What Izabela-Helena spoke about.

14

Mar

2024

Speeches PL

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Inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Dear MEPs, Every human being has the right to absolute respect for the fundamental good of life. And the recognition of this right is the foundation of coexistence between people and the existence of a political community. Nothing and no one can give this right, the right to kill an innocent human being. Whether it is an embryo or a fetus, a child or an adult, an old man, terminally ill or dying. No authority has the right to force it or allow it. These are the words of Saint John Paul II, still more relevant today than ever. Now the question is whether enshrining the right to abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is to be a realization of the policy of depopulation of Europe. This policy was clarified in 1972 by the Club of Rome in the report Limits to Growth, and currently the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen from the Christian party EPP so eagerly recalls this report. For Poland 15 million people, is that it? Yes, the MEP said "culture of death". This culture is promoted by the left-liberal minority.

27

Feb

2024

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Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 - Establishing the Ukraine Facility - Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’) (joint debate - multiannual financial framework revision)

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. I am not happy with this budget. It is the budget of the European Union, which in fact serves to blackmail sovereign governments, and to sponsor governments blindly obedient to the EU headquarters. Poland is a clear example of this. Two years after the Kremlin's aggression, the value of Polish hardware assistance provided to Ukraine exceeded EUR 3.5 billion. This is due to the previous government of Law and Justice, the government of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, which Brussels, in accordance with Mrs Barley's prescription, decided to starve financially. I admire the fact that after all we see in Poland, you have the audacity to talk about the restoration of the rule of law. As you can see, the European Commission likes the illegitimate methods of political struggle of Donald Tusk's government. There are mutual visits of friendship, support reminiscent of the times of visits of secretaries from Moscow. Today, Brussels is reaching a record level of cynical deceit. You have lost all credibility, not just among farmers. Soon you will also lose power.

6

Feb

2024

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EU2040 climate target (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. This debate is important and groundbreaking as it shows Europeans who is on their side. Who, like millions of people protesting on European streets, is demanding a revision of the EU's climate policy. A policy that pushes people to the brink of poverty and ruins industry and agriculture. This debate also shows which parties and which politicians in the Commission and in Parliament continue to support Europe's economic suicide. Inconvenient information about the effects of climate policy today is extinguished by water cannons, but the truth cannot be sunk. This truth is an accusation to most of you. Now the farmers are accusing you, tomorrow the workers from the closed factories will probably come here, and the day after tomorrow the young people will be deceived by the "green" utopia that is listening to this debate today. Do you realize that most people are tired of your moralistic clichés about the planet, the climate and the new order you are preparing for Europe? Wake up now! Wake up also for your own good, before your dream becomes a nightmare – for the citizens, but also for you.

16

Jan

2024

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Presentation of the programme of activities of the Belgian Presidency (debate)

Madam President, I'm sorry. The programme of the Belgian Presidency begins with the words: “Involved in democracy and strengthening the rule of law”. Therefore, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that within a month of the formation of the government in Poland, there has been an illegal, violent takeover of the public media, an illegal dismissal of the national prosecutor, an unlawful arrest in the Presidential Palace of former interior ministers, currently deputies. Not to mention other unprecedented actions by ministers that have caused institutional chaos in the state. The law in Poland has ceased to work. This is accompanied by a disgusting manipulation of information in the European mainstream media. According to them, the solutions of force are the restoration of order, and the defenders of the law are populists and nationalists. Unfortunately, today in the European Union it is not important what is being done, but it is important who is doing it. That's why I'm asking from here: Has Prime Minister Donald Tusk received a licence in Brussels to demolish Poland?

14

Dec

2023

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Outcome of the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (COP28) (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, Although we hear here voices of complacency about the achievements of COP28, it is already clear to everyone that the world outside the United States and the European Union has a completely different idea of sustaining economic growth. Drastic climate measures will not only keep the Union isolated, but will also place hard-to-accept burdens on its citizens and cause job losses. And the question: Are our citizens ready to buy expensive electric cars, pay several times higher bills for heating and food? I don't think so. Our planet is not dying. People are dying of poverty. Also, most EU citizens do not want to die for the planet. The conclusions of COP 28 show that climate diplomacy is indeed a mirage of Western liberal elites. The sooner we understand this, the better for Europe. But to be clear, renewable energy – yes, but realistically and pragmatically. For people, for their good and for a peaceful, better life.

12

Dec

2023

Speeches PL

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Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Poland is a producer of two raw materials that are extremely important in the energy transition process: coking coal, which is necessary for the production of steel, and copper, which is necessary for the production of cables and semiconductors. In difficult but efficient negotiations in the European Parliament, for which I thank you, the status of coking coal as a critical raw material has been maintained. The unique role of coking coal for the European economy is also recognised by officials of the European Commission. Thank you, Commissioner. The European energy transition needs steel, copper and many other key raw materials to be sought primarily in Europe. The most important thing, however, is to adapt the pace of this transformation to the technological capabilities and raw materials resources of our continent. Too fast, revolutionary pace of change leads to the escape of companies and the deindustrialization of the European Union. The European economy will not be attractive or exemplary if it proves to be a history of ideology's victory over common sense. And I am pleased that the regulation on critical raw materials is a sign of common sense in thinking about the economy. I welcome the good prospects for the largest European producer of coking coal, Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa. At this point, I would like to greet the miners from Silesia from the European Parliament. We did it.

22

Nov

2023

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Threat to rule of law as a consequence of the governmental agreement in Spain (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, On July 23, Spain went to sleep democratic and woke up separatist. The government is co-created by extreme nationalists who recently used terrorism, and today exclusion and violence against their fellow citizens. It is not surprising that the coalition agreement announced a frontal attack on the separation of powers. Parliamentary committees are to assess the judgments of independent courts, and those with influential friends will be subject to amnesty. Meanwhile, well, the President of the European Commission sends her congratulations. The Members present here, who accept what is happening in Spain, deprive themselves of the moral right to speak about the rule of law. Pedro Sánchez had a choice: rule of law or formation of government. He chose the latter, and the price will be paid by all Spanish citizens, especially the residents of Catalonia and the Basque Country.

13

Sep

2023

Speeches PL

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Framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Dear Colleagues, Imports of many raw materials, such as lithium, magnesium or nickel, often depend on a single supplier. It is usually China. They are increasingly resorting to blackmail policies towards Europe. At the same time, they benefit from their dominant position on the global raw materials market. I therefore recommend that you vote in favour of the ITRE report, but I would like to draw your attention to the amendment tabled by me on behalf of the group, and I would be grateful if you could support this amendment. It was also signed by Polish EPP and S&D MEPs Jerzy Buzek and Łukasz Kohut. The amendment aims to add coking coal to the list of strategic raw materials. I believe that coking coal should also be on this list of strategic raw materials. It is a raw material necessary for the production of steel, which in turn is necessary for the production of, for example, windmills or elements of electric cars, i.e. it actually supports the European Union's climate policy. In addition, demand for this raw material will continue to grow and there is currently no possibility to replace it with other raw materials. The presence on the list of strategic raw materials guarantees numerous benefits, such as, for example, an accelerated permit granting process. Honourable Members, I very much ask you all to support this amendment number 2.

12

Jul

2023

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Delivering on the Green Deal: risk of compromising the EU path to the green transition and its international commitments (debate)

Madam President, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, It is time to ask ourselves: does the Green Deal strengthen Europe? Let's face it: The European Green Deal weakens European industry and accelerates the marginalisation of the European economy, even exacerbating Europe’s marginalisation in global geopolitical competition. Most of the countries we trade with have much lower or no carbon prices at all. SIBAM in this formula will not change this. The EU's climate ambitions have no real impact on global warming, but they have a very real impact on reducing the competitiveness of the European economy, rising prices and warming the atmosphere, but the political one in our countries. Despite the ongoing institutional climate alarmism campaign, our societies do not understand and do not share a fanatical approach to achieving climate goals. People are tired of men being driven to work with S-Class Mercedes, passing on the cost of their ideas to people who don't have enough to pay their monthly bills. These people will soon be voting in the European elections, and their voice of protest will be as justified as possible and will probably lead to the necessary adjustment of EU policy. Lowering the competitiveness of enterprises, lowering the standard of living of societies, rising energy, food prices and, in general, the cost of living of European families: This is a green deal.

8

May

2023

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Methane emissions reduction in the energy sector (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Tomorrow we are voting on a regulation to reduce methane emissions. Let us remember that the gravity of this problem goes far beyond the framework of the EU's climate policy. For Upper Silesia, where I come from, which is also a litmus test of the success of the European Green Deal, it is also a fundamental issue for economic and social reasons. I would therefore like to thank the rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs for their constructive dialogue. These were sometimes very difficult conversations, but also specific and substantive ones, tinged with concern not only for the climate, but also for people and jobs in the mines. I am glad that we managed to find a compromise, about which we have already talked a lot today, which gives more breath, above all, to the Polish mines. I would like to ask you to vote in favour of this text. Let us vote wisely, responsibly, in a spirit of EU solidarity.

17

Apr

2023

Speeches PL

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Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System - Monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport - Carbon border adjustment mechanism - Social Climate Fund - Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. The primary objective of the CBAM was to stop carbon leakage. This is what the relocation of companies from the European Union to third countries is called because of the restrictive environmental requirements related mainly to the price of CO2 emissions. Unfortunately, the legislative work in the European Parliament, as usual, has turned this mechanism into a climate weapon. The CBAM, instead of the regulator of the economy – as it was originally intended to be – has become another tool to penalise industry for its production. As rapporteur for the ITRE Committee, I stressed the need to maintain free ETS allowances for a long time. The CBAM is a new instrument and it is known that its rapid implementation will cause many problems for European industry. The extreme demands for a swift withdrawal of free emission allowances in Parliament's final text were somewhat relaxed in trilogues. Nevertheless, the text is still very unrealistic. I am afraid of higher costs for companies in the sector covered by this mechanism. These costs will ultimately be paid by consumers. In addition, the CBAM may disproportionately affect smaller companies and those operating in less economically developed regions, potentially leading to job losses and economic difficulties. If we do not take care of European industry, the CBAM will also not protect it and will remain, I fear, a naive tool with questionable effectiveness.

15

Feb

2023

Speeches PL

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Access to strategic critical raw materials (debate)

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Madam Minister, I'm sorry. I don't have to repeat what's been obvious for a long time. The hasty and chaotic energy and climate transition is having a negative impact on our economy. The challenge of the current crisis times is to protect our domestic production with all available means and to create a level playing field for European companies. I will refer here to coking coal, which is of great importance for steel production, and the by-products of this process are essential for renewable energy. I would ask the Commission to keep coking coal on the list of critical raw materials. Polish production of this raw material is gaining great importance in our part of the world. This should be clear to anyone who understands the geopolitical situation at all. And now some numbers: out of 13 million tonnes of coking coal produced in Europe in 2020, 12 million were extracted in Poland. In general, there is a structural shortage of coking coal in the European Union. Almost all EU extraction is consumed within the Union. I will say more, the whole of Europe needs Polish coking coal.

23

Nov

2022

Speeches PL

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A truly interconnected Energy Single Market to keep bills down and companies competitive (topical debate)

Madam President, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, We are all concerned about electricity bills and the weakening competitiveness of EU companies. We live on the eve of a great social rebellion. But who is to blame for this situation? I'm skipping the war right now. Most of us are supporters of aggressive climate policy, which is the main cause of chaos in today's energy market in Europe. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen! I'll say it bluntly: Europe needs cheap and stable energy. Renewable energy alone is not enough here. They will never give us stability. If one thinks otherwise, one makes a fatal and consequential error. Don't fight what logic and common sense tell you. There is no rational reason today to give up gas, atom and coal. If we really want to cut our electricity bills and make the EU economy more competitive, let's do the obvious. Recognize that fossil and nuclear fuels must be part of energy and climate plans for the next 30 or even 50 years. Let us not delude ourselves that we will be the climate saviors of the world.

18

Oct

2022

Speeches PL

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UN Climate Change Conference 2022 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt (COP27) (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, We rightly ask ourselves whether other countries will keep up with the climate ambitions of the European Union. The answer is widely known. This is a negative answer. We see a widening gap between climate fighters in Europe and more pragmatic governments in India or China. However, we do not see any signs of realism on the part of decision-makers in Europe. The European Union will continue to preach to the world and destroy its economy with the same zero impact on global climate change. We have a real war in Europe. This is not the time to increase climate finance. This is not the time to wind up a spiral of so-called climate ambitions. And above all, it is not the time to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Europe's citizens need an answer to the energy crisis, not the same mistakes that caused it.

15

Sep

2022

Speeches PL

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Implementation of the Updated New Industrial Strategy for Europe: aligning spending to policy (debate)

Madam President, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Deindustrialisation is the bane of Europe. Companies are moving production outside the European Union and no one is happy about it. It is good that Parliament in this report calls for job creation, competitiveness and the promotion of breakthrough technologies. The problem is that in the headquarters of the European Commission, there are those working under one roof who are trying to somehow support the European producer, and those who are inflicting painful blows on him are imposing further unbearable burdens. I'm sure these people even have lunch together. This is a kind of institutional schizophrenia, which unfortunately directly affects the pillars of the European economy. The European Union has finally understood that it must reduce its dependence on Russian gas and oil. We had to fight this war in Ukraine. Making the most of our own resources, including coal and nuclear, is the only logical solution in the current geopolitical situation. Mrs Penkova from S&D. Discrimination or open rejection of these energy sources is another historic mistake and the inevitable escape of industry will only be one of its consequences.

13

Sep

2022

Speeches PL

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EU response to the increase in energy prices in Europe (debate)

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. To curb energy prices, the European Commission is proposing a package of ad hoc solutions for times of crisis. It is worth remembering that this crisis began before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia's actions are only one of the causes of the current crisis. It is good to see that consumers are suffering and that European industry is sinking. It's a good thing someone's trying to throw some lifebuoys. Industry is really sinking. It is a pity that the European Commission does not want to cut off the stone that it has tied around our necks. This stone is the pathology of the ETS system. It is necessary first to free the energy producers from this stone at the neck, and then to throw various lifebuoys. This whole spectacle showing the European Commission's concern for energy consumers is really a show action and will not solve the problems, because it does not touch on their cause. Freezing the ETS would significantly reduce energy prices. This should be the main contribution of the European Union to the fight against the current crisis. And that's what we're counting on.

6

Jul

2022

Speeches PL

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The Three Seas Initiative: challenges and opportunities (topical debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, Ladies and Gentlemen, At the moment, there is no more important strategic initiative for Europe than to strengthen the capacities of the Three Seas countries. These countries form the logistical and military base for the warring Ukraine. Meanwhile, the European Commission is behaving like an insulted five-year-old against the region's largest country. One day President von der Leyen comes to Warsaw and says that Poland will receive money. A few days later, another Commissioner, Commissioner Jurova, announces that we have zero euro for Poland, because we do not like this and that. That is why I ask when will the European Commission reach emotional and political maturity in order to finally stand on the side of the whole of Europe? Today, in order to seriously talk about real aid for Central and Eastern Europe, you need to go to London or Washington. If nothing changes, soon from us, Poles, you will be able to hear only the words of the March of the First Brigade of the Legions of J. Piłsudski: “Today we do not want your recognition, nor your speeches, nor your tears. The days of knocking on your heads, on your hearts are over.” But I am counting on the support of Commissioner Kadri Simson.

7

Jun

2022

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Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System - Social Climate Fund - Carbon border adjustment mechanism - Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation - Notification under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) (joint debate – Fit for 55 (part 1))

Mr President, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, On Wednesday, we will vote on the CBAM mechanism. As rapporteur for the ITRE Committee, I must stress the need to strike the right balance between the climate objectives of the European Union and the needs of European industry and ordinary citizens. The ENVI report on CBAM is very unrealistic and I would even say potentially destructive, especially for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, but also for Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands. Companies employing hundreds of thousands of people in Europe will not survive if free ETS allowances are phased out too quickly. Please remember that we have a war in Ukraine, high inflation and record high energy prices. Emission leakage, i.e. the exodus of European producers to third countries, will further exacerbate this. I would therefore like to address you and draw your attention to amendments 201 and 219 tabled on behalf of the ITRE Committee. We propose to start phasing out free CO2 allowances two years later than foreseen by the Commission, i.e. only from 2028. This is what industry expects. This is necessary to preserve jobs in Europe. Finally, I would like to thank you very much for the compromise we have reached in the Commission. We obtained it together with S&D, Renew and EPP, ID, ECR.

5

May

2022

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The impact of the war against Ukraine on women (debate)

Madam President, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, As you know, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, over 3 million refugees have arrived in Poland. More than 90% of them are women with children. President von der Leyen likes to talk about supporting women. But what exactly has the European Commission done for women from Ukraine? She did practically nothing! In the middle of Europe, several million women fleeing the war have not received any real help from the European Commission. The Commission only offers to relocate existing funds. What's more, as you can see in this room, some people are very keen for Ukrainian women who have survived the trauma of bombings and separation from their husbands to survive the trauma of abortion. They need clothing, food and medicine. And Mr. Biedroń would definitely like to give them abortion pills. Meanwhile, mothers who fled the war gave birth to a thousand children in Poland. Each of these children is a source of joy and hope for them. These mothers live in our homes, they learn in our schools, they benefit from free Polish health care. This is an estimated cost of 13 billion euros per year. Unfortunately, the European Commission is not planning any extraordinary assistance, either for the Polish government, local governments or NGOs – and thus for women and children. In comparison, the Commission has provided more than €3 billion to Turkey for refugees from Syria. So why are Ukrainian women in Poland less important to the Commission? Why did Erdogan not have to wait for European aid? And we are still waiting and asking – what else does Poland have to do to be treated at least like Turkey?

8

Mar

2022

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Rising energy prices and market manipulation on the gas market (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Do we really have to be slaves of Gazprom? Unfortunately, some countries have to bear the cost of past mistakes, but this is better than staying hypocritical. We are displaying Ukrainian flags, but we do not want, at least some countries, to break with Russian gas and Russian coal. Meanwhile, gas and blood flow from Russia at the same time! Today, every honest politician must strive to ensure Europe’s independence – not from coal, but from Russian imports of raw materials. Coal production in the European Union is not only necessary today, it is our absolute responsibility for this difficult time. The question is what is worse for Europe: Coal or Russian tanks? He who today despises our European coal despises human life. Finally, the European Commission seems to understand the gravity of the situation. Frans Timmermans recently admitted that some countries will have to use coal for longer to avoid switching energy to gas. These words give hope that the European Commission has matured into an energy policy based on facts, not ideology. The war in Ukraine requires us to be mature. It is not time to listen to the sometimes harmful eco-managers, when the explosions of Russian missiles can be heard so close. It is time to revise climate policy. Time to get back to coal.

15

Dec

2021

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Preparation of the European Council meeting of 16-17 December 2021 - The EU's response to the global resurgence of Covid-19 and the new emerging Covid variants (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, The pervasive climate change policy is accompanied by a very specific threat: rising energy prices and supply instability. It is disgraceful that this winter, as Politico suggests, Europeans will be forced to turn on the heat and put on a sweater. Currently, one MWh in Austria costs 3 times more than a year earlier, in Poland 2.7 times more, in France 3.5 times more. And yet the availability and affordability of electricity has been our great civilizational achievement so far. Eurostat research from 2020 has already shown that as many as 8% of the population of the European Union are afraid that they will not be able to heat their home. However, the European Commission does not hear, accelerates and sees no problem in the fact that it will be the richest who will get richer and the others who will bear the real costs of the green revolution. That is why the leaders of the Member States should finally start a bold and frank discussion on the policy represented by Frans Timmermans. Someone finally has to push the brakes, because at the end of this road, unfortunately, there is only inflation, an increase in unemployment and poverty. We are not fit for poverty.

24

Nov

2021

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State of the Energy Union (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. The European Commission reports on progress in the clean energy transition. Unfortunately, a little bit for the current situation in the energy sector relevant facts. In the era of violent paralysis of the energy sector, two questions arise: Given the ever-increasing demand for energy in the European market, will we be able to ensure electricity supply in the next decade? Will our citizens or our small and large businesses be able to afford to pay their electricity bills? It must be made clear that both questions must be answered ‘no’. As never before, the European Union is experiencing power outages, unprecedented increases in energy prices. If we want to break out of this enchanted circle, we need to reset our energy transition. Unfortunately, the European Union will suffer not only a political but also a civilisational failure if people are forced to reduce their energy consumption simply because a cloudy day has come or the wind has stopped blowing. Commissioner, decarbonisation is absolutely premature.

24

Nov

2021

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Outcome of the COP26 in Glasgow (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. The highlights of the COP26 climate summit can be summarised briefly: Joe Biden fell asleep, Greta Thunberg hysterical, and Xi Jinping didn't come at all. It is a pity that the global climate summits lose not only their seriousness but also their importance. Glasgow's deliberations were ignored by leaders of the world's largest polluters, led by China. This does not affect well the image of the European Union, which has made the Green Deal its main, or rather the only, export product. We are taking on the burden of the global fight against climate change, even though we are only responsible for 9% of global carbon emissions. The European Union can achieve climate neutrality even tomorrow, and the Earth will not even feel it. We are witnessing a global mass insanity: the combined efforts of (probably pseudo) politicians to completely decimate and destroy our businesses, our industry, our European prosperity. Radical environmentalists in Glasgow warned against the climate apocalypse. I would like to warn against the social apocalypse that awaits us if we continue to wade into climate radicalism that brings chaos, poverty and fear. Mr. Timmermans, I recommend realism, realism, realism.

20

Oct

2021

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The first anniversary of the de facto abortion ban in Poland (debate)

Madam President, I'm sorry. Today, the pseudo-progressive majority in the European Parliament is celebrating the anniversary of the banning of eugenic abortion in Poland. I understand that the culture of death you celebrate needs such games. There are also women among you who call abortion a human right. According to this logic, the murdered children do not have any rights, so they are not human. During this year, many children were born in Poland, who two years ago would not have had a chance to do so. So I'm asking: Do you have anything to say to those women who hold their children in their arms and are happy? Would they be happy if today they could only remember the nightmare of abortion? To all Polish and European women who have had their children this year, I want to say one thing: You will never regret choosing love. In a few years, your children will tell you the same thing: Mom, I love you and thank you for being here! Thank you for being alive!

7

Oct

2021

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

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar is causing massive population displacement, instability and serious accusations of genocide against the Muslim minority. Less well-known is the fate of Christians, who make up 7% of the population, in which Buddhists, of course, dominate. Priests are arrested, churches destroyed and parishes harassed. Many church buildings are used as a place of refuge for people displaced by the conflict. The situation of religious minorities in Myanmar should be a remorse for the European Commission. Why are we looking forward to the Special Envoy of the European Union for Religious Freedoms? This post has not actually been filled since the end of Jan Figel's mandate. It is shameful that the European Union, whose foundations are closely linked to Christianity, cannot defend religious freedoms effectively and vigorously. How long does the Commission plan to wait?