Speeches

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the report by Monica Semedo, on behalf of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, with recommendations to the Commission on quality traineeships in the Union (2020/2005(INL)) (A9-0186/2023). Colleague Semedo is unfortunately ill. She is therefore represented as rapporteur by Mrs Marie-Pierre Vedrenne.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the report by Michal Šimečka, on behalf of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, on sexual harassment in the EU and the evaluation of MeToo(2022/2138(INI)) (A9-0178/2023).

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the report by Paolo De Castro, on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, on geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products (COM(2022)0134 - C9-0130/2022 - 2022/0089(COD)) (A9-0173/2023).

The minutes of this meeting will be submitted to Parliament for approval tomorrow at the beginning of the afternoon session. I would like to thank our interpreters.

The next meeting will take place tomorrow, Thursday 11 May 2023 at 9 a.m. The agenda has been published and is available on the European Parliament's website.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the statements by the Council and the Commission on the impact on households and workers of the interest rate increase decided by the ECB (2023/2702(RSP)).

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the Commission statement on new oil drilling in Alaska – implications for the global climate crisis and indigenous peoples’ rights (2023/2688(RSP)).

Madam President, Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, China’s aggression against Taiwan, the impact of climate change – Mr Weber, we are in geopolitical stormy times. It is therefore high time for Europe to reposition itself so that future generations can live in security and freedom, peace and prosperity. European sovereignty and resilience must not remain empty shells. Let's fill them with life, with innovative ideas and consistent implementation. Independence from Russian oil, the Chips Act, the Critical Raw Materials Act – it is going in the right direction to strengthen the sovereignty and competitiveness of our continent. But: The road to more European sovereignty is not a sprint. If we do not stop halfway, we show condition and ignite the European turbo. Europe needs more globalisation, more trade agreements with democratic partners, no backward protectionism. Thank you, Chancellor, for these clear words. Let us inspire the backbone of our prosperity, European SMEs. Through less bureaucracy, more innovation and planning security, we are renouncing ever new subsidy avalanches, ever new regulations, ever more bans. If we remain open to technology, Mrs Reintke, even with e-fuels, this is the only way to achieve a climate-neutral Europe. We support research and development, such as fusion energy for low-carbon electricity in Europe. Technology leadership is needed again; We have to be the first again somewhere. For all this, for the strategic geopolitical realignment of the European Union, a strong and responsible Germany is needed, which is courageously leading the way in the sense of the common cause, as well as in preserving the Stability Pact. You're right, Chancellor, let's use the big challenges as an opportunity, let's not duck away. Let us make Europe fit for the future through cooperation and enthusiasm, for the common cause at the service of the people. Because, Madam President, we are committed to them, not political parties or ideologies.

I would like to thank everyone who wanted to hear the German translation now, which just didn't work, for the flexibility to switch to another channel. This is being fixed. We continue anyway, there was only one clue. We can both do this in a different language. Thank you very much!

I propose that we continue with the third group speaker so that you have time to arrive, Commissioner. In a debate about health we do not want to cause health problems because of stress!

So now we have the problem that Commissioner Kyriakides is on her way, and Commissioner Schmit cannot step in. She should be here in one or two minutes, so we will take the political group speakers while we wait for her. The EPP speaker is here, I see, so if you are ready to start, Mr Sokol, then we will take the Commissioner afterwards.