Speeches

Madam President, I would like to express my shock and condolences to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey. Cyprus has the victims in mind. We mourn 48 Turkish Cypriots who perished in the ruins, including dozens of children. Their pain is our pain too. At times when nature reminds us that we are weak, unity and solidarity are required. We as the European Union must respond without delay to support the affected regions. But I also have to say this. Erdoğan refused the offer of my country, Cyprus, to send rescuers and humanitarian aid because he does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. One should tell him that in the face of human suffering there is no place for petty political expediencies.

Mr President, Mr Borrell, Europe without a common foreign policy and common security is a giant standing on clay feet. Europe without a common foreign policy and security is doomed to remain a global payer, but it will never become a global player. There's a lot going on, you said it yourself, but we still have a long way to go. If you want, I can share with you many examples where Europe pays, but others are in charge; Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Armenia. The absence of a common foreign policy also gives grounds for adopting the unacceptable double standards. Do you want another example? Sanctions against Russia for the invasion of Ukraine, no punishment for Turkey for the invasion of Cyprus. Ladies and gentlemen, either we are at last creating the conditions for a common foreign and security policy, or we are choosing to remain simply an economic organisation which pays the bill and lags behind developments, without being able to determine them.

Mr President, Commissioner, we are talking about interventions and I am one of the people who does not chew on my words. I feel shame and anger at what has come to light in the last few days. Allegations of serving the interests of foreign powers that have nothing to do with European principles and values are extremely worrying and insulting. The credibility of the institutions has been greatly damaged, and that is clear. We must act swiftly and effectively. It is our political and moral obligation to deal once and for all with the Trojan horses who are trying in every dirty way to invade the European Union and tarnish it. Their objective is one: promoting their interests by all means and at all costs. Well, it won't pass them. But the message must be one and it must be loud. It's addressed to everyone. The European Parliament stands united against all forms of interference, buy-out and bribery. The European Union is not for sale, it is not for sale.

Madam President, we are talking about stability in the wider region of the Middle East, an area in which my homeland, Cyprus, is the extreme European border. I am therefore well aware of the importance of stability and security in our region, but also of the importance of more active European involvement in achieving this goal. Let's not hide behind our finger. Stability is not self-evident when dealing with neighbours who do not share our principles and values. I expected you, Mr Borrell's representative, to mention a country which you did not mention in a strange way: Turkey, which daily threatens war, carries out airstrikes in Syria and Iraq, is causing constant tension in the region with illegal drilling in a European exclusive zone. With this in mind, there can be neither security nor stability. Once again I want to remind you of something that some people may not want to remember: This country, Turkey, is a candidate for membership of our European family. Turkey has European territory. Turkey, thanks to our double standards policy, will continue to undermine peace in the wider region.

Mr President, Commissioner, energy policy is being raised for the first time as an important issue in European affairs. A strong Europe must have energy security and a common foreign policy. The crisis in Ukraine has highlighted our energy dependence on Russia. We have to turn to the inside of Europe and my country, Cyprus, can play an essential role through the important deposits found in the Cypriot EEZ. The time has come to secure our home with our own resources, the time has come to protect our interests threatened by foreign powers standing up to European principles and values. Turkey – and let us not hide – is among these countries and if we do not act quickly, Erdoğan will become the new Putin. Help us to mine these European resources for the benefit of all of us. I do not know if we should ask Mr Erdoğan if we can do that too.

Madam President, Commissioner, the impoverishment of millions of European citizens is a reality that we must face up to. For many months we have been experiencing the impact of a war that broke out in our yard with tragic results in all areas. The sharp increase in prices exacerbates the problem and, unfortunately, makes it utopian to achieve the goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030. The number of people who are unhappy is constantly increasing. What is now needed is a Europe-wide strategy that supports consumers, small businesses and, in general, those who pay the cost of a situation for which they have no responsibility. A strategy that will focus on specific vulnerable groups of our fellow human beings: children, women, single mothers, young people, the elderly, the unemployed, the homeless and people with disabilities. Today, our fellow human beings are fighting for a decent life. We are called upon to lighten the burden on households and businesses. We call on Member States to immediately consider exempting basic foodstuffs from VAT for as long as the crisis continues and the immediate application of the minimum wage. Decent living and social protection are values that a Europe of solidarity is called upon to uphold.

Mr President, Commissioner, I do not really know how hypocritical it is to talk about a report in which the words 'Turkey' and 'progress' coexist in the same sentence. I no longer know how useful it is to draw from this step all those arguments that clearly prove that Erdogan's Turkey has nothing to do with the European project. So even if some people have their ears closed, we ought to stand here before you and remind you of some bitter realities. We owe it to the millions of victims of Turkish expansionism, to the Greeks, Pontians, Armenians and Kurds. I owe it to the dead and the refugees of my homeland, Cyprus. All of them are looking us in the eye today and asking us - they are asking you, Commissioner - how much longer we will pretend that Turkey has a place next to democratic European societies. How much longer will we accept the slaughterer of European citizens demanding, threatening, benefiting from the European Union, without being held accountable for his crimes. Do you have an answer to the question "interests or values"? If there was a response and if we were serving values and not interests, we would not even be discussing a progress report on Turkey today. (Applause)

Madam President, Commissioner, I have seen colleagues thundering and giving lessons in democracy here today and not waiting to hear an answer; As soon as they say their poem, they leave without having a controversy. This is democracy as they see it. The rule of law is the basis and shield of the European Union, whether some like it or not. Any actions that challenge the rule of law, challenge the institutional basis of the European Union. The Commission's annual Rule of Law Report should be a useful tool to highlight democratic deficits. Safeguarding free and independent journalism and combating malicious SLAPPs is an integral part of the rule of law system. Free journalism is democracy. Without free journalists, no one in Europe can feel free. The European Union means protecting vulnerable groups, it means solidarity, it means respect, but it also means obligations and commitment to principles and values. Without principles and values we cannot be a family with perspective and future. And this, Commissioner, applies not only to Member States, but also to states that want to become members of the European Union and also have obligations, such as Turkey for example.

Mr President, Commissioner, once again we are talking about human rights violations in Turkey. Once again we are talking about a blatant violation of human rights and a violation of the rule of law by the Erdoğan regime. The Kavala case is yet another proof of who we're dealing with. A fascist regime with a leader who counts nothing and no one. A few days ago, one of my Turkish Cypriot compatriots, a journalist, Sener Levent, was sentenced by an Ankara court in absentia to one year in prison for – listen to this – insulting Erdogan. This is Turkey knocking on the door of the European Union. Intruder, occupier, human rights abuser; a regime that violently silences every voice of reaction. This is Turkey playing peacemaker in the Ukrainian crisis, once again expecting benefits and gains from the European Union. How hypocritical to close our eyes. I look you in the eye and tell you honestly: There is no extenuating circumstance as long as we tolerate this behavior. Tolerance is complicity. I refuse to be an accomplice. What about you?

Mr President, Commissioner, first of all I would like to congratulate the rapporteur and friend Domènec Ruiz Devesa on his excellent work and I would like to thank colleagues for the excellent cooperation we have had in writing this report, a report that reflects all our concerns and at the same time provides answers to the challenges we face as a Union in the area of citizenship education and education. The pandemic has left its mark on the younger generation, who are timidly trying to stand on their own feet. This is where our role is. With the programmes and resources we have in our hands, we must give opportunities, we must nurture citizenship education and encourage the strengthening of a common European identity. The report calls for more investment in education, cooperation between Member States and a strong integration of the European dimension in education. No child should be left without access to education and no child should be left without access to citizenship education. Robert Schuman, one of the architects of the European Union, said Europe needed soul, vision and political will. That is why we want to strengthen citizenship education. We want young people with critical thinking, vision and political will, we want young people ready to face the digital transition, the green transition and all the challenges Europe is facing. We want our young, ready and active European citizens.

Mr President, Mr Borrell, I have judged you too many times, but tonight I thank you very much, because you have been here too many hours and you listen to us patiently. We are talking tonight about China, a country which we rightly condemn for its behaviour. My question is this: When are we going to talk about other countries not participating in the sanctions? For countries that undermine European sanctions, such as Turkey? China is Europe's economic partner. Turkey, I remind you, is a candidate country for accession to the European Union and not only does it not participate, but it undermines sanctions and I have too many examples to tell you. She is even playing mediator in this crisis, Mr Borrell, to come tomorrow to ask for her gifts from you, from the European Union.

Madam President, Commissioners, Minister, today with the pandemic crisis and the war in Ukraine raging, low-income households are facing a very serious problem of poverty. There is an urgent need to promote family-friendly policies that safeguard the rights and well-being of our children. The European Semester should also focus on persons with disabilities. These people face a particularly high risk of poverty and social exclusion. The Commission should assess the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Member States. We should also close Europe-wide skills gaps and shortages, improving them according to the needs of future labour markets. Sustainable development and well-being of all European citizens must be at the heart of the European Union's social strategy. A huge humanitarian crisis is currently underway in Europe. We must put people at the forefront of our policy.

Mr President, Commissioner, Minister, we have done our duty and Europe, united, has responded immediately to Russia's invasion with unprecedented sanctions. When international law and human rights are violated, this must be our reaction. Clear and without giving second chances. I know as a Cypriot what war, refugees, uprooting means. I know what it means to leave your house with a suitcase in your hand. I know what it means to lose loved ones. My father is wounded in a war, a war committed by Turkey against Cyprus and never condemned, never punished. We have managed – and we have done well – in 48 hours to impose strong sanctions on Russia, which we have not done for almost 48 years when Turkey forcibly occupies half of my homeland; Turkey playing it undisturbed on two dashboards in the Ukrainian crisis. It does not participate in sanctions and does not shut the skies on Russian planes. If I remember correctly, Turkey is still a candidate country for accession to the European Union. I urge you to act in the same way to defend the law in all cases, avoiding the application of the double standards policy. This is the only way to maintain our European credibility. This is the only way we can convince ourselves of our intentions. Refugees are refugees no matter where they come from, no matter how many years they spend.

Madam President, Commissioner, I begin with an admission: that racism and discrimination continue to plague Europe. Anyone who doesn't see it just hides his head under the sand and turns a blind eye. There is no greater racism than attacking someone's country, Ukraine, because you simply disagree with them or want to gain something. For me, this is the biggest racism. What we experienced and are experiencing with Covid triggered a huge wave of xenophobia. Culture, education, sport and the media are important weapons in our quiver to tackle the phenomenon. We want, or rather demand, a comprehensive zero-tolerance approach to racism in all its manifestations. It is of paramount importance to educate and raise children's awareness in order to develop critical thinking and to stand as protectors and guardians of human dignity. We call on everyone to take effective measures to prevent the media from spreading false narratives, negative images of specific ethnic or racial groups that breed racism. Racism is a Hydra, it has many heads and we have to cut it all off, one by one. This requires cooperation and method.

Madam President, Commissioner, Mr Borrell, it is important that Europe speaks with one voice. You said that earlier, Mr Borrell. But I will not say that we all do it; Let's be honest with each other. If Europe spoke with one voice, we would be much more substantial in terms of Cyprus, threats against Greece, Armenia and many other issues, about which we talk a lot but do little. The question of Ukraine is more generally concerned with the question of the security of Europe, which, it seems, is in great danger today. Others are fighting on European soil, trying to establish zones of influence, which is unacceptable and insulting to all of us. We welcome the initiative of the French Presidency, which underlines that the issue of Ukraine will be solved only in the diplomatic field, and we condemn any use of force. As a European citizen and as a Cypriot, I must have and have as my compass the International Law, which must prevail also in the case of Ukraine.

Madam President, Mr Borrell, I would like to thank the rapporteurs for the excellent work on this report, which is more relevant than ever. Geopolitical developments, challenges and crises erupting, even in our neighbourhood, underline that the implementation of a common security policy is an absolute necessity. The European Union cannot be lagging behind and merely an observer of what is happening. The European Union cannot depend on anyone for its security and cannot simply react to developments without being able to play a meaningful role. There are many examples, Mr Borrell: Varosha, Armenia, Erdogan’s promiscuity and provocations; And now, the Ukrainian. We finally need a common policy, a will to adopt those initiatives that will lead to a stronger Europe. A Europe able to protect its own borders and stand in solidarity with Member States when they need it. A Europe that defines developments and does not "run" behind them.

Madam President, Commissioner, I would like to congratulate Véronique Trillet-Lenoir on the excellent work, as well as the rapporteurs. I would also like to extend a big thank you to Manfred Weber, because his vision has led us here today. Today is an important day for Europe and the European Parliament. Today, World Children's Cancer Day, after two years of hard work and hard work, we send a strong and optimistic message to those who have lost their loved ones, to those who are struggling in a hospital with the disease, to those who have lost their strength and faith: Europe is here and we are all one in this fight to make the lives of cancer patients better and more dignified. Today, we took a first step towards achieving our common goal with Commissioner Stella Kyriakides as our companion. Nothing was and is easy. In this report we have gone beyond different political approaches and put forward the common good. Tomorrow, with the vote in favour of the report, will be a great day for Europe, for which all those who have taken part in this effort can be prouder and more optimistic. Much remains to be done and we must do so to fully deliver on the promise we made to European citizens: We will fight cancer until we defeat it.

Mr President, Commissioner, I am speaking last and will be very brief. Once, a girl, a victim of systematic harassment by her boss, asked him: Why do you do that? His answer was very simple. He replied: Because I can. Who gives a man the right to verbally or physically attack another man because he considers him vulnerable? Who gives a man the right to regard another fellow man as the object of unwilling sex? Because he just thinks he can do it? Ladies and gentlemen, our role is to stop it, to make it impossible, to make the consequences so hard for it to stop being able to do so. Me too much! So let me and each of us join voices and forces and protect in the most drastic way those we love and those who seem vulnerable in the eyes of some people. It's too much to say I care, it's too much to say I'm reacting, it's too much to say I'm protecting the victims. He'll say I don't tolerate any form of harassment. Not all men are the same. But if we know and don't react, we are complicit. (applause)

Madam President, Commissioner, as a man, I want to express my admiration and respect for women who are fighting for the obvious, their rights, what must be given. It would be hypocritical to claim that there is equality between men and women in the European Union. Let's start from the beginning. At work, a pay gap of 14.1%. Harassment in the workplace: The evidence is depressing, really. Internet: an incomplete legal framework to combat new forms of harassment, such as vengeful pornography, identified and magnified during the pandemic period. Education for women in 13 Member States: the situation is worsening according to the data, while in the rest of the states the situation remains unchanged for women. Everything I have described above makes our work and mission as guardians of principles and values even more important. The European Union without equality in all areas and facets of life can neither exist nor function. We must act now.

Madam President, Commissioner, rare diseases are not so rare. Thirty million people suffer from rare diseases in Europe. I will focus on the role of companies. It is unacceptable that there are no medicines for children with rare cancers, because it is not cost-effective for large pharmaceutical companies to produce them. Many of these diseases require chronic, costly treatments. If we want to talk about a humane Europe, we need to focus on a single health policy. We must support these people. The health of thirty million people living with a rare disease cannot be left to chance or the interests of large corporations who see patients simply as numbers. We need to ensure access to treatments for all European citizens. Commissioner, thank you for being with us. Human life is not sacrificed on the altar of profit for pharmaceutical companies and we must put an end to these behaviours.

Mr President, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur, Roberta Metsola, who has taken careful note of the recommendations of the corresponding opinion of the Committee on Education and Culture, for which I was rapporteur. Giorgos Karaivaz, Daphne Caruana Galizia, Irina Slavina, are some of the names that will haunt us, that will give us strength to fight for the defense of freedom of expression and the protection of journalists. In 2020 alone, sixty journalists died. Two of them in Europe. Lawsuits against journalists with a view to their economic and psychological impoverishment must be addressed with concrete actions, with a specific mechanism. Free journalism is democracy. Without free journalists, no one in Europe can feel free. We will defend journalists and their right to freedom of the press, because that is how we defend democracy.

Mr President, Commissioner, culture is the mirror of our society. It contributes to maintaining democratic, sustainable and inclusive societies, and only these societies have a place in our European family. All these ambitious and beautiful things, however, we can achieve in a single way: If we manage to turn the "I", which unfortunately prevails today in Europe, into "we". Only "we" can take us forward; Only if we put aside the "I" can we be led to those changes that will give us a better and more humane Europe for all, whether we are talking about artists or society at large. We must therefore set a common European framework for recognising the status of the artist. We need to fund their work, ideas and creation. Europe means culture and culture means Europe. It's time to prove it in practice.

Mr President, Commissioner, what have we learned from the pandemic in relation to the rights of people with disabilities? Most importantly: We experienced for some time what they themselves experience in their daily lives, exclusion and barriers to free access. So I hope that we learned our lesson and finally take on our duty to ensure the obvious: accessibility and the right to work integration. I have already taken a position and I will repeat it before you, Commissioner, on the need to institutionalise and legally guarantee their right to be able to work for those who wish to do so by teleworking even after the pandemic. Member States should fully implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Colleagues, disability is first and foremost a human rights issue and it is our duty as a civil society, as a state and as institutions to respect these rights. And the way is very simple: With our policies to improve their quality of life.

Madam President, Mr Borrell, last year's explosion in Lebanon was heard as far as my home country Cyprus and really shocked us. Neighbours and friends from Lebanon are suffering and that hurts us. They are a people who have been through too much and deserve to live better days. A year later, the country is in a state of emergency. The shortages of food and basic necessities are enormous. Medications are rare and are mainly marketed on the black market. Even cancer patients can't have their medicines, and that's tragic. The European Union should be a great helper and help the country. In addition to financial aid, the European Union should play an essential role in promoting political stability in Lebanon. We really hope that the new government announced four days ago will last a long time. This is the great responsibility of the country's political leaders, who must now show unanimity. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr President-in-Office, Lebanon needs us and we, as Europeans, must stand by it.

Madam President, Mr Borrell, I know you are tired, I am the last speaker, you told us that we would be self-critical and that is what I will be doing. As Europe, we cannot fail to anticipate and always run, lagging behind developments. We cannot fail to have a coordinated common policy for dealing with serious situations. It is now more evident than ever that there is a need for a common foreign policy and a common army. We have once again left a shining field of glory for Turkey to take action and move forward, a regulator of the situation. I remind you that Turkey used the refugee crisis to demand billions, threatening us all. Today he wants to take over the security of Kabul airport. Oh, what a mess! Let us at least decide, even in the last resort, that this time we will face together the new refugee wave, that this time we will not choose the easy solution, we will not load it on the European frontline countries.