Speeches

Madam President, dear President von der Leyen, dear Ursula, first I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Moroccan and Libyan people, who have been impacted by a massive earthquake and a flood. I expect also our Union to continue to help them to overcome this tragedy. Dear President, one more year to go. Together we have achieved a lot in the last four years that for some reason feel like also much longer. My message to you today is – and I know you would agree – do not rest on your laurels. There is more work and less time. If you ask me, this term cannot be successful without quick results from the EU-Tunisia deal; finishing the migration pact; continuous and increased support to Ukraine – we cannot back down in our support for the brave Ukrainian people; and finally, our economy. We need to boost our competitiveness, focus on our industry in small and medium-sized enterprises, and provide access to critical raw materials and enhance our defence capabilities. People throughout Europe continue to struggle with inflation, energy prices are not predictably stable, and the cost of living continues to rise. This means that what we spend our money on and how is under immense scrutiny. We know the populists will exploit this. We cannot allow them to do so. Dear President, we only have a few months before the elections to show that this term was your best term so far. So let’s do just that.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the rapporteur on this report, Mr Sánchez Amor, and of course also my colleagues, shadow rapporteurs, on this important report. And thanks for the good cooperation. Well, after the Turkish elections in May, President Erdoğan used his victory speech to target again minorities and especially also LGBTI people. I believe this is outrageous and it shows what we can expect in the coming years. We should therefore not get stuck in endless debates about EU accession talks. We all see the reality as it is on the ground, and at the same time we cannot stay in a standstill. Türkiye remains a crucial partner for cooperation on trade, migration and security, for instance, and the Turkish people, who are dealing with economic problems and the aftermath of an earthquake, would benefit from more cooperation. Let’s see how we can improve our relations now in a different way, for instance by updating the Association Agreement after 60 years. And I am convinced that the EU would also benefit from this. We should not wait any longer. The EU and Turkey should find a new format to cooperate.

Mr President, dear colleagues, the past few months we have seen the busiest migration summer since 2016 and every week we have to read about yet another deadly tragedy at sea. In these circumstances, it is clear that our citizens expect a union that acts. And that is why I support the initiative to conclude a broad agreement with Tunisia, which includes migration cooperation. It shows the level of responsibility needed to match the disasters taking place in the Mediterranean. Our common goal to avoid more loss of life at sea can only be achieved by engaging with our neighbouring countries. At the same time, we need to make sure that any agreement is in line with the fundamental rights, which should remain the red line in the negotiations. Unfortunately, the results are not showing. The EU-Tunisia deal seems to be stuck in the implementation phase and few details are shared. To gain support and counter populism on both sides, we need two things: concrete results and proper information – especially when an agreement should serve as a blueprint for similar agreements in the future. Both are urgently needed. I call on you, Commissioner, to deliver both.

Mr President, I will do it in Dutch, this time my own language. Three weeks ago I was on Lampedusa and I was able to see with my own eyes on what scale migrant boats are now arriving in Italy. And with this cynical model of human smuggling, conditions are also becoming increasingly dangerous. Many crossings are now undertaken in homemade light-alloy boats that capsize easily and pose a danger to the rescue crews. The result: a tragically high number of drowning victims and an unsustainable flow of asylum to Italy and Europe. And it can't go on like this. On the left I often hear the call for only more search and rescue operations and on the more extreme right I hear that border fences will suffice. But this will not prevent people from finding death in the Mediterranean. If you really want to prevent this, then you will really have to make agreements with countries from which people leave, that there are no rickety boats from the mainland at all. That is why I support the European Commission, which is now also negotiating migration agreements with Tunisia at a high political level. Use all the means at our disposal to prevent this type of dangerous journey from being undertaken. Because only then do we have a humane policy when it comes to migration.

Mr President, dear Commissioner Šefčovič and dear Minister Roswell, let me start by offering my congratulations to you, Minister, last week you achieved something we have asked for a very long time. Finally, we are witnessing progress on one of the most important policy areas for our citizens. Finally, dear colleagues, the European Union is taking steps to tackle one of the challenges of our time. Some in this House would like us to believe migration is about numbers. Some in this House would like us to believe that migration is only about they and them, as an abstract threat. Some in this House would like us to believe that we cannot solve the issue of migration and that fear should guide us. The narrative and fear mongering of the extremes in this House and so many houses of parliament in our Member States is strong. People are receptive to fear and extremists have an interest in not solving the problem. They care only about steering the polls. Renew Europe says ‘no’ to this. Migration is about people, real people like you and me, people fleeing a crisis or persecution for trying to uphold the values that we hold dear, people that are looking for a better life, our way of life. Our values demand of us that we solve problems, that we are part of the solution, not the problems. Populists talk; Renew Europe acts. But we are realistic as well. We cannot solve a problem we cannot manage. The current migration situation is out of control, but it is also complex. That is why I call upon all those of goodwill in this House to help us in managing this crisis. We need to invest more in root causes of migration. We need to be generous to those refugees who seek shelter and deserve our decency. And we need to ensure that the first safe harbour is close to conflict zones so people can return to normality once it occurs. We need to ensure that Europe is not a human trafficking paradise and that human trade routes are cut off. And yes, third countries that have become transit countries need also to take their responsibility. But so do we, by getting this migration pact over the finish line, by showing the citizens that migration is manageable, that the populists prone on problems and that we can deliver. Dear colleagues, I know we are all united in our horror at the recent actions of Russia in Ukraine. New sanctions? Yes. Tackling sanctions avoidance? Clearly. Real solidarity? Absolutely, and we urge the Council to be ambitious. There must be consequences for Russian war crimes in Europe. Dear colleagues, one year from now, I’m confident the political centre will prevail. I know that win Renew Europe will be there to build a pro-European majority in this House, but we have to be realistic. Calling the populists and extremists out for what they are is not enough. Flirting with them or trying to copy their behaviour is even worse. Problems are not solved with words, they are solved with actions. Let’s get to work and show the people that democracy, compromise, pragmatism and hard work is still the best guarantee for our common future together... (The President cut off the speaker)

Madam President, dear President of the Commission, dear President of the Council, dear Vice-President Šefčovič, dear President Metsola, dear colleagues, we are faced with several crises and conducting fundamental reforms. We are refurbishing and rebuilding our European House at the same time. For our citizens, it’s a lot. How do we strike a balance between tackling climate change but remain competitive? How can we afford to pay for our energy bills now and in the future? How can we make ends meet while inflation is eating away the salaries and food prices are rising? All these challenges against the backdrop of a horrible war being fought on our continent. The best way to deliver good jobs and protect income is a more competitive Europe. Yes, we must react to the new global dynamics and enhance strategic autonomy, without losing sight of earning capacity. The engine of our economy is our Single Market. Let’s deepen it, not fragment it. Deepening the Capital Markets Union, lowering energy costs and embracing new technology, and also signing new trade deals. What better signal could we have before the elections, Madam President, than in a host of new trade agreements – from South America, even perhaps from the United States? Colleagues, irregular migration is a great concern for many. That is why Renew Europe worked hard to build a majority in this House on files that are building blocks of the migration and asylum pact. Let’s use this momentum. It’s now up to the Council. Promises of progress in June cannot become September, and September cannot slip to December. We need the full attention of the Commission and the Council to deliver the real results now. Our institutions are ready. Colleagues, the war in Ukraine shows Europe is best when it acts with unity. We welcome the joint purchase of ammunition, an initiative born in the Renew Europe family. The agreement to create the new International Centre for Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is important. And I think I speak for the House when I say we look forward to welcoming Mr Putin in The Hague – and as a Dutch MEP, you can imagine that I will be there. Madam President, the uncertainties faced by our citizens must be met with an iron resolve to address their concerns and bring hope for a brighter tomorrow. And we ask you both to play your part to make this a reality.

Madam President, President of the Commission, High Representative, colleagues, one year ago we lived in a different world. And today we see Ukrainian families torn apart because of Russia’s war of aggression. Tens of thousands of people have died and I would like to extend my condolences to their loved ones. We all remember the images from Bucha – a European Union keyring attached to a lifeless hand. Dear colleagues, Ukraine’s hopes are our objectives. One year on, we see NATO strengthened. Ukraine is firmly in the centre of our European family, and we have to continue to provide massive support to Ukraine, also with more military materials, without taboos. Dear colleagues, on this sad anniversary, we need to show our determination. We need to be united in this House – also a reaction to Mr Weber on behalf of the EPP. Our voice needs to be united, especially today, a year after this huge tragedy – the start of the war in Ukraine. Dear colleagues, let us expand the EU sanctions list to 6 000 Russian individuals. Let us hold Russia accountable through the Tribunal for the crime of aggression in The Hague. And let us use the confiscated Russian funds to start rebuilding Ukraine as soon as possible. Slava Ukraini!

Madam President, dear Commissioner Lenarčič, dear colleagues, last week, southern Türkiye and northern Syria were rocked several times by very strong earthquakes, causing massive devastation of an unprecedented magnitude. Even now, a week later, it’s difficult to realise the scale of this disaster and human suffering. Last year, I got to know the beautiful cities of Gaziantep and Urfa. Very welcoming and energetic people who are working hard, not only for themselves, but also for the many Syrian refugees. And now so much that they worked for has literally collapsed. It’s horrible. People sleep in parks or in tents, still in shock. All their future dreams are gone at once. In these difficult times, Europe must stand up and lend a helping hand. Fortunately, the EU – and I would like also to express my gratitude to Commissioner Lenarčič – and also the Member States have responded quickly with emergency aid, which I applaud. But we know that more is needed. We must show our solidarity. More humanitarian aid is now needed and also for the years to come to offer perspective to the people in the affected areas. We demand full access to northern Syria immediately. And also we call upon the Turkish authorities that their actions are just and lawful. Blocking Twitter is not a solution. Let’s make it clear why Mustafa Kemal’s choice for Europe was the right one by being there for Türkiye at its darkest hour.

Madam President, dear colleagues, in a year, European elections will determine the future of Europe. And what are the biggest concerns of our voters? Well, we know it. Certainly, the high cost of living; the war in Ukraine. But I assure you that also migration will be on the top of their minds. We see this as a concern of many citizens, but I do not see the urgency to deliver. Colleagues, it’s time to wake up. This mismatch between what we need to do and what is being achieved is dangerous. First, we need real progress on the Migration and Asylum Pact. Responsibility and solidarity must go hand in hand. A third element to come to an agreement is missing, however, and that is trust. Trust between Member States. And here lies also a role for the Commission. The Commission has to step up to break the cycle of mistrust existing between Member States by enforcing also current rules towards the new package. Dublin rules do not seem to exist now, and because of it, trust has been eroding from the moment Commission has made its proposals. Our focus should be on concrete results for our citizens to provide immediate relief to our external borders. We must do everything in our power to strike new agreements with third countries to counter irregular migration and increase returns, including by using our trade and visa policy as a leverage. This should be a top priority for the Commission. Colleagues, when faced with a pandemic, Europe delivered. When faced with war, we act quickly together. Migration cannot be the Cinderella of EU achievements this mandate. Instead of rhetoric and fairy tales, we need real focus and concrete delivery. It’s time for action.

Madam President, we can all agree the Swedish Presidency comes at a crucial time for our union. We see clearly that families are worried about the cost of living, high inflation, economic uncertainty. Renew Europe’s message: We hear you. We hear you. The solutions do not only lie at the European level, but we have a duty to do everything we can to make people’s lives easier. The best way to fight back is to focus on innovation, secure the green transition, and build a modern European and open economy. That’s why we are pleased that innovation is central to your presidency. Renew Europe asks that you work to make progress on trade agreements. We won’t grow Europe by retreating into ourselves. Please keep small and medium—sized enterprises at the forefront of your mind, because we need to deepen our best asset: Europe’s single market. If we want to reduce our dependencies, we must ensure our energy security, finalise REPowerEU and conclude an ambitious Chips Act. The EU must invest substantially in this crucial industry. Colleagues, this weekend we all saw the horrors of the Russian regime unleashed on civilians. The terrorism in Dnipro is a reminder of everything we are fighting against. Russia must be held accountable. We agree with your comments, Prime Minister. Ukraine’s victory is essential. Let’s have a coordinated European effort to ensure Ukraine has the means to defend itself. Elsewhere, we see a barbaric regime in Iran sending weapons to Russia and executing its own citizens. It’s time for the EU to step up sanctions against Iran, sending a powerful signal. And on immigration, colleagues, it’s clear the citizens expect solutions. Stronger EU border controls, increased cooperation with third countries. Our citizens expect we are in control. Dear colleagues, an agreement on our asylum and migration package will be tough, but the rewards will be great. And we count on the Swedish Presidency to achieve progress on the main files. Mr Prime Minister, we wish you the best for your presidency. Trust that you have a partner in the Renew Europe Group. In this year before European elections, it’s time to be bold and to deliver for citizens. And we look forward to a Swedish Presidency with the innovation of Spotify and efficiency of IKEA.

Mr President, dear Commissioners, dear representatives of the Council and colleagues, Frontex estimates the number of illegal entries into the EU this year already at more than 280 000. This is up by 77% from last year and the highest figure since 2016. This high number is posing fast challenges for the EU and some Member States in particular. In the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria we have seen severe consequences, with overburdened asylum systems forcing asylum seekers to spend the night outside. There is a real risk the citizens lose faith in the EU’s ability to control migration. And I repeat again: our citizens expect that we are in control. The Commission’s focus on the benefits of legal migration in the State of the Union in September is therefore also out of place. Colleagues, as standards are becoming lower, we risk facing an immigration policy doom loop. We can break the cycle by focusing on the external dimension. Pressure on external borders should be alleviated by engaging with third countries to counter irregular migration. Colleagues, migration should be the top of our mind. First, a Commission Vice—President should be fully dedicated to address the external dimension of migration on a day—to—day basis and by using also all relevant policy areas needed. Second, we need to break the race to the bottom among Member States because no solidarity can be expected when secondary movements remain unaddressed. That means also enforcement of the current legislation. And third, we should be pragmatic in our negotiations and adopt new legislative files, including also the Screening Regulation, Eurodac and a revision of the Schengen Borders Code. This is how we must make progress. We cannot let another parliamentary mandate pass without having real results to show our citizens. No new plans or fancy words, but actions and results are what our citizens expect from us.

Mr President, we are living through extraordinary times. A still lingering global pandemic, war in Europe and all its profound consequences, uncertainty and economic headwinds. 2023 will be the last year before vital European elections, and we need to be in sixth gear and not in neutral. Now is the time to double down on delivering for the citizens of Europe. What does this mean in practice? It means turning challenges into possibilities. Let us be honest, Putin does not just want to destroy Ukraine; he wants an international alliance to reinvent the world order. China has a similar ambition. We must make sure Europe shapes the world of tomorrow, not dictator Putin and autocrat Xi. This is a turning point moment. Our way of life must prevail, and that’s why we need a more sovereign, strong and independent Europe, on food security, on industrial competitiveness, on energy and raw materials, and on security and defence. We need increased possibilities for defence cooperation on the MFF; a hydrogen alliance that will power Europe and make us more independent; a euro that is as powerful as the dollar, with a willingness to use the power of our single currency to enforce secondary sections globally. We must use our economic power to become the geopolitical force we should be. We need a complete asylum and migration package adopted to ensure a thriving economy and shape a changing world with our values. We say yes to new trade agreements, yes to more support for citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises, and yes to increased cooperation with our allies and friends colleagues. We are a threat to the autocrats of the world, because we harness the forces of our citizens instead of suppressing them. That is why we must act upon the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe, and we await the Commission’s proposals. Friends, this has been a parliamentary mandate unlike any other in the history of this House. Thank you, Commissioner Šefčovič, for your continued dedication and hard work. In 2023, let’s keep our foot on the accelerator and seize the chance to mould the changing world around us. Let’s deliver. Let’s renew Europe together.

Mr President, let me be clear and clear: This is a major matter that has taken place in the Netherlands, which is regrettable, which is deeply saddening, and for which the government has also taken its responsibility by stepping down. The Dutch government tried to learn lessons, and indeed, the compensation must be done as soon as possible for those who have been victimized by this. But the question that has been asked to the Commissioner: we can wait for an AI law and arrange for it, but what is this Commissioner doing at the moment to prevent – something that the Netherlands has already learned the lessons from – that other Member States are currently also using systems in which risk profiling takes place on the basis of ethnicity, on the basis of origin? What is the Commission currently doing to prevent this?

Madam President, dear President von der Leyen, dear Commissioners and dear colleagues, I want to start by praising the people of Ukraine for their enduring bravery and commitment to freedom. The progress they have made shows our aid and assistance to Ukraine is working. The EU must supply the weapons Ukraine needs to keep that momentum. Let us communicate directly to the people of Europe about who is responsible for the cost of living crisis. Madam President, the origin of high inflation points to one man. We have a ‘cost of Putin’ crisis. His reckless actions have driven up everyday energy and food costs for households and businesses. In the short term, we must do what is necessary to limit the economic shock we are facing. Europe’s small businesses cannot be left to pay unsustainable bills for the maniac in the Kremlin. They are the backbone of our economy, Madam President. So please make sure your proposals focus on them too. That is why Renew Europe has set out a plan for an energy shield and a food security strategy and act we must. However, let us be mindful of unintended consequences. Remember that, ultimately, the market knows best how to allocate resources. Reform the market? Yes. Disfigure the market? No, thank you. Madam President, the extreme weather we have seen also this summer shows the importance of the green transition. We have the chance to transform our economy and deliver millions of new jobs by harnessing new technologies. A temporary end to this crisis is no justification to undermine the Green Deal. And, finally, on migration, we need to act, Ms von der Leyen, not only with arguments about the incentives of migration, but our citizens expect that we are in control of migration. And if a package approach doesn’t work, then we need to decouple and start with some important files like screening at external borders, strengthen also more our efforts on the external dimension. If we do not act, Ms von der Leyen, we will see more Melonis on the European stage. And that is our common responsibility to prevent.

Madam President, Prime Minister, honourable Members, we face a series of alarming challenges that deserve the attention of the solidarity of all of us. The unjust and uncalled for war of aggression raged by Russia in Ukraine is triggering new crises – an energy crisis, food shortages – and these two combined will lead to an economic and perhaps migration crisis. This continent needs to get ready for all of this, doing so while helping the Ukrainians fight their good fight. It’s quite simple: Mr Putin must fail. Therefore, we must stand by the Ukrainian people with determination, and sanctions alone are not enough to ensure Putin’s failure. Ukraine needs our heavy weapons and here all of us have a duty to back our words with actions. There is one man responsible for the food crisis – that’s Vladimir Putin. Food shortages risk many vulnerable adults and children. And they are also a risk of a migration crisis for Europe. And I’m quite certain that a new migration crisis would seem very attractive to Mr Putin, but we cannot let him succeed. We need to finalise a new European migration and asylum pact. We need a strict and fair system for the whole Union to work but we need the whole Union to take its responsibility, and we need to do it now. We have waited for too long and the next migration crisis might be on our doorstep already. The Council needs to move and this House needs to engage in pragmatic negotiating with them to reach a deal before the end of this year. I’m worried when I read some of the reports of violent deportations. Yes, we must uphold EU law and yes, we must protect EU borders, and yes, we must ensure Turkey abides by its obligations to us. But we say no to illegal pushbacks of any kind – in Spain, in Greece or anywhere else. Mr Prime Minister, I hope you can agree with us in Renew Europe that the Europe of today needs to be bold so we can address the cost of living crisis facing Europeans. Like the common solutions we found for the pandemic, innovative thinking is needed to address our energy challenges. We need to boost our economic credentials by signing the free trade deals that are frozen. The deal with New Zealand last week shows us the way. Protectionism is no antidote to inflation. By investing in the modernisation of our economies, by embracing competition, by improving our entrepreneurial and investment climate, we can continue to sail the ship of prosperity. Let us be bold and fight back against global economic headwinds. And then, finally, we see that in many countries, even within the European Union, the values and principles that breathe life into our democracies are under attack. And I will be frank, Prime Minister, as always. We are worried about the decline in press freedom and media pluralism in Greece. The warning lights are flashing. Greece now has the worst performance in the EU27 as far as media freedom is concerned. Mr Prime Minister, I hope you agree with me that media freedom is central to our European way of life. Renew Europe has added a distinguished Greek MEP, Mr Georgios Kyrtsos, to its ranks. He is sitting over there on the first row. Our family expects the voice of its representative to be heard, according to European media rules and standards. We do not want to see another EU government leader slandering the free press because, as you know, it was Socrates who said, ‘When the debate is over, slander becomes the tool of the loser’ and we are aware that some in your political family have set a bad example, but please, Prime Minister, don’t follow in their destructive footsteps. Stop it, Prime Minister, and stop silencing Mr Kyrtsos and stop it now. Hold the pride of the Greek tradition of public debate alive and you will continue to find Renew at your side, facing the crisis ahead together in unity.

Madam President, President von der Leyen, honourable Members, while the war in Ukraine carries on, our European unity becomes even more important. It becomes more important but also more difficult. Even though the real suffering occurs on our eastern border, we too feel the impact of war. The outcome of the European Council shows the European Union can still deliver. Thank you for your leadership, dear Charles, for securing the sixth package despite the behaviour of some. Nevertheless, we can and must do more. President Putin bets that our willingness to increase costs on his regime will reduce. And let’s prove him wrong and let’s show him we mean it when we say freedom must overcome tyranny. Let us prepare for winter by increasing our energy security and investing in the green transition. Let us continue and step up our military aid so that Ukraine has a chance to determine the outcome on the battlefield. Getting produce food out of Ukraine will stop Putin using famine as a weapon, which could also lead to migration crises here in Europe. Putin’s cynical blockade of Ukraine’s ports shows his total disregard for the global community; we must all speak out. Our partners must also deliver, and we welcome Egypt’s refusal of Russia’s stolen Ukrainian wheat. Dear Presidents, we must be clear with our global partners, as the US have been, that they must reject Russia’s plundered commodities, or face diplomatic consequences. Finally, colleagues, there can be no impunity for war crimes. Renew Europe welcomes the Council’s conclusions; supporting the ICC and the establishment of a joint investigation team (JIT) coordinated by Eurojust. And I repeat my call for more Member States to join the JIT, to improve the collection of evidence. Coordination is the cure to duplication. Duplication can be painful for victims, who have to relive their tragedies to investigators. And it will ensure the aggressors are held to account, which must remain the ambition of this House and the Member States.

Madam Chair, Commissioner, dear colleagues, first of all, I would like to thank, of course, Mr Sánchez Amor, the rapporteur, for all his efforts for this important report, and, of course, also those who were closely involved. Well, Madam Chair, my visit to Turkey a few weeks ago made it perfectly clear that the coming year will become a turbulent one in the EU–Turkey relations. The Turkish reluctance to agree on Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO applications is just a starter. More issues will arise as we come closer to the Turkish elections in summer next year. My main message is to remain calm. Too much is at stake – migration, security, the economy. The EU and Turkey are important partners. But we also have to be firm and crystal clear: there are red lines. One would be unreasonably obstructing Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO applications. We expect Turkey, as a long-standing and valued NATO partner, to engage constructively. Another is that Turkey should not become a safe haven for Russian capital and assets, thereby undermining EU sanctions. This would be simply unacceptable to the EU. Let this be a friendly warning to our friends in Turkey.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear Ukraine, MPs, we have all seen the horrific images coming from Ukraine, and still today reports are coming in of widespread executions, rape and torture by the Russian army. It is our duty to help the victims of Putin’s aggression and bring those responsible to justice. A joint investigation team was established by Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine to investigate war crimes in Ukraine, and it was joined for the first time ever by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. We will vote today on an extended mandate for Eurojust that will allow it to coordinate and support such efforts even better, and we will support also the Commission and the Commissioner in their efforts. But the time to collect and safely store the daily terabytes of evidence is now, and more can be done. First, we should channel and coordinate efforts of all the parties involved, and to avoid duplication, the JIT should be at the centre of this coordination. Second, more Member States should join the Joint Investigation Team to improve the collection of evidence. Finally, we should make available more forensic and digital experts to the ICC to support its efforts on the ground. (The President cut off the speaker)

Madam President, I should like to welcome Prime Minister Trudeau to the European Parliament. Welcome to the House of European democracy. As a member of our Liberal family, Renew Europe is particularly honoured to have you here in our midst. The west is not a geographical place. It’s a set of values and institutions. It entails freedom, democracy and the rule of law. We share this, Prime Minister, your great nation and our Union we hold so dear. We are partners and allies bound to each other through history, tradition and shared values. Brave Canadians have sacrificed their lives on this continent, defending our freedom. Because of Putin’s brutal war, people are dying on this continent once again, defending freedom and democracy, and this is unacceptable. And together we stand with the brave Ukrainian people. Autocracy is gaining ground. The ‘End of history’ has been postponed. Autocratic dictators around the world are trying to undo the rules-based world older. They are threatening our way of life. Democrats need to stand firm. We should stand shoulder to shoulder and confront this fundamental threat together. Transatlantic relations should be at the core of our common stance once more. Your leadership and engagement has set a strong example. Canada has stood firm with this continent in a time of need, and in need we find ourselves once more, Prime Minister. As long as Putin does not cross the ‘golden bridge to retreat’, we need to act swiftly with a firm hand and act as one. Peacefulness, predictability and Putin do not go hand-in-hand. We see the world with new eyes now, and complacency is a luxury we can no longer afford. Whether in the Arctic or in the Baltics, our alliance must hold. We must work together to further isolate Putin’s economy. We need to help each other in gaining energy independence so we can stop financing Putin’s war. And we need to remain strongly committed to our defence of the NATO alliance. This also means living up to the 2% spending norm. This is a sensitive topic amongst many members of our alliance, but I think we need to be clear: freedom does not come cheap. And yes, this European Union will need to step up its effort to build a strong military pillar within NATO. The EU and NATO are not two separate security providers. We are both united and complementary. Let me finish, dear Prime Minister, by echoing statements made by your government. We will not stand idly by while a nation seeks to erode the international norms that have kept us safe since the end of World War II. Dear Prime Minister, we share a long, common history. We are partners, allies and friends. Once again, we face a common threat. Once again, we shall stand together as one. Once again, in unity, we shall overcome.

Madam President, Putin’s unjustified, brutal war against the innocent people of Ukraine continues to rage. The sheer bravery, dedication and determination of the Ukrainian people is awe-inspiring. We all feel the need to show our solidarity with Ukraine. We can do so by helping the Ukrainian people on the frontline of the battle for democracy. Financial, humanitarian and military aid must continue to flow. The EU has shown its determination and unity so far, and Renew Europe applauds this. But let me be clear, Renew Europe wants to continue with imposing strict and coordinated sanctions aimed at Putin and his regime. The EU leaders will meet again for a fifth package of sanctions. My message is this: the cost for Russia must continue to go up. No price is too high to prevail democracy. The longer the war lasts, the more we will be tested in our unity and solidarity towards the Ukraine. We already see the negative impact of the war in the rising prices of food and energy. And yes, we must mitigate these consequences to our citizens and businesses. However, this cannot become an excuse to back down. Let us always remember that it’s the Ukrainian people who suffer the most and they are fighting our fight.

Mr President, barbaric scenes are unfolding as Putin’s illegal invasion is escalating. Terrible violence against innocent Ukrainians is on full display at our own borders. People are fleeing from burning cities. It is without question that we need to give them a safe place. And Europe is taking responsibility. We see countless initiatives of EU citizens to show solidarity. It is our duty to organise this well. That means full financial and operational support to Member States at the borders of Ukraine, also by participation of EU agencies like EASO and Frontex. Members States need to show solidarity too, by reallocation of refugees. We have to set an example in organising a safe place for refugees in our own region. The EU is united and together we will manage this for the safety of the people of Ukraine.

Mr President, the courageous Ukrainian people are standing up to an evil act of aggression. Europe answers Ukraine’s call for help. We rise up to defend those who are fighting for freedom and democracy. The EU is showing unity and we are finally showing that we are not just a soft power. We are crippling Russia’s economy, isolating Putin’s regime and reinforcing Ukraine’s defence. But this is just the start and we have to do more by excluding more Russian operators and banks from Swift, by blocking the Russian Central Bank’s use of Western currencies – and we should even consider blocking Russian ships in our harbours and more. Also, we have to increase our support for Ukraine’s economy and defence with money and weapons. My message to the Ukrainian people: Europe stands with you. Slava Ukraini!

Madam President, we are in a Union. And in this Union, if our common rules and values are not respected by some, it affects us all. When independent judicial checks and balances are not respected, when the functioning of European democracy is at risk, and when the rights of EU citizens are under threat, we must act. This is why the rule of law conditionality mechanism is so important and why Member States who do not respect the rule of law should face budgetary consequences. I’m proud that my group, Renew Europe, stands at the forefront of defending our values. We have been fighting for the rule of law mechanism for years, and now it can finally come into effect. We celebrate this moment today. The Commission has had the opportunity to prepare for this adjustment for months, and Renew Europe, in this House, has asked time and again for the Commission to take action. It’s now time to trigger the conditionality mechanism. European citizens demand it. It’s up to you, Commissioner, to make sure that the EU’s budget does not end up in the wrong pockets and risk further undermining the rule of law. The credibility of the EU as a whole is at stake, and we expect you to act – not tomorrow, not next week, not next month, but now!

Madam President, we have all witnessed the escalating pressure on Ukraine and Putin is without doubt playing a very dangerous game of brinkmanship. What is he really trying to achieve? Well, nobody knows, besides Putin himself. And what we do know is that putting a gun to Ukraine’s head is no way to preserve peace in Europe or to enhance Russia’s security. One misstep, one mistake and Putin could unleash a devastating conflict that will jeopardise our collective safety and stability. This is why the Union needs to support Ukraine in any way we can: complete the list of severe sanctions, increase financial support for Ukraine, and enhance the defensive capabilities of Ukraine. I commend High Representative Borrell for his hard work in coordinating also with our transatlantic partners, and I call on our Member States to maintain our unity and to stand firm if we want to prevent a new war in Europe.

Mr President, the abuse of vulnerable migrants by Belarus is a most cynical and hostile act of hybrid warfare that requires the full scope of the EU’s powers to put a halt to it. The EU should warn the migrants falling into Lukashenko’s trap. We should tell Facebook and other social media platforms to stop facilitating this human smuggling and take down all the instruction videos explaining how to take the so-called Minsk route. As a bloc, we have to tell Lukashenko to back down. If he doesn’t, the EU has to consider all options available: EU-wide trade boycott, sanction Belavia, including secondary sanctions, but even exclusion from European and American payment systems. We fully support our EU Member States during this unprecedented attack. But let me also be clear: the border of Poland, the Eastern border, is also a European border; this calls for the involvement of the European Union and especially Frontex. We will not bow to this dictator, Lukashenko. We need to isolate him.