The multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea and ways forward (debate)
Mr President, thank you very much. The Commission! Colleagues! Saving the Baltic Sea is a difficult task. Eutrophication, collapsing fish stocks and Putin's shadow fleet, as if that weren't enough anyway. But what is simple is, firstly, to start from science and, secondly, to stop the large-scale, harmful industrial fishing. And thirdly, listen to the experiences of local fishermen from Simrishamn, Ronneby, Grisslehamn and Östhammar who have warned for a long time. And listen to outdoor life and anglers. It is deplorable how the EU Member States have repeatedly so far decided on fishing quotas far greater than the Baltic Sea can withstand. The goal is not for herring and herring to survive until the next Council meeting. They will survive for future generations. Thank you, all Swedes for super good cooperation.
Negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market (debate)
Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, thank you very much for this debate and, once again, thank you for very good collaboration during the negotiations. But let me come back to Ukraine. I am not fully reassured by the Commission; I am rather worried from what I hear. Ukraine is under attack. Colleagues, right now, at this very moment, there is another flight alarm over the steel plants in Kryvyi Rih, in Dnipro and Kamianske. Right now, while we are having this debate, thousands of steelworkers have to protect themselves in underground shelters. Several production facilities are located in occupied areas or have been completely destroyed. And since the full-scale invasion, the remaining production faces enormous costs for reparation or replacement of destroyed facilities and trains and railways; energy costs at an all time high, with prices more than twice as high compared to the European Union; high costs for CBAM without access to certifications for emissions; restricted access to financing for investments. The fact that the industry, against all odds, manages to operate under these circumstances must be encouraged, not punished, by the European Commission. A collapse of the Ukrainian steel industry would be an immense catastrophe, not only for Ukraine, but for the whole Europe. The social consequences for unemployment and financial resources for the region would be alarming. Our trade policy should be a tool to keep the Ukrainian economy alive while they are defending us. Let us move into an integrated steel market. (The speaker concluded in a non-EU language)
Negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market (debate)
Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, the strength of Europe's steel industry must be built on trade, competition and innovation – not protectionism. But in a world where some countries pour billions into subsidies while others turn their back on the climate, competition is distorted. There is a broad political support in this Parliament for futureproofing Europe's steel industry and we are now securing the steel industry as a backbone for our competitiveness, so that investments in innovation and lower emissions will pay off, so that Europe's defence industry is never left without steel, and to achieve stronger rules on 'melt and pour'. It is not enough to know where the bread was baked, you also want to know that the flour was clean. This is necessary for this legislation, but also to prevent sanctions from being circumvented. So, on the topic of sanctions, I am happy that with this legislation, the Parliament, the Council and the Commission has jointly agreed on putting a sharp and final end to the exemption that still allows for importing steel slabs from Russia. Enough is enough with cheap Russian steel flooding EU markets while funding their war. Addressing overcapacity, cutting imports from Russia must be the lowest hanging fruit. But at the same time, Ukraine's steel industry is strategically targeted by Russian attacks. Last week I visited the steel plants in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Kamianske and witnessed the brutal reality. Several production facilities are located in occupied areas or have been completely destroyed. Since the full-scale invasion, the remaining production faces enormous costs. The fact that the industry, against all odds, manages to operate under these circumstances must be encouraged, not punished. Under the current steel safeguard, Ukraine has an exemption supposed to run until summer 2028. And in this new trade measure, Ukraine's situation as a candidate country with special security concerns shall be considered when allocating country quotas. Ukraine's steel production is fundamentally important to their ability to win the war against Russia. Today, I want to make clear that what we agreed regarding tariff quotas for Ukraine and its special status must be respected. We must treat Ukraine as a future member and a strategic partner to the EU, not as a threat. So, colleagues, before the vote, I want to ask the Commission, can you promise that this legislation will benefit Ukraine and not harm the backbone of Ukrainian economy? I repeat: will it benefit Ukraine and not harm the backbone of Ukrainian economy in this crucial time?
Ensuring accountability and justice in response to Russia’s continued attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine (debate)
Madam President, Commission, Council, colleagues, we must stop all kinds of economic activities that feed Putin's war machinery. Israel is currently importing grain looted by Russia in occupied territories of Ukraine – stolen wheat transported by dark fleet vessels through complex maritime routes to evade sanctions. This is unacceptable. It undermines Ukraine. It circumvents international sanctions and the EU has to act. Thanks to bravery, determination and technical innovation, Ukraine can and Ukraine will win this war. It's up to us to make it happen.
The role of ocean diplomacy for the competitiveness of EU fisheries and aquaculture (debate)
Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, Russia's shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea, the threat to the transport routes in the Middle East and increased tensions in the Arctic: today's dangerous geopolitical situation is highly visible also in our oceans and coastal communities. The EU is already a global ocean power, and we can do more by using our soft power to act stronger. This is also the core message of the European Parliament's report on ocean diplomacy. Without a strong global multilateral framework, it's impossible to fight overfishing and harmful subsidies. Therefore, we warmly welcome this strategic and timely report on ocean diplomacy. Thank you very much and thank you to the rapporteur.
Mr President, Commissioner Dombrovskis, colleagues. Transatlantic trade relations are important, but they must be built on mutual respect. We have not forgotten the Greenland, the threats and the blackmail. One could hardly say that the Turnberry agreement is balanced, but we are ready to move forward if it can provide stability and predictability. As the United States don't deliver, it's up to us Europeans to put our own safeguards in place to protect ourselves from chaos. This is exactly what the Parliament is doing today through this vote, by Trump-proofing our position on the Turnberry tariff agreements.
Regulation implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027 (vote)
Madam President, this package of EUR 90 billion is not only support to Ukraine; it's an investment in our common European future. Today, Ukraine is our front line. Ukrainians defend our freedom; we must show them the same commitment. Europe must increase our own financial contribution and we must make use of the frozen assets – it's not a question of either/or. Colleagues, this is Putin's war. Make Russia pay! Slava, Ukraini!
Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges (debate)
Mr President, Ukraine needs Europe and, even more so, Europe needs Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has developed and scaled up an extraordinary drone industry, a cutting-edge expertise in modern warfare unlike anything we have seen before. In a basement somewhere in Ukraine, I got to witness it myself: a high-tech army of volunteers working tirelessly every day of the week and every hour of the day to construct and repair drones. To face the Russian threat to Europe, we must work together with them. Russia might be bigger, but Ukraine is smarter. Slava Ukraini.
The deepening democratic crisis in Georgia (debate)
Mr President, thank you very much. The Commission! The Council! Georgia has long been a beacon of reform and European cooperation and has been a haven for openness and democracy in the Caucasus. Putin's door is now wide open. "We are the subject of a Russian special operation," the leader of the Democratic Coalition said. What is happening is a determined process to move the country in the same direction as Belarus. Last year, the same kind of agency law was passed that banned civil society in Russia. The speed of the journey away from democracy and the rule of law has accelerated since the rigged elections. The pro-Moscow government does not represent the people. Their government is not legitimate and must not be regarded as such by the outside world. That is why the EU needs to move forward with tough sanctions, which also target individuals who are responsible for what can only be called oppression.
Establishing the Reparations Loan to Ukraine (vote)
Madam President, Ukraine is not only fighting for its own existence: Ukraine is fighting for us. With today's decision, the European Parliament ensures that Ukraine receives the support they need before time runs out. This is our message to EU leaders in Brussels: we expect you to deliver. It is now or never. Make Russia pay. Slava Ukraini.
Phasing out Russian natural gas imports and improving monitoring of potential energy dependencies (debate)
Madam President, Commission, colleagues. It is a disgrace that Europe has made Russia's war of aggression possible. As the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs explained – since the full-scale invasion, Europe has imported Russian oil and gas of an amount of EUR 201 billion. If we add other imports, the number grows to EUR 311 billion. That is EUR 124 billion more than we have sent in support to Ukraine. The decision to stop Russian gas imports is important, but not enough. We have to stop every single euro going into Putin's war chest. It is outrageous that we are still buying steel from Russia. Last year, a volume as large as Sweden's entire annual steel production was imported to the EU. It is about damn time to stop doing business with Russia.
EU position on the proposed plan and EU engagement towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine (debate)
Madam President, colleagues, day and night, Russia continues to terrorise and kill Ukrainian people and destroy homes and infrastructure. Since the beginning of the war, it has been clear: Russia must pay. Europe must make use of the frozen assets, and we must increase our own financial contributions. It is not a question of 'either/or'. Since 2022, tariff-free trade with the EU has served as an economic lifeline for Ukraine. This commitment must stand firm until Ukraine is a full member of the European Union. Today, Ukraine is our frontline. Ukrainians defend our freedom. We must show the same commitment to them. We stand with Ukraine.
EU’s diplomatic strategy and geopolitical cooperation in the Arctic (debate)
Madam President, thank you very much. At the moment, the demand for new icebreakers is record high. The United States, Canada and Sweden also need to replace old ships. But above all, this is because the need to monitor the polar regions has increased dramatically. A warmer climate leads to new trade routes. China and Russia are taking a bigger place in the Arctic, both civilianly and militarily. At the same time, the United States is threateningly repeating its ambitions with regard to Greenland. The Arctic is not for sale. The Arctic is not a military training ground for the great powers. Therefore, it is in Europe's interest to increase engagement for peace and security, environment and climate and economic development with our Arctic allies. So far, Europe has done too little and too late, but now is the time.
Ending all energy imports from Russia to the EU and closing loopholes through third countries (debate)
Mr President, thank you very much. The Commission. Colleagues. Listeners. Already before the 2009 European elections, the Liberals in Sweden warned that Europe would make itself dependent on Putin's gas, as there are two problems with Russian gas: It's Russian and it's gas. We are finally stopping Russian gas to Europe, even if it had been a long time ago. whereas more than three years have passed since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and eleven years since Russia’s annexation of Crimea; The previously naive attitude towards Russian gas, and the unfortunate nuclear shutdown in Germany, have contributed to this taking time. But let's finally make the right decision. Stop the influx into Putin's war cash!
Stepping up funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence: the use of Russian frozen assets (debate)
Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission. Colleagues. It is time for Russia to pay for the war in Ukraine. The EU must take the next step and use the frozen Russian assets fully as an advance on pending war reparations. Why don't we already have a decision in place? Well, because there is concern from member states who have benefited from having the assets in custody. A concern that Russia will never pay any war reparations. concerns about the impact on the position of the euro; This constant worry must end. There is one thing to be worried about: Ukraine would lose, we would let Putin win the war. So slaughter the chicken. Make Russia pay!
Stepping up funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence: the use of Russian frozen assets (debate)
Madam President, thank you very much. Colleagues. There is talk of trust, but I wonder here why you stand on the side of the perpetrator. If a pyromaniac burns down your house, do you think you should pay to rebuild it? Who is to blame for the destruction of Ukraine if not Russia? Why shouldn't Russia pay?
Madam President, thank you very much. Today is October 7, a date that will never be separated from Hamas' bloody terror attack. Two years have passed since the worst assault on Jews since the Holocaust. A heinous wave of anti-Semitism is now sweeping across Europe, a hatred that has become increasingly coarser. This is also happening in Sweden. People are threatened, harassed, murdered just because they are Jews, because they express their Jewish identity or practice their religion. This is a shared European responsibility: that all Jews should be able to live in freedom and security – in the synagogue, at school or on the streets of the city. In Europe, you should be able to wear your Star of David or your kippa openly, with joy and pride.
Implementation of EU-US trade deal and the prospect of wider EU trade agreements (debate)
Mr President, Commissioner, Council, colleagues, there is no reason to put lipstick on a pig. The deal with the United States is not good. It's not good for the EU, nor for the US or for shared security interests. It's because of Trump, who has taken the United States out of rules-based international order and into an era of disorder and chaos. In this situation, a stronger EU is needed more than ever. But I hear colleagues from the extremes, from the left and from the right, complain that we did not get a better deal, while at the same time doing everything they can to weaken the EU. This is not serious. Our best response is now to strengthen the single market, to say yes to more free trade agreements, to support Ukraine and to impose tougher sanctions on Russia. We must also draw a hard line when Trump attempts to interfere with legislation that is ours to decide. We can't have a situation where Donald Trump dictates the rules for the biggest tech companies operating in Europe, or how we shall protect children from addictive use and endless scrolling of social media. That is up to us to decide. No one else. When the EU speaks, it does so with the voice of 27 countries, 450 million Europeans, and the world's second-largest economy. Let's use that.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: simplification and strengthening (debate)
Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission! Colleagues and listeners! The EU continues to be the world's best environmental organisation, and today we show that it is possible to simplify but at the same time stick to climate ambitions. In a global economy, everyone has to take responsibility and reduce emissions, not just move them elsewhere, to some other part of the world. EU climate tariffs are an excellent example of how we can use EU trade policy as a tool to achieve our climate goals. It is not a good idea to move your emissions elsewhere. Bad climate policy should not be a competitive advantage. At a time when the US is leaving the Paris Agreement, we must continue to show that it is possible and link growth to green transition. Our constituents voted for what our industry demanded, and the climate demands it.
Mr President, thank you very much. Colleagues! With promises of high tariffs on the entire world, which would bring the United States into an economic golden age, Donald Trump won the battle for the White House. Well, how's it going? Not so good for Trump. Not only does protectionism make us all poorer on both sides of the Atlantic, but since January the president has also succeeded in destroying America's reputation. The trust capital of countries and markets that have taken US administrations decades to work up has in a few months gone up in smoke. Is the US still a credible partner? Unfortunately, that is the question we need to ask ourselves today. In fact, the United States continues to be so important to us in Europe, but remember that Europe is equally important to the United States. I would therefore like to address a call directly to you, Commissioner Šefčovič, and to the Council. Let's not fold down. Don't let the United States dictate the terms of the negotiations on our trade relations. If the United States chooses to erect illegal tariff barriers against us, we are ready to defend ourselves, both ourselves and free trade as a principle. We need to push hard on Trump and at the same time show both the US and the world that the EU, with its more than 70 trade agreements, is a credible partner to trade and negotiate with.
Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, while Ukraine is fighting for its existence, Moldova is working hard for a European future. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, free trade between the EU and Moldova has not only been beneficial, but has served as a hope for the EU candidate, Moldova. But soon, on 24 July 2025, the temporary trade liberalisation will come to an end, and the Commission has still not presented a solution for what will happen next. Let's be frank: this is a huge mistake. Competition from Moldova's farmers is not the threat to EU farmers; it's Russia's war. It is in our mutual interest to make sure that Moldova stays on its path towards European integration – not to push them into Putin's claws.
Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism (debate)
Mr President, thank you very much. The world is changing rapidly, but the EU continues to be the world's best and foremost environmental organisation. Now we confirm that we want and we can and we have the courage to tackle emissions and show global leadership in reducing climate emissions and completing the work that we joined in the last mandate. Border adjustment mechanism for the climate, it is a complicated word, but it is based on a simple principle; it is the polluter who has to pay regardless of where the emissions occur and it should pay to take climate responsibility. We only have one planet. It is not enough that we get emissions down here in Europe, if we instead move them to China. Low climate ambition should never be a competitive advantage. That is why this decision is so important.
