Speeches

Madam President, Ursula von der Leyen, in her State of the Union address, said that the Commission would protect the EU budget by using the conditionality mechanism. This is what the Commission is doing with the present proposals on Hungary, on which the Council now has to take a decision. While the proposed measures are intended to protect the EU budget, the shortcomings underlying these measures clearly show that the rule of law is at risk in Hungary. The independence of the judiciary is a major problem. Indeed, neither the principles of legal certainty nor the prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive power are guaranteed, which is however essential given the findings of various irregularities, systematic deficiencies and weaknesses in public procurement. The financial interests of the Union are clearly at risk. However, it is inconceivable, especially in the current crisis conditions where many EU citizens are struggling with the end of the month, that EU funds are allocated under conditions of non-transparency and in a context of increased risk of corruption and conflicts of interest. May the Council react quickly!

Madam President, the unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine is an attack on the international order. We must condemn it unreservedly and help the Ukrainian people by all means to win this war, for security in Europe and for the safeguarding of democracy on our continent. But the abuses of Russian officials go far beyond concerns about maintaining international order. The very notion of human dignity is annihilated when faced with the deportation of civilians thousands of kilometres from their place of life and the forced adoption of Ukrainian children in Russia. These are abject acts reminiscent of the times we had hoped had passed on the European continent. However, they are committed on a large scale, with more than 1.5 million Ukrainians deported, including more than 200 000 children. These acts cannot go unpunished. Every effort should therefore be made to gather evidence of the crimes committed and to bring the perpetrators before an international tribunal as soon as possible.

Madam President, Commissioner, having to present a report such as this is a difficult time. Hungary is a country of the European Union and, as such, it has to respect the values on which the Union is founded. While Hungary has deviated from these values, we have failed to keep it on the path on which we want to move forward together. It is also a collective failure that we are here. That said, the criticism made by the defenders of the Orbán government that in the other EU countries there are also discrepancies that are blamed on the Hungarian government is really not valid. Indeed, while some states need to work on either point in order to fully respect the rule of law, these countries agree and, in principle, take steps to address it. In Hungary, the difference is that we do not face isolated problems, but the problems are systemic. Deviations from the rule of law have widened rather than been narrowed or eliminated. Moreover, the Hungarian Government denies that there are problems and shows no willingness to change anything. This report – and I thank the rapporteur for keeping this course throughout – we wanted it to be factual. It identifies breaches of the rule of law in full respect of the facts. Its strength lies in extensive research and documentation. The evidence comes from official reports and statements from international organisations such as the Venice Commission, the United Nations, the Council of Europe. Reference is also made to judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights. As for the extent of the problems mentioned in the report, this is reflected in the table of contents alone. I would simply like to refer in particular to the problems of judicial independence, which the Commissioner has discussed at length, but also to those relating to media pluralism. I would particularly like to point out this one, because impartial, or at least plural, information is essential for a well-functioning democracy. However, public support goes to the press close to the government, which leads to the weakening of the independence of the media. It is important that the Commission and the Council take steps to influence the attitude of the Hungarian government in order to restore the rule of law in Hungary.

Madam President, defending democracy, giving our support to those, government or civil society, who are trying to safeguard democracy is a duty, but also a necessity, not to put ourselves at risk. Authoritarian regimes are on the rise around the world. We must affirm with conviction that democracy is the goal, that democracy is the form of government most capable of respecting the human being and a guarantor of respect for human rights. Many commentators drew a parallel between the situation of Ukraine and that of Taiwan. Both have a powerful neighbor who considers their territory to belong to him. In recent years, Russian aggression against Ukraine has continued to grow, while the West has been mostly preaching a conciliatory attitude so that Russia does not feel provoked. We saw the result. An authoritarian country does not need provocations to use force. The only thing that can stop him is the certainty that his aggression is doomed to failure. This is what must determine our positions and actions. There is no doubt that we do not hesitate to defend democracies. China must know that we stand with Taiwan.

Madam President, the rule of law must be respected. The President of the Commission promised to do so. I assume that she keeps her word. Therefore, it is not a question of isolating Hungary and Poland within the European Union, but of protecting the Hungarian and Polish peoples and finding ways to convince those countries to return to the path of the rule of law. If Poland, as it stands, can be convinced that the judicial reforms we are demanding will be carried out in a short period of time, I can accept the publicity of a green light given to the Polish recovery plan, since this green light requires judicial reforms to take place now, before the funds are disbursed. This is a matter of rhetoric, since the conditions will still have to be met. The deadlines shall be indicated in the approval. On the substance, there is no difference between announcing a conditional approval or saying that the recovery plan will only be approved once the judicial reforms have been completed. If this can convince the Polish government to act, then support Ursula von der Leyen. When I hear some people say, at the heart of Russia’s war in Ukraine, that it is necessary to ensure that Mr Putin does not lose face, I am bristled. It is therefore difficult for me to understand that, when it comes to convincing an EU government to respect the rule of law, some people do not accept a rhetoric that must lead the Polish government to submit to our conditions. Having said that, I can in no way accept that EU money arrives in Poland without the required judicial reforms having actually taken place.

Madam President, I would like to thank Commissioner Reynders. The Commission’s annual report is a real added value for democracy in the European Union. I would like to point out, also to counter biased voices, that in this report, all Member States are subject to the same scrutiny, according to the same indicators, with the same method. However, I would like to raise a criticism already raised last year. The report must make a very clear difference between systemic and isolated violations. Pointing out this difference is essential. We cannot allow countries like Hungary or Poland to address one or the other problematic, isolated point in other countries that otherwise have healthy systems and let them put these isolated points on the same footing as violations that are disruptive, systemic and endanger the very foundations of our democracies. Secondly, I would like to note a real concern about the rule of law in the EU, in view of the contempt of some governments for the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Judgments of the Court are not optional, in particular when they are intended to prevent discrimination. We need to find a way to remedy this. Finally, I would like to end on a point that is particularly close to my heart: the independence of the media and the safety of journalists are not guaranteed. As we know, fair and free information is essential to democracy. We need to find ways to protect journalists so that they can work peacefully and without self-censorship. Investigative journalism is an important part of the fight against corruption. It is simply not acceptable for journalists to be subjected to harassment, intimidation or death threats. The Commission's proposal for a directive to act against abusive prosecutions, known as SLAPPs, is an important step. Unfortunately, we will still have to do more.

Madam President, first of all, I would like to pay tribute to the incredible courage of Ukrainian women in this war imposed on them by Russia and which nothing, absolutely nothing, justifies. Women soldiers, they are combatants in the army. Mothers and politicians, I heard them say that humanitarian aid is important, but that the most important thing is the delivery of weapons to defend their freedom. What courage also for those who set out to survive and protect their children. Fighters, yes. But there are also those who, powerless in the face of brute and inhuman force, have suffered the worst of humiliation and violence. Rape as a weapon of war has destroyed even the strongest. Physically and mentally bruised, they struggle to survive, to heal. Many came to the European Union, where most were welcomed with open arms, with great dedication from their hosts and many associations did a remarkable job. However, other dangers, unfortunately, are also lurking in our country: trafficking in human beings and abuses of all kinds. We must do our utmost to protect Ukrainians seeking refuge in our country, especially the most vulnerable among them, including single women and children. Financial, administrative, medical and psychological assistance resources must continue to be developed and developed. This is one of the points that this European Parliament resolution seeks to highlight.

The European Union has clearly asked for what needs to be done in a very clear manner, in a manner in which you can’t go and pick one word that wouldn’t be exactly what it should be. You have the text, so look at it and you’ll know it.

Madam President, the rule of law is one of the fundamental values that define the European Union. We must do everything we can to defend it, otherwise we will cease to be the area of freedom and democracy that we are. We know that this rule of law is being undermined in Poland, not least because of its judicial system, and in Hungary, not least because of the problems of corruption. The most important procedure at the disposal of the European Union to protect the rule of law within it is undoubtedly that of Article 7, since, when completed, it allows the right to vote in the Council to be withdrawn from the sanctioned State. But it is at an impasse because it is blocked in the Council because of the lack of the required unanimity. We cannot go on like this. It is to be hoped that under the French Presidency we can move forward. But I also say that we either manage to get out of this impasse, or we have to stop and do something else. When such a procedure lasts five years without success, one ridicules oneself. All the more so as we must leave no doubt about our positions. Hungary once again elected Viktor Orbán as its leader, but he defends an illiberal order that does not correspond to our values. Similarly, its positions vis-à-vis Russia and Ukraine are flawed within the European Union. I therefore consider it particularly important to note that yesterday the Commission officially triggered this other instrument that we have at our disposal against Hungary, the conditionality mechanism, which will allow us to take control of the European funds that would be intended for that country. Finally, some people need to stop mixing everything. Yes, Poland and Hungary must also rely on us financially to help take care of Ukrainian refugees, but this is no reason to delay actions to defend the rule of law. (The speaker agreed to answer a blue card question)

Mr President, Russia’s war against Ukraine had to be at the heart of the EU-China summit. The horror of what is happening on Ukrainian territory demands it. If China concedes that this war threatens global security and the global economy, for us, this war is a threat that jeopardises everything we believe in and our immediate security. In light of Russia’s lies, our leaders face the harsh reality that authoritarian regimes must be measured by their actions and not by their words. This applies to Russia as it does to China. Given China’s comprehensive attitude towards Russia, I cannot help but wonder about the Russian-Chinese exchanges prior to the Russian invasion and the cartel displayed at the Beijing Olympics, including the assurance – I quote – of China’s unlimited friendship with Russia. How can we interpret the meaning of friendship without limits, when these words were spoken before Russia’s imminent invasion of Ukraine? What we must in any case note is that no condemnation of Russia has taken place by the Chinese authorities. Let us hope that at least China’s ambitions for economic conquest will lead it to focus on actions that will promote global economic stability. Having the certainty that Ukraine will fight until its territory is liberated from the Russian occupier and that the European Union will support Ukraine to the end is therefore vital.

Madam President, it has been a year since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. The situation is dramatic from many points of view: Hunger, disease, malnutrition and death have taken on alarming proportions. And the Taliban impose laws abolishing freedom. Of all the suffering inflicted on Afghans, that of girls and women is particularly cruel. Because they are women, public responsibilities are forbidden to them. Because they are women, they are limited in their movements. Because they are women, they are prohibited from education beyond primary school. Because they are women, they can be sold in marriage from an early age. From birth, these little human beings, because they are girls, are destined to submit and suffer. It is simply revolting! We must continue to denounce and condemn the plight of women in Afghanistan. For 20 years, they had gradually taken positions in many cities where they had the power to influence Afghan society. They were lawyers, they were journalists, they had important positions in the administration. Today, repression is rampant. I am therefore particularly appreciative of the women who still dare to fight for their rights in Afghanistan. For them and all other Afghan women and girls, we must continue to denounce. Silence is not an option. We cannot accept that the power of the strongest is imposed by force and crushes the weakest, neither here nor elsewhere.

Mr President, the images of lifeless elongated bodies are unbearable. Women, men and children who thought they could escape the horror in which they have been locked for days are trapped by Russian bullets. We must be ready to welcome all those who will succeed in escaping this horror. Nor are they happy, those who manage to flee. Most often women and children, alone, their father, their husband having stayed behind, fighting for a free Ukraine, now devastated. More than two million people, half of them children, seek refuge in the European Union, and estimates speak of between six and eight million Ukrainian refugees in the near future. They arrive exhausted, without anything, without a future, without knowing where to stay or how to feed themselves. They wonder where, or even if, their children will go to school. The European Union, and the neighbouring countries in particular, reacted in an extraordinary way. ‘EU at its best’. This had not been the case for the war in Syria. Borders, from an institutional point of view, have not been an obstacle and the spontaneous help of citizens has been decisive. Since then, the European Union has also introduced the Temporary Protection Directive and has shown solidarity without procrastination. But we are absolutely not at the end of our sentences. We need to make sure that we give more than a shelter to these Ukrainians who are coming to us. Above and beyond housing, it will be necessary to ensure that children attend school. We have no idea how long this dire humanitarian situation will last. These people ask for nothing but to return to their country to live freely, with their families. But the reality is quite different. The European Union, at all levels of government and up to the smallest village, has a titanic task to accomplish. Let us do it, and let us live up to the courageous Ukrainians who fight for freedom and democracy. Slava Ukraini

Madam President, it was a war before the war. Disinformation supported or initiated by foreign states in our democratic countries is exactly that: A war. The associated term "hybrid" in no way diminishes the violence against our Western societies. Indeed, foreign interference seeks to manipulate public opinion through lies in order to destabilise our societies. It must be fought with all possible vehemence. The Russian influence in the US elections that saw Donald Trump come to power or the Russian influence on the outcome of the Brexit referendum that led to the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union are very serious events. They not only endanger democratic processes, but also lead to divisive political realities among Western countries. Divided, we are weakened: exactly the goal sought by autocratic regimes. We must be aware that our Western democracies have inherent weaknesses in the system. The freedom to which we hold above all else and which determines our way of life, when misused, is a danger to itself. Too often, it also allows the expression of those who want to destroy it. So there are clearly new limits to be defined. Yes, Mr Rivière, yes, Mrs Delli, don't you displease! For tolerance cannot give space to intolerance and authoritarianism. Our democratic societies must give themselves the means to fight with determination those who want to destroy our values. I welcome the work of Sandra Kalniete and our INGE Committee. I welcome the tracks presented as well as our unity and determination, further increased in the face of the revolt felt, in the face of the war waged in Ukraine by Russia.

Madam President, the European Union has created the Next Generation EU fund to counter the disastrous economic effects of COVID-19. At the end of 2020, we voted for a historic budget with exemplary solidarity from the community of the countries of the European Union. It is therefore logical that this solidarity implies that EU funds are protected and used wisely. Many safeguards have been put in place, including the general regime of conditionality for the EU budget. It requires respect for the rule of law – in short, evidence: it is in fact inconceivable that an EU country would oppose this requirement. Therefore, the fact that Hungary and Poland have lodged an appeal against this conditionality regime seems above all to show that these two countries themselves assume that they are in breach of the principles of the rule of law. Today, the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union rejects the legal actions of Hungary and Poland against the conditionality regime. There is therefore no longer any obstacle to the initiation of proceedings against countries which do not respect the rule of law. We welcome this victory of democracy. The ultimate goal, however, is obviously not to block the funds that would accrue to a State, but rather that the States concerned make the necessary changes within their institutions to respect the rule of law. The European Union was created to provide an area of freedom, justice and democracy for its citizens. These are the values we stand for and continue to stand for today for all citizens of the European Union.

Madam President, Mr High Representative, two years ago I was saying here that what was of particular concern to me was the rise of authoritarianism as a political project. Unfortunately, we must note that this movement has grown further and that authoritarian regimes around the world have now become the majority. However, it is these regimes that are the privileged places of arbitrariness. This is where human rights abuses are committed with impunity, where freedom of speech does not exist and where journalists end up in prison or are murdered. We must openly and by all means in our power support those who are committed to democracy. Aggressive authoritarianism is plaguing this land, and it poses a danger not only to distant lands, but also to our own societies, subject to cyberattacks, disinformation and electoral interference, to the rise of the far right. The temptation of authoritarianism is an external as well as an internal evil. We need to empower ourselves to defend democracy here and around the world.

Mr President, today's resolution to the European Parliament on violations of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong follows many others denouncing the repression of the democratic opposition in Hong Kong, including imprisonment. It is also a follow-up to statements by the High Representative and representatives of the External Action Service of the European Union, as well as by the Presidents of the Council and the Commission, thus demonstrating the constancy and unity of position of the European Union in this area. We promised those in Hong Kong who stood up to defend freedom and democracy that we would not forget them. We continue to deliver on this promise today by reaffirming China’s obligation to comply with its commitments and obligations under international law enshrined in the Sino-British Declaration in the case of Hong Kong. In this resolution, the European Parliament therefore denounces the changes made to the electoral system preventing a democratic vote, the continued shrinking of civil society space – among other things, the dissolution of numerous NGOs and trade unions, including teachers and lawyers –, the disappearance of media outlets, the attempt to erase the events in Tiananmen Square from memory by prohibiting tribute to the demonstrators killed in 1989. And I could go on with that list. I would like to conclude by saying that we will never be able to accept the international challenge to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, just as we do not accept attempts by China or any other country or body to redefine these same rights or the principles of democracy. Finally, current events have forced us to reflect on this and I would like to point out that, in this European Parliament resolution, we call on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to decline invitations to government representatives to attend the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.

Mr President, 2022, European Year of Youth. There would be a thousand justifications. I would just like to mention that young people bear more than their share in this pandemic. Not only have they been confined like us and their social life greatly restricted, even though the risks to their health were much less. It will also be up to them to repay the debts that are made so that our societies do not collapse under the economic consequences of the pandemic. This responsibility we place on them requires us to have greater confidence in how this money is spent. It is therefore a good thing to have called the NextGenerationEU instrument. A constant reminder and a compass. It is indeed imperative that these €800 billion build the future and therefore focus on the green and digital transitions. In my various meetings with young people in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe, they told me every time that they should learn more about the European Union at school. This request was linked to the expression of two needs: understand all that our Union brings to them and understand our historical differences, but above all what unites us. Let us therefore respond to this request.

Madam President, Commissioner, unfortunately, it is in the negative that Alexander Lukashenko shows what we are fighting for in the European Union. It shows how unscrupulous authoritarian regimes are and how dictators use unscrupulous force to stay in power. Its own population is crushed as it fights peacefully against the one who usurped power. But Alexander Lukashenko also flouts international law with absolute disdain, both for the rule of law and for human beings. First, the hijacking of a plane in order to imprison a journalist and now, with the help of criminal networks, the trafficking of human beings dumped at the borders of the European Union in order to destabilise it, which is known to be divided on migration issues. The European Union must therefore continue to show that, contrary to the expectations of Lukashenko and Russia which supports him, when attacked, the European Union knows, despite its differences, how to be united. And I would like to express my thanks to our Commissioner Schinás for the essential role he has played in this context. Finally, it is a strong sign that tomorrow we are receiving Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in this House of the European Parliament and that we are not giving in to dictatorships.

Madam President, in a world of increasingly frightening disinformation, defending journalists and protecting their ability to carry out investigative work has become more than ever an act of defence of democracy, which cannot survive the absence of reliable information for citizens. It is therefore crucial, as we call for in this report, to prevent the powerful from using our own laws for abusive lawsuits against journalists. These abusive lawsuits usually take a long time, involve high costs for the defendant and often result in reputational damage. The complainant usually uses this process to try to actually bankrupt the defendant. This inevitably results in a deterrent effect on freedom of expression and access to information as many journalists end up self-censoring. The inequality of resources between the complainant and the defendant is immeasurable. This must be remedied. The purpose of this Parliament report is to provide the Commission with ideas for a legislative proposal to put an end to an unacceptable practice, to punish abuses and to genuinely protect victims.

Mr President, Mr High Representative, the reality at the EU’s border with Belarus is an untenable human situation. Human beings are being instrumentalised to serve political agendas against the EU. This is a European affair! We in Poland must demand respect for our values and laws: No pushbacks. But neither can we accept that our borders are being stormed. Make no mistake, Russia is behind Belarus. This spill of migrants at the EU’s borders is a weapon of destabilisation for the EU, which is known to be divided on the migration issue. Discord between Member States is ultimately what is being sought. Just as it is clear that the current Polish government is a weakening factor for the EU. However, the situation at the Polish border is a factor that, in the run-up to the elections, brings votes to the PIS, which has a populist, anti-immigration discourse. We must be aware of these realities, just as we must be aware that the far right in this Chamber is playing Russia's game. Lukashenko and his supporters commit a crime by trafficking in human beings. We must put an end to this and, above all, we must find a way to act together if we do not want them to succeed.

Mr President, Commissioner, if the European Union takes seriously its objective of being a real player on the geopolitical scene, it must give priority to democracy everywhere and give its support to those who defend it. Taiwan is a democratic state that is under threat. Chinese military maneuvers to intimidate and pressure Taiwan must be considered unacceptable, as must disinformation campaigns against Taiwan. We need to maintain and develop our partnership with Taiwan. And, without procrastination, not only have bilateral relations with Taiwan, including by intensifying our economic relations, but also defend Taiwan on the international scene. It is inconceivable that even as the COVID pandemic unfolded without the possibility of vaccine protection, Taiwan did not have the opportunity to participate in WHO meetings. We must weigh all our weight in order for Taiwan to have a real status at the international level. We must be aware of the difficulties that the present situation entails. Today, due to its status, Taiwan has huge concerns about ordering vaccines. At the start of the pandemic, Taiwan sent eight million masks to the EU. It is up to us today to show solidarity by ensuring that Taiwanese people have access to the vaccine.

Mr President, on entering the European Union, the Member States have accepted the supremacy of European law over national laws, over their constitutions. Countries had to change their constitutions in order to join the European Union. European law is supranational. This has been explicitly accepted by the EU Member States. Paragraph. Therefore, we must not drag on to useless quarrels that take us away from the essential. By leading us to debate a judgment of the Polish Constitutional Court, the Polish authorities are taking us away from the essentials. They claim to give legitimacy to a court whose independence itself is called into question. They distract our attention from the essentials: problems with the independence of the Polish judicial system. The Polish judicial system is no longer independent and the rule of law is no longer guaranteed. The Polish people deserve better. The European Parliament therefore calls for the triggering of Article 7 to finally lead to concrete consequences and also for EU funds to be disbursed only if the rule of law is guaranteed.

Mr President, Commissioner, in Belarus, more than a year after the elections that do not deserve its name, the authorities of Alexander Lukashenko continue to crack down on the population, organisations and journalists who dare to signal their peaceful opposition. Imprisonments, unjust judgments, ill-treatment, torture, disappearances, deaths: this cannot be covered by the veil of passing time, nor by habit. We promised the Belarusian people that the European Parliament would not forget their unjust situation. We must continue to denounce the repression in Belarus, just as we must denounce the instrumentalisation of migrants by Lukashenko, an instrumentalisation whose sole purpose is to destabilise the European Union. Using human beings, destroying human destinies for the purpose of political coercion is simply despicable. It is imperative that the European Union remains united in saying that this is unacceptable and in condemning this hybrid attack. In this context, the EU must also determine the role played by Russia in all Belarusian hybrid attacks against the EU and the EU must react to them together.

Mr President, Poland has been closely linked since my youth to the aspirations for justice, and also for freedom and democracy, which the Polish people expressed through the movement around Solidarność. To have Poland in the European Union, like other countries, was, and for me, to repair an injustice of history. Sad, therefore, today, given the actions of the authorities in power, that Parliament has on its agenda the situation of the press and the rule of law in Poland. Impaired independence and justice, disciplinary regime in breach of EU law against judges, denial of the primacy of EU law: All this is unacceptable. The seizure of power over the media, with laws seeking to silence independent journalism that is critical of power, is unacceptable. Unacceptable, because it erodes the very foundations of our democracies. Without equal and independent justice for all, justice is not sustainable; Without genuine freedom of the press and access to credible information, a democracy is not sustainable. The scale of breaches of the rule of law and our fundamental values – because I must also mention intolerable violations of LGBQTI people’s rights – means that threats to the rule of law in Poland are systemic. I therefore welcome the fact that the President of the Commission has today made clear announcements in defence of our values: a media law will be introduced next year, the EU budget will be protected in relation to respect for the rule of law. These are requests from Parliament and also the objective of this resolution: fight to provide all European citizens with a society where democratic foundations are guaranteed.

Madam President, Afghanistan has made tremendous progress in the last 20 years on women’s and girls’ rights: education, health, civic and political participation. I will never accept the claim of some that these efforts have been in vain. Development aid must now depend, among other things, on the rights of women and girls. The actions of the Taliban say something other than their official speech. However, only actions count. Afghanistan was and remains a country dependent on humanitarian aid. That must be a concern. This is why a link with the regime in place is indispensable. Similarly, this link is necessary to enable the evacuation of those whom we wanted to evacuate and who are still stranded in Afghanistan. The European Union has not been able to do what it would have liked, to do what was its duty, for lack of means. Faced with this impotence, it is high time that the European Union wakes up and gives itself the means to defend its ambitions. When you are dependent, you are not sovereign. No single European nation has the means to play a truly decisive role on this global stage. Only a common foreign policy and a common defence force ready to intervene will enable us to decide and act and restore our credibility.