What Svenja spoke about.

4

May

2022

EN Speech

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The continuous crackdown of political opposition in Cambodia

Madam President, the Hun Sen regime has dismantled democracy in Cambodia, with the opposition in exile or in prison, and now they’re cracking down on freedom of speech with the Chinese model of censorship of the Internet. But the flame of democracy can never be stamped out. Democracy in Cambodia can be restored. The opposition and civil society are not giving up. They’re running in June’s local el…

3

May

2022

DE Speech

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Artificial intelligence in a digital age (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. The final report of the Special Committee presents no less than a vision for artificial intelligence for Europe. This is so important if we want to play in the first tech league. Because we should not always hyperventilate only about worst-case scenarios, but awaken the EU completely, very urgently from its sleep. We must find our European way into the technolog…

5

Apr

2022

DE Speech

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Outcome of the EU-China Summit (1 April 2022) (debate)

Mr President! Autocracy versus democracy – this is the conflict of our time. We must resolutely oppose any attempt to replace our international order with the law of the stronger. Because we see this brutal grimace of this conflict right now in Ukraine. Russia's war makes Ukraine a battleground for democracy and freedom. The autocrats of this world fear and despise these values. And they stand by …

10

Mar

2022

DE Speech

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Myanmar, one year after the coup

Madam President, For a year now, Myanmar’s military junta has been murdering, expelling, arresting and raping with impunity – so perversely planned and systematic that we need to speak clearly of crimes against humanity and war crimes. And there is no end in sight for the cruel military rule. Last year, my colleagues and I had the opportunity to meet Myanmar's elected representatives online. They …

10

Mar

2022

DE Speech

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The need for an ambitious EU Strategy for sustainable textiles (debate)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner! Responsible and sustainable consumption is important to many consumers. And yet, it is very likely that each of us has a sweater or a T-shirt from forced labour hanging in our closets, because 20% of the world's cotton comes from China's forced labour region of Xinjiang alone. As consumers, we have great power. We can make a difference. But we c…

8

Mar

2022

DE Speech

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Gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament – annual report 2020 (debate)

Mr President! I was 29 years old in the last European election campaign. At that time, I had many conversations about my political goals. But I was also asked surprisingly often if I wanted to have children, because that would be difficult to reconcile with such a mandate. Because women who make politics are always reminded that they must not forget the kitchen table when they are already striving…

17

Feb

2022

EN Speech

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The recent human rights developments in the Philippines

– Mr President, since President Rodrigo Duterte took office, the human rights situation in the Philippines has eroded in a landslide. There has been an appalling number of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. This has been going on for years. This House last asked the Commission to act in 2020, and it pains me that the Commission has in fact not acted. The only thing that has happen…

16

Feb

2022

DE Speech

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One youth, one Europe (topical debate)

Mr President! I'm 32 years old, a member of parliament, so I don't want to presume to know what all young people want. But before I came to Parliament, I did ten years of voluntary youth policy, and in the ten years I learned one thing: There is a lot of talk about young people and very little about them. And when the Commission declares 2022 the Year of European Youth, without a real programme, w…

19

Jan

2022

DE Speech

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Violations of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong

Mr President! In Hong Kong, we are witnessing in public what the Chinese communist leadership thinks of democracy, freedoms and international agreements – nothing. The dismantling of "one country, two systems", the breach of international treaties, the eradication of history, the detention of journalists and democracy activists, the undermining of freedom of expression and freedom of the press – t…

19

Jan

2022

DE Speech

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Digital Services Act (continuation of debate)

Mr President, Commissioners Vestager and Breton, Mrs Schaldemose, ladies and gentlemen! When scrolling through social media, shopping online or browsing for new apps: The Digital Services Act will shape our everyday lives. After more than 20 years of e-commerce, it is expected to be up to date. This, of course, aroused desire. Because, of course, the conservative colleagues have once again brought…

14

Dec

2021

DE Speech

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Implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification scheme (debate)

Mr President! Bernd Lange reminded us of this musical classic with ‘’, as Marilyn Monroe once sang, and he came to the conclusion: “”. Currently, however, unfortunately, the following applies: “”. The Kimberley process was a major success in curbing the trade in blood diamonds. The trade in illegally mined diamonds that have financed conflicts or wars has been significantly curtailed. However, eve…

14

Dec

2021

DE Speech

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Digital Markets Act (debate)

Madam President, Mr Schwab, rapporteur! The Digital Markets Act is a milestone in big tech regulation: It's long overdue, and now it's finally here. Dear Margrethe Vestager, dear Thierry Breton: The Commission's proposal bears a clear liberal signature, and our position in Parliament goes in the same direction. With the DMA We create fairness for users and clear rules for companies, because respon…

19

Oct

2021

DE Speech

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EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation (debate)

Mr President! Commission President von der Leyen never tires of stressing that she wants to lead a geopolitical commission. Open strategic autonomy is the word of the day. And yet, I think Taiwan shows that it is a long way from Sunday speeches to reality. Parliament has repeatedly called for preparations to be made for an investment agreement with Taiwan. What happened? Nothing. On the contrary: …

7

Oct

2021

DE Speech

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Human rights situation in Myanmar, including the situation of religious and ethnic groups

Mr President! More than 1,000 people have been killed, nearly 9,000 arrested, over 200,000 displaced or fled Myanmar since the military coup in February. Dear colleagues! I find it unbearable that the military in Myanmar could benefit from the EU's trade advantages. The military is deeply corrupt and finances its brutal rule through its vast network of corporations. That is why I expect the Commis…

5

Oct

2021

DE Speech

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The future of EU-US relations (debate)

Mr President! I am a transatlantic and convinced of the power of free trade. But since the failure of the TTIP, our trade relationship has been difficult. The solution of Airbus Boeing punitive tariffs is a start. But the fact that the protectionist US tariffs on steel and aluminium are still in force is a failure. The EU is not a national security risk for the US, and that must be said so clearly…

4

Oct

2021

DE Speech

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Artificial intelligence in criminal law and its use by the police and judicial authorities in criminal matters (debate)

Mr President! Innovation through artificial intelligence is an incredible pool for progress. It can also bring relief to the police and the judiciary and significantly improve the quality of work. However, the use of AI in law enforcement often requires the label ‘high risk for civil rights’. And some things have to be completely prevented. Mass surveillance through automatic face recognition soft…

8

Jul

2021

DE Speech

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Labour rights in Bangladesh (debate)

Mr President! Thank you, Commissioner, for this exchange today. You said it very well: Preferential access to the single market, free of customs duties and levies, is a great way for many developing countries to give their citizens prospects for economic progress and development. However, this cooperation is based on rules, and this includes compliance with labour rights and compliance with agreem…