Speeches

Mr President, thank you very much. Since 1970, the year I was born, temperatures have increased faster than ever in the last 2,000 years. It depends on us humans. This is due to our use of fossil fuels – coal, gas and oil – and it has made us richer and given us the growth we have today. But COP28 was a great success, with an agreement finally reached on the elimination of fossil fuels. The fossil era must be over. We also need to look at the details and that there are small openings that fossil fuels – read gas – could be a transitional solution. No, fossil fuels are never a solution or a transitional solution. Today, we will be proud of the EU's efforts for COP28. The EU has shown once again that it is the strongest, most powerful, most important and most ambitious environmental organisation in the world.

Mr President, thank you very much. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is not only a humanitarian disaster; Putin is also guilty of a complete environmental catastrophe that will affect generations to come. Russia shows total contempt for all living things. The Kakhovka dam was blown up, groundwater and sewage systems collapse, dangerous toxins spread, valuable nature is wiped out, ecosystems collapse. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is about to collapse due to Russian attacks. At the same time, the Russian armed forces are evicting huge amounts of climate emissions. It is a mockery of all of us who are trying to fight to reduce emissions. Russia must not only be held accountable for the damage and environmental crimes; ecocide, which it is guilty of, the Russian state must also bear and take full financial responsibility for restoring its damage. Russia and Putin are a threat to Europe's security, but also to our common environment. Now is the time to tighten sanctions and use all frozen assets to rebuild Ukraine.

Mr President, thank you very much. The EU and Taiwan have a lot in common. Together we believe in liberal democracy, the importance of free and rules-based trade and respect for human rights. Similarly, Taiwan is an important ally in the fight against Russia and in support of Ukraine. In a troubled world where more and more countries are turning their backs on democracy and liberal values, Europe needs allies. We need friends to build strong partnerships with for peace, freedom and prosperity. An agreement on trade, investment, secure supply chains – no matter what they call such an agreement – is needed between the EU and Taiwan. Not only does it bring economic benefits to both parties, but it also sends a strong signal to the outside world and to Beijing not to dictate with whom the EU should act or cooperate. With this, I would like to say that I am calling on the Commission, Commissioner Dombrovskis, to say that it is time to let Taiwan into the heat and start negotiations on cooperation for an agreement.

Mr President, thank you very much. In Europe, we consume about a quarter of the world's raw materials, but produce only 3%. We are therefore largely dependent on imports, especially from China. Trade creates wealth, but if we are naive, it can cost us dearly. Now we are changing the climate, but electrification requires critical metals and minerals in huge quantities. Large deposits are found in Sweden and in the rest of Europe, but we do not take advantage of them today as we should. Replacing Russia's gas cranes with China as the main supplier of raw materials is a really lousy idea. The green transition must be sustainable – sustainable all the way. It must not be at the expense of nature or the economy or traditions of indigenous peoples. When we vote on a plan to increase the extraction and recycling of critical raw materials in the EU, we will show that sustainability requirements are high and can be reconciled.

Madam President, thank you very much. Europe's energy needs are increasing. CO2 emissions need to go down. It's an equation that doesn't go together without nuclear power. Europe's use of renewable energy is advancing, but it must not lock us in a situation where gas is used as a backup when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. Europe also needs stable nuclear energy production as the share of renewable energy production increases. That is why I am so happy that we are now establishing that small modular reactors are needed and can provide us with the affordable, efficient, planable, carbon-free electricity that we so badly need. In addition, tailored to meet the needs where they exist. As a liberal and technology optimist, I am pleased that we are pointing out the possibilities of nuclear power. If you say no to nuclear power, you also say no to a green transition that works in practice.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commission, colleagues and audience. From the crowd in the tear gas cloud can be heard the sound of terror and slogans. The strong vocal cords of the demonstrators create synchronized chants. It is the sound of devotion and stubborn proof that Hong Kongers are prepared to die for their freedom. This is how the Swedish liberal and author Simona Mohamsson writes in her book Hong Kong RIP. The battle for Hong Kong is bigger than the fate of a city. It is a settlement of China's influence in the world. In 2019, the people of Hong Kong stood up and protested against what has become a country, a system. Despite promises that Hong Kong would be allowed to maintain its free, democratic society, China crushed the dream vigorously and continues to do so. That is why the EU should speak plainly with one voice that China is our greatest threat to liberal democracy in the world.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commission, colleagues and audience. I would like to begin by thanking former Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, who launched the negotiations on this agreement in June 2018. I am very proud and happy to be able to help bring it to life here in the European Parliament. In a time of war and crisis, we need to get closer to our allies, and that is exactly what happens when we strengthen the ties between Europe and our friends in New Zealand. As a free trade friend, climate-engaged, feminist, democracy friend, it is a pleasure for me that we hopefully vote in favour of the world's most modern free trade agreement tomorrow. It shows that trade and sustainability go hand in hand. I remember New Zealand's former Prime Minister Ardern. While visiting Brussels, she said that this agreement deals with:not only about volumes, it's about values“. So it is and this is a stronger bond for freedom and democracy in an otherwise dark world.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commission, colleagues, listeners. It wasn't better before. But one thing is for sure: previous generations would not have been happy with our throwaway society. In the past, things had a longer lifespan, it was self-evident to repair and repair, and it was not uncommon for gadgets to be handed down from generation to generation. Quality came before quantity. They repaired, sewed, stopped – repair was the rule, not the exception. Many of us have been there with, for example, a broken phone or a TV that had actually been repairable, but where it became easier and cheaper to just throw it away instead of trying to do something about it. This doesn't hold. In Sweden alone, we consume today as if we had four globes to live on. It's not sustainable. The Law We Call Right to Repair is a step on the way to change this and it will make it easier and cheaper for us consumers to choose repair when something breaks instead of throwing and buying new. It's sustainable, it's the future.

Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission, colleagues and listeners! The key to the green transition lies in northern Sweden. With natural resources, climate-smart electricity and expertise, there is the future of the green industry in Europe, if we safeguard global competition. But when the US and China choose to pump billions into their industry, the EU needs to show that there are better options than sprinkling tax money on already prosperous companies or companies that may never ever stand on their own. At the same time, we cannot cross our arms when the green industry in Europe risks moving abroad. It is good that the EU is mobilising to make Europe – the whole of Europe – a fruitful place for the green transition. With the Net-Zero Industry Act, we shorten permitting processes for new activities, reduce administration for entrepreneurs, foster competitiveness and innovation, and it is a pathway for a sustainable Europe and a sustainable world.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commission, colleagues and audience. Cohesion is our strongest weapon to push back Putin's war economy, but also to hold Europe together when an aggressive China tries to dictate how and with whom we should cooperate. When brave Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius, the regime in Beijing became furious. And to punish Lithuania, China uses the trade as ammunition. Over 90% of exports to China were stopped. We have been far, far too naive towards China, but with the new legislation, the principle of one for all and all for one applies. If you attack the EU, an EU country, it is an attack on everyone, and the EU can respond with trade restrictions. It makes Europe stronger.

Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission, colleagues and listeners! Sometimes we hear that what happens on the football field or in the boardrooms, or at home in the bedroom for that matter, is not politics. But that's it, isn't it? Violence and discrimination against women is a social problem. It requires leadership from everyone who has the power to change. What should have been the biggest football day of the Spanish national team player's life instead became a display of men's violence against women. The fact that Jenni Hermoso herself was then accused by her perpetrator of guilt in what happened is a classic reminder that guilt is an important component of violence against women. Football has in recent years made great progress towards being a sport for both men and women. But in order for all girls to dare to lace up their football boots, more needs to be done. The football field must never be a free zone for abuse, violence and discrimination.

Madam President, Commission, colleagues, unity is our strongest weapon to defeat dictators like Putin, like Lukashenka. We must continue to stand firm and together support Belarus and respect sanctions until time changes. It does not matter if you represent sports or business, politics or research, we have to ask ourselves: what can I do to stand with the people of Belarus? Recently, the highly profiled Nobel Foundation missed asking themselves that simple question. After massive criticism, they changed their minds and did not invite the Ambassador from Belarus to the Nobel Prize celebration in Stockholm in December. Of course, this could have been a painful provocation, especially as last year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate, human rights defender Mr Ales Bialiatski, is still in prison, together with more than 1 500 other political prisoners. Dictators and their ambassadors have no place in the European Union.

Madam President, Commission, colleagues, this could be a wonderful summer for Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanhanov, who were both born in 2006, but instead they are in prison, tortured by the Russians. I believe some of you have children of the same age yourself. So do I. It’s with a heavy heart that I read the reports of brutal interrogations, beatings and electric shock torture that the teenagers are facing. The crime the teenagers are charged with is fighting for their freedom. As a mother, as a politician, as a human being, I can’t find the right words to express my disgust against these acts. Today, we strongly condemn Russia and demand for the immediate release and return of Tihran and Mykyta. Those involved in this cruel proceedings in Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine must, without delay, be added to the EU sanctions list.

Madam President, thank you very much. The Commission! Colleagues! How many batteries do you have at home? I've lost count, because they're everywhere. It's phones, computers, headphones and speakers, smoke alarms and soon, hopefully, in my next car. When we leave the internal combustion engine and the fossil fuel-driven society behind, it is the battery that replaces us. With the new Battery Regulation, our batteries will be sustainable, both in relation to the climate, the environment and human rights. CO2 emissions are measured and labelled. The material is recycled. It will be easier to replace batteries in your phone or computer instead of throwing away fully functional gadgets. I am proud that we now have a modern and ambitious battery legislation in place that will affect not only Europe's but the world's battery market. A law that makes sure to stop the new and other environmental problems that the necessary electrification can bring with it. Thank you all for good cooperation!

Mr President, thank you very much. The Commission, colleagues and listeners! Since 1970, the year I was born, the Earth's temperature has increased faster than ever before in the last two thousand years. Today my daughter turns 20. During the two decades she has been around, we have known that the world is in a climate crisis, but yet we have not managed to turn the curves in the right direction. Skyfalls, floods, droughts and fires – extreme weather affects not only countries on the other side of the world, but also here in Europe, with enormous losses of lives, of health and of costs to individuals, to communities and to ecosystems. The most vulnerable pay the highest price. Still, there are those who deny and do not believe in climate change, but it is time for a new age of enlightenment. In contrast to the prophets of simple truths and simple solutions, we need to strike a blow for knowledge, science and technology development. The EU has just launched the world's first legislative package of the gigantic measure to reach climate neutrality by 2050. But we need to do more. We need to be braver. And it's not just the next 20 years, but forever to save the climate.

Mr President, Commission, colleagues, there is still no information about Viktar Babaryka’s condition after the news that he was taken to hospital with severe injuries last week. His location is unknown. But what we know is that the situation for political prisoners in Belarus is horrific. And we know far too well about Lukashenko’s brutality and contempt for life and human dignity. But, one day, justice will prevail. Now we need to be firm and we need reactions from the EU to make it very clear: we want to know where Viktar is. We want to see him under professional and medical care and treatment. We call for Viktar Babaryka’s immediate and unconditional release. This applies to all other political prisoners in Belarus as well.

Madam President, thank you very much. It should be easy to do the right thing. We are very many who want to get away from the throwaway economy, and who want to take a stand with the wallet. But we all know it's easier said than done. Today, it is far too easy to mislead consumers with fine words about sustainability, which in reality means nothing at all. This proposal will make it easier. There will be better opportunities for European consumers to find out if a product can be repaired, how long it can be used, and how much it may have affected the climate and the environment. It is simply not possible to promise gold and green forests, if it does not have coverage in reality. Green light for a proposal that strengthens our power as green consumers!

Mr President, thank you very much. Since 1970, the year I was born, the temperature has increased faster than ever before in the last 2,000 years. No one can read the latest IPCC report and continue to deny that we are facing a climate crisis. We only have ourselves to blame. It is no longer enough to talk in small groups, to brainstorm ideas. We need to act now. Adapting to climate change can reduce risks, but it does not solve the problems. Emissions have to go down. It is we in the rich West who bear the greatest historical responsibility, and it commits us. That is why we must take the lead, show leadership and support those who have the journey of growth ahead of them. Europe has done a lot, but not enough. It will cost to do, but the price of not acting is infinitely higher. The courageous decisions we have taken in this Parliament this week are just the beginning.

Mr President, Commissioner, Council, colleagues, this debate has been very much anticipated, especially since President von der Leyen and President Macron’s recent visit to China. This is not the first time the EU appears divided on matters of foreign policy. Who is the spokesperson for the EU? Is it Borrell, Michel, von der Leyen, Macron? Or is it Scholz? This underlines the need for a renewed and coherent EU-China strategy. The EU must continue to be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves in China. And there should be absolutely no doubt that Europe stands with Taiwan. We cannot be afraid of aligning strategy with our democratic allies. As democracies, we must stand together always.

Mr President, thank you very much. The EU is the best environmental organisation in the world. By saying yes to the world's first legislation against imported and exported deforestation, we are further strengthening that role. The combined strength of the single market makes the EU a force to be reckoned with. Our trade policy is one of the main tools to influence other countries, to protect rather than deforest the world's forests. Only those who can prove that they have not contributed to deforestation or forest degradation are welcome in our internal market – so we guarantee sustainable consumption all the way. This is a law that comes from the citizens. It is the result of demonstrations all over Europe where people demanded action when the rainforests were on fire. It shows that it is possible to act sustainably, protect the lungs of the earth and protect biodiversity. That's what I call green liberalism.

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, without human rights defenders, there are no human rights. That’s why it’s so crucial that we follow up the implementation of the guidelines for the European External Action Service. Human rights defenders are harassed, detained, tortured and killed all around the world, only because they stand up for the most basic values on this planet. Today’s global decline of democracy and freedom and the rebound of gender equality makes it even more difficult and dangerous for activists and organisations to work. This makes the EU’s role as guardian of human rights defenders more urgent and important than ever. The implementation must make a difference in practice.

Mr President ! The Commission, colleagues and listeners! This debate is dedicated to all the people who are imprisoned, who are being tortured in Belarus because of their dreams of freedom. This is especially true of Nobel Laureate Ales Byalyatski. There should be a special place in hell for leaders who are fanatics of dictatorships, be it Hungarian ministers or the Olympic Committee, who think it is a good idea to open up to Russian and Belarusian athletes in Paris, while outspoken elite athletes, even Olympic medalists, belong to the group considered so dangerous to the regime in Minsk that they are sentenced to long prison sentences in their absence. After a great deal of dedication, not least here in Parliament, we snuck Lukashenko at the World Hockey Championships. Now it is time again to act. As long as Belarus detains and tortures people, innocent athletes, for what they think and what they say, Belarus should be disqualified from fighting for medals. Zyvie Belarus.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commission, Minister! We are in a time of transition. Leaving fossil fuels behind is not only crucial to saving the climate. It is also a matter of security. Our dependence on oil and the gas dependence of many European countries have trapped us in an unhealthy and dangerous dependence on Russia and a series of oil dictatorships. I am a liberal and technology optimist, but I also realise that digitalisation and electrification increase our dependence on critical raw materials and we risk becoming even more dependent on China. We need to be better at recycling. But it will take until the turn of the century, for example, before recycling can account for even half of the amount of rare earths that we expect Europe and the world to need then. Therefore, alternatives are needed. We need to use the resources available within the EU. They are in the Nordic countries, they are in Sweden, they are in Norway and we need to deepen trade relations with other democracies.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commission, ladies and gentlemen. Leaving fossil fuels behind us not only provides greener vehicles for the sake of the climate, but is also about safety, not being dependent on Putin or other oil dictatorships every time we are going to refuel the car. Fossil-powered cars soon or already belong to history. The automotive industry is changing rapidly and the EU is giving industry clear guidance on when the transition must be completed by the latest is important. Predictability is key to keeping pace with the transition. At the same time, when we move to electric vehicles, we must also ensure that the whole of the EU has carbon-free electricity production and that we use sustainable batteries. I am glad that the battery regulation came into effect before Christmas. And to those of you on the right who are against this proposal, I would like to conclude by saying: I guess the Stone Age didn't end because it ran out of stones.

Europe is a strong player in the world and the strongest force for democracy and human rights. Our strength is based on openness, cooperation, trade and that we want to cooperate with all countries in the world. However, this does not mean that we are silent and turn a blind eye to and accept dictatorships that violate human rights and threaten their neighbours. The partnerships we have with other democracies are our strength and must be developed, but we cannot ignore China. We cannot ignore countries that are still dictatorships, and unfortunately also in some cases have gone in completely the wrong direction. That is what the strategy we are talking about here today has to deal with. It is therefore also so important, as the Swedish Presidency said and the Swedish Government stated, that we safeguard our democratic values and the principles of the rule of law within the EU. Because when we are strong internally within Europe, then we also become a strong player in the world.