Speeches

Mr President, Spain is suffering from a worrying drift of democratic degradation, institutional deterioration and governmental irresponsibility caused by the current socialist and communist government. You on the left here today were concerned about corruption and women. And you are the ones who have reformed the Criminal Code, repealing sedition and reducing the crime of corruption. With you, more than seventy-five sex offenders have been released and more than seven hundred have had their sentences reduced. You have put the institutions at the service of the Government. And even you have ended up placing a minister and a senior government official in the Constitutional Court. As it seemed to them little, they carried out a political persecution against a colonel of the Civil Guard, whom they illegally ceased. A dismissal, by the way, annulled this week by the Supreme Court itself. It's the modus operandi of an unscrupulous government that is capable of everything to cling to power. We are here to defend Spain and the Spaniards, and not to defend a bad government. Spain is a great nation, a full democracy and a rule of law, but with the worst government in democracy.

Madam President, to speak of the European Union is to speak of a shared success story and achievements. We did it by overcoming the crisis of 2008, the pandemic with vaccines, European funds and with a unity against Putin. But we need a Europe that continues to shake hands with Europeans and European institutions that think more about their citizens. We must fight climate change, but without unreachable short-term impositions that ruin businesses and families. We must protect the environment, but relying on farmers and ranchers, and not going against them. We must promote and take care of our products, not endanger them with harmful fishing decisions or with unfair competition against domestic products, such as citrus fruits; or criminalize them, as happened with wine. We must reindustrialise Europe, create jobs and wealth, to give opportunities to all our young people. But we must also protect the rule of law and the integrity of our countries against movements that seek to break up, divide society and break the law. What affects one country affects the entire European Union. Europe is the best project of union, coexistence and economy. Let us therefore raise pro-European sentiment and get everyone to believe in the European Union. (She refused to respond to an intervention by Bogdan Rzońca under the "blue card" procedure.)

Madam President, you think that this is the Parliament of Catalonia, where you do whatever you want. This is the European Parliament and here democracy defends itself against those who trample on it. Here, we all know that you are fugitives from justice, that you have violated the law and that you must answer to the Spanish justice system. It is already good of so much secessionist theater, of yesterday's electoral number in Barcelona, of selling themselves as victims and manipulating the truth. Here the only thing that has changed is that Sanchez has yielded to you for fear of losing power, lowering the Spanish Penal Code. Socialist gentlemen, the dignity of a country is never sold, not even by a handful of votes. No immunity, no impunity. Defending the rule of law and democracy, always.

Madam President, the success or failure of the European Union will depend on the strength of its Member States. If we want a strong Europe vis-à-vis Putin; if we want a Europe that protects its citizens and has a competitive economy; If we want a Europe that defends political exemplarity, we must start with the countries. While here we talk about unity in support of Ukraine, in Spain one part of the government is facing the other for sending weapons to Ukraine. While here we ask to protect women, in Spain the Government approves a law that releases rapists. While in Brussels we are calling for the fight against corruption and for not a single European public euro to be diverted, the Spanish Government is making the crime against corruption cheaper. While in Brussels we are calling for Next Generation EU funds to be implemented, the Spanish government is unable to get these funds into the real economy. And while here it is asked to return to the Stability and Growth Pact, the Government of Spain shoots up the debt and wastes in government structure. Europe cannot afford weak, confrontational and incompetent governments. Spain is a great country, but with a bad government that is not up to the task. Demand unity, but also responsibility.

Madam President, the fight against violence against women must have a national and European response. We must work together to end abuse and inequality. In Spain we have ratified the Istanbul Convention. As a minister, we achieved a historic state pact against gender-based violence and now we demand that it is ratified immediately by the Council. Because that is the way, because we have to work and think about the women victims, and also about their children. But let me tell you one thing: It is unacceptable that steps should be taken today to protect women. This is what is happening in Spain because of a left-wing government that has passed a law that has already caused the sentence to be reduced to five hundred sexual aggressors and the release of more than forty. And no one assumes their political responsibility. To wave banners and shout at the four winds that are feminist, they have plenty of strength. But, to apologize and correct the mistakes at the moment, they are not, nor are they expected. We need rigor, seriousness and less propaganda when it comes to defending women and their children.

Madam President, Commissioner Reynders, Spain is suffering from a worrying drift of democratic degradation, institutional deterioration and governmental irresponsibility caused by the latest decisions of the current Spanish Government. We bring this up because the defence of the rule of law, our institutions and judicial independence falls within the competence of this Parliament. We cannot be silent while this government markets with Spain making concessions to those who seek to end their own country. The whole country cannot be identified with its current government. A Government that has handed over the Criminal Code to those convicted of violating the Constitution, amending it on demand in order to make their crimes disappear. A government that has suppressed the crime of sedition, the crime that in Spain protects the State against the blows against our democratic system. A Government that has also reduced the penalties for embezzlement, the crime that protects against corruption. A government that has pushed for a law that, far from protecting women, is causing a cascade of reductions in sentences and releases of sex offenders. Today, one hundred and ninety convicted sex offenders have benefited and, as seemed to them little, have ended up placing a minister and a high office of the current Government in the Constitutional Court. All this is being done by a Government that boasted of being the Government of transparency, exemplary and anti-corruption. Commissioner Reynders, the European People's Party believes that the General Council of the Judiciary should be renewed and that the model should be reformed, something the government does not want. Dear Honourable Members, we must be clear: Criminals cannot issue orders to reform the Criminal Code. Institutions cannot serve the Government and sex offenders cannot benefit because of the Government's incompetence. The democratic and institutional strength of countries and the protection of citizens are key to the future of the European Union and, as you will understand, the European People's Party is not going to look the other way while all this is happening. Spain is a great nation, a full democracy and a deeply pro-European country and, therefore, we cannot tolerate a bad government damaging everything that all Spaniards have achieved together.

Mr President, Commissioner, I would also like to welcome Vitrines d’Europe and Barcelona Comerç, who are on the podium today. Today is a great day for local commerce. It is a recognition of the millions of workers, self-employed, entrepreneurs and SMEs engaged in local trade in Europe. But it is also for all European citizens, especially those of Barcelona, who have seen how their trade has struggled so that today we are here, achieving the creation of the European Capital of Proximity Trade and that annually we have a European city capital of proximity trade. I am grateful not only as a Spanish citizen, but as a European, that local businesses create in this great project that is the European Union, because it is a guarantee of economic and social progress. As Chair of the Committee on Petitions, I have consistently stressed the need for this initiative to go ahead and, as a member of the European People's Party, it has been an honour to get this initiative. What is local commerce? What does it mean what we achieve today? Local commerce is much more than a showcase or a neighbor who attends you in their store. Proximity trade is an economic and social boost for cities, life for our neighborhoods and security for our streets. It represents the way we understand European cities, our culture, our lifestyle and our common identity. This is an ambitious project, of great wealth, generator of economic opportunities. The initiative was born in Barcelona, a Spanish city that has historically been characterized by its wealth in proximity trade. The European identity, our roots are born in the municipalities, because Europe is also our cities. We must, therefore, value this entrepreneurial spirit of guilds and traders, rely on them for European digitalization, sustainable mobility, the circular and green economy, because they are the economy that is at the foot of the street. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted that when the city closed its life, essential shops remained standing and open. Alongside health, local trade professionals have supported European cities and their people. Therefore, this initiative seeks to give the visibility that proximity trade needs and deserves throughout Europe and more in a globalized world in which we sometimes forget what we have closer. The initiative gives value to the near and is closely linked to our history as Europeans. Globalization is undoubtedly a fundamental reason for economic growth and employment, but that cannot lead us to turn our backs and abandon our closest trade, quite the contrary. It must lead us to promote it and, from the European institutions, to promote it. There is a lot of employment at stake, there is a family economy and they deserve our full support. I always say it and today I say it again: el comercio de proximidad representa vida. If there is commerce, there is life, there is color in the streets, there is more coexistence between people and neighbors of a neighborhood. Proximity trade performs a social function with neighbors in your area. Precisely that proximity and closeness make the merchant have a special and particular sensitivity to the specific needs of a neighbor. Therefore, we must take care of and help our commercial fabric, which is very important in our economy and in the social harmony of our neighborhoods. Local trade has been able to reinvent itself, has resisted all challenges and continues to do so with enormous difficulties, such as the crisis generated by COVID-19 or this brutal inflation that we are suffering. The European Union must therefore be its best ally. Local local trade is a common cause in Europe and today I call on the Commission, together with Parliament, to make this initiative a reality. And I also call on all Members of this Parliament to vote tomorrow in favour of the creation of the European Capital of Proximity Trade, because in this way we will achieve and secure more trade, more city and more Europe.

Mr President, we are facing major challenges, such as the energy and economic crisis, which deserve a coordinated response across Europe. But we also risk the prestige of our institutions and the strength of our democracies. That is why I am asking the Council and the Commission today: Do they share that the punishments of corrupt people are reduced in the Criminal Code, being those same corrupt people who are asking for it? Do you share the idea of suppressing crimes that protect the state from attacks on democracy, because those who attack it have asked for it? Do you agree that, instead of strengthening the institutions and guaranteeing the independence of the Constitutional Court, the rules of the game should be changed to place members of a Government in it and thus influence its decisions? I understand that no. Well, that happens today in Spain with your Government. Let us face together all the challenges and threats we have in Europe, of course, but we cannot be silent when our democracies weaken. I won't do it.

Mr. President, the defense of our borders, the defense of our security would not be understood and would not be possible without the hard and sacrificial work of our state security forces and bodies. The agents deserve our support, but also reinforcement with more personnel, resources and better protection materials, as they themselves claim. Our security forces cannot be overwhelmed by the lack of agents in the face of massive entrances. We must increase European coordination, avoid so-called effects, pursue with specific plans, both national and European, the mafias that use the drama of immigration and, also, continue with the support in cooperation and development to third countries. The border of Spain is the border of Europe. To defend Ceuta and Melilla is to defend not only Spain, but also the European Union. That is why we demand that the Government of Spain be transparent and tell the truth about what happened at the Melilla fence on June 24. What is Pedro Sánchez's Interior Minister hiding? It is unacceptable for the minister to refuse to go to the European Parliament to explain the tragedy of the Melilla fence. Neither transparency nor exemplary. We stand before the government of opacity. Whoever shuts up hides. Citizens deserve to always know the truth and we do not deserve a government that lies to us. We are facing another migration crisis. The reception capacity of the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla can be exceeded. Our security forces may suffer further assaults. The European Union cannot look the other way. In the face of migratory avalanches, we are all obliged to reach an agreement on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, always valuing the principles of solidarity and responsibility. If we don't act now, we will fail.

Madam President, Commissioner, the European Union always acts in the face of crises: it did so by boosting the NextGenerationEU funds after COVID and it does so now with the REPowerEU plan in the face of the economic and energy situation experienced by European families. But what good are these achievements if then the aid does not reach companies, workers or families? We cannot be content to approve regulations and strategic projects and think that we have complied with this. The key is for Member States to implement the funds they are receiving effectively and transparently. We need a control mechanism that monitors that money really gets to those who need it. A recovery plan without a real execution is wet paper. They called us, the Popular Party, unpatriotic and irresponsible for demanding from day one a quick and rigorous execution of the funds to avoid a resounding failure. Unfortunately, we were right: money is not reaching the real economy. Every day that passes and the Government of Spain does not execute the funds, the economy is damaged. REPowerEU can be a success, as long as national governments are up to it.

Madam President, we must increase energy autonomy, stand up to Putin and help Ukraine. So it must remain, firmly, but today I want to ask you a question: Are we doing everything we can from Europe to stop the economic and energy crisis? Citizens don't see it that way, they can't anymore, they are using all their savings to help their families. Companies and their workers live with water around their necks for exorbitant prices that ruin them. Think of your citizens. Think of European funds, demand transparency, control that they reach the real economy, something that does not happen today. Think of countries like Spain: As Spaniards search their pockets for how to pay their shopping basket, their home mortgage, their electricity bill, their government collects more taxes than ever and maintains the most expensive government structure in democracy. I call on you for urgency and unity in action, for an energy-strong, connected and integrated Europe, and for governments to rise to the occasion and give back to their citizens the money they are over-collecting from inflation.

Mr President, Commissioner, mental health is a silent pandemic on the rise that we cannot ignore. In Europe, suicides are on the rise and mental health is deteriorating. In Spain, suicide is the leading cause of unnatural death; Eleven people take their own lives every day and 220 try. When a person says he wants to commit suicide, it is not a wake-up call, he is making a call for help. The episodes that generate anxiety, stress or depression among the youngest, such as the bullying, sudden changes in habits – as was the case with COVID-19 – or social pressure, cause your mental health to suffer. The shame of talking about what affects them, the fear of stigma, the thought that they don't believe you: That can't happen. We must prevent, we must be literate in mental health in all areas: family, education, health and work. Let's force countries to prioritize mental health care. Let us use European funds for this. Let's bet on the prevention of mental disorders and the best therapies for patients. We call for the European Mental Health Strategy, because, remember, there is no health without mental health.

Mr. President, Putin continues his escalation of war: the call to the reservists, the nuclear threats, the illegitimate referendums. Europe must respond firmly with sanctions on Russia, unambiguously to this war criminal. In the face of tyranny, he does not step back. But we are also facing the economic battle of war, against inflation and the prices of the shopping basket and energy. Families and SMEs must be given an urgent response. They don't make ends meet. In Spain the shopping basket has gone from being one of the cheapest in the Union to one of the most expensive. Companies are tripling their costs due to the rise in energy. Citizens and businesses already save energy, not because we ask them to: is that they can't afford it. In Spain, while families suffocate economically, the state will raise 30 billion more for inflation than the previous year. We must return that money to the pockets of the citizens. We must lower taxes and not ruin millions of families and businesses.

Madam President, a few days ago Putin buried President Gorbachev without honours. How wrong they are in the Kremlin! History will remember Gorbachev and condemn Putin. The courage, endurance and bravery of the Ukrainian people are the best symbol of the justice of their cause. Let no one doubt that Europe will stand firm as a rock in defence of Ukraine's freedom, because Ukraine's cause is Europe's cause today. In these difficult times, Europe has many challenges: We must fight tirelessly against inflation because it is the most unfair tax for families, we must strengthen European energy autonomy so that the bill for this crisis is not paid by citizens, we must be the ambassadors of economic progress in Africa and the defense of freedoms in Ibero-America. I want to be optimistic. There is a much more powerful and powerful energy source than Russian gas and oil: are European values. Our democracies, our freedoms and our rule of law are, as a Spanish poet would say, weapons loaded with the future and, I add, with the present. Long live free Ukraine!

Madam President, we welcome the Czech presidency. President, the European Union faces three major challenges today: First, unity vis-à-vis Putin by supporting Ukraine, preparing us to help rebuild a shattered country and break with Russian energy dependence, as well as preventing the tyrant from sticking his claws in the European Union through disinformation attacks and using nationalist Eurosceptic movements that aim to destabilise our European democracies. Secondly, to fight the exorbitant inflation. We must ask countries to lower taxes to avoid an extraordinary and excessive collection from the State while families, SMEs and the self-employed are ruined. We also demand a rapid implementation of European funds. Thirdly, to strengthen Europe's geopolitical leadership in the world, to increase investment and political and trade relations in Latin America and Africa vis-à-vis China, which is growing stronger. Europe cannot be a secondary actor. We must support those places where there is no freedom and populism and communism have been established, such as Venezuela, Cuba or Nicaragua. Let's be ambitious and live up to it.

Mr President, climate change is a threat to the planet, a problem that we must combat. Denying it is a mistake, as is being unrealistic. The European Commission cannot ignore the economic and social crisis we are suffering from the consequences of COVID, war and inflation. The Objective 55 package cannot put sticks in the wheels of economic recovery and job creation or give an axe to the pockets of Europeans. If we demand measures from employers, the self-employed, workers and families that they cannot take, the fight against climate change will fail, and our economy will lose competitiveness and relocate. The necessary ambition of a sustainable and circular economy is not incompatible with the easing of measures in the midst of the crisis so as not to leave families and SMEs behind. Let us think about the protection of our environment, but also about our economy and our employment; in road transport, the fuel cost of which is already at an all-time high in Europe; in aviation, where tourists and families will pay the additional costs of this transition; in maritime transport, which with more tax burdens will end up expelling shipping companies from European ports, such as the Spanish one in Algeciras; or in households, which will suffer an increase in their receipts. Therefore, let us be responsible, manage rigorously, avoid decisions that take thousands of jobs and worsen the situation of the European economy. Let's react today so we don't have to correct tomorrow.

On the report on which the Catalan political independence movement bases this debate, it should be found out, first of all, the suspicious coincidence of the participation in this report of a person who is being investigated for promoting violence on the streets of Barcelona and promoting assault on the airport. In addition, the publication of this report takes place one day before the Pegasus Commission is set up here in Parliament. They are too many coincidences of those who seek to destabilize democracies and base everything on their fraudulent victimhood. This is something a government can never accept: neither blackmail nor give in for fear of losing power. Because you cannot agree to the government of a nation with whom you want to destroy it. Spain's socialist government should not keep them as partners or share with them secret information from the state. Sanchez can't put the wolf to watch the sheep. State responsibility is to defend Spain and its security and demand that its president give explanations to the Spaniards and the whole of the European Union when he and his government are not up to the moment.

Mr President, in Spain some pro-independence politicians struck a blow against a European democracy, the Spanish one. Some were condemned for sedition and embezzlement and others are escaped from justice, like the deputy who preceded me, from whom I will not accept a single lesson of legality because he is a fugitive from justice. They have all found in this debate their opportunity for victimization and, of course, another political offensive against the state. The least that can be expected of the intelligence services of a country, always under judicial protection, is that they investigate those who promise to repeat crimes against democracy and the rule of law. If the state is attacked, the state must defend itself.

Mr President, my first message is to the Ukrainian people: We're with you. From the pandemic to the war, crises overlap and do not give Europeans, our families, the self-employed, workers, SMEs, industry a break. The exorbitant energy prices have exposed our weaknesses in such a strategic sector as energy. We must stop these increases now, lowering VAT and taxes on electricity and fuels. Europe must reduce its energy dependence, diversify sources of supply and strengthen interconnections such as the STEP pipeline and the Midcat project between Spain and the rest of Europe. In addition, the war has hit our agri-food market, as Ukraine is Europe's barn. We must not take food supply and security for granted. We need to open up to other markets to ensure that our livestock can be fed. We need a CAP with fewer restrictions and that guarantees quality food at reasonable prices. Inflation, the increase in the electricity bill and the rise in the shopping basket suffocate millions of Europeans. You don't play with eating stuff. The European Commission has today presented a package with good measures, but, for example, the European Commission has not yet received the proposal of the Spanish government to set a maximum price for gas in the Iberian Peninsula. A government that neither listens to the opposition nor executes what it promises and abandons the Spaniards. Spain needs less government propaganda and more rigor. The popular ones ask to lower taxes, that the European Funds reach the real economy and create jobs, and reduce the superfluous public spending of the macro-government of Spain. Europe needs governments with presidents who put the interest of their citizens above their own.

Madam President, High Representative, I thank President Metsola for her courage in going to Ukraine on behalf of all. Today I want to speak to the people of Ukraine, to you, children, young people, adults, elders, who face the terror of a tyrant and raise your voice for freedom, not only yours, but that of all; It is your home, it is your life; It is not just a territory, it is your country, it is the place where your grandparents, your mothers grew up, and your children will grow up. I want to ask all Europeans to be Ukraine: Imagine for a moment that in your countries the sound of laughter in the streets is replaced by that of sirens, and that of children playing, by that of bombing. I ask you to lose your fear, as the Ukrainians have done: We defend our European values, which today are threatened and attacked. What's happening is a massacre, we can't look the other way. Putin will go down in the history books as one of the worst criminals, as a great enemy of human rights and freedom. Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, the European Union is at your side; Kiev resists, and Europe proves to be up to the task: Breaking diplomatic and economic relations with Putin is an obligation, and ambiguities are not worth it. The European Union must be firm against Putin now and when the war is over, hopefully soon: we cannot allow ourselves to give in to Putin when barbarism passes; It's not just about today, it's about tomorrow. It is also an obligation to strengthen Europe in the face of populist and like-minded nationalist movements that seek to destabilise our democracies. Member States must fulfil the commitments of the European Union and NATO, increase investment in security and defence, reduce energy dependence on Russia and take measures to mitigate the effects of the war, which, added to the accumulated inflation, are being devastating for European families. We stand with Ukraine, and we stand united with Europe every day.

Madam President, Europe should never again depend on a tyrant like Putin. We must be committed to a truly interconnected common energy market. The interconnection of gas with an infrastructure such as STEP is necessary to connect Spain and Portugal with the rest of Europe. We must act now. Families and businesses are desperate for rising prices. Inflation is a brutal tax that impoverishes us all every day that passes. The REPower EU Plan to ensure security of supply and affordable prices will be key. But the European Commission needs to act faster and more effectively; If not, he'll be late. But we must also demand that Member States lower taxes already on fuels and energy and grant more aid to the sectors concerned. Unfortunately, in Spain we are suffering from President Sánchez's inaction. It is in your hands to eliminate the expenses of the electricity bill that are not energy, lower taxes on fuels and even more on electricity. Farmers, ranchers, fishermen and transporters need measures now, but they only receive contempt from the Sanchez government.

Mr President, Commissioner, Putin is savagely attacking Ukraine and threatening Europe and the world. It is an international danger and the European Union is responding united with firmness and solidarity. Today I want to ask you to think about refugees and, above all, children, the most precious treasure for a family. I am Spanish and my country is one of the most welcoming children in Chernobyl for years to help them improve their health in view of the effects of the 1986 nuclear accident. And we can't abandon them. I am the mother of an eleven-year-old boy and I cannot imagine the pain that parents suffer when they see in the eyes of their children the fear because of the terror of a tyrant. There are many children with cancer in Ukraine who, because of the war, see their lives further endangered by not being able to receive medicines or treatments. I call on the Commission and the Council to support the initiative being coordinated by the members of this Parliament's BECA Committee to send medicines to Ukraine, transfer children with cancer to European hospitals and ensure funding for these treatments. We ask for safe corridors to the European Union, to freedom, and not burrows designed by Putin. I remember all fathers and, especially today, mothers on International Women's Day. Of those Ukrainian women who have stayed to defend the best country for their children and who decided to leave to protect them from attacks. All brave. Here we are to protect lives, defend freedom and build the best European Union.

Madam President, Commissioner, rapporteur, 1.3 million Europeans die of cancer every year. Of these, 6,000 are children. 100 million screening tests were delayed by COVID. Today surviving cancer can still depend on where you live in Europe. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan is a historic milestone, a paradigm shift that will end inequality, ensure equal access to the best treatments in the shortest possible time, and prevent future pandemics from harming people with cancer again. This Plan addresses prevention by, for example, making nutrition a basic service; with early diagnosis, we improve screening programs; with treatment, we boost joint purchases, as we have done with COVID vaccines; and with social and economic support for patients and relatives, the right to be forgotten, so that no one is discriminated against for having had cancer. And finally, leadership in research and innovation made in Europe. I am proud of this Plan and I subscribe to it almost entirely. Abuse of alcohol is one of the risk factors for health and we have to fight it firmly. But we do not share to equate the abusive consumption of alcohol, which is harmful to health, with the moderate consumption of wine. Because the Mediterranean diet, Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is a valuable European cultural heritage that provides us with a healthy diet that contemplates this moderate consumption. That is why, in our amendments, which I ask you to support, we advocate a clear distinction between 'moderate' and 'abusive' consumption, as established by the European Commission. Therefore, let us together push forward this Plan to defeat cancer and give hope to each and every European.

Madam President, President Macron, we face great challenges over the next six months: in the face of the pandemic, let us continue to promote vaccination and boost the Europe of health; in the face of the economic crisis, let us support our industry, workers, the self-employed, livestock farmers and farmers. Therefore, let us efficiently use Next Generation EU funds to modernise the economy and create jobs: there is a need for control, transparency and a correct and rapid implementation of the funds; it is unacceptable that governments such as Spain have not implemented half of the European funds planned for 2021, while we suffer the highest unemployment rate in Europe. President Macron, Europe is incomprehensibly absent from the international board, and you have not mentioned Latin America, when it must continue to be a strategic geographical area for Europe. If we neglect it, other actors who do not share our values will take our place: In international politics, as you know, empty spaces do not exist. Let us recover and boost our role in the world.

Mr President, 2021 is coming to an end and it is time to take stock. From the European Parliament we have defended the rule of law and democracy inside and outside the Union. Through the European Funds we have defended economic recovery and solidarity. And by fighting the pandemic we have taken a decisive step towards a Europe of Health. However, there are many challenges that still lie ahead. We must win the battle against the virus by fighting disinformation and fake news, which are fearsome allies of COVID, and we must redouble our efforts to help vaccinate the rest of the world. Only in this way will we be able to achieve the much-needed vaccination. On the other hand, the Recovery Funds are a great responsibility. The management of huge resources should be accompanied by transparency and control in the implementation of the Funds in each Member State. Only in this way will we avoid inefficiencies, clientelism or corruption, and only in this way will we be able to modernise our economies and create jobs. You cannot squander a public euro at a time when life is becoming more expensive for millions of families. The price of the shopping basket and the energy bill has increased. And defending the well-being of Europeans also means defending our borders in Ceuta, Poland or Greece against the hybrid threats and attacks of those who want to destabilise our Union using the human drama of migration. That is why, more than ever, we must also work together for a common migration pact. Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, our values and our freedoms are at stake. Let us work together and firmly. And I wish you all a Merry Christmas.