Speeches

Mr. President! The European Media Freedom Act is one of our greatest achievements from the previous mandate. It was also caused by the attacks of the Janez Janša government in Slovenia on the STA and on RTV. I'm sorry. And if you experience this, you know how important it is to have European safeguards. But the problem, as is often the case, is that the law is not enforced as it should be. It is precisely a month until the day when the law fully enters into force, but Member States are preparing too slowly for this. I therefore urge you, the Commission's officials, to bring the matter before the Court of Justice without delay and to enforce the law. Since media freedom has in fact regressed in many parts of the Union since its adoption, I mainly target Slovakia, and the media are not immune from attacks by the authorities anywhere. The freedom of the media is the same as any other freedom. When you suffocate her, it's hard to get her back. And you only realize the importance of freedom when you lose it. There are many important articles in the text of the law that make it possible to protect the media from undue state pressure, private interests or technological giants. All that is missing is the courage, and above all the courage, of the Commission to stand up to these pressures.

Mr. President! The European Media Freedom Act is one of our greatest achievements from the previous mandate. It was also caused by the attacks of the Janez Janša government in Slovenia on the STA and on RTV. I'm sorry. And if you experience this, you know how important it is to have European safeguards. But the problem, as is often the case, is that the law is not enforced as it should be. It is precisely a month until the day when the law fully enters into force, but Member States are preparing too slowly for this. I therefore urge you, the Commission's officials, to bring the matter before the Court of Justice without delay and to enforce the law. Since media freedom has in fact regressed in many parts of the Union since its adoption, I mainly target Slovakia, and the media are not immune from attacks by the authorities anywhere. The freedom of the media is the same as any other freedom. When you suffocate her, it's hard to get her back. And you only realize the importance of freedom when you lose it. There are many important articles in the text of the law that make it possible to protect the media from undue state pressure, private interests or technological giants. All that is missing is the courage, and above all the courage, of the Commission to stand up to these pressures.

Madam President. Wars are raging around the world, genocide, the liberal order of the world order is falling apart, rights are disappearing, equality is a myth. Free from Draghi: a slow agony awaits the Union without change. What are your colleagues doing on the right? Using abusive procedures, they bring to the European Parliament a historically inaccurate resolution that would rewrite the post-war period in Slovenia, the period from the 1980s onwards, with the hands of neo-Nazis and neo-fascists. Political cynicism of the lowest rank. The fact that the resolution is confirmed, for example, by those who question Slovenian territory with an anthem in Styria, and, for example, by those who shouted at a concert in Croatia at the weekend that they were "accompanying". Slovenian "patriots" therefore love their home so much that they would sell it, and even replace the historical facts. They are "accompanying": they have started a revision of history, they will continue to destroy all the good in the Union. That's what they call achievement. I call it a disgrace. Let them be "modified." But they can't change the past as needed. Not on my behalf, nor on behalf of the Republic of Slovenia, and never on behalf of the Union.

Madam President. Wars are raging around the world, genocide, the liberal order of the world order is falling apart, rights are disappearing, equality is a myth. Free from Draghi: a slow agony awaits the Union without change. What are your colleagues doing on the right? Using abusive procedures, they bring to the European Parliament a historically inaccurate resolution that would rewrite the post-war period in Slovenia, the period from the 1980s onwards, with the hands of neo-Nazis and neo-fascists. Political cynicism of the lowest rank. The fact that the resolution is confirmed, for example, by those who question Slovenian territory with an anthem in Styria, and, for example, by those who shouted at a concert in Croatia at the weekend that they were "accompanying". Slovenian "patriots" therefore love their home so much that they would sell it, and even replace the historical facts. They are "accompanying": they have started a revision of history, they will continue to destroy all the good in the Union. That's what they call achievement. I call it a disgrace. Let them be "modified." But they can't change the past as needed. Not on my behalf, nor on behalf of the Republic of Slovenia, and never on behalf of the Union.

Madam President, finally, with the title of this debate, this Chamber is officially acknowledging what some of us have been shouting for years: what's happening in Gaza is genocide. To those of you still refusing to see it and still hiding behind courts or legal formalities, you are not only complicit, you are shameless hypocrites. You are dismantling the very legal principles you so proudly aim – or claim – to uphold. You let the screams from Gaza be drowned out by Israeli attacks on Iran. What a coincidence, right? Just when the pressure on Netanyahu is mounting. And then the audacity: some of you still dare say Israel has a right to self-defence in that context. In what context? The Israeli army is shooting at people lining up for food. These aren't stray bullets in the fog of war. This is deliberate, cold and calculated. They've turned the little humanitarian aid into a big, deadly weapon. Stop being complicit. Impose sanctions on Israel. If not, you are still greenlighting the genocide, because when only one side has an army, military equipment and weapons, it's not a war, it is a massacre.

Mr President, the Middle East is gripped by conflicts, genocide, suffering, injustice, driven not by ancient rivalries, but by ongoing impunity, military aggression and systematic denial of human rights. Israel's ongoing assault on the people of Gaza, the legacy of its attacks on Lebanon, and its aggressive posture across the region are not isolated incidents of self-defence. They form a broader pattern seriously threatening regional security. This time it's Iran with an important addition: Washington's or rather Trump's footprints all over it, furthering escalations with ominous messages. Yes, Iran is an important Russian airline, but violence is never a solution, is it? Mahatma Gandhi said it best: 'Even when violence appears to do good, the good is only temporary. The evil it does is permanent'. And while some still speak about self-defence, it is so obvious who poses the greatest threat to the stability of the region. So if the EU really wants a peaceful diplomatic solution, then it's time to finally draw the line against this aggressor too, starting with the suspension of the agreement with Israel and with respecting the ICC ruling now.

Madam President. Our Rule of Law Report for the past year has all the key highlights necessary for the functioning of democracy and trust in our institutions. So: independent justice, anti-corruption measures, media freedom, free functioning of civil society, equality before the law. And yes, the reports on the rule of law are great - on paper. It usually stops at recommendations instead of following up on infringements. Actions by the Commission should be faster and asset freezes should be systematic. Slovakia, with Fico at the forefront, is a typical example of the European Union being too lenient – again. I'm not going to talk about Hungary at all. But, okay, I will not just criticise, but I welcome the clear direction in the report for new tools in defending the rule of law, especially this clever conditionality, with which money would flow directly to the people despite the freeze, because they are really not to blame for the actions of illiberal governments. They have been harmed: first because of the freezing of funds, and then when dangerous populists finally kidnap the country. But don't just keep it on paper, please.

Mr. President! Boosting the economy for greater competitiveness – this is the main political direction of the current mandate. All well and good, but, dear colleagues, the economy stands on people, on the work these people do every day. And if we do not take care of them, we are faced with burnt-out workers and workers who remain at home, with a health system that covers the consequences, and with companies that are losing this lauded competitiveness. As many as 84 million Europeans are experiencing mental health problems. This is statistics. I believe that there are actually more of these people, and many of these problems stem precisely from poor working conditions, most often from the complete blurring of the boundary between the profession and private life. Digital presence 24/7 is becoming the norm. An eight-hour workday on paper, but in practice an immeasurable time without disconnection, without peace. And in the end, people who live worse after all this work. That is why I really want you, Commissioner, to propose a directive on the right to disconnect, which will set minimum standards to protect the health of workers. For healthy workers are not a cost, they are the foundation of Europe's future, and only in this way will we really be able to fulfil the main political direction also of your commission, that is, to stimulate the economy.

Madam President, colleagues, nothing – and I mean nothing – justifies the human suffering in Gaza. The starvation, the killings, the genocide; no one should be able to turn away from that. Yet, that is exactly what has been going on. In the world, in Europe, in this House, the majority stood by while the situation in Palestine got worse and worse and worse. Meanwhile, some of us insist, and some of us have been demanding that the EU act for years now. Today I can finally say our pressure was not for completely nothing. So, the EU will review its association agreement with Israel. In my opinion, there is nothing to review. Israel is in clear violation of Article 2, so the only thing to do is to suspend the agreement. However, the intention at least is a good political signal – a signal that will sadly have no impact on the people in Gaza. We have to act not to review documents, not to raise concerns. We have to be clear and tell the Israeli Government: 'End this madness or face sanctions.' It is the bare minimum, because the 'never again' is now.

Mr President. Gold passport schemes, i.e. investments in return for citizenship, have also been a practice in the European Union. It seems to me unacceptable that this was even possible, let alone that it could take so long. Cyprus abolished it in 2020, Bulgaria two years later. Malta, the last country to use it, must now put an end to it. And that's it - at last. What has been done with these schemes? It put a price on citizenship, but it was mainly money laundering and corruption that was made possible. Citizenship should not be cheap, not cheap, but cheap commercialization. Citizenship is the inalienable right of a person, arising from the connection with his or her country, from the rights and duties from and to his or her country, as well as the identity of the individual himself or herself. So the decision of the European Court of Justice, which has made these practices illegal and can no longer be abused, is absolutely in place. Because you become a citizen legally – including in European countries. Respect our culture, our laws and our values, not our money. There will be no more gold passports. Next step: Do the same with gold visas.

Mr President. Systemic corruption, worsening repression, sound cannon, expulsions, police violence, arbitrary arrests. Regime attacks, therefore, targeted at those who are simply fighting for the values that we in the European Union are supposed to embody. I do not support the rule of law, justice and democracy on paper. Do not underestimate the seriousness of the situation. Do not allow authoritarians to sit on two chairs and manipulate. Dear Commissioner, the continuation will be for your superior. Maybe she'll understand me better if I try something like this this this time: “You have committed to implement reforms, in particular as regards the fundamentals of the rule of law and democracy, as you have just said. And you have shown that your words are followed by actions." That, Mrs von der Leyen, you said to Aleksandar Vučić. Do you know what happened eight days later in Novi Sad? Ignorance kills, Madam President. Literally. They should be an example of European values. Then prove it, too. Words are followed by deeds, right?

Mr President. What do a resident of one Nordic Member State and a resident of, say, one Mediterranean Member State have in common? Both are citizens of the European Union and both should be guaranteed equal social security. Well, it's not. This is because the Union does not have sufficient competence in this area. A truncated sentence, but unfortunately true, until in some other areas it is not. We are only putting competences at the forefront today, as some people see fit. We also loosen the rules, as some people like. An illustrative example: the recently presented Union Preparedness Strategy. The basic treaty clearly excludes the possibility of financing the military, but a possible way has been found around by allowing Member States to borrow. So yes. We also need this kind of flexibility and this kind of will, or above all, in social Europe. Joint procurement of medicines to make them accessible to all, quality jobs with decent pay, securing finance, implementing the Pillar of Social Rights. I really hope that the Commission will pursue this and do something about it. Not because it fits some, but because it has to fit everyone. The fact that there will no longer be this huge gap between two people, each from their own part of Europe – one unrelated to physical distance.

Mr. President! The United States has decided to strike a severe blow to liberal democracy by ending the financing of independent media. Radio Free Europe, but also Voice of America, Russian Medusa, Belarusian Belsat and many others, just where people need it most. Why do the U.S. do everything it does? With such questions, even if they are in place, we do not solve anything. Let's try this. How can we fill the vacuum when we can no longer rely on the US for democratic ideas? Some of you talk a lot about the military, even about weapons, but too often, unjustifiably, much more effective, soft power is overlooked. The Soviet Union fell without a bullet, with the help of Radio Free Europe. It is therefore in the interest of the European Union, of course, to support these independent media. But let's also look beyond the press, on the web, where public opinion is increasingly being formed. We are losing the information battle against authoritarian regimes. Not just outside the EU. I mentioned Voice of America, do we still remember Voice of Europe? We need to fight false narratives more vigorously. We may have lost our ally, but democracy remains our most powerful weapon.

Madam President! Dear colleagues! The first 100 days of the new Commission were marked by a turbulent geopolitical environment. The new US administration has shaken the rules-based order of the world. I really do not want to be too critical because I firmly believe that we urgently need to work together in the European Union, but these last 100 days have once again confirmed that we need radical reforms of the Union's action towards greater efficiency. And in practice, in addition to a few Commission proposals, we have not moved anywhere in recent weeks, while competitive forces can turn a lot upside down in one day, and so can we. The proposals on urgently reducing energy prices, increasing investment in technology and measures to increase the competitiveness of the European economy are absolute steps in the right direction, but I fear that they are not ambitious enough and too late. Now is the time for more decisive action and the European Union still has ample room for manoeuvre. There is, of course, a lack of political will and of the Member States finally realising that national interest is intertwined with the strength and unity of the Union. I agree with the unification of the European army and common sources of funding, but this should not mean neglecting other areas. We need investment in infrastructure, energy and, above all, in people. This is the European Union's best defence.

Madam President, and then there was darkness. And then we reached the point where a person – a human being at least – has no words left. Not even someone who, despite the darkness, clearly sees what is happening. Someone who will never turn a blind eye, who will never sway their position, who clearly and loudly speaks about facts. The fact is that after Israel once again cut off electricity to Gaza, nine out of ten people no longer have access to safe drinking water. Nine out of ten. The fact is that after Israel once again halted the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the genocide is only escalating. Generations are being wiped out before our eyes. And still the powerful are turning a blind one or worse. If those of you who had even a shred – just a shred – of humanity in you, you would not look away. You would not excuse the inexcusable. You would do something that should have been done long ago. You would deliver.

Madam President! I will again pay tribute, in this case Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová, because they absolutely deserve it. Seven years ago, they paid the highest price, the price of living, for one thing only: exposing corruption through investigative journalism. Unfortunately, they're not the only ones. You act in the public interest, you die because of the narrow personal interests of corrupt and morally perverted people. At that time, the protests after the murders took away the Fico government. One that is now back in power, marked by the brutal demolition of independent media, prosecution and civil society. Exactly those systems that expose corruption. This method of operation has unfortunately been accelerated in the recent period and with the discontinuation of the program USAID It will only get worse. To those of you who are impressed by this ideological enthusiasm, it will be disastrous to have access to information in the autocratic regimes of Belarus, Russia and others in the former Soviet orbit. The information vacuum will be filled by various portals Voice of EuropeThe dream of a democratic future will die. Let us therefore remember the anniversary of the murders, the values for which the EU should stand, the full implementation of the legislation adopted in the area of media freedom and the closing of the US gap in promoting independent journalism around the world, which fights against corrupt authorities.

Madam President! (microphone switched off at the beginning of the speech) It's a blockade. An opaque crowd – growing in size and determination. These are the streets of Serbia today. This is Serbia, which will no longer be silent, except for those stunning fifteen minutes of silence, which has never been so loud. A message that has never been so clear. Young people are the driving force of change. Day after day, week after week in Serbia since November and are no longer alone. The relay was taken from them by younger and older people. High school students, teachers, professors, parents, war veterans, peasants, pensioners, civil society, all united in the desire for a comprehensive change of system, to the foundation infused with corruption and clientelism. Because they care because they refuse to be part of a system that has been destroying their dreams for years, their future. (part of speech in a language other than an official EU language)

Madam President, there are no words. No words that would sufficiently express how absolutely appalled I am by the statements from the American President. Throughout history, American involvement in the Middle East has only worsened the situation by prolonging conflicts with military engagement and lack of coherent strategies. Meanwhile, the EU has been, rather unsuccessfully, trying to resolve resulting humanitarian crises. Enough. This time, the EU has to take a stand and not be bullied into the unimaginable transitions of the world, including not supporting ethnic cleansing and permanent displacements of people from their land, their homes, to create a new American playground. We need to help create regional alliances and not conflicts. And while many of you are turning a blind eye – or worse, are even glad to see it – maybe you'll understand this: if 'all bets are off' and 'all hell breaks out', the shock waves will reach the European Union. This is not just about the region; it's about the very fabric of humanity.

Madam President! Colleagues and colleagues! It is great that we have this debate about uniting Europe against actors hostile to the Union. There seems to be no shortage of these lately. I always say that we can only be strong and independent if we are united and act as one. But the defence of the European Union does not just mean an increase in military expenditure. To some extent, of course, I understand the need for these capacities, after all, I also want an independent Union in this area, but lately, it also seems that this is the only thing we are talking about. We are only talking about the common debt in the context of defence. What about the necessary investments in infrastructure, energy independence, preparing measures for a changing climate, increasing competitiveness, improving living conditions for people. Therefore, in the light of everything that is happening around the world, let us finally unite and take decisive action, which we have been discussing for decades. Enough narcissism, little differences, enough distractions and enough ideology. And lastly, I am thinking primarily of those loud self-proclaimed patriots who, because of their ideology, would rather represent the interests of others than the European Union. Top nationalists, really.

I didn't do a personal attack just for, you know, a report on you, or anyone else. I think that we need informed people for democratic society to function. Disinformation can only be destroyed by those who know how to distinguish it from the truth. When people will be informed properly and not trust manipulators, then we will be on our way to know also how to distinguish those things.

Madam President, I stand here astounded that we've reached a point where we must debate the enforcement of our own laws. The DSA is not an optional guideline, okay? It carries the full weight of democratic legitimacy, crafted with care to balance all interests, and overwhelmingly supported here in this House and by the Council. Where does our sovereignty lie if the enforcement of our legislation hinges on the decisions of foreign tech giants? They cannot pick and choose compliance based on convenience or leverage their governments to pressure us. Let me get this straight: the DSA does not oppose free speech. It protects it. Just like other EU laws, it ensures free speech thrives within the bounds of legality. Because there are illegal acts that we – I hope – all recognise: child pornography, terrorist content, copyright infringements and hate speech inciting violence. These are lines drawn by society applicable to everyone, regardless of faith or creed. To those spreading disinformation about alleged EU censorship, I say this: take a big step back and you will still be able to legally lie and spread disinformation, but be aware that today's lie for political gain may be tomorrow's tragedy.

Mr President, it has been long, harrowing, unbearable and devastating 471 days. Long overdue, but here it is – a beam of hope. Even though it's the most hopeful I have been, I'm still worried, especially about the statements made by Benjamin Netanyahu. He is constantly stressing the ceasefire is temporary and his willingness to return to fighting in new, more forceful ways, indicating he is keen to finish the genocide he started. Meanwhile, we are also watching the Palestinians returning home or, you know, what's left of it. Not only is there no resemblance of life there – there isn't any means for life. So its recovery will be a long and excruciating process, and we need a sustainable solution, a true two‑state solution without any illegal occupation by Israel. Moreover, we need to ensure significant and sufficient humanitarian aid to help, heal and rebuild. It is the very least we must do. And we must not forget the tens of thousands of people that were killed in this war deserve justice. The ones responsible must and will be held responsible. Show the same level of care, colleagues.

Mr President. What do the most common violations of labour rights, social dumping and unfair competition have in common? Abuse of subcontracting practices through complex and non-transparent subcontracting chains. Can you imagine your life without construction, agriculture, tourism, transport? These are precisely the sectors in which abuses of labour practices occur most frequently and within which this exploitative business model is becoming increasingly widespread. Even if we have the European Pillar of Social Rights as a safeguard, this is still happening all too often across the Union because we do not even have minimum standards in place for labour market intermediaries. And this allows them to engage in misleading employment, illegal wage deductions, recruitment of workers into exploitative situations and excessive use of precarious forms of employment. To this end, the Commission should draw up European legislation guaranteeing labour rights and increasing the transparency of labour market intermediaries. At the same time, it must ensure that what is most common to all in the Union is social security, justice and a decent life.

Mr President! Underestimation, colleagues. We are underestimating the risk of social networks having an impact on the results of elections. With enough advertising money, you can reach a lot of people who wouldn't otherwise. Meanwhile, more and more people are getting news, such and different, only through social networks, not so much, unfortunately, through professional media. The recent case in Romania is only the most pronounced or extreme, but not the only one. The autocratic regimes of foreign countries abuse the openness of our society and use it against ourselves, together, of course, with domestic populists who are willing to sell the interest of the state for their own power. But the Commission cannot be fooled; We have legislation on online advertising, algorithms, which obviously does not work. This is not censorship, it is not necessary. All that is needed is a clear disclosure of these cases. So who's behind a post? In order for a democratic society to function, you need informed people. Disinformation can only be destroyed by those who know how to separate it from the truth. Let's not underestimate that. Truth is the only thing that needs advocates.

Mr President, I used to believe that the European Union embodies its core values, but how can anyone still believe that? What we are witnessing is crimes against humanity. Israel went as far as to making targeted deadly attacks on UNRWA staff and property, and when that didn't make them leave, they decided to ban them. Still, the EU's silence and failure to condemn Israel's actions means we are de facto supporting it. I'll admit, I was hopeful last week that the EU will stand united in backing of the ICC ruling to issue arrest warrants against senior Israel leaders and Hamas officials, as we portray ourselves as defenders of the rule of law. Yet, once again, the deeply rooted double standards have prevailed. You should be ashamed. And to all of you who still pick and choose when and for what you uphold EU values, there is no decision to be made. Do better colleagues and be quiet when the children are sleeping, not when they are being killed.