Speeches

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. Friends and colleagues! I believe that the Net-Zero Industry Act is a key step towards delivering on our commitment to climate neutrality by 2050. By moving to net zero, we have the ability to ensure a secure and sustainable supply chain. This means diversifying energy sources and investing in domestic production capacity. The regulation encourages Member States to make targeted investments in specific areas across Europe, which will strengthen the European Union's energy system. In addition to improving the definition of technology and integrating innovation and competitiveness, funding is earmarked for the successful transition of industry towards sustainable production. Let us make sure that the implementation of this act brings benefits to citizens by creating jobs and preserving economic stability. I believe that by focusing on different zero-emission technologies and using our own European industry, we are not only tackling climate change, but also ensuring the resilience of our energy and industrial system.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. We now have a serious problem for our ecosystem, for human health and for the economy, as there are more than two million tons of microplastics in the oceans and seas. With a simultaneous annual production of more than 430 million tonnes of plastics, two-thirds of which are quickly discarded products, these pollutants will increase. Microplastics end up in the ocean and then in our food by improper handling and transport of pellets. With our regulation, we want to reduce pellet losses by three quarters. We require contractors and carriers to prevent pellet spills, secure spilled pellets and clean up after spillage or loss of pellets. These and other specific requirements will be required from EU carriers and non-EU carriers. By reducing the release of plastic pellets into the environment, this regulation will lead to cleaner and healthier ecosystems, which is crucial for the well-being of citizens and the preservation of our planet for future generations.

Madam President, I'm sorry. I welcome and support the position of the European Commission and Commissioner Ferreira. I would also like to add that older people after reaching retirement age should be encouraged and not discouraged from continuing their professional and social activities. Seniors must have an unconditional right to receive their pension and continue their professional activity. Pensioners must not be discriminated against by paying them less and giving them less responsibility. Pensioners must be guaranteed the right to the same wages as people of working age.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Dear Colleagues, A report by the European Environment Agency shows the alarming risks of climate change. And it is not only about rising temperatures, but also about threats to the environment, food security, health, access to water, the energy system, infrastructure, threats to our economy, supply chains and jobs. We must do everything we can to prevent these catastrophic scenarios. And that's why we're introducing environmental regulations, including CO2 reductions. We need to secure our infrastructure, including critical infrastructure, to be resilient to climate change. We need to create climate resilience in the healthcare sector and easy access to weather insurance for farmers, homeowners and entrepreneurs. These efforts must be undertaken as part of a global partnership with other regions of the world, as we must avoid a new wave of climate migrants who will not have a safe place to live.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Friends and colleagues! Every year, about 160,000 tonnes of plastic pellets and 12 million tonnes of various types of contaminated plastic enter our seas and oceans, polluting our ecosystems. We do not know from today that plastic pollution of the seas and oceans negatively affects the organisms of fish and people who may be exposed to the consumption of these pollutants in a direct and indirect way. The environmental disaster that began in Portugal and hit Spain's Galicia could also affect other European coasts. This situation shows that we need to increase control over the safety of the transport of toxic goods around Europe, use monitoring and rapid response services that can quickly prevent contamination or reduce its extent and impact on the environment. As part of the ‘polluter pays’ principle, companies have to be more responsible for goods lost while transporting them, so that it is more profitable to maintain transport safety than to pay insurance costs. Tools are also needed to help local communities fight for a clean environment that guarantees human and animal health. We need to make sure that the oceans are not free rubbish dumps.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. We have all seen pictures of Russian atrocities in Ukraine: Bucza, Irpień, Kachowka. Putin's regime does not value people or the environment. They are trying to replace the rule of law with the law of force. The biggest danger is that other countries are watching closely where the boundary of impunity is. Ukrainians today pay the price with their lives, standing up against Russia in defence of European values and principles. One of them is our commitment to protecting the environment to make our planet habitable for our children and grandchildren. We must hold Russia accountable for the increase in radiation in the Chernobyl zone, for the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, for the mining of thousands of hectares of land and for many other war crimes. We must set a precedent for the aggressor to pay for the damage and reconstruction of the damaged areas so that he knows the full cost of the war he has caused. Moreover, it is in our interest to help rebuild Ukraine as soon as possible, because for us Ukraine is not a grey area, but a like-minded country that we want to see as a strong economic partner in our European family.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Let us give small modular reactors a chance, because we want Europe to be energy self-sufficient, industrially developed, efficient, all with the lowest possible impact on the climate. Let's give small modular reactors a chance and lead the process of systematization and setting the highest safety and security standards. Because we want the best for Europe and we want to feel safe in our homes, now is the time to analyse and choose the most efficient and safe nuclear technology. Let us give small modular reactors a chance and ensure that this technology is used in trigeneration to illuminate our cities, to heat and cool our homes, and to increase hydrogen production. And let us ensure that these reactors are co-owned by citizens, that the profits from the production of cheap energy end up in the pockets of ordinary citizens.

Mr President, thank you very much. The 1991 Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive should have been amended a long time ago. With this review, we aim for a high level of environmental and health standards while maintaining the accessibility and affordability of the Directive. First of all, we want our waters to be clean and sewage to be better treated, and now with the 4th level of treatment, harmful micro-pollutants will be removed from the system. Level 4 treatment is an example of a necessary modification, but the burden of costs cannot be passed directly on to citizens through the water bill. The extended producer responsibility scheme must play a central role here in line with the ‘polluter pays’ principle. We also need financial support at European Union level to spread the costs and leave no one behind, because waters know no borders. Microplastics are another challenge that we have identified and asked to find tools that will keep them away from our water and food. Secondly, in line with our climate neutrality goals, we want the wastewater treatment industry to become energy neutral, like all other sectors of our lives. To make this achievable and realistic at this stage, we call for green energy generation at the wastewater treatment site, as well as joint energy generation by owners and operators of urban wastewater treatment plants. In addition, it will be possible to obtain up to 25% of renewable energy from external sources in case of proven necessity. But the goal of climate neutrality must be achieved at the end. We firmly believe that the citizens of the European Union have the right to a clean environment, and we have a duty to ensure that.

Madam President, Mr MEP, I would like to thank you very much. We have a very serious crisis in the cereals market in many European countries. I have a question for you, because today we are all very excited about it: were there interventions, are you aware that there have been interventions by Members of the European Parliament with the Commissioner on a possible cereals crisis? Do you know that this could have been prevented earlier? What were the Commissioner's responses? What were the responses from the Commission, if such calls were made by MEPs?

(the beginning of the speech outside the microphone)... and Polish mines are already using these technologies to a large extent. In some mines, more than 30% of methane is captured from coal deposits and converted into energy, heat, which is needed in industry. Of course, there is the problem of methane emissions from the air, methane, which are ventilated mines. Here, too, we have technologies (they are unfortunately very expensive), but I think that our joint work will lead to the fact that we will be able to capture as much of this methane as possible and protect our climate.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Methane-reducing legislation is an extremely important topic. As Europeans, we must fight climate change in a comprehensive way. This means taking into account not only CO2, but also other emissions that affect our planet. I would like to thank the rapporteurs for preparing such a comprehensive directive and taking into account various national specificities, including the requests made by trade unions in Poland. It is crucial to make this transition fair and equitable, leaving no one behind and avoiding a drastic increase in unemployment. We should also ensure that the money paid by industry for failing to meet its obligations goes back to the sector for a transition towards climate objectives. Finally, there is no doubt that our aim is to ensure that Europe not only sets an example, but also uses its market power to motivate other countries to reduce methane emissions by treating European and third-country production equally. (The speaker agreed to answer the question by picking up the blue card)

Mr President, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, Today we are discussing the key elements of the Fit for 55 package, which sets out European climate law. At the outset, I would like to thank the rapporteurs for their very hard work and, in my view, the success they have achieved. Climate change is happening. No one can question that. We all pay for them with our health and jeopardize the future of our children. Millions of people are calling for swift and effective action. It is important to emphasize and ensure that the green transition is for people, not against them. The post-COVID-19 economic recovery is an opportunity to steer finance towards progressive, green and highly effective technologies. Those who want to do more must be rewarded and given the necessary means to achieve their ambitious goals. This becomes crucial for mining and high-emission areas. It is our duty to ensure that such regions are reoriented, jobs are protected and new ones must be created by creating a carbon-free industry in these regions. It is our duty to ensure that the green transition is carried out in a fair, socially fair and inclusive way. To ensure Europe's prosperity for the coming decades, we should provide the necessary investment for industry and support for the most vulnerable through instruments such as the Just Transition Fund, the Social Climate Fund and, for countries such as Poland, through an increased Modernisation Fund.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. I am glad that you mentioned that you are in favour of a circular economy. I am glad that you said you were in favour of reducing CO2 emissions. I would also like you to address the issue of restricting exports of scrap metal from Europe. It's decarbonized metal. We export 20 million tons of scrap every year. In the production of steel from scrap, we emit four times less CO2 than in the production of steel from iron ore. We have decarbonized metal, and we export it abroad, raising scrap prices in Europe and raising steel material prices in Europe. Steel is the main element of investment. Without steel, there is no investment. I therefore call on the European Commission to address the scrap market and export restrictions. Many countries have already restricted scrap exports, protecting their market and decarbonised metal.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The response to the current energy crisis must be comprehensive and show how united the whole of Europe is in the face of the Russian attack through the use of energy resources. In this war, we have three equally important battles that, as Europe, we must win. Above all, we must ensure that the European Union meets its energy needs for this and next winter, which will be even more difficult. Nor can we forget our European allies, such as Ukraine or Moldova, which are now in an even more difficult situation than we are. The second battle is with speculators in the single market. Joint purchasing is important not only to provide us with energy, but also so that the price is not inflated by our own countries and our own companies fighting for access to fuels. This internal competition is devastating. Everyone in the European Union must have access to cheap energy sources, regardless of the country or city in which they live. Another key instrument that needs to be implemented is socially acceptable prices for energy and energy raw materials. Last but not least is the further integration of our capabilities through interconnectors, which must prepare us in parallel for future possible crises and for the use of environmentally friendly energy sources such as hydrogen.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Since 22 February, we have witnessed daily attacks and crimes against the Ukrainian population, e.g. in Bucha, and against civilian infrastructure. More than 30% of the power plants in Ukraine have already been destroyed. This was done by the Russian army at the express order of President Putin of Russia. Such attacks in international law are called terrorism. Putin has repeatedly threatened to attack with nuclear weapons and is responsible for attacks on nuclear power plants, such as Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia. This is nuclear terrorism. It must be punished. Russia has long crossed the border between a country supporting terrorism, as in the case of the downing of the Dutch aircraft MH17, and has already become a clear terrorist country, which must be included on the list of terrorist organizations, and Putin must be considered a terrorist and prosecuted by an international arrest warrant. In addition, countries that provide Russia with weapons used to attack civilian targets and critical infrastructure (for example, kamikaze drones) must be recognized as sponsors of terrorism.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. We are a victim of Russia's energy attack because we have become dependent on the country's energy resources. I therefore expect swift action by the Commission to impose additional sanctions on Russia in response to hostile actions on the energy market. I also expect faster action by the Commission to introduce joint purchasing of energy raw materials. This was achieved with the purchase of vaccines. This must also be done when purchasing energy resources. We also need swift action to curb the huge, usurious profits of speculators and energy commodity traders. We need to introduce penalties, including a ban on activities in the European Union, for those who get rich today at the expense of poor and freezing Europeans and at the expense of failing companies. We need to step up our support for building more interconnectors between countries. We also need a swift response to Ukraine's proposals to transport energy and gas from Ukraine to the European Union. We also need to reduce European levies, including the ETS, on energy raw materials, at least until the end of the energy crisis.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. I would like to start by thanking everyone for their hard work and cooperation on these important pieces of legislation. We are responsible for handing over a safe and habitable planet to our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, climate change caused by us can destroy it. Protecting the Earth requires effort and action today. Europe must lead the global green transition, while securing jobs for our citizens, industrial potential and strategic independence, and a space for innovation. Therefore, our goals and limitations introduced by Fit for 55, involve an increase in funding for innovation and the deployment of the necessary green technologies. We have a large innovation fund, an increased modernisation fund – specifically for the countries with the lowest incomes and a new dedicated social fund to protect citizens. We also introduce continuous checks on the economic situation. I believe that with these tools, the transformation, although it will not be easy for us, will be fair and will achieve its goals.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Thank you for the RepowerEU plan. We all see that Russia is waging a war not only on the territory of Ukraine, but also a hybrid, energy war with the countries of the European Union. Russia, knowing that it cannot win against the whole Union, is attacking individual countries, such as Poland, Bulgaria, Finland, in order to break up the community of the European Union. We can't let that happen. Therefore, in accordance with point 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union, we must give a common response to the clear aggression by Russia. The answer should be to establish a true energy community. I thank the Commission for setting up an energy platform and call for the immediate creation of a common mechanism for the purchase of energy raw materials, as has been done for the purchase of vaccines. Already today we see price competition between our countries, which want to quickly become independent from fuel purchases from Russia. Joint purchasing will ensure lower fuel prices, diversification of supply and greater European energy security.

Mr President, thank you very much. The High House! The Russians, on behalf of Russia, carry out horrific crimes in Ukraine, murdering people, destroying the cultural heritage of a 1000-year-old country. Today we must do everything to ensure that Russia pays for these crimes. And when this conflict ends, we must remember that the sanctions imposed on Russia can only be lifted when Russia pays for all these crimes, when all the criminals are punished. Russia must be defeated.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. Europe's green transition cannot stop. Therefore, the ETS is an essential element in supporting the green transition of the economy. The IAS, as a tool of interest, must at the same time support change and stabilise the market so that our citizens are not exposed to unpredictable price fluctuations. The ETS cannot depend only on the free market. We know that before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Russia speculatively led to an increase in oil and gas prices in Europe. I ask the Commission to check that Russia, through companies linked to Russian capital, has not manipulated the prices of CO2 allowances, leading to a sharp increase in the prices of these allowances a few months ago. We have seen that the autumn increase in the price of allowances has led to a deterioration in the competitiveness of the European economy in all sectors. Today, we already know that the Market Stability Reserve needs to react more quickly and secure Europe's resilience to extraordinary events.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their work on this important report. I am pleased that it takes into account the expectations of achieving our ambitious climate targets by supporting the construction of more and different types of offshore wind farms. I expect the Commission to provide significant assistance in implementing these plans for countries such as Poland, which do not yet have experience with the construction of offshore wind towers. I believe that greater support from the European Commission could result in up to 450 gigawatts needed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It is also important that the Commission, when implementing individual hybrid projects, ensures that the inevitable rise in water levels in seas and oceans in the medium and long term is taken into account, so that the energy infrastructure to be built is safe and can serve the next generation of wind towers.