Speeches

Mr President, dear Commissioner Virkkunen, dear colleagues, the changing European approach in the field of migration is clearly reflected in the last Frontex figures. In 2025, last year, we saw a 26 % decrease in irregular crossings at the EU's external borders, and that is a significant development. Frontex points out that an important reason for this decline is the migration agreement concluded with third countries just outside the European Union. This partnership shows that cooperation beyond our borders can deliver concrete results. However, despite these positive figures, we are not there yet. In my own country, in the Netherlands, the asylum system remains under severe pressure with a growing backlog of cases. At the same time, effective return remains a crucial part of an effective migration system and it still requires further strengthening – a priority I continue to work on in this Parliament as a rapporteur for the new return regulation. It is the missing piece of the Migration Pact. I therefore look forward to the new migration strategy and trust that the Commission will continue this positive trend and take a solution‑oriented approach to the remaining challenge.

Mr President, Commissioner McGrath, Minister Bjerre on behalf of the Council, colleagues, exactly two years ago, Georgia was granted EU candidate status, and one year ago, that process was rightfully frozen. Georgia has been pushed towards a Russian-style autocracy: laws against free media were passed; elections were manipulated; hundreds of people were beaten for peacefully protesting; even the use of chemical weapons against civilians was justified. Today, Georgia holds more political prisoners per capita than Russia. Brave journalists, like this year's Sakharov Prize winner Mzia Amaglobeli, are imprisoned. Prominent opposition figures, even from our own political family, ALDE, are behind bars. And Georgian Dream does not stop. They now want to ban all opposition parties. But we Europeans should say no, and be clear that this democratic crackdown comes with responsibility. Georgian Dream officials are instruments of the Kremlin's hybrid war against Georgia and Europe, and help Russia bypass international sanctions. The EU has waited too long and must impose targeted sanctions now: suspend visa liberalisation for Georgian Dream officials – they must pay the price, not the Georgian citizens. The EU must apply real pressure: demand the release of all political prisoners immediately and insist on new, free and fair elections. No excuses, no delays. We owe it to all those fighting for a free and democratic Georgia.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Commissioner and representatives on behalf of the Council, I would like to thank you, Commissioner, for presenting this important report. The migration pact is a key solution to the migration challenges facing the European Union. Therefore, it is essential that Parliament is also fully involved in both the implementation process and the assessment of the situation in our Member States. However, I would have appreciated that we, as Parliament, had been informed earlier about the progress of implementation at national level, particularly concerning the border procedure. As a member of the Migration Working Group, I believe that Parliament has not been sufficiently involved so far. I would therefore also like to ask friendly to the Commission to ensure that we are more closely included in this process. I would also want to ask the Commission to keep supporting Member States in the preparation for the timely implementation of the pact. After all, as you mentioned also, Commissioner Brunner, solidarity cannot exist without responsibility. It goes hand in hand. When there is still secondary movement in the European Union, there will also be less appetite for solidarity.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the world is changing rapidly and, in this turbulent time, international security is rightly the focus of attention. But as we look outside, we must not forget our internal security. Within Europe, too, threats are increasing, often also stimulated from the outside, from drug violence to subversion and terrorism. Strengthened European cooperation is of great importance and our police officers play a crucial role in this, and it is up to us to ensure that they receive the support and resources they need. The internal security strategy is essential. But words are not enough. I call on the European Commission to swiftly come forward with concrete proposals that strengthen the position of our policemen and women, including in the fight against drug production and trafficking. For a Europe that is not only strong outside, but also safe within its own borders.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, first of all, I would like to express my appreciation for the cooperation in dealing with the visa waiver suspension mechanism. We have achieved a significant result, thanks also to the rapporteur, Mr Nemec. We have reached an agreement to strengthen the existing 2018 visa legislation with stricter and more efficient rules. This is necessary in order to be able to react more quickly and effectively if visa-free travel to the European Union is abused. The world is changing and we have to go along with it. In Europe, we are facing new threats. We see instrumentalisation of migration and organised crime with drug-related violence. There are also new hybrid threats, in particular cyberattacks and espionage. We need to be able to better protect our external borders. Therefore, these three additions, which suspend visa-free travel from third countries, are the most important for me: if there is a 30% increase in irregular stay or criminal activity; in the case of hybrid threats towards the European Union; and if there is a substantial increase in disadvantaged asylum applications. With this extra addition to the legislation, we keep Europe, and therefore also the Netherlands, stable and safe.

Madam President, colleagues, today in this House, we celebrate a milestone that defines the very essence of our European Union: the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement. 40 years ago, the Schengen area was born out of a shared vision. A vision where borders would no longer divide us, where freedom of movement would be a fundamental right for every European citizen. This was not just a policy. It was a promise of unity, opportunity and peace. And as a Member of Renew Europe, I stand before you proud of our commitment to this vision. We have championed the principles of openness, cooperation and mutual respect. However, we must also acknowledge the challenges that have tested this vision: security issues, migration pressure and the rise of nationalism. Let us be clear, the answer is not to retreat behind walls. The answer is to strengthen our external border management, to enhance the cooperation among Member States and with third countries, and to modernise our systems to ensure that Schengen remains a beacon of what Europe can achieve when we stand together. Let this anniversary remind us of our shared responsibility to protect and uphold the freedoms that Schengen has granted us. Let it inspire us to work towards a Europe that is not just united in policy, but also united in purpose.

Mr President, dear Commissioner Kos, the Parliament is about to adopt a yearly progress report on the relationship between the EU and Türkiye and I would like to first express my gratitude towards the rapporteur, Mr Sánchez Amor, for all his efforts and for his inclusive process towards this report. And the message is clear: to help keep Europe and Ukraine safe, the EU needs to work more closely also with Türkiye in response also to the Russian aggression. Europe's security structure is changing and this is a new reality. A stronger partnership with Türkiye is not just a good idea, it's a strategic need. The Parliament makes this clear also in the report. And the EU also has a responsibility. By setting clear expectations when it comes to core values like democracy, human rights and the rule of law. So, dear Commissioner Kos, take this report seriously. Use it not only to point out Türkiye's shortcomings, use it also to build a smart EU strategy that combines closer cooperation with firm and principled pressure, a strategy that could guide Türkiye in the right direction that supports both our interests. That is not just the right thing to do, that is also a win‑win.

Madam President, the arrest of İmamoğlu is not just an attack on an opposition leader, it is a politically motivated effort to silence opposition. And it becomes worse, protesters are facing brutal force and journalists are being arrested. And yet, the European Union remained silent until this evening. I'm very glad to hear that the Commissioner decided to cancel her official visit to Ankara – I'm very glad to hear it. But still, a high-level political dialogue is still scheduled for this Thursday. The hesitations come from concerns of security cooperation. But rest assured, the European Union and Türkiye have a deep and long-standing relationship, one that has withstood harsh arguments before and will remain to do so. Friends can be critical of each other and can point out mistakes being made. The EU must take a firm stand: suspend also the dialogue, unless the Turkish government immediately releases İmamoğlu. Europe cannot be silent or we will find ourselves on the wrong side of history.

Mr President, Commissioner Brunner, colleagues, the world around us is getting harder and harder. And as the war in Ukraine shows: Our security is threatened from the outside. That is why it is also good that we now have a strategy in place in which we can respond quickly and jointly to hybrid threats. But as we look at these threats, I would like to emphasise that we must also remain alert to what is happening within our borders. Organised crime and subversion are on the rise in both the Netherlands and the European Union. This puts enormous pressure on our way of life. Criminal networks are becoming increasingly brutal, violent and international. A European approach is needed, including on drugs, because stricter controls in one port lead to more smuggling in the other. I would like to hear from the Commissioner how he intends to achieve this. I think it is essential to roll out a more comprehensive European port strategy! I thank the Commissioner and am motivated, together with my colleagues here, to work with him towards a safer Europe and thus also a safe Netherlands.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, after the successful establishment of the migration pact, I am pleased that today a new returns directive has been presented by the Commission, for which I would like to thank Commissioner Brunner. Without a functioning system on returns, the European migration system will never function properly. At the moment, only 20 % of rejected asylum seekers are actually returned. This is not acceptable, and it undermines public support and trust in our migration policies. There is a need for a simple, fast and efficient returns directive, where mutual recognition of return decisions between Member States is essential. And there I see already – with my critical eyes – room for improvement, dear Commissioner. Furthermore, rejected asylum seekers and the countries of origin must be required to cooperate with their return, and there should be consequences for those who do not. This requires intensive cooperation with these countries. We need agreements, Commissioner. Let me be clear: the Renew Europe Group is adamant that human rights are always being taken into account. And from now on, in view of previous lessons learned, it's important that Parliament takes responsibility and works together.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, the geopolitical landscape is drastically changing. The EU and Türkiye therefore need each other more than ever. A strong partnership is crucial for both. However, more and more elected officials are being removed from office based on fake or politically motivated charges and replaced by government trustees. This development is deeply concerning. I therefore call on the Turkish Government to stop these practices. This does not build a stronger partnership with the European Union. Instead, it erodes trust and creates obstacles for stronger EU-Türkiye relations. I also call on the EU High Representative, via the Commissioner, to take a firm and clear stand in response to these actions, because if Türkiye is serious about moving closer to the European Union – as they have repeatedly claimed – it must uphold the basic principles of democracy and the rule of law. These values are not negotiable.

Mr President, the fall of the Assad regime brings both relief and uncertainty for Syrians. The big question is: Is Syria entering a period of instability again or is this the beginning of reconstruction and stability and with a perspective for refugee Syrians to return safely as well? The new Syria has one advantage: it can detach itself from the influence of Iran and Russia, which did everything to keep Assad in power and strengthen their influence in the region. Last week, the European Union called for a peaceful transfer of power. Rightly so, but in the meantime countries such as Turkey, Israel, the UK and the US are not idle and Russia is also conducting talks with the rebels who overthrew the regime. Countries such as Russia or Iran are not allowed to determine the future of Syria. The EU must therefore also assume its responsibility to engage in dialogue and dialogue with Syria itself, so that the period of reconstruction can begin. Not only for the security and stability of Syria, not only for the security and stability of the region, but also for the security and stability of Europe.

Mr President, in 2024 there is a hunt for Jewish people in Amsterdam, the city of Anne Frank. Ordinary football violence degenerated into a ‘Jewish hunt’, something we had promised ourselves never to let happen again. We are too tolerant of intolerance and I think the consequences are horrific. The problem is also deep. The conflict in the Middle East is a catalyst of deep-rooted anti-Semitism and exposes failing integration of parts of our society. It is a growing intolerance of our European freedoms. This intolerance is partly the result of unwanted foreign influence. This has no place, not in my Netherlands, not in my Europe. We will have to work together to protect our free European values, and the time to intervene is now. First of all, as my predecessor pointed out, by including Samidoun on the European terror list. This dangerous organization incites people to hatred and spreads anti-Semitic messages. I demand European action and I expect an answer.

Mr President, first of all I must say that the Council is apparently not represented in this important debate today. As much as I am pleased that Commissioner Dalli is here, it is of course also a bit of contempt that the migration commissioners, who are responsible for it, or the President of the Commission are not here today, because for us – Renew Europe – this is an important debate. It is not for nothing that a debate is a priority for this Parliament. We have made great strides, also in this Parliament, when it comes to the migration pact. I think the only thing left to say is: implementation, implementation and implementation of the Migration Pact. We don't have to take two years. Better today than tomorrow. But where we still have to take steps is on the return policy. Because when asylum seekers are rejected in one European country, I don't want them to try again in another. Through good European cooperation, we can prevent asylum seekers from wandering around Europe. For me, it makes a lot of sense: the return decision issued in one country will have to apply throughout the European Union. On the contrary, we need European measures to reduce the influx of asylum seekers, including to the Netherlands. We see that such cooperation is bearing fruit. Partly as a result of the migration agreement with Tunisia, arrivals via the Mediterranean route have fallen by more than 60%. That is why we must also have the political courage to regulate the return policy at European level by also acting together against third countries that refuse to cooperate in taking back rejected asylum seekers. Because if Member States do this on their own, we will not succeed. As long as Member States continue to choose their own interests over European cooperation, we will not get anywhere. So only together can we offer these fundamental solutions.

Mr President, Commissioner Schinas, in order to reduce migration flows, we need European action. The Netherlands cannot do this alone. A Member State cannot do this alone. In fact, we also need to work with countries outside Europe to achieve this. We can build walls on our external borders, as some here may claim, but with 44,000 kilometres of external borders, this is a sham solution. Also, 30,000 new border guards at Frontex will not be sufficient. The European Union will need to conclude more migration deals with third countries so that we can ease the pressure on our external borders and work together on returns. When I look at the composition of the new European Commission, I unfortunately see that this seems to have little political priority. For example, we do not have a vice-president who is responsible for this. The people at home want the European Union to solve problems for them. Dear Commissioner Schinas, I would like to thank you for all your work and I know that you share my opinion on this, so I ask you: who will tackle this in the new European Commission – closing these deals?

Mr President, Commissioner, Minister, colleagues, Orbán is playing with the security of Europe. Hungary grants work visas to Russians and Belarusians. This gives them free access to our territory. Orbán opens the door to Russian spies. He is giving Putin a weapon of war and that is a great threat to our security. Orbán shows again which side he is on in Putin's fight against the free West. The rules of the Schengen Agreement are clear to everyone. That is why stricter border controls are now needed between Hungary and the rest of Europe. In fact, a Member State that actively undermines our security cannot remain in the Schengen area. Therefore, Commissioner, make a proposal to the Council to suspend Hungary from the Schengen area. If only to put pressure on you, because unfortunately that is the only language Orbán understands.

I do it in Dutch. I don't do that often, but I certainly do at the moment, because we are here for a historic moment. First of all, I would like to thank Commissioners Schinas and, in particular, Ylva Johansson for all their work. It will be up to us, the European Parliament, in a few hours. This is a historic moment because we have long been trying to work on European solutions when it comes to migration. I understand the different sub-interests. I understand the emotions, but they always block the solutions. So it's about responsibility. I think all those who negotiated have shown their responsibility. But everything also depends on the people who may not have been so closely involved in the negotiations on the legislation. It is your responsibility to vote. If you vote against, you will vote in favour of maintaining the current situation: A major humanitarian tragedy, no grip on migration. So only by working together and making your voice heard for this pact will we take a step forward. It's not ideal. It can always be better in several ways, but we are taking a step forward. Therefore, I appeal to your responsibility: Today, let not only your partial interest or your political interest prevail.

Mr President, bravery has a name: Alexei Navalny. Would we have been able to do the same? Willing to suffer for our beliefs? Willing to die for our convictions? Putin is a coward. He fears freedom and people who fight for it. He fears heroes like Navalny. Yulia Navalnaya will continue that fight and of course, we stand by her side. But we need to continue to help Ukraine and make sure Putin does not succeed. We need to keep harbouring political refugees and we need to honour Navalny like we did Magnitsky, by seizing the Russian regime’s assets and putting all the actors responsible for his killing on the Magnitsky Act. Navalny was clear: we are not allowed to give up. The dark days of Putin will end; Navalny’s legacy will continue to shine. Alexei, we will not give up!

Mr President, dear colleagues, I start by paying respect for the Ukrainian people, who continue to fight for our common freedoms. Colleagues, all Ukrainians ask for is weapons. They need to defend their country. Ukraine is losing ground because they don’t have them. No one can say when or where Russia’s invasion will end, but we know that any victory for Russia is a blow to European security. The less we do now, the higher cost later. We must produce through the European defence industry, but this will take time. In the short term, what Ukraine needs must be jointly procured worldwide and the Commission should take emergency measures to remove all barriers and stimulate investment in the European defence industry. Now is the time to do what’s necessary to enhance our European security.

Mr President, dear Vice-President Šefčovič – because Ms von der Leyen left the room – dear Minister Lahbib, dear colleagues, needless to remind you that democracy and the rule of law are under attack in different parts of the world. But what is even more terrifying today is that they are also under attack in Europe, in our own backyard. The fact that our guardians of the Treaties, who are supposed to protect the EU’s financial interests, are now giving in to blackmail is unbelievable. We, in Renew Europe, strongly condemn the actions of the Prime Minister of Hungary, who decided to block the decision on the funding of the Ukraine aid package. This is in full disrespect and violation of EU strategic interests. How long, dear colleagues, can our Union and its taxpayers be asked to tolerate this blackmail from within? When does this end? This issue needs to be treated as a matter of urgency for the health and wellbeing of our Union. The special European Council meeting on 1 February needs to agree on the targeted MFF revision, allowing us to respond to urgent challenges and citizens’ needs, while also fulfilling our political and financial commitments to Ukraine. Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. Ukraine’s future is Europe’s future! Furthermore, the Article 7 procedure that this House voted on many years ago must be taken forward. The removal of Orbán’s voting rights should not be off the table. Lastly, the Rule of Law Conditionality mechanism must be upheld. Mr Šefčovič, on behalf of the Commission, we can no longer give in to Mr Orbán’s demands. The confidence of this House in the Commission depends on what happens next. You may claim that the European Commission had to unblock money in December legally. But transparency is the key here. With clarity on the consideration to free funds, we would not have to ask the Committee on Legal Affairs to prepare an action before the Court of Justice. We need answers! Can you imagine that the European elections are around the corner and we are having a debate on Viktor Orbán’s latest demands? This is deeply regrettable. Let us stand with Ukraine and mean it. Let us agree on a budget worthy of our challenges. Let us start to focus on the many achievements of this mandate and the way forward. Let us really begin to work on a stronger Europe and show our citizens what stronger together really means.

Madam President, dear colleagues, my political family was deeply touched by the death of Jacques Delors. On behalf of the Renew Europe Group, I send my condolences to his family. Jacques Delors was a great European and one of the most important founding fathers of today's European Union. Like President Macron said, he was . Jacques Delors was a firm believer in a united Europe, in a Europe where our common future is key to the well-being of us all. He also advocated strongly for personal responsibility, a value close to the hearts of my Group. Europe is us. We need to continue Delors’ legacy. His vision ensured the free movement of people, goods and services within the European Union – a huge achievement. Building on his legacy means deepening the single market and completing it. The European Union has many successes, but the single market remains the biggest so far. Mr Delors also believed that Europe needed a soul and a human face. Today, people feel insecure and a loss of control. Europe must listen to their concerns and act upon it – on migration, on the economy. We honour its legacy by delivering solutions for European citizens. Jacques Delors said 'Europe is its people'. In this vital election year, may his truly European spirit guide us in the weeks and months to come. We thank you, Jack Delors. We will make you proud so that you can rest assured your legacy continues. May you rest in peace.

Mr President, dear Executive Vice-President Šefčovič, dear Minister, honourable Members, our heart goes out to the terror victims in Israel, in Arras and in Brussels, and our heart also goes out to the innocent victims in Gaza. Let me be clear on this. We live in times of conflicts and Europe should play its role in helping to solve these. It takes a strong, confident and, most of all, united Europe to be able to do so. And when looking ahead to the European Council later this month, dear colleagues, unity is exactly what we needed. We need European unity on the Middle East in order to have a role in preventing further human tragedy, but also to be part of a long-term solution. And we cannot leave the Americans to do that on their own. We also have responsibility. We need the same unity we have shown also on Ukraine, and we need to continue providing support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes. Dear colleagues, the complex challenges we face mean that we need also a strong economy that can withstand external shocks. We need reliable, affordable and clean energy to address key strategic dependencies and reduce the regulatory burden for our companies. Dear colleagues, another area where we need unity more than ever is on migration. We need to complete the migration pact before the elections and we need to keep the external dimension in mind. It is crucial that we engage with third countries to reduce the flow of irregular migration. Dear colleagues, I would like to end with one main point: the reform of our Union to make it future-proof. This needs to be a future for our citizens that prioritises their safety in a strong and stable Europe, a Europe that offers them every opportunity to pursue their hopes and their dreams. This is our task.

Madam President, Executive Vice—President Šefčovič, dear colleagues. 233 days remain until the European elections – 233 opportunities to address the many challenges we face, the dangers we face, the world we face, because the world is changing rapidly. Our citizens wants to see a Europe that remains calm, united and strong. Wars in Ukraine, the Caucasus and the Middle East, coups in Africa, and terrorist attacks abroad, and even back at home. Europe needs to play its role. We notice the effects of climate change, and it is still not too late to use technology, like nuclear power or offshore wind, to our benefit. And the rise of illiberalism. Well, the election results in Poland give us hope. 233 days remain to the European elections, and in that time, we need to lay the groundwork for a stronger reformed geopolitical Europe with more focus on defence. The Renew Group therefore welcomes the commitment of the Commission on a Defence Industrial Strategy. We need to reduce our vulnerabilities and dependencies, and we need to reinforce our strength on industry, innovation, SMEs and – as you already mentioned – cutting red tape. On migration, as I have said many, many times, we need to deliver not only on a serious package, but also on strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa, which is important in order to tackle the illegal smuggling of migrants. We must work with countries such as Egypt to prepare now and prevent the risk of a new flow of migrants and refugees from the Middle East. Only by addressing these challenges can Europe stand strong in a volatile world. In 233 days. The voters will judge us on our performance as they trusted us to deal with the many challenges we face. Well, let us deliver for our citizens.

Mr President, dear Commissioner Schinas, dear Secretary of State, let me start by congratulating you, Secretary of State, because finally, at the Justice and Home Affairs meeting last week, we saw a glimmer of hope. Let’s hope also that Coreper this morning will succeed. Hope for real progress on the migration and asylum pact. Thinking ahead to the informal summit in Granada, where Europe wants this hope to be turned into results. Because there is no doubt: to adopt this migration pact this mandate, we need an agreement before the end of this year. And we need to be realistic: to get this package over the line, a tremendous amount of work still needs to be done. This will require a constructive approach also in this House. Here, dear colleagues, I remind us all that we have a big responsibility in doing so. Because agreement can only come from the political centre in this House. Let it be a broad majority that delivers real European solutions to the challenges of our time – as we did for COVID, as we continue to do for Ukraine. And we cannot reward those who spread fear about migration for electoral reasons, but vote against EU actions again and again. Managing migration in the proper way is not easy. It requires actions on all sides, including the external dimension. We need to engage with third countries to address the root causes of migration and provide also stability in the neighbourhood. And we know the building blocks: fight the migrant smuggling networks, solve the root causes of irregular migration, more legal pathways and truly effective readmission, and return policy. Of course, our agreement with third countries should not only concern stopping irregular migration, but they should be about investing in a long-term, broad partnership with our neighbouring countries and countries of origin. Colleagues, the last weeks have revolved around our crisis response to Lampedusa and the tragic events unfolding there. A European response is needed and we need it now. In the migration pact, a crisis mechanism is foreseen. Why should we wait for the adoption of it? Why can we not anticipate? Start, for example, implementing real EU support for the border return procedures for those who are likely to be granted for asylum, for example, and to have some solidarity in the European Union towards Italy? Dear colleagues, the clock is ticking and we are already approaching extra time. Together we can manage the challenges of migration. Where there is a will, there is a way.