Speeches

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly demonstrated the importance of strengthening our collective preparedness and response capabilities. We need to build on the experience of the pandemic and create a balanced and effective structure within the EU, so that we are better equipped for the future. The citizens of Europe expect it from us. From that perspective, it is perfectly reasonable and logical to also strengthen the European Medicines Agency, to enable it to act more quickly, more safely and in a more coordinated manner in crisis situations. It is about supporting and preventing shortages of critical medicines and medical devices. But it is also about developing medicines more quickly to combat the diseases that cause a crisis. That is why I welcome the Commission's proposal to strengthen the role and mandate of the European Medicines Agency. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Casares for his excellent work on the report. The pandemic has shown that the Authority did not have a strong enough mandate or resources, and this must not happen again. It is therefore good that the report highlights and strengthens preventive measures, as well as that we highlight the role of health professionals and the importance of good cooperation between different EU agencies. A stronger EMA means better opportunities for the EU to address future challenges and pandemics, which is why we hope from the S&D Group that we can adopt this regulation as soon as possible. We need it now and our Member States need it.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner. On Monday, I travelled to Strasbourg with my new COVID certificate. This became possible after a rapid procedure in Parliament to safeguard freedom of movement in Europe. Now we make it easier for EU citizens to travel more safely – for work, family, friends or holidays. The urgent work to get the certificates in place was important and it is gratifying that millions of people now have access to their certificates. But at the same time I see with some concern the figures relating to acceptance and willingness to vaccinate. A survey carried out in the EU in May shows that one in five citizens does not intend to get vaccinated at all this year. The COVID Certificate is an important proof that you have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered. But it is also important that we ensure that all citizens have full access to reliable and accurate information about why it is good and important to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are very important and we always say this: No one is safe until everyone is safe. I would therefore like to ask the Commission: What initiatives will the Commission take to ensure that all EU citizens are properly informed about the importance of vaccination?

Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission and the Council! As a Social Democrat, I would like to talk today about the point that was not on the formal agenda of the European Council meeting. I want to talk about the fundamental values of human equality, about the rule of law and that it is totally unacceptable that we have Member States that are violating them. The latest: the Hungarian Government, which introduces a new law violating LGBTIQ+ people and the fundamental values of the EU; This should then be a priority on the Council's agenda. whereas the Hungarian Government has attacked academic freedom, press freedom and civil society; It refuses to ratify the Istanbul Convention, and Orban repeatedly violates LGBTIQ people. Time passes without concrete EU action. The conditioning mechanism must begin to be used. The President, Ursula von der Leyen, has expressed that she will use all the powers of the Commission to ensure this. However, these measures now need to be specified. Now they must be implemented. Now Europe must once and for all protect fundamental rights, our democracy and our common values.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commission, Prime Minister. In March, the Commission presented its annual report on gender equality in the EU. The report explains that the pandemic has exacerbated gender inequalities in almost all areas of life, both in Europe and beyond. The results relating to gender equality achieved through many years of hard work have been nullified. This is exactly how the Commission writes. When gender equality goes backwards, it affects the fundamental rights of both women and girls. It also affects the EU economy and the conditions for building a strong and sustainable Europe. But it's not just gender equality that's affected. Across Europe, we see how our fundamental rights, our democracy and our common values are being attacked. The latest, Hungary's new law violating the rights of LGBTIQ people, is a frightening example. EU values, we know them so well, are characterised by inclusion, tolerance, justice, solidarity and gender equality. Yes, Europe is at a critical time and we cannot afford to put any of these issues on hold. So now that Slovenia is taking over the presidency, work on gender equality, the rule of law, democracy and our common values must continue. And I want to hear that Prime Minister Janša stands up for that.