Speeches

Mr President, as the Chair of the South Caucasus delegation, I have two messages to the Georgian people. First, we Members of the European Parliament know and respect the choice of closer European and transatlantic integration. You have been very clear and consistent in expressing your European aspiration. We support you and we stand with you on European path. Second, we will never, I repeat, never drag you into any war. We remember the war of 2008 and human lives lost. We will never recognise occupation of Georgia. We will always support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We wish Georgian people peace, security and prosperity. Our message to the Georgian politicians is very clear. War in Ukraine opened a window of opportunity for Georgia. Do not waste it. Remember that today Ukrainians are fighting and dying for their future, but also for your future. Attacks on Ukraine and President Zelenskyy by Georgian officials are disappointing and unacceptable. The window of opportunity will not remain open forever. Do what your people expect from you.

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, I would like to thank the rapporteur and everybody who worked on this act. I believe that it will be landmark legislation for this mandate if it succeeds in harnessing the potential of data in all the ways we are hoping and foreseeing. I would like to underline some very important points of the European Parliament’s position. In the event of conflict between two legislative instruments, GDPR will prevail. We do not create any additional legal basis for the processing of personal data nor removing any of those that exist. It will help to enforce our citizens’ right to data portability, which is already provided in GDPR, and we ensure the right foreseen for a person who is not the user asking for transfer of data but whose personal data is still being transferred. On a personal note, I would like to mention my own remaining concern. The scope of what business will have to share with governments is much wider in Parliament’s position than I personally would have liked. It remains to be seen how this will be done in practice and it remains to be seen if we need to go to court to see how some personal data applications work.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, on 15 December last year I made a statement as the Chair of the Delegation for Relations with South Caucasus, expressing concern by the actions of the Azerbaijani state authorities and purported environmental protesters. I urged the Azerbaijani authorities to end the blockade of the Lachin corridor and fulfil its obligations under the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020. More than a month has passed and Azerbaijani inaction has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, including one death. 120 000 Armenians live under effective blockade. Hundreds of families remain separated. People are deprived of essential goods and services. Children do not go to school. Recently we witnessed a new wave of high—level inflammatory rhetoric calling to discriminate against Armenians and urging them either to take Azerbaijani citizenship or to leave Nagorno-Karabakh. These statements and inaction are inappropriate for a state that considers itself the EU’s reliable partner. I urge the Azerbaijani side to respect its international commitments, to end the blockade of the Lachin corridor and humanitarian crisis, to provide unimpeded access of international organisations to Nagorno-Karabakh and to start negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement that must guarantee all rights and security to the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. I would like to thank the co-authors of the resolution and encourage the House to adopt the resolution unanimously. Finally, I would like to conclude on a personal note and address Azerbaijani officials who have started a witch-hunt against me personally. I want to tell you that you will neither frighten me nor silence me. Your attacks expose your weakness. You have gone below low. But I will not go low. I will follow Michelle Obama’s example. When you go low, I go high.

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, from the 24 February last year, we have witnessed war crimes committed in Ukraine from Bucha to Irpin, from Bryanka to Dnipro. President Zelenskyy has declared very clearly what is the victory and peace formula for Ukraine. It includes bringing all war criminals to accountability, and I underline all war criminals, those who are committing crimes on the ground, but also those who are hiding in Kremlin. And that is why we need this special tribunal. It will not bring back lost lives and it will not make the heartache disappear, but it will make it crystal clear that committing war crimes, including the crime of aggression, will never go unpunished. And I very much hope that the vast majority of the international community will join the initiative and support the establishment of the tribunal.

Madam President, Commissioner, first of all I would like to thank and congratulate the rapporteur, Tonino Picula, for this timely and comprehensive report. I fully agree that enlargement is the most effective EU policy instrument and one of the Union’s most successful policies. It was so in 2004 – when my country, Estonia, acceded to the EU – and is even more today, when after Russian aggression EU membership has become a hope and guarantor of survival and independence for some of our eastern partners. It is our political and moral duty not to let down the states that see their future in the EU. It does not mean lowering of EU standards. On the contrary, the Copenhagen criteria are and should remain the cornerstone of enlargement. But there are steps that we have to take on our part, including comprehensive reflection on enlargement policy, overcoming current political impasses and enlargement fatigue. Only then can we ensure the continuity, consistency and credibility of the EU enlargement policy, and that is what our citizens and partners want.

Russia's aggression against Ukraine has had a significant impact on migration to the European Union. First of all, refugees from Ukraine. I am glad that, above all, the border states of the European Union, including Estonia, have received refugees and provided them with protection and assistance. This has been largely thanks to volunteering and people's generosity, but it will not be sustainable if not all the Member States of the European Union contribute. It is high time to act together and in solidarity. Second, the wave of migration from Russia. It is very right that the European Union stopped issuing visas to Russian citizens under the simplified procedure and that several Member States have restricted tourism from Russia. I call on all Member States to do this, this is not the time for tourism for Russian citizens in the European Union. And thirdly, the use of human beings as a hybrid weapon. We have seen it on the Finnish-Russian border in Karelia and on the Belarusian-Lithuanian border. On top of that, we must be prepared that such attacks on the border of the European Union will recur. The border of the European Union must be protected.

Dear Mr President, Disinformation is not a new phenomenon and it is regrettable that Russia continues to be successful in its propaganda aimed at undermining democracy, dividing the European Union and justifying a criminal war in Ukraine. This can and should be addressed at all possible levels. The European Union has taken a number of very right steps in the fight against Russian misinformation. We have the East StratCom Task Force, the new Code against Misinformation and the Digital Services Act. But Member States must also do their part, defend democracy and protect their societies. In the case of Estonia, this also means much more active communication with the Russian-speaking population: listening, explaining, persuasion. We are facing a difficult autumn and a difficult winter, where in addition to the war in Ukraine, people will be affected by high electricity and food prices. The Kremlin is only waiting to use this difficult situation and politically useful idiots also among the politicians of the European Union. Let us not let the Kremlin win the propaganda war!

Dear Mr President, Dear colleagues, The last few weeks have been disruptive and it may seem that the war is reaching its final stage. Ukraine's victory is inevitable, and Putin's destruction is only a matter of time. But the question is when will this happen and how much harm will the Putin regime still be able to do. In this context, comprehensive support for Ukraine is more important than ever: together, with solidarity and vigor. Even if it means economic hardship for our people – they are not comparable to the blight of war. I have a suggestion for those who are hesitant. Go to Ukraine and talk to the Ukrainians! We must not be tired and we must not give in to those who speak. ‘Peace at all costs’. Peace can only come under conditions determined by Ukraine, and these were very clearly stated by President Zelenskyy in his speech at the UN General Assembly. He mentioned five conditions, ranging from restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity to bringing the Kremlin's criminals to the International Court of Justice. Long live Ukraine! Slava Ukraini!

I’d like to come to the strategic partnership memorandum that was signed with Azerbaijan. Many argue that the gas deal stands in defiance of the EU’s climate goals and human rights standards. High Representative, I would be grateful for your assessment of that deal. Thank you.

Mr President, honourable High Representative, the EU has recently invested significantly in improving relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including several bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Azerbaijan, hosted by Council President Michel. At the latest such meeting merely a month ago in Brussels, both sides agreed to start working on a draft peace treaty within a month. Two weeks later, Azerbaijan launched a large—scale military attack against Armenian territory. A few days ago, a sickening video emerged on Azerbaijani social media, which seems to show the execution of Armenian prisoners. High Representative, which consequences will you recommend to draw for the EU’s further engagement in the region? What concrete steps should you, your office and the External Action Service take? And finally, how can the EU’s new energy partnership with Azerbaijan be put to use for the EU’s engagement in favour of a sustainable long—term settlement on the conflict?

Madam President, Mr Vice—President, colleagues, some months ago in this House we adopted, by a very large majority, a resolution that called for candidate status for Ukraine. Some weeks ago, we had a good discussion with the President of Moldova and recognised the achievements of Moldova’s EU integration. Today we are discussing violation of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Georgia. I was not among the initiators of the resolution. I do not consider it urgent, but I agree with my colleagues that there are problems in Georgia, which I have also mentioned as the co—chair of the EU—Georgia PAC. The country that some years ago was a frontrunner among our eastern partners has recently, unfortunately, lost its speed and steadfast commitment to democratic reforms. I urge Georgian politicians from the governing party, as well as from opposition: take today’s discussion as a last wake—up call, put aside party interests, stop blaming each other and start working together on the democratic reforms that are so needed in Georgia. The window of opportunity is still open. That is what Georgian people are expecting from you.

Madam President, Executive Vice-President, colleagues, we cannot choose our geopolitical neighbours, but we can choose how to build our relations with them. The Eastern Partnership area is our closest neighbourhood and therefore what happens there has a direct impact on our security and safety. This was reiterated by the Strategic Compass, which dedicated adequate focus to the Eastern Partnership countries. Today, at a time of the worst crisis in Europe since the Second World War, the aggression of Russia against Ukraine, we have to be very clear with our messages. We are committed to supporting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Eastern Partnership countries. We will support Ukraine until Putin’s criminal regime is defeated and perpetrators of war crimes are brought to justice. We will continue promoting peace, stability, resilience and security in the Eastern neighbourhood. We will rebuild peace and security in Europe. I would like to thank the rapporteur and all the colleagues who worked on this report and urge everybody to vote for it.

Dear Mr President, Yesterday, a trial began in Kiev against a Russian soldier who killed civilians in Ukraine. This is how all war criminals must be brought to justice, not only those who killed and killed, raped and raped in Ukraine, but also those who started aggression and are sitting behind the defensive walls of the Kremlin today. It hurts me to listen to the debates on how to help Putin and Russia save their faces, how to discuss Europe's post-war security with Putin. No, it's not coming! They are criminals who must be brought to justice in the same way as a murderous Russian soldier was brought to justice in Kiev. Putin and his complicities deserve their Nuremberg, because only then will peace and stability come to Ukraine, because it is time for us to learn from our mistakes, because only then can I be sure that in this hall we do not have to say "We told you so!" and, most importantly, we owe it to the Ukrainians. Slava Ukraini!

Dear Mr President, Russia's hybrid, informational and cyber-attacks are nothing new, Russia has been using them for decades to achieve its political goals, and Ukraine has been a testing ground for Russian cyber-attacks for years. It is to be welcomed that the European Union already reacted before the 24 February aggression by deploying a Cyber Response Team to Ukraine. We need to continue to help Ukraine. At the same time, the cyber capabilities and cyber defence of the European Union and its Member States must not be forgotten. ENISA, the European Union's Strategic Compass, recognises the shortcomings in these areas, in this context I would like to emphasise three points. Firstly, cyber security must become a political priority, with the necessary financial and human resources. Secondly, the exchange of information and cooperation with NATO must be improved, and thirdly, Russia's attacks must not go unanswered. It is important to respond to them, starting with the disclosure and attribution of attacks and ending with common countermeasures.

Madam President, aggression of Russia against Ukraine demonstrates once again how important is the EU’s engagement with the Eastern Partnership countries. While the EU was largely absent during the second Nagorno—Karabakh war, we can still make a difference if we take a more active role today. War is not the solution, and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh cannot be solved by military force. This is one of the lessons learned from the first war. Falsification of history, as well as war against cultural heritage, cannot be justified. Actions perpetrated by Armenia in the past, and damage to Azerbaijani heritage over the past decades does not justify attacks on cultural heritage in the present. Sustainable peace has to be negotiated. Reconciliation and rehabilitation should stem from mutual respect, including respect for minority rights and protection of historical, religious and cultural heritage. While effort is needed from both sides to resolve this conflict, we condemn the continued policy of Azerbaijan to erase and deny Armenian cultural heritage in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. I would like to recall the provisional measures introduced by the International Court of Justice last year in the case of Armenia v. Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan must take all necessary measures to prevent and punish acts of vandalism and desecration affecting Armenian cultural heritage, and I urge Azerbaijan to remove all obstacles and facilitate the UNESCO independent mission of experts in order to assess the situation regarding cultural properties in and around Nagorno-Karabakh.

Mr President, the rapid and widespread development of digital services has been at the heart of the digital changes that impact our lives. Many new ways to communicate, shop or access information online have appeared. ‘We need to ensure that European legislation evolves with them’. This is a quote from the Commission, and I can’t agree more. The question is, how will we legislate? I come from Estonia, a Member State that is known for digital lifestyle, and that has been offering thousands of online services for its citizens for more than a quarter of a century. I have experienced benefits and I know the challenges. The aim of the Digital Services Act is to create a safer digital space for the fundamental rights of users, and to ensure that the fundamental rights of users are protected, secure online services are provided, and a level playing field for businesses is established. I would like to congratulate my dear colleague Christel Schaldemose for her extraordinary job, and I would like to thank all the colleagues who contributed to this file. The text is balanced, the text is good, but it can be improved. In the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs we have focused in particular on issues related to digital privacy, targeted advertising and content moderation. We now have the possibility to take much-needed action in all three of these areas, and to put citizens’ rights at the centre of the framework. On targeted advertising, it is essential to have greater transparency. I would urge colleagues to support measures to ensure that there is clear consent for behavioural advertising, and that this does not involve sensitive personal data. Increasing the choice and transparency of recommender algorithms may seem obscure, but this is crucial to reduce disinformation and empower citizens’ control. When moderating content, we support stronger safeguards to ensure that upload filters do not become mandatory and that where automated tools are used, qualified staff decide on any action to be taken. To conclude, I hope that also in this file, the EU can show the light and global standards for regulating technology.

Dear Mr President, First of all, I would like to thank my good colleague Urmas Paet for a very relevant and up-to-date report. The new reality is that the number of cyberattacks is constantly increasing, with attacks becoming increasingly complex and attackers becoming smarter. In this context, I would like to emphasise three aspects. Firstly: Member States must do their homework, as the strength of the European Union's cyber security is determined by its weakest link. Second: Cooperation between the European Union and NATO must finally start working, starting with the exchange of information and ending with joint exercises. Thirdly: The European Union, together with other like-minded countries, must continue to be a vocal compass in interpreting and adapting international law. This is not easy, because there is an ideological gap internationally, which also spills over into international law, but legal clarity is an integral part of cyber security, as is the identification and prosecution of those responsible. Finally: We can and must do everything we can to be a few steps ahead of malicious attackers. Thank you.

Gender-based violence is a serious violation of fundamental rights and freedoms – it affects the whole of society and puts society’s health and safety at risk. It cannot be tolerated in silence, but must be resisted. Today we have the opportunity to do so at the level of the European Union. I thank the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs for their very relevant and up-to-date report on, among other things, the main causes of gender-based violence. Gender-based violence particularly affects women and girls, but also members of the LGBTI community. The latter is encouraged by patriarchal gender norms based on stereotypes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, gender inequalities have increased and cases of intimate partner violence have increased. This is why it is particularly important today to support the report and to support the criminalisation of gender-based violence in Europe. Ladies and gentlemen, vote in favour of this. Every voice counts!

Madam President, for many years we have known that surveillance technology exists, but the Pegasus scandal shows that rather than only being carried out by a limited number of state actors, advanced surveillance technology is now available to any client of the unregulated global spyware industry. The 50 000 people targeted by NSO Group spyware includes leading politicians, human rights activists, journalists, lawyers and other political dissidents. This raises serious concerns for democracy around the world. It is crucial that in this House, we treat this scandal with the appropriate level of urgency it deserves. We should gather information and evidence, and present our conclusions. While the technology cannot be rolled back, we can take steps to regulate the surveillance industry and set a global standard. Just to remind the House, already in 2019, the then UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, David Kaye, called for a moratorium on the transfer of spyware until international control and a legal framework were in place.