Speeches

Madam President, the United States is and will remain a strategic partner of the European Union. Our historical ties and our trade relationship are vital. However, cooperation cannot be based on weakness. Europe must not be the weak link with anyone. In any partnership, we have to be a strong player. This means that we need to take measures and take meaningful action. To ensure that European businesses and our citizens are not the losers in trade disputes. Our response to the tariffs cannot be just verbal. Strategic preparation is needed. A strong, united and resolute Europe is the only one that can enforce respect and shape international trade. Multilateral cooperation or tariffs? The answer is clear. Cooperation, but from a position of strength and taking countermeasures to protect European interests, which I would like to hear.

Mr President, Commissioner, the time has come to decide and determine what our common future as Europe is. Developments highlight the need to redefine our geopolitical position. The new Trump administration highlights precisely this need: review our relations with our most important strategic partner. We are partners, we share common values and historical ties. But even the closest partners negotiate and often compete. Europe must negotiate from a position of strength, protecting the interests of its citizens and strengthening its autonomy and defence. Our relationship with the United States must be based on mutual respect and a balance of power, ensuring that Europe remains strong, competitive and ready to face any challenge, be it energy, technology or competitiveness. Together we must put it into practice, because only together can we achieve our goals. Together, however, there is something else. Mutual respect.

Madam President, it struck me that there is no one from the Commission to listen to what we are saying. The world is changing rapidly and Europe must make itself a strong player and protagonist. Enlargement is not just a geopolitical necessity. It is the only option for a united, secure and prosperous Europe. The preparation of the European Union-Western Balkans Summit is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to this strengthening with the enlargement of the Union. I know that the road is difficult, as the criteria and challenges are many. But we are opening and not closing the door of the Union, offering the accession countries of the Western Balkans a clear perspective. For my part, as chairman of the European Union-Serbia Delegation, I will do everything to convince Belgrade that it needs us and we need it. At the same time, I recall that integration requires the rule of law and adaptation to democracy. But I want to be clear. Attacks like this on my colleague Fredis Beleris in Albania, not only have no place here, but they are absolutely unacceptable and reprehensible.

Mr President, Commissioner, as the European Parliament we have a responsibility to safeguard democracy and exercise human rights in a rapidly changing world. Social media is like a knife. Depends on whose hand you find yourself in. If used correctly, they promote democracy. If used for other purposes, they may even destroy it. Fake news, algorithms promoting extreme and directed narratives undermine our democracy and the right of European citizens to the truth. On the other hand, no one can ignore that they are a source of information, strengthening the right of citizens to be aware of everything. In saying this, I strongly argue that the European Union must act swiftly and impose transparency and accountability rules on digital platforms. Citizens deserve a public debate based on the truth. And we, as the European Parliament, must ensure it.

Mr President, Commissioner, the situation in Syria is not just a matter of geopolitical turmoil, but a humanitarian tragedy with incalculable consequences. Millions of people have been displaced, thousands have lost their lives, and images of refugee camps and executions in the middle of the street are a disgrace to all of us. The Syrian coast is only 100 nautical miles from my country, Cyprus, the closest European point to the burning area. We saluted Assad's fall as Europe. But we did not say how we protect the thousands of Christians, but also other religious groups, who, as we see from the images arriving from the region, are not only endangered, but also targeted. The United States, Russia, Turkey, Israel, Iran are the players in a huge and dangerous geopolitical game, in which Europe must be present. Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we must take the lead. There must be a unified and radical response to the crisis on the European side. In this effort, Commissioner, you will find us all by your side. And a word of advice, if I may. Don't trust Erdoğan and Turkey too much. They own European soil.

Mr President, let me be a little keen tonight. 41 years since the illegal proclamation of the pseudo-state, 50 years since the Turkish invasion, and Europe seems incapable of effectively defending Cyprus, but also its own principles and values. How much longer will we allow interests to dominate, sacrificing Cyprus on the altar of Turkish provocation? We're full of words. Let's be clear. When international law was violated in Ukraine, Europe's response was swift, unanimous and harsh. And we have rightly reacted with sanctions, with determination and – above all – with unity. But when Turkey violates every rule in the Mediterranean, invades, occupies and supports a separatist entity in the territory of a Member State, Europe chooses deafening silence and simple verbal condemnation. Why is it? Because he's scared? Because some people take their interests into account with Turkey? Because some in the Union consider Cyprus small, insignificant and expendable? This, ladies and gentlemen, is unacceptable. Europe shows every day that it applies double standards. It closes its eyes to the ongoing Turkish occupation. It allows threats and challenges to continue without consequences. And as if all this were not enough, we also have leaders such as the Prime Minister of Hungary, Mr. Orban, who presides over the European Union, taking steps to upgrade the pseudo-state. That's enough now. Europe has failed to live up to its history, protect its own borders and defend its members. Solidarity is not a slogan, it is an act. Whether we stand in solidarity with Cyprus and the ideals of freedom and justice, or the European Union surrenders to the appetites of Ankara and every Erdogan. We in Cyprus, even on our own, will not stop defending principles and claiming justice. Just things.

Mr President, Commissioner, in Azerbaijan, the supposedly reliable partner, politicians who oppose the regime are tortured and imprisoned, journalists who dared to criticise it are imprisoned, Armenian prisoners of war are daily humiliated and humiliated in Nagorno-Karabakh, tens of thousands of Armenians are expelled from their homes, everything Christian is destroyed. At the same time, Azerbaijan invites the pseudo-state, the illegal structure of the occupied Cyprus, as an observer in the Organization of Turkish States, an action that contradicts the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. With this attitude Azerbaijan undermines the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of a Member State of the European Union. Will we put up with it? The European Union and the international community cannot stand by in the face of such illegal actions. Let's not put Azerbaijani gas above principles, values and human lives.

Madam President, Mr Borrell, when human lives are lost and when crimes are committed, we are all accountable, whether by our participation or by our indifference to this tragedy. I have heard a lot since the beginning of the debate, a lot of convictions, a lot of words. I have also heard of the need to hold a humanitarian summit on this issue. So while everyone is talking, the only country that is doing anything right now to humanitarianly help the situation in Lebanon is my homeland, little Cyprus. Small in size, large in soul, a small state that experienced war and refugees, is currently the only refuge for the persecuted of war, as the first safe European territory. There is no other way than to insist on a ceasefire and to find a solution that will immediately stop the bloodshed. Right now my homeland is a lifeline for hundreds of people fleeing the battlefields. But Europe must not leave Cyprus alone in this huge effort to save human lives. Next to my country, in my neighbourhood, a huge catastrophe is taking place, with innocent people, children and civilians being victims. As Cyprus, we are doing our part. But Europe, our family, must also support us and act immediately. Thank you very much.

Mr President, Commissioner, I have always been in favour of a stronger and more integrated Europe in terms of its foreign policy, security, economy and – certainly – its energy autonomy. We are in the right direction, looking for new sources of energy and detoxification from fossil sources. We even see the problems arising from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The European Union must therefore stand on its own two feet when it comes to energy issues. This effort, however, is often attempted to be torpedoed by states that even knock on the door of the Union – and I am referring specifically to Turkey. A recent example is the design of an undersea electricity interconnection between Cyprus and Greece. A project that will unite us energetically with the rest of Europe. It is tragic to fear that Turkey may block the interconnection process because it considers that its own geopolitical interests are not being served. With this at least he threatens every day. Energy policy is being raised for the first time as an important issue in European affairs. After all, the areas that will lead to a stronger Europe are energy security and a common foreign policy. This effort can also be helped by my country, Cyprus, which with its own natural gas reserves can strengthen the energy autonomy of our European family. So let's start our energy detox from our home, from the inside.

Madam President, thank you for giving me the floor. Thank you for your reference to Cyprus; It shows that you are not forgetting us. I ask for the floor to remind all colleagues that these days are fifty years since Turkey's invasion of Cyprus. Fifty years of being a refugee and separating my country. Half a century of occupation of European territory. Fifty years we have been refugees in our own country. I took the floor to ask everyone to stand by us in our effort to reunite and liberate our homeland; in our effort to live as free, equal European citizens in our homeland. The European Union is our family. It is our support and our only hope. Colleagues, do not forget the invasion and occupation of Cyprus. Fifty years is too long.

Mr President, Commissioner, the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East is a tragedy. My homeland, Cyprus, is close to the region and although small in size, it shows the way for initiatives to protect civilians and create a humanitarian corridor, but it requires synergies and collaborations from all. Of course there is a need for a ceasefire as soon as possible. No sane person wants this tragedy to continue. But at the same time, be honest. The disarmament of the terrorist organization Hamas is also a priority, so that there is no longer a danger to the people of Israel. And because we are talking about the danger of a general ignition in the region, let's not forget some of our partners who play it, and after supporting Putin, Hamas, Hezbollah, they are now also supporting the Houthis. And of course I am referring to those who did not understand Turkey and Mr Erdoğan.

Madam President, Commissioner, public health is a good to which all European citizens should have equal access. Public health is a good that every Member State has not only an obligation but also a social responsibility to ensure. There must be equal access, equal treatment for European citizens, in whichever Member State they reside. The European Health Data Space is the backbone of the European Health Union. We have learned many lessons from the Covid pandemic, notably that the issue of health knows no borders and should be addressed collectively and as a priority. Every life is precious and should be treated as such. It is not conceivable that a child would die in Romania or Cyprus, when it could be saved in Germany, for example. Commissioner, I would like to congratulate you and thank you for working with dedication in this direction, to eliminate the inequalities that exist, for a better and healthier world.

Madam President, Commissioner, let me talk a little more generally about the upcoming elections. We are going through the last months of this legislature, during which events such as Brexit, the Covid pandemic, wars, a surge in migration occurred. All this raises too many questions about what Europe we want. All of us, therefore, as elected representatives, are sincerely called upon to give answers to the citizens. In the run-up to the June election, we must say clearly: Do we want a strong Europe, with a common foreign and security policy? Do we want a Europe that deals with immigration together or a Europe where everyone looks at their own home? Do we want a Europe with equal members and a right of veto or a Europe where the voices of the little ones drown? Do we want a Europe that stands on its own two feet or that is lagging behind? The challenges lie ahead of us and we must be ready to face them. This is what European citizens demand of us: Answer these questions honestly and courageously. If we manage to give convincing answers, then we will also bring citizens to the polls. This, I think, is perhaps the most important challenge.

Mr President, Commissioner, what has come to light about the journalistic investigation into Cyprus should be thoroughly investigated, and if violations are detected by anyone, there is one way: The one of justice. There is no discussion of this. Those who stole, if they stole, those who broke the laws, if they broke them, yes, go to jail, no matter how high they are. Dear colleagues, Cyprus is accused of a programme that was abolished in November 2020, while this programme is in force in other European countries. Cyprus is targeted. Not unfairly, with what's published. But here I must remind you of some other truths that we must not forget. In 2013, the European Union treated Cyprus with a deposit haircut. Thousands of my compatriots have been impoverished. Thousands of fortunes were lost overnight. Fortunately, ten years after that, the experiment has not been repeated anywhere else. Yet another truth: Cyprus, on the basis of principles and values, has always supported the decisions of the European Union, even if these had huge economic and political costs for my country. It is good not to forget them. I stand before you and defend my people and my country and not the thieves and those who exploited any weaknesses of the program. I repeat, the sooner those involved pay, if they are involved, the sooner my country's name will be cleared.

Mr President, Commissioner Borrell, the developments in the Gaza region, the temporary ceasefire announced a few hours ago, which includes the return of prisoners, opens a small window of hope. From the very first moment we condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas, which opened the bag of Aeolus. We defended Israel's right to self-defense, while at the same time stating that civilians and the ordinary Palestinian people should not pay for Hamas' crimes. Ladies and gentlemen, we must find a solution to the huge humanitarian issue. At this point, Mr Borrell, I would like to remind you of Cyprus' initiative to create a humanitarian corridor from my country to the war zone. Cyprus is the closest geographical European territory in the field of conflict and is present in a practical way in the effort to resolve the humanitarian issue. I am pleased, Mr Borrell, that you support this initiative. An initiative that is not only Cypriot, but also European.

Madam President, Commissioner, World Children's Day. Today is just a reminder that this world does not belong to us. We borrowed it from our children. Our children, who are our future, the purest part of society. Children are tomorrow and deserve better days than we do. Children should not be victims of war. Children should not hurt, fight, die from bombings and bullets. Children should not work, be hungry, suffer, be abused. Children should smile, go to school, play, dream, have fun with their childhood. Children are our world and this world is more beautiful, because there are in it our children, our children. And if even one child is saved, then there will be hope.

Madam President, Commissioner, let us just talk. The dream of acquiring a home and living a decent life is for millions of couples an elusive and unrealizable dream. The reasons are very simple. There is neither the financial capacity nor the necessary assistance to implement the self-evident: the right to a home, a home to house their dreams and family. Banks are getting rich, interest rates in some countries, like mine, have skyrocketed, and new couples are failing to meet the increasingly absurd demands of banks. And because we said to speak simply, the solution is simple: a bridle to the banks, practical help to young couples to grant loans on terms that can be repaid. Decent housing is a universal right for all citizens.

Mr President, Commissioner, it is finally necessary to define a concrete and comprehensive strategy on migration. Small countries, like mine, have been left alone to deal with a huge problem that should be tackled collectively. That has to change. As we speak, 7% of the population of my semi-occupied country are asylum seekers. Most of them come from Turkey illegally through the occupied territories. We in Cyprus know about refugees. We have already experienced it and experienced its consequences. But there are also limits and limits. If these are overcome, then serious humanitarian problems arise. Therefore, immediately adopt the Pact on Asylum and Migration as the only solution. That's what's required. And in this work we are by your side, Commissioner.

Mr President, Commissioner, we have discussed the issue of Turkey and its relationship with the European Union countless times in this Chamber. Unfortunately, we always come to the same conclusions, which, however, remain mere findings, without being accompanied by actions. So let us come together to recall bitter truths about Turkey, many of which are included in the report. In Turkey there is no democracy, but Erdogan's dictatorship that oppresses and deprives Turkish citizens of basic human rights. The rule of law in Turkey is far from European principles and values. Turkey is at war with almost all neighbouring countries. It does not respect the commitments it has made towards the European Union on migration and instead uses it to gain more. It has been illegally occupying European territory for almost half a century and is threatening two Member States with war. It blackmails and vetoes NATO enlargement. This is Turkey, to which some insist, Commissioner, on granting a customs union and a visa. So as long as some insist on doing what they don't understand, we will continue to speak truths, no matter how bitter they may sound in your ears.

Mr Borrell, because you said that European observers are not authorised to go to the area, I took the trouble and went six hundred kilometres by car to register people without electricity, people without access to basic necessities, people who went to see their families and were asked to come back, to get an Azerbaijani passport, and they remain so far away from their families. So I went to this point and saw the Russian peacekeepers, whom you referred to a moment ago, sitting down and doing absolutely nothing to prevent the creation of faits accomplis. My question is specific, because you said that the two sides are talking. When you get the victim to talk to the perpetrator, the only thing that happens is that the perpetrator saves time and the victim dies, Mr. Borrell. Humanitarian aid does not reach these areas. What do we do as Europe? People wanted to know from me, a European MEP, what we do as Europe. There are no observers in the area. You said they can't go. When I was on Armenia's border with Azerbaijan, there were hostilities with four dead, about a month ago. Do observers record these, send them somewhere? And what do we do as Europe?

Mr President, Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Cyprus is a small country on the edge of Europe, where East and West meet, at a crossroads of cultures and history. We survive and survive in this corner of the earth because we serve and believe in principles and values that define us as Europeans: justice, solidarity, freedom. Cyprus, ladies and gentlemen, is the only European country that has occupied part of its territory. It is owned by a state that knocks on the door of Europe and demands to receive all the benefits, economic and political, without retreating and without offering anything. A country with a leadership that does not discuss, does not talk and does not cooperate and constantly makes new faits accomplis. On the contrary, it threatens war from time to time between two Member States of the European Union. And we all know why. Because apart from the verbal support, our European family has never been willing to pressure Turkey with measures and actions that would force it to back down. And this, ladies and gentlemen, not only does it not translate into solidarity, but it is a double standard policy. A policy that doesn't honor us. Despite this unfair practice that hurts us, we will continue to fight, because we defend universal values, such as freedom. Even alone, we will continue to serve them, calling on our European family to join us. Mr. President, we heard you. What must now be done is for Europe to listen to you and stand by you, as you have requested, with actions and actions that will prove European solidarity. (Applause)

Mr President, I welcome you to the European Parliament. As an MEP coming from a small country, Cyprus, I welcome the leader of another small European country, but with a great contribution to the European process. What unites us in Europe are its principles and values, which we all have to uphold. Coming from a small country, Prime Minister, I want to state emphatically that solidarity is interpreted for us many times as safeguarding our existence. Unfortunately, I cannot say that we, the small Member States, have received as much solidarity or support as we can. I would like to warmly thank you for your country's principled stance on the Cyprus problem, a problem of invasion and occupation. Thank you even for your country's stance on the very serious issue of migration. As a small country we have been left to fight alone, receiving so far only verbal support, without any meaningful solutions. Because only practical and concrete actions to support the small Member States can achieve real solidarity and European integration, as you have described it before. Otherwise we will simply be talking about a Europe of the few and the powerful, which I am sure neither you nor we accept.

Mr President, Commissioner, well done to the rapporteurs for their very important work! Today a very important step is being taken, because in a Europe that wants to be defined as a Europe of equality and equity, the pay gap between men and women is not acceptable. Not only is it not acceptable, it is also sad, unacceptable and insulting to all those who came here with the vote of European citizens. Let's look at some elements together: Women in Europe earn 13% less than men. There are huge variations from country to country. Higher share of women in part-time employment (30% women, 8% men). Women work more hours each week than men. One-third of women are forced to stop working for childcare reasons. These and many other elements prove, ladies and gentlemen, that the 'equal pay for equal work' in today's Europe does not apply and, if that is not the case, we cannot speak of a Europe of equality and equality before the law. We cannot talk much without doing everything we need to remove this injustice. Today we are taking an important step. There is still much to be done and we need to be united.

Madam President, Commissioner, the conclusions of the European Council are in the right direction. But is that enough? I hear strong criticism, but I do not hear from some sides suggestions on how to solve migration. I hear not on fences, not on walls. I hate fences and walls more than anyone, because Turkey put a fence in Cyprus and divided my country. I hate fences. But tell me what we can do when dozens of people come daily from Turkey, not from war zones, by air from Turkey to the free areas of the Republic. Where is Frontex? What is the role of Frontex? Turkey receives billions from the European Union and does not respect its agreements. How can we compel her? These issues must be seen and left to populism.