender Equality predicts that it will take more than 60 years before the EU is on an equal footing if we do not raise our ambitions. My granddaughter, who is seven years old and has started school, should not have to wait until she is 67 before Europe becomes equal. We're in a hurry. We need a faster climate transition with more green jobs for all. Today, one in three women in the EU does not have a job of their own. We must strengthen social Europe and give real priority to gender equality and equality. A directive against violence against women must be in place to enable women to live their lives free from violence. We need to make sure that all Member States stand up for our common values – otherwise: no money. Freedom and security, equality and equality. I want to see a green and sustainable Europe, where people can have confidence in the future. Then we must act now!

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. After all, increasing digitalisation means that the platform economy is growing, and it is becoming an increasingly important part of our European economy. It opens up new opportunities, but unfortunately there are many examples of abuse and precarious conditions. The rules and standards in force in the labour market are being circumvented, which is totally unacceptable. The starting point must be to counteract all forms of social dumping. Regardless of where and how a job is performed, our employees should be given good and equal conditions. This is the only way free movement can work. In my country, Sweden, we have collective agreements that regulate platform workers. I see how important this is. I know and understand that action is needed at EU level to tackle cross-border problems. At the same time, it is clear that this must always be done in respect of the national labour market models that prove to be working well.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. When the pandemic broke out, it became clear that the EU did not have the necessary tools to deal with a pandemic. In some cases, the tools were available, but they were not used in the best possible way. We have faced tough challenges, and no one could be prepared. Now we know more. We know what a global pandemic can mean and what demands it places on the EU, on our Member States and on our citizens. We also have a common vaccine strategy. At the same time, we also know that there is much that we do not know. We can't predict everything, but we can prepare too much. We can prepare for future pandemics and challenges. I believe that the EU should take responsibility for the shortcomings that have become apparent during the pandemic and the knowledge gaps that we have seen. We in the S&D Group see that we need a stronger Europe. We need to harness knowledge and data to effectively prevent, prepare and act. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has played an important role during the pandemic in providing scientific advice, which is good. However, data from Member States are rarely standardised or comparable. It is therefore important that we now take another step to strengthen this work. There is a need for more coordination between EU bodies, between national and international counterparts. Tackling the current pandemic and addressing future threats to human health will be crucial for our future. We need good EU coordination and joint preparedness for the future. In fact, our citizens in the European Union expect this, and it is also, in order to take the step fully, important for the people of the whole world.