What Tomislav spoke about.

11

Feb

2025

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Political crisis in Serbia (debate)

Dear Chairman, Commissioner, colleague and colleague, Serbia is an autocratic state in which Aleksandar Vučić and his party manage almost all segments of society. The media is under complete control of the government and political freedoms are extremely limited. Serbia's foreign policy relies on drawing concessions from both Russia and the West, i.e. sitting on two chairs. In parallel, Vučić is pursuing a hegemonic policy of aggressive expansion of Serbian influence in neighbouring countries. Of particular concern is the Serbian policy in Montenegro, which is now part of the government and is committed to bringing Montenegro into the 'Serbian world'. The targeted violation of relations with Croatia, the violation of the Constitution and the announcement of the adoption of a new law on citizenship, which would mean the end of Montenegro as an independent state, are part of this policy of Belgrade, with the strong participation of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Unfortunately, all this was culprited by the failed policy of a part of the Western actors, to whom Vucic had been a pet for years. The demonstrations we are witnessing represent a rebellion of various social groups that do not see any perspective in today's Serbia. The tragedy in Novi Sad was the cause of the rebellion, but the cause is much more. But it has to be realistic. The problems in Serbia are much deeper than Vucic and the SNS and are rooted in the fact that this country has never accepted responsibility for its own past failures. Only when all layers of Serbian society realize that there is nothing from some kind of Balkan hegemony and that the role of the regional power is an illusion, will we be able to talk about a serious European perspective for Serbia.

11

Feb

2025

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The need to address urgent labour shortages and ensure quality jobs in the health care sector (debate)

The European Union is facing a challenge that threatens the fundamental pillars of our health systems. In fact, an estimated 1.2 million doctors, nurses and midwives are missing in the EU. In addition, according to estimates by the World Health Organization, by 2030. The EU could lose as many as four million health workers. These data clearly indicate the existence of a structural problem that requires urgent and systematic resolution. Also, according to Eurofound research, the health and social care sector is one of those with the largest labour shortages across the European Union, and the departure of healthcare staff from less developed Member States to more developed ones is a major problem. For example, it is estimated that between 2010 and 2018, as many as 40,000 doctors from the countries of the European east and southeast emigrated to the west, and the figures with, say, nurses are similar or even worse. The shortage of health professionals is particularly significant in rural areas and on islands, as is the case in Croatia. It is therefore important that the European Union acts expeditiously within its competences. Inadequate wages, overload and inadequate working conditions have a significant impact on the number of healthcare workers. This is why, if we want to ensure quality healthcare for European citizens, we need to make health a priority in the negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. More money for health means improving working conditions in health by investing in research and development, infrastructure, but also equipping health systems with state-of-the-art devices at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important. Colleagues and colleagues, the time to act is now. Any delay means additional pressure on overloaded systems and an even higher risk for patients. So we need a clear European strategy with concrete objectives, benchmarks and, most importantly, very strong funding in the next seven-year European budget so that we can deliver on these measures. Let's not forget, health care is a matter of competitiveness and security, but an investment in the future of all of us and that is why it is necessary to act as soon as possible.

10

Feb

2025

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Escalation of gang violence in Sweden and strengthening the fight against organised crime (debate)

Dear Chairman, Sweden, once known for its security, has been facing an alarming increase in violence and crime in recent years. Explosions, shootings and killings have become commonplace on the streets of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. Of particular concern is the increase in the number of young people who are perpetrators of serious crimes. The number of perpetrators of serious and fatal crimes in the 15-20 age group has almost quadrupled since 2014. Now, what has changed in Swedish society in the last ten years, and what could be the cause of this situation? Maybe, just maybe, everything has to do with the huge increase in immigration in the same period. For reasons of political correctness, will we avoid discussing the real problems and continue to live in the clouds? Colleagues, there is a need for a fierce response to increased violence, which must include stopping mass immigration, introducing stricter penalties for criminals, strengthening police powers, but also deporting illegal migrants without mercy. The current Swedish government is moving in the right direction, and we need to act much harder on immigration also at EU level. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a question of the survival of Europe.

21

Jan

2025

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Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration (debate)

Immediately after taking the oath of office, Donald Trump announced a radical change in US energy policy with the words ‘Drill, baby, drill’. This means that if we don't change something, the green ideology, which wants to deindustrialise the EU, will lead to us falling further behind in our competitiveness with the US and China. This is why we need a strong shift to make the EU as autonomous and competitive as possible in strategic industries. It is clear that we cannot be competitive in all sectors, but the biotechnology sector, accompanied by research and innovation, food production and the military industry must be recognised as strategic. Of course, our entrepreneurs can hardly compete in the global market while paying multiple energy prices compared to ocean competitors. Zato energetska suverenost treba biti apsolutni prioritet, a to podrazumijeva široki energetski miks koji uključuje i nuklearnu energiju, vodik, ali i zajedničku nabavu energenata radi postizanja povoljnije nabavne cijene. Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for us to make European interests a priority, not a left-wing utopia.

21

Jan

2025

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Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and biased algorithms (debate)

There are two sexes and this is something that is completely clear. If someone has always spoken against gender ideology, against the distortion of science in this sense, it has always been me and it is no secret and I think that we should go back to some normal things, that we should go back to some kind of foundation of biology, and that everything else is usually ideologizing that comes largely from the left. So if you thought I was going to say anything else, I think you were wrong about it. But once again, I repeat, therefore, the verification of the fact that, but the ideological imposition of one's own opinion does not.

21

Jan

2025

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Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and biased algorithms (debate)

Dear President, Commissioner, colleague and colleague, the Digital Services Act must be applied impartially. This means that if the rules are broken, the powerful tycoons behind the U.S. government should also be punished, regardless of the pressure that might come from Washington. Otherwise, we're nothing more than ordinary vases. Likewise, it means to act in a way that treats everything equally, both the left and the right, regardless of the ideological sign. The fight against fake news must not be turned into a restriction on freedom of speech and a confrontation with ideological dissent. In this regard, the decision of Meta to terminate the fact-checking program in the US is significant. We should rightly ask ourselves whether certain fact-checking platforms have gone too far and, under the guise of fact-checking, introduce an unprecedented censorship of opinion. In the European Union, we do not need ministries of truth to tell us what to think and who to vote for, and that is not the goal of the DSA. On the other hand, the EU has the right to decide for itself what laws it will pass, how it will apply them, without a dictation from the side, including the US.

18

Dec

2024

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Challenges facing EU farmers and agricultural workers: improving working conditions, including their mental well-being (debate)

Dear Chair, Commissioners, colleagues, Eurostat data for 2020 show that the risk of an accident at work in the agricultural sector is 18% higher than in other sectors. On the other hand, the suicide rate among farmers is 20% higher than the average. Difficult physical work, market fluctuations and unpredictable weather conditions, and to this I would add unreasonable, extremely ideologically colored, extreme green policies, make the business of farmers extremely stressful. Today, when it comes to improving working conditions for farmers and farmers, we must bear in mind that certain interest groups, especially in the past institutional mandate, have wrongly labelled European farmers as the main culprits for climate change. With their political demands, they wanted to make farmers' work more difficult, often imposing various unreasonable bureaucratic requirements. This is why, in this mandate, we must stand firmly with European farmers and farmers, who play an indispensable role in achieving European self-sufficiency in food production. They must live from their work with dignity and well-being. It is therefore essential to provide sufficient incentives in agriculture as an indispensable part of the future Multiannual Financial Framework. In addition, we need to invest in ensuring better working conditions for farmers, including modern equipment and training and education for farmers to be able to handle modern technologies. Finally, we need to further develop initiatives to support mental health, such as those mentioned in the European Commission Communication on mental health, but much broader than that. Agriculture is one of the foundations of European society and that is why it is necessary to provide farmers with quality living and working conditions.

18

Dec

2024

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Preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit (debate)

Dear Chairman, in the process of enlargement of the country of Southeast Europe should be assessed individually and on the basis of merit, i.e. according to the ability to adopt European values. Unfortunately, the biggest obstacle to enlargement remains Serbian hegemonic politics, and it is particularly dramatic in Montenegro, which is increasingly influenced by Belgrade, one of Russia's allies. It is therefore important that the European Union sends a clear message to the Government and the ruling majority in Podgorica that actions are important, not words. Their actions, such as disrupting relations with Croatia, announcing a citizenship law that would mean de facto the end of independent Montenegro, and the latest crisis related to the Constitutional Court are incompatible with European values and the rule of law. The fact that Montenegro has not closed four but three chapters is directly related to the expansion of Serbian influence in Montenegro, which negatively reflects on European values and their European path. That is why it is important that the countries of South East Europe resist the politics of the Serbian world and with their consistent policy show belonging to the community of European peoples.

17

Dec

2024

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Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region (debate)

The Syrian regime has collapsed faster than anyone expected. However, the mere fact that someone fought against Assad does not mean that someone is a democrat, an inclusive and protector of human rights. The strongest group to take power in Damascus is the HTS, which can primarily be described as extremely Islamist, led by a man who has spent five years in prison for terrorism. If we add to that the fact that there are less than 300,000 of the 1.5 million pre-war Christians left in Syria today, that they were persecuted precisely by Islamist rebel groups, it is clear that this is not the time for euphoria. The EU should engage as actively as possible in the Syrian crisis and use all methods of pressure on the new government, as well as its protectors in Ankara, to protect the lives of true Christians, as well as all other minorities in Syria. Of course, if the new government shows in its actions that it wants to behave normally and civilized, it needs to be ensured that the Syrian refugees currently in Europe are returned as quickly as possible so that they can rebuild their country.

27

Nov

2024

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Recommendation on smoke- and aerosol-free environments (debate)

Dear Chair, Health prevention is one of the most important tools in preserving the health of citizens and reducing the burden on health systems. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of all heart attacks and strokes are preventable. In addition, between 30 and 50% of cancer cases are also preventable. These data clearly demonstrate the importance of prevention for human health. That is why, following Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, we strongly advocate the adoption of a comprehensive cardiovascular health plan. It is crucial that it contains concrete objectives, a timeframe for implementation, but also that significant funding is provided, as investing in health must not be seen as a cost, but as an investment. The success of our initiatives will also depend on educating citizens, promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting physical activity and reducing risk factors such as smoking and unhealthy diets. It is important that any activity of the European Union in this direction is firmly anchored in scientific facts and preceded by an adequate impact assessment, which is unfortunately not the case here. I would also point out that this is not a matter of binding legislation, but of a matter on which the final decision will be taken by the Member States. Thus, it is not true that the European Union is trying to prescribe and impose something binding on the Member States, as it will ultimately be the Member States who will ultimately make their own decision. In any case, it is crucial that the text where there is a lot of room for improvement is balanced. We should do everything in our power to improve public health at European level, but without excessively interfering with the individual's freedom to choose his or her own way of life.

26

Nov

2024

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Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region, the need to release all hostages and the recent ICC arrest warrants (debate)

13

Nov

2024

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EU-US relations in light of the outcome of the US presidential elections (debate)

Dear Chairman, Donald Trump has won and that's a great thing. His victory shows that it is high time for Europe to find itself again. In a world that is becoming increasingly unstable, the global order is undergoing tectonic changes. It is illusory to expect someone else to take care of us and, as a small child, to drag us by the hand. Europe must first and foremost start looking at its own interests in geopolitical, military, energy, economic and any other sense. We need to seriously increase investment in the military and our own military industry after decades of systematic neglect. It is disgraceful that Russia produces more grenades per month than the whole of the EU per year. Our energy policy must primarily be on the trail of being as less dependent as possible on any third country, especially those who sell us energy products at prices that make our products uncompetitive on the global market. Finally, we need a completely new industrial policy that will focus on those sectors that are strategically important and where the EU can compete with others with smartness and its own technology as our key comparative advantages.

24

Oct

2024

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Closing the EU skills gap: supporting people in the digital and green transitions to ensure inclusive growth and competitiveness in line with the Draghi report (debate)

Dear Chair, Member States are increasingly confronted with the problem of labour shortages, and 54% of entrepreneurs point out that there is an urgent need to address this problem. Draghi's report rightly noted that the causes of labour shortages are the mismatch of education systems with the needs of the labour market, the declining number of the working population, but also poor working conditions, which certainly include uncompetitive wages. The shortage of skilled labour remains the most important factor limiting production and hinders the strengthening of European competitiveness, and the tourism sector is particularly affected by this problem. In addition, the lack of medical staff, including doctors, nurses and midwives, has long been known and has a significant impact on the quality of healthcare provision to patients. However, importing low-skilled labour from third countries is not a long-term solution to this problem. That is why we must not take a light approach to granting work permits. Therefore, it is important to continuously work on improving working conditions, adapting educational programs to the needs of the labour market, especially in the STEM field, and designing retraining programs. Colleagues, unlimited labour imports are unsustainable in the long run. This is why the EU needs to act urgently at multiple levels. I therefore expect the new Commission to present an Action Plan to address labour shortages in the first 100 days.

10

Oct

2024

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World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health (debate)

According to a Eurobarometer survey, 46% of EU citizens have experienced an emotional or psychosocial problem such as feeling depressed or anxious over the past year, and 89% of Europeans believe that promoting mental health is as important as promoting physical health. However, mental health care is still a taboo topic in many environments, one that is not publicly talked about and that provokes environmental condemnation. That is why today, on World Mental Health Day, it is important to promote mental health care. This is particularly important among young people who are under the burden of financial worries, precarious affordable housing on a daily basis, but also under the burden of false values and the virtual world displayed online. After COVID, mental health has also become one of the most important topics in Brussels and Strasbourg. Today, issues such as young people's mental health, overload, Bornout at work and to protect the mental health of the most vulnerable finally speaks openly here in the European institutions. Following up on this, last year the European Commission presented a Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health. This is a good but not enough step to solve the problem. It is necessary to adopt a comprehensive strategy on brain health that will include mental illnesses. Compared to the 2023 document, it must have more ambitious objectives, more concrete metrics for measuring results, timelines and, most importantly, significantly increased funding. Colleagues, mental health is inseparable from physical health and that is why it is important to give it the attention it deserves and make it a priority in this mandate.

9

Oct

2024

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Urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (debate)

Dear Chair, Commissioners, colleagues, the Medical Devices Regulation adopted in 2017, according to which all medical devices, e.g. ECG devices or stethoscopes, must be re-certified through notified bodies, and this applies to products already on the market. Brexit made things even more complicated as many of the notified bodies were located in the UK. As a result, the imaginary system is now not working in practice, potentially putting patients across the European Union at risk. Namely, some medical devices, including those necessary for the treatment of children, are withdrawn from the market, which can lead to shortages. The mission letter to the Commissioner responsible for health recognised the importance of this topic in terms of the need to assess the situation and implement existing legislation. However, that is no longer enough. The European Commission must act swiftly to address the shortage of medical devices we are facing. This is why it is important for the Commission to propose a revision of the Regulation in the first 100 days of the new mandate, reducing as much as possible the bureaucratic requirements that have become a threat to patients in the EU. In particular, to ensure accessibility, we need to introduce fast-track procedures for the certification and marketing of innovative medical devices. Of course, with all the necessary mechanisms to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Colleagues, health must remain a priority in the new European institutions, and the swift revision of the Medical Devices Regulation is the right way to show this.

9

Oct

2024

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Ensuring sustainable, decent and affordable housing in Europe - encouraging investment, private property and public housing programmes (debate)

Dear Chairman, adequate and affordable housing, unfortunately, today has become a luxury, especially for young people who want to start a family and start an independent life. Rents are too high and the creditworthiness to buy real estate is unattainable for many. According to Eurostat data, between 2010 and 2024, house purchase prices and rents increased by as much as 49% and 24% respectively in the EU. However, in some Member States this increase exceeds a staggering 200%. As a result, citizens in the European Union are exposed to insecurity, which leads to inequality and has far-reaching consequences for society. The issue of housing falls primarily within the competence of the Member States, the European Union has limited scope for action. However, by amending the Mortgage Credit Directive, we can strengthen the creditworthiness of citizens, and we can enable greater use of European funds to provide housing and adequate housing. Our society cannot prosper when citizens are faced with uncertainty about one of the basic necessities of life, that of housing. That is why we must work together to enable citizens to provide both an affordable and adequate place to call home.

18

Sep

2024

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EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action (debate)

Dear Chair, Vice-President, Commissioners, colleagues, the World Health Organization has declared the latest outbreak a public health emergency after a new strain of monkeypox virus, first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo, began to spread to other neighbouring countries. Sweden reported the first imported case of the disease caused by a new variant of the virus on 15 August this year. This is due to the increased vigilance of all competent authorities and health systems of the Member States of the European Union. Covid 19 has shown that Europe can only respond to cross-border health threats together. We have adopted a number of laws and strengthened the European institutions, so today the EU is much more prepared for health crises than it was before. Therefore, we justifiably expect the readiness and mutual coordination of the competent European bodies. When we talk about this topic, we have to say that the situation is under control and there is no room for panic. Monkeypox is not Covid 19 and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has estimated that there is currently a low overall risk of infection for the general population in Europe. In other words, it is important that we monitor the situation and direct the measures towards vulnerable groups, whom we need to allow to get vaccinated according to their will. There is no need to vaccinate the entire population. Also, the lessons learnt from Covid tell us that we need to work to counter disinformation emerging in the public space and to strengthen prevention. That is why it is important that we, as politicians, send clear and unambiguous messages from this debate, unlike some colleagues. Ultimately, international cooperation and solidarity with countries where the disease has progressed, namely African countries, is crucial. That is why I welcome the European Commission's efforts to provide humanitarian aid and experts to support the fight against monkeypox in third countries. Colleagues, we need to ensure a robust Union response to cross-border health threats to protect the lives of European citizens. And last but not least, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Commissioner Stella for all that she has done in these five years, for the huge things we have done to make public health one of the main topics and the most important topics in the European Union. And I want to thank her for her work and for her excellent cooperation over the past five years. I can tell you, Stella, we're gonna miss you.

17

Sep

2024

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War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East (debate)

Dear Chair, colleagues, we are approaching the anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack in which the terrorist organization Hamas mercilessly killed more than a thousand people, mostly civilians, and kidnapped over 200 hostages. It was the deadliest attack to directly target the Jewish people since World War II. In its January resolution, the European Parliament took a clear position on the situation in Gaza, calling for a permanent ceasefire, but on the condition that all hostages be immediately and unconditionally released and that the terrorist organisation Hamas be dissolved. And now, unfortunately, we are witnessing an attempt to relativize the crimes committed by Hamas as an organization that still calls in basic documents for the killing of Jews wherever they are. It is therefore important that we also express our condolences to all innocent victims in this debate and support Israel's right to self-defence and survival. Hamas, which cowardly holds the Palestinian people as a living shield, has long since ceased to be just an Israeli problem and has become a broader factor of instability and insecurity, as we have witnessed in particular in recent months. Unfortunately, in the European Union too, its supporters, Islamists in turn, but also the extreme left, spread hate speech in the hearts of European cities. Therefore, it is important to prevent the relativization of Hamas crimes and say a lot about the equalization of guilt, but also to support Islamism in Europe, which is a growing and growing threat to the European way of life.

17

Sep

2024

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State of the Energy union (debate)

In this mandate, the European Commission has tried to strike a balance between achieving energy security and often irrational and harmful, extreme green policies. The share of Russian gas in EU imports thus decreased from 45% in 2021 to 18% in 2024 and wind became the second largest source of electricity, behind nuclear. Yet, as the Draghi Report rightly notes, European companies continue to pay multiple energy prices compared to US companies, which is unsustainable in the long run and is the most important security issue in Europe today. This is why we need to continue our efforts to diversify supply routes and invest in building infrastructure, interconnections between Member States. We need to preserve existing nuclear capacity and invest in the construction of new power plants. Nuclear energy is CO2 neutral and must be part of the energy mix of the European Union and beyond. The closure of nuclear power plants today, in a situation of such energy insecurity, is absolutely insane and suicidal policy and it is something that we should not do in Europe at all. Only by acting together on the global market can we strengthen our bargaining position and achieve more competitive prices for consumers and businesses. Finally, I would also like to point out that it is now clear how correct the decision of the Croatian Government to build an LNG terminal on Krk was, despite opposition, by which the Republic of Croatia has become a regional energy hub, and this is an example of good practice that others should follow. Only a common European approach, sound policies and a mix of different energy sources can save Europe from disaster. Therefore, let us promote common sense and not irrational, harmful and dangerous ideologies.

17

Sep

2024

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Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting democracy and freedom in the online sphere (debate)

The creation of a Digital Single Market, and in particular one that guarantees consumer safety online, is not an easy task. That is why with the adoption of the DSA, we have not only adopted rules on the removal of illegal content from the Internet, but we have gone a step further. To protect the most vulnerable among us, children and minors, we have banned targeted advertising to them. Furthermore, with the Digital Services Act, we have obliged online platforms to scrutinise in detail the traders whose products they offer on their websites. In addition, it is important to point out that the DSA has provided us with mechanisms to fight against the spread of fake content online. Disinformation can be extremely dangerous and used by foreign powers to spread their influence in Europe, and unfortunately we see this every day. However, we have to be very careful here. The fight against fake news must not turn into a curtailment of freedom of speech and a confrontation with ideological dissent. No political option, not even the left one, has a monopoly on truth. The DSA must therefore not be used to censor those who think differently and it is our task in this, in the application of the DSA, to find the right balance between one and the other. Therefore, in order to avoid undesirable side effects of the new law, we need to work on its correct implementation. A step in the right direction is therefore the formation of a DSA team, with representatives in each Member State. With the entry into force of the DSA, it is essential that we now ensure its correct application and thus ensure the safety of users online.

10

Apr

2024

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Union code relating to medicinal products for human use - Union procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human use and rules governing the European Medicines Agency (joint debate - Pharmaceutical package)

A few decades ago, Europe had a leading position in health research and innovation, but today, despite some exceptions, the vast majority of innovation and innovative companies are elsewhere. We need to reverse this trend and bring innovation back to Europe, creating an environment that attracts and does not create barriers for manufacturers of new medicines. Patients’ access to medicines in the EU and security of supply are also growing concerns. This calls for an in-depth reform of the current legislation, which last changed more seriously 20 years ago. The main objective of the reform is to ensure that all patients in the EU have equal and faster access to effective medicines, regardless of where they live. This is why we have shortened the time it takes to get medicines authorised by the European Medicines Agency. We also ensure that medicines can be delivered to patients at any time, no matter where they live in the EU. The new medicine will now have to be placed on the market of all Member States that request it. It is certainly worth mentioning the fight against antimicrobial resistance, as pharmaceutical companies are further encouraged to develop new antibiotics, combining different measures that include vouchers, but also public subsidies. In the regulation I have been working on in recent months, we have also adopted provisions to facilitate research into the development of orphan medicines, an area where research is most needed and investment is most risky. This is especially important for 95% of patients with a rare disease for which there is no cure today, which we absolutely need to change. I would also like to point out that we are expanding the scope of the so-called Bolar exemption, which will allow generic medicines to enter the European market much earlier than hitherto, which is extremely important for our citizens. Measures to encourage early entry into the generic market strengthen competition, provide easier access for patients and reduce costs for healthcare systems. Ladies and gentlemen, with this reform, we are strengthening European industry, facilitating access to innovative medicines, but also generic medicines, and making it possible for all patients to have the same status and for no one to be second-class citizens. For these reasons, I ask you to support this reform.

10

Apr

2024

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Screening of third country nationals at the external borders - European Criminal Records Information System - Third Country Nationals - Common procedure for international protection in the Union - Establishing a return border procedure, and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 - Asylum and migration management - Addressing situations of crisis and force majeure - Establishment of 'Eurodac' for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, for identifying an illegally staying third-country national or stateless person and on requests for the comparison with Eurodac data by Member States' law enforcement authorities and Europol for law enforcement purposes (recast) - Union Resettlement Framework - Standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection - Standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (recast) (joint debate - Migration and Asylum package)

Dear Chair, the agreement reached on asylum and migration allows Member States to effectively protect the external borders, but also to fight human smugglers. Whether some like it here or not, Member States, rather than smugglers, will decide who can and who cannot enter the European Union. Under the new rules, it will be assessed at the border whether asylum applications are unfounded or inadmissible, and this will prevent the asylum procedure, as has been the case so far for the most part, from happening deeper in the territory of the Member States. It should be made clear that irregular migration poses a security threat to European citizens and that the European Union cannot take into its territory all those who want to reach the EU simply because it is better lived there. That is why it is important to prevent frequent abuses of the asylum system and to distinguish between economic migrants and refugees, as it does with this pact. It should be mentioned that a group of colleagues from this left-wing parliament once tried to illegally cross the state border of the Republic of Croatia and thus provoke an international incident, in which some of their Croatian colleagues defended them. Such irresponsible politicians make it important for Europe to have strong and clear rules on the protection of European citizens.

14

Mar

2024

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Inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (debate)

Dear Chair, the experience of working in the European Parliament has shown that the topic of abortion is used by those who, in the absence of substantive policies, want to attract the attention of voters to ideological topics. They do so in a systematic and targeted manner, seeking to impose their own life beliefs on others, and we are witnessing this today when we discuss the inclusion of the right to abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union on their initiative. The sovereign position of the left and activists is quite clear that there is no fundamental human right to abortion and of course there is no such place in EU law. The issue of abortion is not a matter for the European Union, but for the Member States. It is the right of each sovereign state to define its own policy on the protection of life in accordance with the national constitution, tradition and social values, respecting the principle of subsidiarity as one of the fundamental principles of European Union law. The motto of the European Union is united in diversity. Respect this and stop imposing your own ideology on those who do not want it and who put life first. Unborn children have a right to life.

12

Mar

2024

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State of play of the corporate sustainability due diligence directive (debate)

Dear Chair, Commissioner, colleagues. It is undisputed that European companies must be an active participant in building a sustainable society and that they must contribute to the achievement of climate objectives through their operations, which is the objective of the Due Diligence Directive. However, the noble objective of protecting the environment and human rights has clearly turned into an instrument that imposes an additional administrative burden on companies, makes it difficult to do business and ultimately makes them less competitive globally. The fact is that even three months after the political agreement was reached, we still do not have the final text of this law that we could analyse in detail, and this in no way contributes to the growth of a positive entrepreneurial climate in the European Union. In addition to providing for additional reporting obligations on environmental risks, the December agreement also sets out that compliance with the Due Diligence Directive should be considered as a criterion for the award of concession contracts. This raises particular concerns for undertakings that do not know exactly what is expected of them when it comes to complying with the Directive. As a result, the Council is now unable to reach the required majority to confirm the political agreement. Overall, in circumstances where the European Union is at risk of deindustrialisation and is slowly but surely losing in the global competitiveness race, it is important that we provide European entrepreneurs with stability and predictability in their business. I therefore call on all stakeholders to make every effort to ensure that the achievement of the noble objectives does not jeopardise the competitiveness of European entrepreneurs. And with all these commitments that we impose persistently, persistently, still, and still, with this mighty administration coming from the European level, we will certainly not make the European Union and European industry more competitive on a global scale.

29

Feb

2024

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Major interpellations (debate)

According to Frontex data, 274 404 irregular arrivals were recorded in 2023, the highest number since 2016. It is clear that the European Union is facing a heavy migratory burden, with Member States protecting the external borders of the European Union bearing the brunt of this pressure. Following years of negotiations, we have recently agreed on a European Pact on Asylum and Migration, and the main novelty it introduces is a mandatory border procedure to quickly assess whether asylum applications are unfounded or inadmissible. This should result in the asylum procedure no longer taking place deeper in the territory of a Member State. However, by agreeing on asylum and migration, we unfortunately do not solve the problem of returning migrants who are already illegally staying in the European Union. In this regard, it should be noted that only one-fifth of those who refuse asylum are returned to their countries of origin. This is why the priority for the European Union, once an agreement on asylum and migration has been reached, must be to put in place instruments for the forced return of irregular migrants. This is a multifaceted problem and for its solution the European Union will have to resort to foreign policy instruments, and if necessary make the provision of development aid to third countries and visa liberalisation conditional on the admission of irregular migrants. The issue of protecting Europe's borders is a matter of preserving the European way of life, and unfortunately many NGOs are encouraging migrants to enter the European Union illegally. This is why we need to ensure that such organisations do not benefit from the European budget. Finally, the European Union is not obliged and cannot accept into its territory all those who want to live here simply because this quality of life is better. That is why I call for strict application of the rules of international law and a clear distinction between refugee status and migrant status.