Speeches

I am very pleased that, after many months of legislative work, we are witnessing the re-entry into force of the flagship Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which, with a budget of over EUR 30 billion, will have an impact on the development of European cross-border transport, energy and digital infrastructure. Investments financed by the CEF will make a significant contribution to economic growth, job creation and competitiveness in the European Union. In addition, modern pan-European infrastructure will play a very important role in achieving the ambitions outlined in the European Green Deal and will ensure targeted EU investments in all Member States. The main objectives of the programme will contribute to the development of transport infrastructure related to the core TEN-T network, making European transport safer, more multimodal and more sustainable, connecting all regions of the European Union and strengthening European integration. A very important aspect of the programme will also be financial support for innovations in the field of energy transport or modern digital solutions, so that the development of Europe goes hand in hand with reducing the environmental impact of transport, increasing energy efficiency and improving the safety of the citizens of the Union.

Mr President, thank you very much. Today I stand before you to express my full support for the embargo on imports of Russian and Belarusian food and agricultural products into the European Union. In order to ensure the stability of EU agricultural production, we need unanimously to cut off supplies coming from the regimes in the East. We cannot continue to tolerate the influx of products at the price of which the blood of our neighbours is shed. Last year, after the total failure of actions, or rather the total lack of them on the part of Commissioner Wojciechowski in relation to the import of agricultural products from Ukraine, it was not possible to ensure controlled and transparent food flow through the EU Member States. That is why today the European agricultural and food sector, and in particular the cereals sector, faces a real challenge. I would also like to refer to the words of Mr Tarczyński's fiery speech and his personal attacks, recalling his vote on trade liberalisation with Ukraine in INTA, where he was ultimately not against, but abstained, did not table any amendments to the report, and Commissioner Wojciechowski did not come to any negotiations on this matter at all. That is why I am addressing farmers on strike all over Europe, from my Podlasie, Warmia and Mazury or Podkarpacie to Portugal: You are the indispensable pillar of the European economy. Your hard work ensures our food security and thanks to that we have access to the highest quality products. To conclude, I urge you, my fellow Members, to strongly support the embargo proposal. Let's wake up until it's too late and really stand up for European farmers.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Independent media play a unique role in democracy. They contribute to shaping public opinion, help citizens form their views and make informed choices. Therefore, the media cannot be treated in the same way as other companies and their independence must be protected at European Union level. Therefore, at this point, I would like to congratulate our rapporteur Sabine Verheugen and our Committee on Education and Culture for the very intense negotiations that have produced results, so that we can adopt this act of media freedom still in this mandate. This act is an extremely important part of the European Union’s efforts to promote democratic participation, protect journalists and support media freedom and pluralism. It will also ensure transparency in the ownership and financial structures of the editorial office. Moreover, this regulation will guarantee safeguards for the media against unjustified moderation activities by large online platforms. It requires them to proactively fight against illegal content such as hate speech, disinformation or incitement to terrorism. By adopting this act on the eve of the European elections, we reaffirm that media freedom is one of the cornerstones of European democracy.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Children are our future, which is why providing them with an environment where they will be healthy and safe is extremely important. Children are citizens of the European Union and enjoy the same rights as those conferred by the Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, including digital rights. Technology surrounds us from all sides and children are in constant contact with it. That is why it is so important to make the internet a safe and child-friendly area. It is crucial that children are not just passive consumers of online content. They should be encouraged to make active and informed use of the technologies available to them. Adequate education in this area is required not only for children, but also for parents and teachers. The importance of protecting children in the online space should also be stressed. All children are entitled to protection, but we must remember that some of them require increased protection, in particular those with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Children need to be continuously educated, empowered and informed not only about the benefits, but also about the risks of the internet, such as cyberbullying. That is why we have introduced amendments – on the need for robust criminal law protection across the European Union to combat cyberviolence – along the lines of the Coco Act in Ireland, which we have identified as good practice. I believe that the Committee on Education and Culture identifies the existing problems very well and makes concrete recommendations to address them and protect children effectively.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Without free media, there is no democracy. It is not without reason that the media have been recognized as the fourth pillar of democracy, and their role is to ensure transparency of government moves and raise public awareness. In recent years, however, the media as the fourth pillar began to lose credibility. With growing concern, we are observing trends that have begun to emerge in some Member States of the European Union, which cannot be defined otherwise than censorship and propaganda. This is why immediate action at EU level is crucial now. The media has the potential to shape public opinion, which is why it is necessary to observe with great caution the growing tendency to spread fake news and disinformation. We must not forget that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. The right balance of needs – ensuring this freedom and the protection of content on the one hand, and the protection of users on the other – requires the utmost care. The institutionalisation of the requirement to protect journalistic sources of information also plays a key role in ensuring media freedom. While some Member States provide complete protection for journalists against identifying their sources of information in criminal or administrative proceedings, others provide only limited protection, and yet in others, protection comes down to a general legal principle that is only a nice formula. We must also bear in mind that media regulation measures have a dual role. First of all, the cultural dimension, which is not inferior to the economic aspects. I believe that Media Freedom Act identifies very well the current challenges facing free media, protects them from influence and I hope that it will become the foundation that will restore the media to their original role. I therefore congratulate Sabine Verheyen, our rapporteur, and the Members of the Committee on Culture and Education for their hard work in achieving this result.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Dear Commissioner, The events that took place in Spain have touched the world of sport. I was a professional footballer myself and the subject of sport is particularly close to me. It is reprehensible that this event took place on a field where values such as healthy competition, equality, tolerance and solidarity were to dominate. With his behavior Luis Rubiales presented the opposite of the ideal of sport, which we try to strive for. However, this is not the only case and it should be noted that violence in sport in general remains a problem. Violence on and off the pitch affects the image of both sports and athletes as role models. Behaviors of this type can jeopardize the role of sport as a tool for conveying positive values. Unfortunately, violence and various forms of intolerance occur in many forms on the pitches of local sports clubs, amateurs and beyond. Especially in the context of team sports. A study by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights shows that racism and discrimination are becoming increasingly common in both amateur and professional sport. Therefore, we must make every effort to learn from recent events and ensure that a similar situation never happens again. My 2021 report on the future of European sport policy contains a number of recommendations that should be implemented as soon as possible by sports federations and organisations, but also by public authorities. Sport must be free from all forms of violence.

Mr President, thank you very much. I would like to thank everyone for such important voices in today's debate. Discouraging people from reading is the quickest way to lose social ties. One of the first things aggressors always do during a war, as they do now in Ukraine, is to burn all books that contradict their ideology. Only an educated society can use its voice to protect its culture. If people stop reading books, they will stop learning. It is a warning against censorship and the dangers of living in a society without knowledge and independent thought. Getting people to give up reading is the quickest way to lose their ability to thrive as a society. In this context, books are invaluable because they are the foundation of science and knowledge. When children learn to read, they don't just decipher words. They also develop the ability to think critically so that they can become active and informed citizens, fully participating in the democratic process. Books are also a great source of entertainment and give you the opportunity to travel without leaving home. They stimulate our imagination and creativity and enable us to better understand the world in which we live. I therefore hope that these recommendations set out in my report will provide important support to the European book sector, which is needed to meet the many new challenges and ensure that our society continues to benefit from the diversity of European literature. I count on your support in tomorrow's plenary vote to send an important signal to the book industry from the European Parliament.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The European book sector is one of the largest cultural and creative industries in the European Union. It employs over half a million people and publishes about 600,000 titles per year. Although it is mainly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises, it is a global leader and most of the leading publishers are European publishers. It has undergone major changes in recent decades, mainly due to the development of digital technologies and the dominance of online market participants. That is why I am proud to have been honoured after more than 10 years of preparation of the report, in which I made a number of recommendations and recommendations for this sector. Moreover, during the vote in the Committee on Culture and Education, these recommendations were adopted practically unanimously. However, without the great cooperation and support of the many Members present today, the political group advisers and our assistants, the end result would not have been possible, and I would like to thank them wholeheartedly for their contribution and work. Many thanks are also due to all the representatives of the book sector, from authors, publishers, translators, distributors, booksellers, librarians and many others, who took part in my consultations and enriched this report with their experience. It is worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated the power and value of books in human life. Many people have reached for books to find solace and survive lockdown and cope with its consequences. Parents bought more educational books for their children to compensate for school closures. This is why the report calls on the Member States to recognise books as a fundamental good and the fundamental role that books play in society from a cultural, social, economic and intellectual point of view. It is crucial to support and promote reading from an early age. That is why we propose to introduce the First Book programme so that children receive their first book and library card. This would be an excellent pilot project in the European Union, encouraging parents to visit the local library. We call on the European Commission to create a label showing independent bookshops in the Union that promote and give visibility to European books, and to introduce "cultural vouchers" that could facilitate the purchase of these books. In particular, improving the accessibility of books for persons with disabilities, the blind and the visually impaired must be a priority for the European book sector. Many European books are not accessible to all Europeans due to the geographical fragmentation of markets, linguistic diversity, the lack of translations and the dominance of English-language books. This is why it is so important to increase the budget of the Creative Europe programme for the period 2028-2034, which should be the highest priority in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Thanks to this, more money will go to the book industry, including funding for translations of literature. Horizon Europe should also be extended to the book sector. Finally, in order to make books more affordable and accessible to the public as essential goods, MEPs propose the introduction of a zero VAT rate for books in Member States, regardless of their format. The need for fair competition is crucial, especially from large technology companies that have a dominant position in the market. As part of the Digital Markets Act, we need to make the interoperability of e-readers mandatory so that your favorite books can be read on any device. Another challenge facing the sector is the green transition. We must support it through financial incentives, research and cooperation and promote the use of sustainable packaging and raw materials that are essential for the production, distribution and transport of printed books. Artificial intelligence in the book sector can have great potential, but we must insist on absolute transparency in its use. These are just some of the key recommendations proposed in this report, but we need to continue working together to ensure that they are implemented by the European Commission and the Member States.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. On behalf of the Polish delegation, the PSL Platform would like to thank Sandra Kalniete, Petras Auštrevičius and other Members for their cooperation in this report. We are watching with concern what is happening in Belarus. The latest decree restricting the possibility of obtaining passports is a form of terror and deprives Belarusian citizens of their civil and political rights. The issuance of passports is a sovereign right of every state, but when Belarus Lukashenko effectively lost its sovereignty to Putin's Russia, is this not an exceptional situation? The European Union should show its support for the Belarusians who had to leave their country. Moreover, Lukashenko is destroying Belarusian culture and the Belarusian language. To this end, we should encourage the Member States of the Union and the institutions of the European Union to promote access to Belarusian culture and language for all students and Belarusians in the European Union. I think this is a good and true report that helps human rights defenders and Belarusians to describe their situation on the international scene, as well as to pursue and pursue further goals and values that are common to a peaceful Europe. It's a live Belarus!

Mr President, thank you very much. The 2022 European Year of Youth is a testament to the European Union's commitment to young and future generations. However, our work for young people did not end on 31 December. We need to capitalise on the long-term legacy of the year and I would therefore like to ask the Commissioner the following question: Has the Commission already carried out an analysis of youth participation and expectations on the basis of recent studies carried out among youth organisations? If so, what were the results of these studies and does the Commission envisage synergies with this year's European Year of Skills, which of course also applies to young people? If so, are there any specific actions planned?

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Andrzej Poczobut is a hero. Andrzej Poczobut is a steadfast man, a journalist who, despite many years of persecution by the Lukashenka regime, has not abandoned the principles of pluralism, truth, freedom and respect for man. For us, Poles, Europeans, Andrzej Poczobut is a long-standing symbol of the fight for the rights of Poles in Belarus, persecuted for many years by the regime. Freedom for Poczobut is a struggle for the future of Europe. That is why it is important that the political and economic pressure of the European Union against the Lukashenko and Putin regimes is relentless. Sanctions and other retaliations, such as the recent closure of the border crossing in Bobrovniki or the possible exclusion of Belarusian athletes from all major sporting events, should be constantly strengthened in order to hit these regimes painfully. I believe that Andrzej will be a hero, but also a builder of a new free Belarus, where the rights of national minorities will be respected and respected. Lives of Belarus!

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. As the Committee on Culture and Education, we welcome the implementation of the New European Agenda for Culture and the European Union's strategy for international cultural relations. It is important to underline that the Commission and the Member States have made progress towards most of the objectives, mainly through the creation of platforms for cultural and creative professionals, as well as the exchange of best practices. I would also like to appreciate the CulturEU website, which is a very useful tool for mapping EU funding opportunities for the cultural and creative sectors. The availability of funding for culture is an area for improvement. Despite the budget increase, Creative Europe remains largely underfunded. Therefore, in the next revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework, we need to increase its budget accordingly. I would also like to draw attention to a very specific issue, namely the possibility of excluding, if necessary, the cultural and heritage sectors from the REACH Chemicals Regulation. This exclusion is particularly important for maintaining and conserving our cultural heritage and monuments in the European Union, such as the restoration of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Hence the amendment that our political group has tabled on this issue.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The European Year of Youth 2022 demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to young and future generations. However, our work for young people must not end on 31 December. We need to capitalise on the long-term legacy of this year, because we need real participation of young people in politics. We owe them concrete results. I deplore the situation in which the year began and, in particular, the hasty pace at which the regulation was adopted, which later delayed the implementation and financing of many projects. I hope that in the future the Commission will ensure that the European Years can be prepared in a timely manner for all stakeholders. During this year's meeting with young people, we learned a lot from them. We know what is important to them, what are their wishes for politics. We are committed to listening to the voices of young people, because we want to work together to shape the future of the European Union, taking into account their aspirations. This end of the European Year of Youth should lead to a change in the way we involve young people in policy-making and decision-making. Whether on climate, social issues or digital development, young people are at the heart of our policies and political priorities. Above all, they are the future of our common Europe.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Just after the start of one of the most important sporting events, i.e. the world championship in Qatar, football is not the number one topic at all. While this should be a reason for a big sport festival, we all know that organizing these championships comes at a high cost and has caused a lot of criticism, especially when it comes to human rights or workers' rights. Thousands of workers who built stadiums lost their lives to make the World Cup a success. This arouses our great sadness and opposition. However, it has to be said that some positive progress has been made on liberalisation and labour reforms in Qatar. As mentioned by the Commissioner, the Cafalli system has been de facto abolished, as stated in the latest report of the International Labour Organisation. We appreciate this progress, but we need guarantees regarding the continuation of these efforts in Qatar, also after the end of the World Cup. Human rights are universal and must apply everywhere. Therefore, in 2017, FIFA introduced new human rights requirements during the bidding process for the organization of the World Cup, the next world championships. These requirements were developed in accordance with United Nations guidelines and were first implemented for the organization of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the US, Canada and Mexico. As a former professional footballer and President of the Sport Group in the European Parliament, I hope that the world of sport and politics will learn from this championship and that future sporting events will be held in full respect of human rights.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. This year is the European Year of Youth. I am therefore pleased that, with young people in mind, it was our Committee on Culture and Education that prepared Parliament's first ever report on eSports and video games. At this point, I would like to congratulate and thank the rapporteur, Laurence Farreng, for her commitment and great cooperation. Merci beaucoup! Video games are an important ecosystem for the European Union, both economically and culturally. It is also one of the few creative sectors that has seen an increase during the COVID crisis. It is worth emphasizing that video games play a positive educational role, and esports can help develop many skills. Video games can be a valuable teaching tool, engaging students in the curriculum, developing their digital skills and creative thinking. Almost half of the players are women. It has been proven that girls who play video games are three times more likely to take up math studies. We need an ambitious and long-term strategy in Europe, as challenges arise, such as talent shortages. We need to invest in training and facilitate visa access and ensure reliable infrastructure and connectivity. A European strategy for intellectual property in video games should also be developed, which is crucial for their investment and growth. Given the potential for addiction and irresponsible behaviour online, the European Union should take a responsible approach to video games and esports, promoting them as part of a healthy lifestyle and physical activity.

Madam President, I'm sorry. The destruction of cultural heritage is one of the Kremlin's cruelest political instruments during its armed aggression against Ukraine, and not only since the beginning of the war on 24 February. Russia pursued this goal already during the occupation and annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the partial occupation of Donbass. What is happening now is just a continuation of this policy on a larger scale. Many Ukrainian cultural sites are located in areas currently occupied by the Russian Federation. In its resolution, the European Parliament condemns Russia’s deliberate destruction of Ukraine’s cultural heritage and the looting and smuggling of cultural goods and describes them as war crimes under the 1954 Hague Convention. This is a very important political signal for the cultural circles of Ukraine. Russia is trying to destroy not only the Ukrainian cultural heritage, but also the national uniqueness, tradition and ultimately the Ukrainian right to exist. To counter this barbaric destruction, the European Parliament calls on the Commission and the Member States to integrate culture and cultural heritage into the European Union’s humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and to provide targeted support to Ukrainian cultural actors, local cultural activities, universities and civil society in shaping and developing Ukraine’s reconstruction. To this end, a dedicated European rapid response and recovery mechanism, with a particular focus on culture and the creative sector, should be established to support artists. One thing is certain: if we want to support Ukraine, we must also protect, preserve and support Ukrainian culture for future generations.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Europeans need to continuously update their knowledge, skills and competences to bridge the gap between education and training and the requirements of a fast-changing labour market. The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a sudden increase in demand for short and tailor-made learning opportunities. This demand for new forms of learning has led to an increased interest in micro-credentials. We therefore welcome the Commission’s three initiatives to develop a European approach to micro-credentials, individual learning accounts and learning for environmental sustainability within the European Education Area by 2025. They will help broaden learning opportunities, deepen mutual recognition, create links with the digital and green transitions. They also aim to strengthen the role of higher education institutions and VET in lifelong learning. As we know, successful careers, inclusion and integration depend to a large extent on the development of skills and competences. They help people adapt to change, succeed and engage. Skills are also crucial for economic growth. Therefore, I hope that the initiatives presented will help to ensure access to education for all at any time in their lives and its flexibility. We, as the European Parliament, support this idea.

Mr President, thank you very much. The Russian Federation has been illegally invading the sovereign territory of Ukraine for more than two months. During this time, we have seen horrific human suffering and destruction in cities and villages. The Russian aggression cannot be ignored, so the five packages of sanctions adopted by the European Union, also targeting the Russian tourism and transport sectors, should enter into force as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this war is also hitting the European economy hard, especially the countries and regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. I am pleased that the resolution to be voted contains many references to the tourism sector, which has been particularly affected during the two years of the pandemic. Therefore, I call for the implementation of financial assistance plans as soon as possible to help European companies particularly affected by Russia's criminal aggression in Ukraine and Lukashenko's migration crisis at the border with Belarus. Today, like never before, the eastern part of Poland, where I come from, which offers help to incoming refugees from Ukraine every day, needs immediate financial support.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. On behalf of the EPP Group, I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Ruiz Devesa, and the entire negotiating team for this report. What is happening in Europe today shows that education is crucial, and civic education in particular. It is the young generation that will determine our future. Education is a prerequisite for active and informed citizenship and thus democratic participation. Unfortunately, only half of pupils in the European Union say they have had the opportunity to learn about Europe at school. Therefore, education about the European Union and its democratic values and processes must be significantly strengthened. We need to enable greater involvement of young people in elections and reduce disinformation. That is why it is so important for the Commission to develop an exemplary curriculum in EU and global citizenship education. It must be developed jointly with experts and representatives of the educational community and adopted by all Member States. These programmes should promote, inter alia, a better understanding of the history of European integration, the institutions of the European Union and their functions, European electoral and decision-making processes, as well as ways in which citizens can participate in the democratic life of the Union. As Members, we also call for concrete targets on citizenship education to be developed and supported through the new European Citizenship Education Strategy. Moreover, we must focus on the quality of teaching that has the greatest impact on effective learning. Continuous education and upskilling for all teachers and trainers is therefore essential, especially with regard to the European and global dimension of citizenship education. Modern civic education must also raise awareness of the green transition and digitalisation, and take into account the need to act responsibly towards the planet as a whole.

Dear Mr President, Dear Commissioner, The Russian invasion of Ukraine not only puts the country and its people at immediate risk, but also threatens the future of a generation. Almost half of the refugees fleeing Ukraine are of school age. That is why we need to ensure that young people have access to education so that they have a chance for the future wherever they are. We must remember that children fleeing Ukraine are vulnerable. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that teachers and instructors are properly prepared to work with refugee children and traumatised children. To ensure their quick access to education, existing digital tools and platforms developed during the pandemic should be used. Let us make sure that Ukrainian children and young people continue their education. In this regard, the European Commission's initiative to extend School Education Gateway, where educational materials from Ukraine and Member States can be accessed in the language of instruction. We must also remember the Ukrainian students who are the future of this nation. I am pleased that many Member States have chosen to make specific funding available for scholarships for them, but a joint European initiative is needed in this regard. It is also necessary to recognise diplomas, qualifications and learning periods, especially for teachers and health professionals. They are essential for the smooth integration of children and young people fleeing Ukraine into their new environment. I would also like to stress the role of sport in the process of integrating refugees, especially children and young people. Member States must ensure that children and young people have access to sports activities. It is sport that can give them a moment of respite, help to improve their well-being or overcome trauma. It will also allow for better adaptation in the new environment and create bonds in the host countries. It is our shared responsibility to give these children and young Ukrainians a sense of security and a chance for a better future, including in the host countries.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. There is no place for racism or discrimination in our society. This is why the European Union must fight hard by adopting the report of the Committee on Education and Culture at tomorrow's plenary session. In order for the Union to be faithful to the words of its motto ‘United in diversity’, there is a need to work actively for racial justice and to actively combat all forms of discrimination. There is no doubt that more needs to be done to support a society built on pluralism, tolerance and non-discrimination, particularly in the fields of culture, education, sport and media policy. This is more important than ever. These areas have an impact on the lives of every resident of the European Union and have a unique ability to reach out to each of us, creating context and giving meaning to our daily relationships. Education, cultural and sporting events and the information we receive through the media are vectors shaping and triggering changes in society and in our behaviour. These are also areas where diversity representation is of paramount importance to encourage people of different ethnic or racial backgrounds, especially young people, to pursue their own personal goals. As a former athlete, I would also like to emphasise the zero-tolerance approach to racism or violence in sport. We therefore call on the Commission, Member States and sports federations to develop measures to prevent such incidents. We need to implement effective sanctions and support the victims of these acts and the athletes who condemn racism and build diversity.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. For more than two years, the health and economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has unquestionably demonstrated the importance of tackling socio-economic and territorial inequalities and of harmonized and coordinated action at EU level that brings real relief to the economy. Although the Schengen area is widely seen as one of the main achievements of the European Union, the pandemic has led most Member States to move away from the free movement of persons. Internal border controls, border closures and temporary quarantine restrictions for travellers have had a dramatic impact on the number of travellers. It is the freedom of movement and residence in the European Union that constitutes one of the most important civic foundations, the main beneficiary being the tourism and transport ecosystem and the small and medium-sized enterprises at its core, which have been particularly affected by the restrictions related to the COVID pandemic. welcomes the fact that the newly presented Recommendation on a coordinated approach to facilitate safe movement during the pandemic follows a person-based approach in the Europe-wide Digital COVID Certificate. Undoubtedly, this will simplify the existing rules in all countries and ensure additional transparency and consistency for travellers regarding sanitary restrictions, especially important for the aviation sector, as it is the restoration of trust among travellers that is necessary to resume demand for air and tourism services, and a strategic approach that encourages travel and gives passengers a sense of security is crucial in this case.

Dear Mr President, Dear Minister, Youth is at the heart of today's debate and at the heart of the work of the European Parliament. Young people are the future of Europe. Young people are our hope. It is therefore good that we have succeeded in establishing 2022 as the European Year of Youth to highlight its role in building a better future – greener, more inclusive and digital. I am pleased that during the European Year of Youth there will be many opportunities to learn, share your vision, meet people and engage across Europe. It is time to think with confidence and hope about the future after the end of the pandemic. Moreover, the Conference on the Future of Europe also focuses on young people and gives them the opportunity to share their vision. Today in plenary, we are voting on a resolution on young people and their competences in employment and social affairs. In this resolution, we call for greater involvement and consultation of the social partners and youth organisations in the implementation of the European Youth Guarantee. We need to make full use of the opportunities offered by existing initiatives such as Erasmus+ and funds to support the employment and social situation of young people. Mental health, strengthening education, training and skills measures and ensuring equal opportunities and access to inclusive labour markets are key to building the future of young people. Dear young people, this is your year. Therefore, be the best ambassadors for this year and for Europe's common future.

Mr President, thank you very much. The pandemic has deprived young people of many opportunities to meet friends, meet new people or experience and discover new cultures. While we cannot give them their lost time, today we propose to make 2022 the European Year of Youth. The aim is to listen to and engage young people and to offer concrete opportunities for young people. We also need to bridge the gap between generations. Today's young people are less interested in traditional forms of participation, but actively advocate for what they believe in. We commit to listening to their voices, as we are doing now in the Conference on the Future of Europe. We want to work together to shape the future of the European Union, taking into account the aspirations of our young people. The European Year of Youth should lead to a change in the way we involve young people in policy-making, climate, social and digital decision-making. Young people must be at the heart of our policies and political priorities. I hope that thanks to joint action at European and national level and a budget of EUR 8 million for this purpose, the organisation of the year will be successful. As a father of three, I am convinced that we must empower young people, because their diversity, courage and boldness are essential for our future as Europeans.

Madam President, I'm sorry. I live in Podlasie, in the border region between Poland and Belarus, and I observe the dramas of migrants closely every day. Today, we are united by the sense of injustice that, on the orders of the dictator Lukashenko, confronts these people. Thousands of refugees cynically exploited by the Belarusian regime, victims of its attack on Poland and the European Union, are suffering from hunger and cold. They dreamed of a better life and faced a terrible fate. It is an attempt by the regime to blackmail and extort tribute from Europe. It is also an unprecedented example of state terrorism. We cannot remain indifferent, which is why further painful sanctions are necessary. From this point of view, I would like to say that I appreciate the commitment of the Polish army, border guards, firefighters and civilians who help protect our border. Let us also not forget that hundreds of Belarusian patriots are being persecuted behind the bars of Belarusian prisons and camps, who did not want to acknowledge the fraudulent elections and made it loud. We stand in solidarity both with the victims of the Lukashenka regime who are trapped in the border area and with the imprisoned and repressed Belarusian oppositionists. Only joint pressure on Lukashenko will lead to an end to the violence and the exposure of these innocent people. It's a live Belarus!