Speeches

Madam President, Commissioner, rapporteur, my congratulations. Currently, in most Member States, there are no clear regulations for digital platform workers. There are no rules regulating either the rights to compensation in the event of illness or accident, or the social security of these people. You must and must establish a legal framework that ensures a level playing field for fair and equal treatment of workers in these new forms of work. We cannot talk about a smooth digital transition in Europe without safeguarding the fundamental rights of these workers, who have equal rights with others. "Many words are poverty," we say in Greek. The pandemic crisis has accelerated the need for a digital transition and we must follow suit, but without burdening any workers.

Mr President, Commissioner, I have heard a great deal from colleagues that the pandemic has taught us a great deal. He taught us the most important thing: Only together and united can we face such situations. We must not only monitor, but prevent and tackle serious health issues together. Europe must operate autonomously and be able to deal with health issues. Commissioner, we thank you. As a Cypriot, I am proud of the collective, calm and effective way in which you have dealt with the pandemic. The fact that we have a vaccination program, the fact that we have vaccines is largely due to you. We must continue together, because health concerns all of us and has no borders.

Mr President, Commissioner, Europe deserves a lot of praise for what you have achieved. Only three months after the proposal to create a Digital COVID Certificate we managed to have a secure certification system for all Member States without discrimination. The fundamental right of free movement has been regained for European citizens. The disease was better controlled and people began to travel. Of particular concern to all of us, however, is the increase in cases across Europe. It is absolutely essential to achieve the vaccination targets in all Member States as soon as possible. This can only be achieved if we fight disinformation about both vaccination and the virus. The certificate should be supported by all of us for the period of the pandemic. Member States should better coordinate and improve the functioning of the certificate in order to fully restore the right of free movement. We can't afford to waste any more time.

Madam President, Commissioner, let me first say a few words about my country. Cyprus is currently experiencing its worst tragedy since 1974 and the invasion. Fires that broke out at the same time resulted in human casualties, dozens of houses and businesses were burned, while 55 kilometers of forest and villages became ashes. I invite you to stand by us. We need our European family these days. As far as the subject is concerned, I will be clear. No paedophile should be able to act uncontrollably on the internet and disturb our children. We have to protect them. One in five children in the European Union has been the victim of some form of sexual violence. It is our duty to ensure a safe internet for our children. The Commission and Member States should step up coordination and strengthen the legislative framework. No law or personal data can act as a shield of protection for paedophiles.