What Liudas spoke about.

20

Oct

2022

Speeches LT

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European support to the Ukrainian research community (debate)

Thank you, President. It is to be welcomed that the funds operating in the European Union are increasingly contributing to the funding of Ukrainian researchers. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Foundation for Support to Ukrainian Science has recently earmarked €25 million to support doctoral students and young researchers. With the entry into force of Ukraine’s Association Agreement with Horizon Europe and EURATOM, the country’s researchers have more opportunities to seek funding for project activities. According to various estimates, between 26,000 and 52,000 scientists could leave Ukraine as a result of hostilities. In the country, much of the infrastructure needed for research is completely destroyed. Lack of the most basic equipment, books, laptops, need to provide access to electronic academic sources. It is necessary to allocate scholarships for Ukrainian scientists to carry out experimental research in foreign universities. As a representative of the academic world, I am well aware of the importance of publishing scientific articles in the world's best-known journals, which is vital for maintaining a sufficient level of higher education institutions in Ukraine. Publication costs authors, and those costs must and can be reduced. I am glad that the Research Council of Lithuania already in March provided up to 100 scholarships for researchers from Ukraine to finance their work in Lithuania, but this is small. Support, and more support, must be provided at EU level. This is necessary in order to preserve higher education in Ukraine and avoid brain drain. And, of course, reduce the bureaucratic requirements for project applications. Let's just imagine a scientist doing this when bombs explode around him. This is not a game of imagination. It's an awful daily routine.

20

Oct

2022

Speeches LT

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Cultural solidarity with Ukraine and a joint emergency response mechanism for cultural recovery in Europe (debate)

Thank you, President. When the cannon fires, the Muses are silent, Inter arma silent musae, the Romans used to say. In the face of crises, culture is often neglected and concentrated efforts are needed to revitalise cultural life. Paradoxically, it was the war that turned us to Ukrainian culture, their unique self-awareness – marked by a fateful existence between the brutal East and the civilised West. Russia is no longer great, its culture has gone bankrupt and degraded, and the instincts of self-destruction and the destruction of the surrounding world have collapsed there. Ukraine naturally fills that niche. Ukraine's deep cultural experience blends with a great force that we have long been reluctant to notice. Ukraine is not afraid of its difficult civilisational experiences, which we, Europe, have become accustomed to fear, because we recognize yesterday's self, drowned in wars and conflicts, and we no longer want to be. As the Russian aggression continues, Ukrainian culture is fighting for its survival. The extent of the terror directed at it is hard to grasp, as it tries to destroy everything that is in the history of Ukraine as a sovereign nation. This began with the destruction of Crimean Tatar culture in 2014. In the temporarily occupied territories, cultural heritage is vilely destroyed, museums are looted, books are burned, artefacts are looted and proclaimed as Russian property. Such crimes must be documented and act in conjunction with UNESCO. Without our help, it will be difficult for a country ravaged by brutal war to maintain its cultural heritage and a fully-fledged cultural life. This is done at Member State level. For example, Lithuania supports Ukrainian creators who have found refuge here, but efforts at European level need to be stronger. It is necessary to fight not only for greater attention to culture on a pan-European scale, but also, in some cases, for its use as a tool for disinformation. Existing initiatives for cultural recovery should therefore not only be maintained but complemented by new instruments. Support schemes must be clear and easily accessible.

19

Oct

2022

Speeches EN

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Lukashenka regime's active role in the war against Ukraine (debate)

Madam President, we are dealing with a peculiar propaganda phenomenon. Lukashenko’s regime dragged Belarus into the war against Ukraine, but claims the opposite. Even in this House, we sometimes hear that Lukashenko is not at war, or at least not yet. He has been involved in the conventional full—scale war from the very beginning: granting soil, air and logistics to the Russians, allowing them to attack the northern territories of Ukraine. Now he is preparing a secret mobilisation in Belarus, motivated by military readiness checks. He has given his security forces full authority to carry out detentions, prohibit movement, listen to conversations and enter people’s homes without hindrance. Thus, we can expect a new wave of repressions against the people of Belarus, or possibly even a new migration wave. The European Union’s response has to be based on sanctions, and we need them fast. We don’t have to wait for more Belarussian dictator’s provocative actions. To justify those actions, Lukashenko makes up lies that Ukraine and NATO are planning an invasion to Belarus. He is simply lying to his own people. The speaker used a slogan in a non—official language. Stop lying, batka.

18

Oct

2022

Speeches LT

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Impact of Russian invasion of Ukraine on migration flows to the EU (debate)

Dear President, Commissioner, colleagues, Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, along with other fatal consequences, has sparked long-outstanding migration flows in Europe since its first days. There are currently four million asylum seekers. Thanks to the prompt reaction of non-governmental organisations and the governments of the Member States, the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive by the Commission and the adoption of the financing decision by the Commission and the Council, the situation has been stabilized, but the asylum burden is spread unevenly in terms of gross domestic product, with the Baltic States and Poland bearing the brunt of the burden, as well as Moldova, which is not a member of the European Union. All this, together with long-term efforts, the integration of refugees into health, social, educational systems, integration into the labour market, contributes to addressing the challenges of migration from one region to another within Ukraine itself. I am proud that Lithuania does this, but the war does not end. Russia has chosen criminal tactics, tries to compensate for its losses on the fronts by sowing deaths and despair among civilians, bombing the territory of Ukraine again and again, destroying civilian infrastructure, now using increasingly modern weapons that someone sells to it. A difficult winter is approaching, so I would like to hear how ready we are for a new eventual wave of exiles from Ukraine.

5

Oct

2022

Speeches LT

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Countering the anti-European and anti-Ukrainian propaganda of Putin’s European cronies (topical debate)

Mr President, the key feature of "counter-propaganda" is the answer to the truth about propaganda lies. And that lie by the Kremlin and its followers – individual actors, interest groups and extreme political movements in Europe – is sophisticated, long and diligently prepared, generously funded and criminal in its entirety, and therefore can and must be punished. The clichés of false claims become recognizable: doubts about the Kremlin's crimes, the reasons for the war, and after Ukraine has broken the situation on the fronts, it is already proposed to stop it by diplomatic means. Mechanisms exist to prevent this propaganda, but must be applied much more strictly. The ban on broadcasting Russian state media was right, but it is not enough. Awareness-raising, public education, support for experts, organisations working on propaganda and disinformation – actions that we have been asking for for years. When we put Kremlin figures on the air, we hear only incitement to violence and propaganda, but that's exactly what the EU Digital Services Act prevents, so let's stick to it. The 300 million spent by Russia on funding political movements abroad, that is to say, with us, is in direct contradiction with the Counter-Terrorism Financing Directive. Therefore, those actively seeking to influence support for Ukraine must be held accountable and their disguised financial links with the country of origin, Russia, must be made public.

13

Sep

2022

Speeches LT

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Consequences of drought, fire, and other extreme weather phenomena: increasing EU's efforts to fight climate change (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, we are facing a disaster, and in such cases we must respond in a united and united manner. They say: Save us from famine, pestilence, fire, and war, O Lord. Russia's brutal and irresponsible actions in Ukraine will certainly not contribute to managing climate change. While climate change is a global problem and a responsibility for all, we must not forget our citizens, our businesses and the burden they have to bear first. For example, there is a serious food crisis in agriculture, which is suffering the effects of extreme weather, leaving it entirely to deal with the consequences. The present threat must be taken seriously. Research, development of preparedness plans and real investments should be our priority. Cohesion financial mechanisms already provide for a number of ways, for example, the already existing three billion tree initiative will certainly contribute to managing climate change and improving human health.

7

Jul

2022

Speeches LT

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Developing an EU Cycling Strategy (debate)

Mr President, ‘whether a bicycle strategy is needed’ may sound similar to ‘whether a bicycle needs to be invented’. Indeed, the issue of bicycles is too transparent and clear to be open to much controversy. It is a means of transport that contributes to climate change objectives, addresses the energy situation and strengthens health, thus being fully positive. Looking at the bikes makes many happy. The objectives of promoting bicycles coincide with the major objectives of greening, and implementation takes place, as we know, at the lowest level, i.e. self-governance. It is worth solving the phenomenon: Why are some cities recognised as bicycle-friendly while others are not? The exchange of such experiences at European level can help here. As the development of cycling overlaps with many areas of European competence, bringing everything together in a single document can be valuable as it would undoubtedly generate new ideas on how to further promote that mode of transport.

5

Jul

2022

Speeches LT

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The EU and the defence of multilateralism (debate)

Multilateralism as a means of communication between states is currently facing extraordinary challenges. Russia's military aggression in Ukraine is a grave violation of international law and the international community fails to find the means to stop it. The economic coercion launched by China against Lithuania in 2021, which was a reaction to the strengthening of trade relations with Taiwan, cannot be overcome by the European Union alone or through international formats. This growing disregard for any multilateralism by authoritarian and totalitarian states stems from the international order that emerged in 1945, which, as this report gently states, does not fully reflect – and I would say no longer reflects – today’s world. Those arrangements need to be changed and, hopefully, this report will contribute at least to some extent to this.

7

Jun

2022

Speeches EN

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The EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine (debate)

Madam President, honourable Commissioner, colleagues, I would like to stress three essential things we have mentioned throughout 100 days of war already. First, Ukraine needs effective, modern weapons – ‘needs’ today; better would be yesterday. Postponing means losing the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and of peaceful people. Second, sanctions towards Russia: we need a full embargo for coal, oil and gas. And third, Ukraine is a part of Europe and the frontline defending democracy. So, candidate status is to be granted for it. Finally, about wording, we should not be afraid to use the term ‘genocide’ because all the signs of it are evident and I agree that the title should be changed. It is aggression of Russia towards Ukraine. It is clear for all the people of goodwill around the world.

18

May

2022

Speeches LT

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Prosecution of the opposition and the detention of trade union leaders in Belarus (debate)

Mr President, there are no brakes on the rise of totalitarianism. In the same way, the Lukashenka regime is targeting increasingly new groups of society that are at least somewhat independent of the dictatorship of power. This is not new: The crackdown on dissent in Belarus has been going on for decades, and after fraudulent elections in August 2020, the rampage reached even greater proportions. Restrictions have been imposed on all social movements and free media, and the detention of 18 trade union leaders on 19 April this year reminds us that the judiciary in Belarus is only an instrument of the regime. And those actions took place when Belarus was turned into a participant in the de facto aggression against Ukraine. Its current regime has provided both its territory, airspace and logistical support to the Russian army. In this way, the Belarusian authorities of today are definitively deprived of any possibility of dialogue with us, with the Western countries. And it is intensifying the repression of those who dare to criticise the inclusion of Belarus in the war in Ukraine. I agree that the International Labour Organisation should suspend Belarus' membership of this organisation altogether, because independent trade unions are no longer there. At the same time, the European Union institutions must increase their direct support to the Belarusian opposition, civil society, human rights defenders, independent media, academia and other independent organisations in Belarus and beyond.

5

May

2022

Speeches LT

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Building of a wall on the Polish – Belarus border in the Białowieża primeval forest (debate)

Mr President, being consistent with ourselves, we sometimes forget what aggressive and uncontrollable force we have to defend ourselves against. When sending illegal migrants to the territories of the countries of the European Union, neither the Belarusian regime nor the Russian regime behind it thinks about the environment or the conservation of animal species. This may sound cynical, but they are thinking of eradicating people from entire nations, which is nothing more than genocide. Of course, even in the context of war, we must not forget the environment, but we must also not forget that illegal migration through Belarus is an instrument of hybrid warfare, and therefore, first and foremost, security is a priority, and we can, at most, consider additional funding possibilities in order to reduce the burden on those EU Member States that have a direct border with Belarus.

2

May

2022

Speeches LT

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Amending Annexes IV and V to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (debate)

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) due to exclusively adverse effects on the environment and human health must be regulated accordingly and assessed on an ongoing basis. Decisions should take into account that persistent organic pollutants not only do not decompose for a long time, but can also spread far from their source and cross borders. It is not without reason that the Stockholm Convention was adopted to protect human health and the environment. I believe that the proposal under consideration is appropriate for achieving the objectives of the Green Deal. Only recycling that ensures non-toxic material cycles should be encouraged. The inclusion of harmful and hazardous substances in recycling processes where the health hazards in question are returned for use and consumption shall not be justified. It is right to focus on making the limit values set compatible with scientific and technical progress. It is also worth exploring all possible ways to ensure the promotion of advanced technologies for sorting waste and removing toxic substances from waste, to build on science and to invest in it. By supporting this proposal, we will ensure better coherence between persistent organic pollutants and the objectives of the EU Green Deal.

8

Mar

2022

Speeches LT

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Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU (debate)

Madam President. With Russia’s attack on Ukraine, we have a better understanding of the power and harm of disinformation campaigns than we have seen so far: the one that has already been done and continues to be done. And this report proposes concrete actions to prevent this. Firstly, the fight against disinformation must be properly regulated. Rules need to be laid down to ensure greater transparency in the advertising of political companies and to tighten up the regulation of party financing. I agree with the need for a coordinated European Union strategy against foreign interference. Stronger enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation is needed. There is also a need for binding European rules to test online platforms by assessing them and reducing information manipulation. I am in favour of imposing an archiving obligation on platforms so that the target group of the advertisement and the payer can be identified. I would also stress that, in order to counterbalance the influence exerted through Russian-speaking channels, it is necessary to remove them more decisively from the European Union in the media space. Sputnik and Russia Today are good examples. The same is true of attempts by other foreign countries to manipulate discourse.

15

Dec

2021

Speeches LT

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The proposed Council decision on provisional emergency measures for the external border with Belarus based on article 78(3) TFEU (continuation of debate)

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, honourable Minister, colleagues, the hybrid attack by the Belarusian regime is still ongoing. The new step taken by the Council and the Commission to simplify procedures for managing illegal migration, while fully respecting fundamental rights and international obligations, is therefore to be welcomed. The possible application of simplified and faster national procedures, including the deportation of persons whose applications for international protection have been rejected, will also ease the burden on Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. I say that other available means must also be used to combat the migration crisis caused by the Lukashenka regime: increased attention from European Union agencies, support from Frontex, the construction of a physical barrier to be financed, in my opinion, by the European Commission, the strengthening of sanctions. And all this should help to manage this and similar possible crises more effectively.

15

Dec

2021

Speeches LT

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Preparation of the European Council meeting of 16-17 December 2021 - The EU's response to the global resurgence of Covid-19 and the new emerging Covid variants (debate)

Mr President, dear colleagues, while we welcome the closer cooperation between European countries in the field of health, we must state that the COVID-19 virus is still able to take the lead. Europe has been overwhelmed by the more aggressive Delta variant, and today we are already observing with concern the situation and the incoming data on the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. So we have to remain vigilant and continue on our path. I think it has been clear for a long time. It was clear that the virus would mutate, especially where vaccination rates were low. It is therefore necessary to accelerate the sharing of vaccines with third countries. We must not forget the constant and continuous surveillance of virus mutations, ensuring equal opportunities for all Member States. Secondly, there is a need to continue to focus on the solutions offered by science and technology. In this case, not only focus on vaccination processes and the renewal of vaccines against new variants of the virus (if necessary), but also on the search for new medicines, treatments and more effective diagnosis. Thirdly, we must continue to trust and empower the European institutions. After all, the information disseminated to the public must be accurate, targeted and balanced. It must encourage vaccination of those who have not done so and, if necessary, a third dose, and make rational decisions in the face of new variants of the virus. Have a good Christmas!

14

Dec

2021

Speeches LT

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Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Russia is increasingly escalating the situation: The military build-up at Ukraine’s borders is a direct provocation of a conventional war. After the annexation of Crimea, the escalation of separatism, and an already long-running war on the territory of a sovereign state, Russia has repeatedly mobilised massive forces on the border of northeast Ukraine. This is a vigilance test for both the EU and NATO. But not only. The prospect of EU and NATO membership must be described as a natural eventual process. Ukraine is not an object – it is an entity and has an elementary right to territorial integrity, democratic choice, as well as the right to gravitation towards the West. Russia is increasingly interfering in its internal affairs, engaging in blackmail, using elements of not only hybrid warfare, but also conventional warfare. And I'm not just thinking about today's Russian regime. The regimes are changing, and what will the Russian people think about it? I think it should be a historical shame for the Russian people to start a new war in Europe. And we must send a clear signal of deterrence to the current Russian authorities. I support the proposals to stop the import of oil and gas from Russia into the EU, the removal from the SWIFT payment system and the freezing of assets of oligarchs close to the authorities and their families, as well as the lifting of their visas, should Russia dare to take direct military action. I see only one possibility of de-escalation: concerted, concrete and rigorous action by the countries of the European Union and its Western partners.

13

Dec

2021

Speeches LT

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Health technology assessment (debate)

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, colleagues, we are talking about a European Health Union, and the deployment of advanced health technologies is sporadic, even in the absence of stable funding. In the meantime, the COVID-19 challenges have demonstrated the importance of working together. The need for joint action by states has become evident in the discussions on the cancer strategy, the pharmaceutical strategy. I am delighted that this instrument has finally been agreed upon. This is a step forward in terms of increasing the convergence of health systems and possibly cutting red tape. This is a step towards more equitable access to advanced medical technologies for patients in any country. Countries with fewer resources would benefit from joint clinical trials and joint assessments. In the long run, the patient's chances will be equal. Innovative therapies, especially those focusing on hard-to-treat diseases, must be evaluated as quickly and transparently as possible. While regretting that the reports on joint clinical assessments will not be binding on the Member States, I believe that effective and smooth cooperation in assessing health technologies could contribute to improving the health of all European patients.

24

Nov

2021

Speeches LT

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The EU's role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic: how to vaccinate the world (continuation of debate)

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, honourable colleagues, it is to be welcomed that, in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Europe has already shown unprecedented efforts to accelerate the development, approval and sharing of vaccines with other countries. But with the introduction of virus variants, the more aggressive Delta variant, there is a need for a booster dose. I agree with the views expressed on the full exploitation of the COVAX platform. This is the only way to achieve a high global vaccination rate. Sometimes we proudly mention how many millions of doses we have shared, and we forget that not millions, but maybe hundreds of millions, and sometimes billions, are needed. Therefore, in order to increase the availability of vaccines, especially in poor countries, there is a need to actively promote the lifting of export bans on vaccines, their raw materials and the necessary medical equipment. At the same time, in an effort to quickly vaccinate as many people as possible, it is important to focus not on the legal aspects of renouncing intellectual property rights, but on increasing real production capacity, finding new partnership methods and maintaining cooperation.

22

Nov

2021

Speeches LT

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Coordination of Member States’ measures in light of increasing cases of COVID-19 in the EU (debate)

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, honourable colleagues, there are many correct words from this rostrum about the need to act in a focused way before the COVID-19 pandemic. Firstly, by basing decisions on science, and secondly, not only by acting at national level, but increasingly by delegating decisions to European institutions. But we have to react on an ad hoc basis. In order to prevent mutations in the virus and the spread of new variants, it was and is necessary to study mutations in the virus. Sequencing research was important for this, and countries have had and still have unequal opportunities. It was about expanding the role of the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. That centre should be concerned with modelling situations, unifying statistics, using modern technologies, including artificial intelligence. Finally, information on these mutations, the benefits of vaccination and its benefits must be disseminated in the public sphere in a convincing, science-based, clear and understandable form. It has to be noted that these challenges, when we are now facing the fifth wave of the spread of the virus, still remain for us.

10

Nov

2021

Speeches LT

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The escalating humanitarian crisis on the EU-Belarusian border, in particular in Poland (debate)

Thank you, President. I believe that the construction of a physical barrier on the external border of the European Union is a very important aspect of this problem, and it is not so much a financial and not so much a legal issue, but actually a political one, and when, if not now, the European Union institutions must show unity in countering the hybrid attack by the Belarusian regime, in which deceived people are used as a weapon and in fact as victims. Funding the physical barrier in one way or another is already a fact, and Poland and Lithuania see no other way to counter a hybrid attack, thus defending the Schengen area and the entire European Union. This is not only a humanitarian problem, it is therefore a more general security problem. I am therefore also in favour of extending sanctions, and the physical barrier must be financed by the European Commission in conjunction with Frontex surveillance systems.

20

Oct

2021

Speeches LT

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An EU strategy to reduce methane emissions (debate)

Dear Commissioner, dear colleagues. The damage caused by methane in the fight against climate change ranks second after carbon dioxide, and in some respects, as a tropospheric ozone maker, also in the context of health problems, it is even more harmful. However, methane can be an excellent example of turning a threat into an opportunity. Innovation and science make it possible not only to reduce methane emissions, but also to make efficient use of existing ones. For example, methane-powered tractors are no longer an unattainable future, and the use of methane is likely to expand. In my hands, a recent publication on the construction in Lithuania of a hybrid - probably the first in the world for professional use - biomethane and an electric tractor, and similar technologies are being developed by other manufacturers. I hope that technological solutions and support for them, a shift from bans to incentives and the circular economy will contribute to the overall reduction of methane emissions in sectors other than agriculture.

19

Oct

2021

Speeches LT

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The Right to a Healthy Environment (debate)

Mr President, honourable Minister, honourable Commissioner. Everyone, without exception, deserves to live in a healthy environment. Earlier this month, a resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council recognised that the human right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment is important for the enjoyment of other human rights. This document was adopted in good time. Global experts point to a frighteningly wide range of problems. New infectious diseases are spreading and emerging, biodiversity and ecosystems are disappearing, climate change is occurring and water and air pollution are not decreasing. 90% of people in the world breathe polluted air. Bees and other pollinators are rapidly disappearing. Europe considers and must make these issues a priority. For us, the right to a healthy environment is not just a noble phrase. The European Green Deal, which came out at the end of 2019, and the initiatives that follow from it, must now be transformed into real legislation, such as the European Climate Law. This is the only way to ensure a secure future for future generations. Europe can, must and has already set itself politically and legally binding goals. I believe that science- and evidence-based joint solutions will contribute to achieving the right and high-quality state of the environment for the well-being of both humans and ecosystems.

13

Sep

2021

Speeches LT

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European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - Serious cross-border threats to health (continuation of debate)

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, colleagues, greater integration of health systems is very welcome. I support the extension of the functions of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and its obligation to monitor how the spread of infectious diseases affects the situation of chronic diseases. Science-based results should not only be disseminated publicly to professionals, but also made available to citizens in accessible formats to increase public health literacy. The Centre's functions must be refocused in such a way as to allow the modelling of disease transmission situations, both within individual countries and across the European Union, in order to be able to predict transmission scenarios. There is no need for new pandemics, for which we are supposed to be better prepared. Let us summarize the management of COVID-19 here and now, and Hepatitis C, which I have talked about many times before. The unification of statistics in different countries, the use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, would ultimately reduce the administrative burden and save resources. On this path, we would save thousands of lives in Europe. Thank you.