Speeches

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, this law is at the heart of the biodiversity pillar of the European Green Deal. Eighty percent of our ecosystems are in poor condition. It is impossible to produce on dead, dry soils without addressing the impacts of climate change. It's about our sustainability, it's about our food security that we're talking about here. And contrary to what the right wants to make believe, investing in nature restoration is good for the economy. For every euro invested, we will have about 8 to 38 euros of return. And on forests and fires, such a sensitive topic for Portugal, forest management indicators will be the responsibility of each Member State, as is the Council's proposal. In fact, the right has stripped itself of that responsibility when it voted against this law in the Environment Committee and how it will vote tomorrow in plenary. It is necessary to restore nature and to vote in favour is to guarantee another fundamental piece of this puzzle That is the fight against climate change. And to vote against is to put off a problem and be on the side of the deniers. It's time to act, it's time to act now!

Madam President, territorial cohesion in the outermost regions of the European Union is crucial to promoting economic and social development and ensuring equal opportunities. But on the island of Madeira, the increasingly frequent occurrence of strong winds has caused the temporary closure of the airport, sometimes hours, sometimes days, affecting the locals, but also all those who want to visit us. So far, the European Commission has done nothing to mitigate these severe connectivity disruptions. I therefore call for more investment in resilient airport infrastructure through the certification of nearby alternative airports, such as the airport on the island of Porto Santo, and also through a ferry that it exists all year round for the continent and that it is also made through the inter-island connecting vessel. The European Union must ensure that no one is left behind and that no region is left behind.

Madam President, the UN Sustainable Development Goals must remain the guide, despite the current context of uncertainty. And if the war in Ukraine and the pandemic have affected our progress, we should also mention the successes. And here, I have to highlight the good performance of Portugal, which, since 2015, with the socialist government and under the eyes of the world, complies with most of the indicators, many of them already achieved. We are talking about concrete objectives: in the area of health, with innovative measures in maternal child health; tobacco control; water quality; renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And the commitment of socialists in Portugal to the Sustainable Development Goals is also reflected here in the European Parliament, as we take the lead in the most important struggles. Because there are only seven years left – there are only seven years left – and there is no time to waste. There is no room for hesitation when we talk about improving people's lives, when we talk about improving people's well-being.

Mr President, politically motivated crimes against humanity are committed every day in Nicaragua, as has already been widely said. It is a harsh, brutal regime that does not respect human rights, where the instrumentalisation of the executive, legislative and judicial powers has only one objective: silence, suppress and eliminate opposition in that country in various ways. And the Nicaraguan population lives in fear, and those who have no other option end up fleeing and taking refuge in neighbouring countries, such as Costa Rica, as we had the opportunity to experience during the last mission of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America. Only in recent months have asylum applications doubled and so we must also continue to provide support in Costa Rica and in other countries that welcome those who come from Nicaragua and hope one day to return safely to their country. Because the European Union cannot be a geopolitical actor if, in all its dimensions, it does not take into account its relationship with Latin America.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, there are three main factors responsible for the increase in average life expectancy over the last 100 years: access to safe drinking water and sanitation, vaccination and antibiotics. However, in recent years antimicrobial resistance has increased for several reasons already mentioned here. In fact, it is expected that by 2050 it will have as many economic repercussions as the 2008 crisis. So we need to change. And it is also immoral that, faced with this problem, 8% of antibiotics for human consumption occur without prescription and that 73% of all antibiotics are used in animals raised for food consumption. This is yet another major problem on a global scale and no Member State will be able to deal with it individually. We therefore need more coordination and cooperation between Member States and the European Commission, focused and consistent national action plans, and scientific innovation for new therapeutic and diagnostic methods. Microorganisms know no borders and global health is at risk. So we need to act urgently.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the new agreement reached for the High Seas Treaty is the result of an international effort to protect our oceans and their natural resources, and to combat the deep crisis that is taking place here. Much remains to be done to ensure that the Treaty rules are effectively enforced, and so it is important that we all work together to ensure that the Treaty is respected and enforced, and this includes: the increase of protected areas by 30% as set out at COP15; protecting our oceans from pollution, and here the importance of drastically reducing our use of plastic; and also the promotion of sustainable tourism activities in the blue economy, in particular in the regions most dependent on ocean resources, such as Madeira and the Azores, outermost regions of the European Union. Oceans are vital to life on Earth. It is our responsibility to protect them.

Madam President, Commissioner, Member of the Council, this global health strategy in the European Union was long overdue and necessary and represents what is the external dimension and a very important step towards a genuine European Health Union, based on one health, based on health in all policies, as I have been advocating here in the Group of Socialists and Democrats since the beginning of the pandemic. The European Union must strengthen its position as a major donor to the World Health Organisation by speaking with one voice during the Pandemic Treaty negotiations. And there is also an urgent need for the Commission to clarify one of the biggest global health threats to date: antimicrobial resistance, the biggest threat we are facing alongside climate change. How is the delay in the presentation of the pharmaceutical strategy hampering this important battle? Documents, strategies and communications are not enough. The European Union has proven itself, it has overcome difficult times in public health, but when it comes to creating practical and lasting solutions we cannot fall short.

Mr President, the F-gas Regulation is ambitious, projecting a target of zero emissions from 2050 and we support it. It is true that fluorinated gases are harmful to the atmosphere, but I would like to draw attention to desflurane, which is an anesthetic gas used for the surgery of paediatric, elderly and obese patients and because so far there is no safe and effective alternative to replace this anesthetic gas. Thirdly, also say that desflurane emissions are very limited, as they happen in strictly necessary places and when there are technologies capable of recapturing desflurane and preventing its emission into the atmosphere. Banning this anesthetic could put thousands of surgeries at risk. I would draw your attention to this. It's not about choosing one path over another. We must safeguard these patients while we save the planet with this ambitious proposal and for which I welcome both rapporteurs.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, pollinators are an important part of maintaining harvest fields, crops and forests throughout Europe. 78% of wild flower species and 84% of crop field species in the European Union depend on the work of these small, large living things. The extinction of bees will have an immediate devastating effect on agriculture, in particular on small-scale agricultural land, for example in the outermost regions. Its endemic products, which rely on pollinators, will also be at risk from the decline of the species – a consequence of a number of factors, such as land-use changes and biological invasions. An ambitious pollinator- and farmer-friendly strategy is essential. Biological alternatives to the use of pesticides are a safe solution for the protection and sustainability of the ecosystem. Bees are one of the most important living things on our planet. It's time to protect them.

Mr President, water remains a resource of limited access for a substantial part of the world's population, especially among the poorest and most unprotected. While in one part of the world water is scarce, in the other water is wasted as a result of a deficit water network that cannot reverse water losses. Work and joint efforts are needed already this month at the United Nations Water Conference. Nearly 50 years after the last one, it is time to act to safeguard the supply of drinking water and sanitation services, aware that this resource is a basic human need. Only then will we achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6. Fighting climate change depends on how we fight and respect this resource, which is so essential to our life, our well-being and the environment.

– I would like some clarification because I fail to understand your political group's perspective when it comes to cancer action. And in this regard, we have that 10% of cancers are caused by air pollution. We also have that these emissions, CO2 emissions are one of the main causes for air pollution. Here we’re talking about technology neutrality at the tailpipe. So reducing those emissions, these will have important gains for the environment and health. So I fail to understand how your political group is on the forefront of cancer action, but then is against this proposal that will have immediate impact for the health of EU citizens. So I would like a clarification on this.

I would like to ask the colleague if you have gone through the proposal, because what we negotiated, and before you state that you voted against, is tailpipe zero emissions by 2035. This provides technological neutrality at tailpipe and provides the chance not only to have zero-emission vehicles that are electric, but with other technologies that can arise.

Madam President, Vice-President, colleagues, the transport sector accounts for 25% of total carbon emissions in Europe and cars and vans, together with heavy-duty vehicles, are responsible for more than 70% of these emissions. The link between the environment and our health is also very clear: a quarter of deaths worldwide are caused by environmental problems, 10% of cancers in Europe are caused by air pollution, and for every degree of increase in average temperature, there is a 2% increased risk for cardiovascular accidents. There is no time to waste, nor is there time for half-measures, as the right in this House wants to make us believe. The European Union must act now. Over the last year and a half, this Parliament has worked tirelessly to produce a climate legislative package that is fair, ambitious and forward-looking. It is therefore extremely satisfactory that we have agreed to make the European Union a cleaner air space by establishing that from 2035 only zero-emission cars can be sold. This will facilitate market developments in increasing the supply of sustainable options, lowering prices, technological development and the rapid creation of a second- and third-hand market. A change at this level will impact workers and small and medium-sized enterprises. That is why we need mechanisms that monitor the situation and allow us to respond adequately and in a timely manner to the challenges that arise, ensuring that this is a just transition that leaves no one behind. Colleagues, these were difficult negotiations, as you may have noticed from these interventions, but the industry has also given us a signal that it is prepared. The time has come for the European Union to take responsibility for its emissions and to take global leadership in the fight against climate change. From 2035, all new cars in the European Union will be zero-emissions, a measure that should set an example for the whole world. And this is legislation that complies with the Paris Agreement and the Climate Law and has unparalleled positive repercussions for our planet and for all who live on it. A final word of thanks to Jan and the whole team of negotiators for reaching this agreement, to the Commission, to the Council and, for my part, a special thanks to Juliana and Eliana.

Mr President, the European Year of Skills aims to empower workers with the necessary knowledge and ensure that no one is left behind in the environmental and digital transitions. The outermost regions are currently heavily affected by the decline in the working population, but also by youth migration, and it is therefore urgent to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to attract and retain talent in these regions. Hence the importance of creating youth talent development networks through policies adapted to the regional and local reality, combating labour shortages in some sectors, targeting people to the specificities of each labour market and investing in the formation of green jobs and blue jobs so essential to the economy of these regions. Talent in the European Union needs to be boosted and the outermost regions have talented people. May 2023 be the year to do so!

Madam President, the relationship between the European Union and Latin America has always been strong, thanks to historical and cultural ties, as well as shared values. Strengthening these relations with our partners, through increased cooperation and mutual aid, will benefit both regions. Pilot projects and sharing of best practices can represent a vital opportunity to renew this relationship. I give here the example of Costa Rica, a world leader in the fight against climate change, where ambitious decarbonisation and biodiversity protection policies already in place can be leveraged in the European Union and vice versa. This cooperation between the EU and Latin America should thus consolidate an alliance that is strong, strategic and beneficial, always guided by the defence of the fundamental values that guide the European Union, and against totalitarian regimes, including through the reform of the multilateral system. Latin American countries are allies in many of today's global challenges and it is time to recognise them.

Mr President, Commissioner, Madam President-in-Office of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, we need answers to the shortage of medicines and the European Union has the capacity to implement them. We need the European Medicines Agency to be able to identify the missing drugs, but also the production and supply points where there are flaws. We need transparency from companies regarding the stock of products and their withdrawal from the market, and we also need to move towards the joint purchase of essential medicines, as was the case for COVID-19 vaccines. And we also need this new pharmaceutical strategy for Europe to help make the European Union autonomous and sustainable when it comes to drug production. Access to medicines must not fluctuate as a result of wars, inflation or other disruptions. Millions of lives depend on these drugs, and so they also depend on what we do here in the European Parliament, in the European Union. This is our obligation, and only together will we be able to rise to the challenge.

Madam President, Commissioner, COP27 represented both progress and stagnation. The agreement on loss and damage, which recognises that there are global regions that are more vulnerable than others, such as the outermost regions, among others, in the EU, is of course very positive. However, everything else fell short of what was expected. We need to trigger a profound transformation and recognise the intrinsic links between the climate crisis, the biodiversity crisis and the ocean crisis, through the end of fossil fuel subsidies and investment in renewables, ensure the accountability of the textile sector, tackle the plastic pandemic, disinformation and unsustainable. There is simply no more time to waste if we want to respond to the calls of our youngest, youngest generations and secure the future of our planet.

Madam President, the European Year of Youth was an unparalleled opportunity to bring the European Union closer to young people. This year I had the honour of welcoming 100 young people to the European Parliament, mostly from the Autonomous Region of Madeira, an outermost region, to ensure that these young people, who live further afield and face increased challenges, are part of the decision-making we have taken here for their daily lives. Because this move away from the Continental Plate should not mean a move away from the European project and opportunities should be equal for everyone, whether they live in Saint Vincent or live in the centre of Brussels. The event has also been mentioned here. 9 for youth, with many Europeans, including 200 young Portuguese people who were brought here to the European Parliament as part of this action by the Portuguese socialist delegation here in this Parliament. Let this European Year not be a sham. Let us take action as a result of his appeals. They are the youngest policy makers of the coming decades. And it will be them, the young people of today, who will ensure that this European project continues.

Mr President, the climate emergency cannot be separated from the biodiversity crisis, in which we are witnessing the degradation of ecosystems and the accelerated extinction of species. For a summit that has been continuously postponed, it is time for the international community to demonstrate commitment to our planet and its protection, unlike COP27, which went beyond what was necessary. We therefore need an agreement that is binding against degradation and in favour of restoration, recognising the value of areas of intense biodiversity, such as the outermost regions in the European Union and whose biodiversity is linked to sectors such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries, among others. Hence the importance of ensuring a strategy and funding that promotes the sustainable development of these regions and the recognition of one of their greatest assets: biodiversity.

Mr President, thank you for giving the catch-the-eye time in this very important debate. The climate crisis is present in our daily lives and as much as there are signs calling for more action, we have been postponing efforts from what we can do today to later. Every year, we have opportunities to inspire more action, to become good examples of good practice, to produce effective and innovative legislation, but it has not been enough. Science has repeatedly shown that we will not be able to limit the increase in the temperature of this planet. Generations above me are worried. My generation is scared. The younger generation is terrified. And it will be in these generations that the decisions that were made by our parents, our grandparents and those that we make here today, at this very moment, will make themselves felt more intensely. I appeal, then, that we make good decisions, bold, thinking about the future and that we leave no one behind, because after all we do not have planet B.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, mental illness affects all social strata and all age groups and has only worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, it is the second cause of morbidity and during the last two years the symptoms of anxiety and depression have more than doubled. The question that arises here is, fundamentally, whether we are going to turn on the light and see the problem that lies ahead or whether we are going to continue in the dark, without answering the citizens. I call here for a real debate on this public health problem and for us to bring more legislative initiatives to combat stigma, improve accessibility to mental health care and contribute to the reintegration of all citizens into society in a healthy and functional way. Colleagues, let us not ignore the citizens, from the youngest to the oldest. We have to face the problem head-on, we have to take more action and we have to work here towards a real European mental health strategy. I say here, let's turn on the light.

Mr President, two and a half years since the declaration of the pandemic, and the truth is that we have already been able to draw many lessons from what has happened and this is something that we are closely scrutinising in the COVI Committee. Looking here, at this room, now, it seems that we are talking about a matter of the past, but the truth is that this is a matter well of the present. Winter is coming, we are no longer in a position to prepare, but to act. We must not make the same mistakes as in the past. It is important here to ensure the necessary immunisations for all and that they arrive together with seasonal flu vaccination. Transparency and information for citizens are also important here to combat disinformation, as only with more health education will we ensure the effectiveness of the protective measures in place. Finally, COVID-19 is a cross-border threat and this week we have already made history, we have approved the new regulations for a European Union for Health. Now is the time to act and make the European Union for Health a reality.

Madam President, when discussing ocean governance it is essential to refer to the outermost regions. They enable the European Union as a whole to have the largest maritime area in the world. Therefore, its enormous potential is and must be exploited to the full, whether in terms of the production of renewable energies, or in terms of harnessing the biodiversity potential existing in these regions, or in the implementation of innovative and sustainable pilot projects that change the way society deals with the environment. This is not only about requesting exceptions to take into account their specificities, but also about leveraging and providing the necessary regulatory and financial basis for the outermost regions to become leaders of the climate transition within the European Union itself.

Madam President, just over two and a half years ago, the European Union was devastated by the biggest pandemic of the last hundred years that hit everyone in the world, without exception. The EU responded at the time with the instruments of the time, but we soon realised the need to build a genuine European Union for Health. This regulation is thus the culmination of several months of intense negotiations, with the principles of ‘one health’ and ‘health in all policies’ in essence, recognising that health is an integral part of any prosperous society. This Regulation provides for: the establishment of prevention, preparedness and response plans at national and European level; the recognition of a public health emergency; greater coordination and coordination with international bodies, such as the World Health Organisation, as crises know no borders; stress tests and training at different levels for health professionals; more transparency; reference laboratories and reduction of administrative burden for those managing the crisis; multi-sectoral collaborations and a clear focus on health literacy and countering disinformation. This is thus a historic moment. We have a stronger mandate, because in crisis we are as strong as our weakest link. A final word of thanks to those who made all this possible: to the Commission, to the two Presidencies who worked with us and, in particular, to you, Véronique, and to the whole team of shadow rapporteurs, for being able to rise to the challenge. For a European Union for Health that leaves no one behind.

Mr President, the second United Nations Ocean Conference was held in Lisbon in June. The international community has recognised the need to do more, to do better in protecting our oceans and our biodiversity. It is therefore disappointing that negotiations for the protection of biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, which aimed for an agreement this summer, have been inconclusive. The longer we delay implementing global measures, the more we harm the most vulnerable, the most peripheral. To leaders around the world: be attentive to the science and the appeals of young people in the high-level negotiations we will have later this year. A coordinated response is imperative, recognising the need to respect the boundaries of our planet Earth. Today, the crisis is not just one, it is a climate crisis, it is an environmental crisis, it is a crisis of oceans and biodiversity.