Speeches

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I come before you today to stress the importance of extending the mandate of the European Labour Agency in the light of changes in the employment landscape in the European Union. In 2021, around 10 million working-age EU citizens chose to live and work in another Member State. This growth-enhancing labour mobility is hampered by the fact that we have 27 different labour market regimes. The European Labour Agency was established to facilitate cross-border cooperation for the effective enforcement of labour law. However, the Agency has not yet reached its full operational potential due to the voluntary nature of the cooperation of the Member States and its limited competences. That is why the issue of social security at European Union level remains a major challenge. It is time to overcome barriers and strengthen a Europe of work based on fair principles and solidarity.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, this House must condemn in the clearest terms the terrorist attacks orchestrated by Hamas against the citizens of Israel and against peace in this region. Terrorism cannot be justified anywhere. It is also important to distinguish between the Palestinian people, the need to protect and respect and the terrorist organisation Hamas and its terrorist actions. In these moments of tension, let us not forget that international humanitarian law must be our guide in any conflict. Both parties involved must take the necessary measures to avoid civilian bloodshed. The European Union must continue to promote political and diplomatic dialogue and contribute to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. Together with our international partners, we must do everything possible to bring peace and security to this region without compromise.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased that we debate every year the report on the situation of human rights, as we can honestly analyse what we have achieved, where we have failed and what we can improve. We can consider ourselves privileged because we live in the European Union where human rights, fundamental rights and freedoms are respected. Democracy, equality, the rule of law are fully shared and non-negotiable values. But we also have a responsibility to turn our attention to areas where they are trampled on by authoritarian regimes, subject to dictatorial interests. One such example, which I bring to attention whenever I have the opportunity, is the human rights situation in the Transnistrian separatist region of the Republic of Moldova, where, constantly, with the support of the Russian Federation Army, basic rights such as freedom of expression or the right to the Romanian language are violated.

Madam President, honourable Ombudsman, today I would like to stress the importance of the principle of transparency in public administration, an area in which the institutions of the European Union are trying to set a positive example. Within the EU, where diversity and cohesion are essential, the principle of transparency becomes crucial. Transparency should be the bridge between the European institutions and their citizens, allowing Europeans to have access to clear and comprehensive information about decision-making processes, so that they can ultimately actively contribute to shaping the policies that affect them. Moreover, when administrative processes are open and visible, a climate of trust is created between the administration and the citizens. This leads to better understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of citizens. Moreover, when administrative processes are clear, a framework is created in which citizens can effectively defend their rights. Transparency is therefore a barrier against abuses of power and a way to ensure respect for democratic principles. Of course, the institutions of the European Union still have work to do to ensure a better administration, in line with the needs of all European citizens.

Madam President, Commissioner, just a few days ago I had the honour of participating in a high-level diplomatic event, an initiative organised in Timisoara, Romania, which awarded the Timisoara Prize for European Values. An extraordinary event organized at the initiative of Mayor Dominic Fritz, which I congratulate. This year's prize for promoting European values was awarded to President Maia Sandu, the leader from Chişinău, who faces every day the threats of Moscow, a state that has an illegal military presence on its territory for more than thirty years in the Transnistrian separatist region. We are constantly in need of such messages of support through diplomacy, and I am glad that, on this occasion, the European Parliament has sent a strong message of support, through the voice of President Metsola and, obviously, alongside other European leaders. Our partners in the East, in Chisinau and Kiev, need constant support and this we must do with all determination.

Mr President, Mr High Representative, no crime can in any way ever be justified, but it is almost three months since this bloody attack by a terrorist group that does not care about what is happening in Israel or Gaza. That is why I think it is very important not to distort reality and to look lucidly at what is happening there. Those who provoked this barbaric attack are also responsible for its consequences. Do they want peace? We all want peace, but it can't be done under any circumstances, and anyway, for a very simple reason: because there are still innocent people waiting to be released, and we must stand by them to help Israel in this delicate moment.

Madam President, Commissioner, I think this is an extremely important moment, as we observe that the Russian Federation is investing enormously in disinformation and in manipulating the citizens of the European Union. I ask the European Commission to have the courage to come up with a package of bold measures to combat the tools of disinformation and manipulation of European citizens, in a context where we need more than ever solidarity and concrete action to defend democracy. The tools that Russia is using today in Europe clearly show that they are achieving their effect, because the vast majority of European decision-makers are afraid of public opinion, which is unfortunately being manipulated. The best example is the war in Ukraine. We must have the courage to look at reality and act now.

Madam President, Commissioner, this month, on 4-5 December, the JHA Council took place and, unacceptably, only the prospect of entry into the Schengen area for Romania and Bulgaria was discussed on the agenda. It is incomprehensible, Commissioner, why a Member State of the European Union is restricting the right of 25 million European citizens to enjoy the opportunities of the European single market. We are restricted by fundamental rights, such as free movement within the Schengen area and free movement of goods from Romania and Bulgaria. We believe that at this moment the Commission must be fair and put in place the government in Vienna, which unjustifiably blocks Romania's and Bulgaria's access to the Schengen area. It is incomprehensible how we can ask our partners to comply with European standards, and European Union member states to keep Romania and Bulgaria out of the Schengen area for 16 years.

Madam President, today, here in the European Parliament, we have spoken of an unacceptable reality in the European Union and, in particular, in my country, the poverty in which millions of children live. In the case of Romania, the Romanian government finally managed to propose an action plan for the European Child Guarantee, but with a delay of more than 19 months. Children do not have to pay an expensive price for the indecision of politicians. That is why I think it is very important that this plan responds to all the needs that the young generation is facing. Poverty, unfortunately, also starts from the major lack of education faced by the young generation. The lack of sufficient budgetary resources allocated, the lack of free transport to school and free educational materials all produce effects in this matter. That is why I believe it is essential that we focus on implementing the Child Guarantee throughout the European Union.

Madam President, today I voted on a vital issue: insufficient support for our families and children in Europe and, including, in my country, Romania. The pandemic has exposed serious gaps and worrying discrepancies, and the reality is that the Romanian government, in my case, is proving incapable of ensuring the well-being of children. We need an ambitious approach at Union level and we need to draw attention to the fundamental needs of future generations. Free education, affordable health care and adequate nutrition should be guaranteed rights, not privileges. Instead of looking at helplessness, we must become the voice of those parents and children who are neglected. Building a Europe where family support and childcare are not just promises, but realities. Our future is shaped by young people and we have a responsibility to ensure that they grow up in a safe and prosperous environment.

Madam President, today we debated the directions that the European Union must take ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference. First of all, we must appreciate the fact that the European Union is currently leading the way on climate change, proving that we can be a global model for the fight against climate change. Therefore, I believe that all our efforts must not come at too high a cost. We must be vigilant, not destroy industry and competitiveness, and ensure that the Union's actions are carried out in the interest of European citizens, both now and in the future. Moreover, we need to ensure that all our global partners deliver on climate action commitments. Thus, our efforts become insignificant and unfair. It is time to create a fair global approach, to ensure that our contributions to the fight against climate change are reflected in concrete actions, benefiting the entire planet.

Madam President, the sanctions imposed on Russia are proof of the ability of Member States to coordinate when Europe's security is threatened. It is regrettable, however, that, in times of historical crises, this unity is endangered by some states, such as Austria, which has doubled its economic trade in goods imported from Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. In 2021, the value of products imported by Austria from Russia increased by 77% and in 2022 by 98% compared to the figures recorded in 2019, before the imposition of sanctions. Basically, Vienna continues to supply the barbarian regime in Moscow with more than 20 million euros a day. In this context, I call on the Commission to respond to the referral that I made with my colleague, MEP Vlad Botos, about these flagrant violations of the conditions of sanctions with regard to Russia.

Madam President, strengthening the financial autonomy of the European Union is in the interest of all Member States, as it guarantees us the necessary resources to overcome crisis situations. I therefore voted for the proposal to improve the system of own resources of the European Union in order to make it simpler, more transparent, fair and fiscally neutral for citizens. Diversification of income sources is necessary, given the increasing expenses, and this updated basket is expected to generate revenues in the order of 45 billion euros per year in current prices, starting with 2028. We are all beneficiaries of the European Union budget and we need to make sure that this is not a politically used topic, as has happened so many times. Diversification of the European Union's own resources is a necessity. There is no reason for political strife between Member States. On the contrary, it is a reason for mobilisation and responsibility, so that we can collect at source without burdening European citizens.

Madam President, the fight against climate change remains a priority for the European Union, and the introduction of the new Euro 7 emission standards for cars, vans and heavy-duty vehicles is a huge step towards a sustainable Europe. It is very important, however, that these measures always focus on improving the quality of life of citizens of the European Union. That is why the new pollution limits must be realistic and ensure that the European automotive industry remains globally competitive and relevant. Moreover, we must ensure that the European economy does not become dependent on third countries' supply chains, especially in the uncertain global political context. I believe that Parliament's position on this proposal for a regulation is ambitious, but balanced and realistic. Thus, I voted in favour of a new set of rules to achieve the European Union's climate goals, without placing too much burden on citizens.

Madam President, it is an important day today, the European Commission has invited to start accession negotiations with the European Union, the Republic of Moldova. But I believe that rules are rules and should apply to everyone, including when we talk about sport. And I want to convey from here, from the plenary of the European Parliament, that it is unacceptable and incomprehensible UEFA's decision to organize football matches in a territory controlled by the Russian Federation for over 30 years, from the Republic of Moldova, in the Transnistrian region. I join Promo-LEX in calling for this organisation to suspend all matches played in an area controlled by Kremlin-guided separatists. This is unacceptable and I believe that we must have very high standards when discussing our strategic interests and respect for fundamental rights.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we are all here to defend the rights and interests of the citizens who elected us. We are here to defend their rights to choose us or to send us home if we have failed in our duty to represent them honorably. We are here to defend democracy in Europe and all over the world. Therefore, it is time to speak openly, to call things by their own names. We are talking about promoting free and fair elections while we have among us supporters of states that use elections exclusively to preserve their power and interfere in electoral processes in other democratic states. The right to participate in elections is, of course, a fundamental right that needs no explanation, but ensuring it is not enough. It is essential to ensure that citizens have the right to fair and equidistant information. The real problem is still disinformation, propaganda, manipulation, tools used to control citizens and tell them what those who manipulate are interested in. The European Union has an obligation to react strongly and counter large-scale disinformation campaigns.

Madam President, High Representative, ladies and gentlemen, in this House I have condemned in the clearest and strongest terms the terrorist attacks orchestrated by Hamas, because terrorism cannot be justified at all. In the light of the latest events, however, we must not neglect the broader geopolitical picture. The tragic events in Israel must not divert the attention of the democratic world from the war in Ukraine. The destruction of the axis of terror begins with the defeat of Putin who, let us remember, did not condemn Hamas for the attack committed against the citizens of Israel. This is because the Kremlin is profiting from the proliferation of regional crises. Far from over, Russia's aggressiveness and imperialist ambitions continue to affect the lives of European citizens, the economy and the security of our continent. That is why I believe that we must accelerate the process of integration of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine into the European Union and defend these European nations.

Madam President, access to the Danube River, the Danube Delta and the Black Sea are essential for Romanian fisheries. With a limited fleet but vital for local and regional fishing activities, Romania faces challenges in the fisheries sector. This includes the need to improve fishing infrastructure and facilities in ports, as well as the sustainable management of fisheries and the protection of biodiversity. As in all other sectors, we must maximise the use of European funds so that we can allocate more resources to modernising and expanding fishing ports, multiplying fish processing plants, and encouraging the renewal and modernisation of the fishing fleet. Small-scale fisheries also need to be better supported, for example, by implementing financial incentives and capacity-building programmes to help Romanian fisheries operate sustainably and profitably. That is why the proposal to amend the Fisheries Regulation voted on today is welcome.

Madam President, today I voted for a historic initiative that can redefine the future of Europe. The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform is a courageous step towards a more competitive, resilient and sovereign Europe. In these turbulent times, marked by global conflicts and political instability, we need to invest more in our strategic sectors. With this initiative, we are strengthening our technological strength, ensuring our resilience against those who want to bring down European democracy. All the more so for new Member States, such as Romania, these investments are the key to unlocking their full potential, stimulating growth and improving our shared prosperity. Only in this way will we be able to guarantee that we remain on our European trajectory and do not fall prey to populism and external interference. This remarkable effort can bring investments of more than €150 billion, paving the way for a stronger, more autonomous Europe. Together we can lead on critical technologies and defend our values on the global stage.

Madam President, the war on Europe's borders is still an imminent reality, far from over. Russia's aggression and imperialist ambitions continue to affect the lives of European citizens, the economy and the security of the continent, and in order to provide an adequate response, European coordination and solidarity must not stop. That is why it is particularly important that the European Parliament has today reaffirmed its solidarity with Ukraine. The mechanism approved by an overwhelming majority of MEPs, under which we will allocate €50 billion for Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and modernisation as of 2024. This European support should help Ukraine to implement the reforms necessary to align with the requirements for accession to the European Union, because only in this way, through more integration in the spirit of the rule of law and transparency, can we stop Russia's abusive and authoritarian momentum in Europe.

Madam President, Commissioner, two weeks ago, we were discussing corruption cases in plenary concerning the management of the Schengen area. Looks like we solved them because we're taking it to another level. But beyond the irony, I want to ask you, Commissioner, because Article 265 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union obliges the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to take action before the Court of Justice of the European Union if one of the European institutions does not comply with the Treaty. Given that Romania and Bulgaria for 12 years have met all the criteria to be admitted to the Schengen area and the JHA Council is blocking this right, I ask you and I ask you to answer me. Why has the Commission not yet acted before the Court of Justice of the European Union in this abuse of power by the Council of the European Union?

Madam President, in 200 days we will officially start the campaign for the European Parliament elections. 2024 is a year with huge stakes for the European Union. Five years ago we had no wars, there were no military conflicts in different hot spots of the world, we were just talking about possible threats. We now live in a post-pandemic world, in a Europe at war with Putin. We live in a world where terrorism is brutally and savagely threatening free citizens and, unfortunately, tonight we had a terrorist incident in Brussels. How did we get here? It's simple. No one has anticipated what dangerous effects social media tools can have when used by state actors and interested entities in order to misinform, manipulate and propagate various conspiracy theories. That is why I think it is very important for the Commission to act firmly to combat disinformation, so that next year we do not find ourselves with foreign interference, because the Kremlin is looking forward to its presence again.

Mr President, Commissioner, Putin has turned Russia into the largest prison we now have in the world. This criminal regime is trying through all the tools it has, to keep itself in power only through terror. And Kadyrov is nothing more than an instrument by which Putin keeps Chechnya under terror. And what is happening now to Mrs. Musaeva, mother of two activists and human rights activists, detained to put additional pressure on her sons, is just a demonstration that in this country everything is governed by terror, by humiliation, by blackmail and, obviously, by silence. That is why it is essential to assure Russian civil society that it is not alone and that it must fight for democracy, for freedom of expression, for human rights. And those who cannot be humiliated by Putin must know that there will come a day when they will take their country back, a country that Putin has turned into prison.

Mr President, Commissioner, what kind of future does Afghanistan have and what awaits today's Afghan children, what is the fate of women and, obviously, the daily fear experienced by those who served the Afghan administration in the short stage of democracy? Obviously, this regime, which resembles terror on a daily basis, will not cease, and it is therefore essential that the European Parliament constantly send messages of support and solidarity with the Afghan people. The future of Afghanistan cannot remain only in the hands of these Taliban who sow terror, persecution and keep an entire country in prison. It is our vocation to promote freedom and democracy wherever they are expected.

Mr President, Commissioner, I regularly consult the reports of the Council of the European Union on the Member States' failure to comply with the Schengen Regulation, and we can see that many states that give lessons in democracy, the rule of law, are very negligently treating the Schengen issue, and I invite you to consult these reports that the Council of the European Union is issuing. But I want to ask the Commission for concrete actions to comply with the treaties of the European Union, because it is inadmissible for us, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens, for 12 years, to be kept at the borders of the European Union. It is incomprehensible and inexplicable this behavior and this blockage generated by some states that give us lessons, but are sanctioned by the European Union precisely because they do not comply with the Schengen legislation.