Speeches

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the conflict in the Gaza Strip requires an approach that respects the rights of all parties involved. Recent developments have only aggravated the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. It is crucial to recognize the legitimate right of Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and security. And I applaud the efforts of Vice-President Borrell to resolve this complex issue. His commitment underlines the importance of international cooperation to resolve this long-standing conflict. But his commitment alone is not enough. After all, we need to be united around a clear vision, which is the two-state solution. To achieve this, Europe must take the lead in revitalising efforts towards the two-state solution and we will need to establish a roadmap and start working.

Mr President, a united Europe was born out of the resistance that millions of citizens have shown to Nazism, but today we increasingly hear calls for intolerance towards people of other faiths. Neo-Nazism breeds anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, calls into question the Holocaust. Today, monuments to those who defeated fascism during World War II are already crumbling. Today, they are already publicly glorified by the people who participated in the genocide against Jews, Slavs and Roma, against the people who were declared second-class people. Inhumans called them. This torchlight procession of hatred and destruction, which has once again gone through Europe today, must stop. Greetings with your hand up. The so-called ‘Roman’ greeting with which Mussolini and Hitler marched through Europe is now legal. And today or tomorrow, if someone from this tribune raises his hand with the same greeting, it will be our fault, because we are also responsible for our inaction.

Madam President, Prime Minister, the government you are heading justifies its existence by achieving several goals – Bulgaria's membership of Schengen and the euro area, as well as by the need for stability in the complex geopolitical situation. Internally, it remains to be seen whether the demand for justice reform will materialise. The proposed amendments to the Constitution seem to be aimed at hurting the Bulgarian Prime Minister rather than strengthening the integrity of the judiciary. Five months later, can you say whether your management objectives will be achieved? On Schengen, you have chosen the path of conviction of Austria and the Netherlands, the two countries that continue to block our path to Schengen. Are you ready to put pressure on both sides with the Union’s mechanisms and will you accept the half-way decision on entry – lifting controls only at air borders? And more, Prime Minister, on Sunday Yemen's Houthis kidnapped a ship with 24 crew in the Black Sea. Among them are Bulgarian citizens. Mr Denkov, do you not think that Bulgaria should play a more active role in the dialogue with the Yemeni Houthis? And is it right to leave the negotiations to third countries, and to countries outside the European Union?

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is unbearable and nearly 900 000 displaced persons are finding refuge in United Nations facilities. At least 17 of these facilities were directly affected, which is appalling. Instead of discussing how to impose additional conditions on aid, the EU should push for more humanitarian corridors and ensure that aid actually reaches the people of Gaza. And today, this conflict extends beyond the borders of Israel and Gaza, with the recent hijacking of a cargo ship by the Houthis in Yemen. We now know that there are European citizens on board this ship, Bulgarian and Romanian crews. What measures, Mr Borrell and Mr Lenarčič, do you intend to take to facilitate mediation and release the hostages of the ship? What measures?

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, in space we must cooperate. We need to work together to preserve space for the benefit of current and future generations. Space must not become the site of an arms race. Its militarization would put all nations at risk. The first step is to update the many international treaties related to space in order to adapt them to the new challenges. Our report today underlines the importance of preserving space as a place for international cooperation for peaceful purposes. If we work together, we can make great progress and ensure Europe’s strategic autonomy in a peaceful space.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the scale of the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza is unprecedented, and the European Union seems helpless and unable to change the situation on the ground. Calling for humanitarian corridors, sending humanitarian aid: this is not enough if this help can’t reach the citizens of Gaza. I was in Israel 10 days ago near the border with Gaza, and nothing can justify the cruelty, the barbaric actions of Hamas toward the people living there. Nothing can justify the kidnapping of women and children. The war against the terrorists of Hamas, however, should be according to international law. Today I call for immediate release of all the hostages in Gaza: the immediate release of the Israeli and European hostages that are in the hands of Hamas and all the Palestinians in Gaza that are hostages of the terrorist organisation. We need to bring them back and to save lives of all the innocent people. Does Europe have the power to do this? Yes, but we need to do it now.

Dear colleagues, we are proposing a real media law that will change, I hope, the media environment. Mastered media, pressure on journalists by government and business interests, a merger between political power and media – this is the reality in Europe today, and the decline in trust in public private media has logically reached its critical point. The purpose of the European Media Freedom Act is not to censor or regulate the media. The goal is to weaken the grip of business and power, to create conditions for independent journalism. Today, the European Parliament is on track to ensure that journalists are protected from pressure and from the use of all kinds of eavesdropping and surveillance methods. We propose clear measures to illuminate media ownership and their financial sources. We are taking measures against the downloading of media content by platforms, putting an end to the biased allocation of European funds. Colleagues, the European Media Freedom Act is the result of hard work and years of pressure, and difficult negotiations with Member States are yet to come. I hope that today, by a large majority, we will take a first decisive step towards the return of media freedom and independent journalism to Europe. I would like to thank Commissioner Věra Jourová for her efforts in this direction.

Mr President, the best way to ensure the transport of grain across the Black Sea is to stop the war. Initiate negotiations that will lead to lasting peace. We need active European diplomacy, not the active sending of European weapons to Ukraine, leading to even greater losses among Ukrainians. Today we see an increase in escalation, an increase in the naval presence in the Black Sea. This is not the way to solve the grain crisis, the grain problem, but the way to a universal war that will affect every European citizen. The export of grain through the Black Sea will allow the European, including the Bulgarian producers, to realize their production. Concrete proposals by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent to Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov are aimed at reviving the deal. Turkish President Erdogan is also in talks. I call for the interests of all countries to be taken into account and for grain to be given a route through the Black Sea, which will help both countries in real need and everyone..... (President takes the speaker's floor)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the weather is leading to increases in defence budgets in most Member States. Currently, more than 80% of defence procurement in the European Union is still carried out on a national basis. EDIRPA offers us a new start, joint purchasing opportunities where we can consolidate European demand. Our market is particularly organized around small national companies. That is why I welcome the strong support given to European small and medium-sized enterprises through EDIRPA. At least 15% of the estimated value of common procurement will be allocated to our small and medium-sized enterprises. EDIRPA is really a short-term instrument, limited due to low budgets, but I believe it will serve as a basis for giving more benefits to small EU Member States.

Mr President, the European Union has been a dream of generations, a community that guarantees peace, freedom and prosperity. Today, however, we have allowed to settle the doubt, the doubt whether Brussels is fighting for the interests of European citizens. Adhering to a policy of strategic autonomy, the struggle to create an independent union is the path to peace. The militarization of part of our continent is the road to destruction. Today, our American partners are considering two bills in which they propose a new strategy for the Black Sea region. The establishment of a permanent military presence in the Black Sea is envisaged, the validity of the Montreux Convention, which limits the military presence of countries outside the region, is questioned. And today we do not hear what the position of Brussels is. Is there a strategy, a strategy? Will the Black Sea region become a military zone and thus turn the entire European Union into a wartime territory?

Madam President, colleagues, today everyone is saying that they want peace in Ukraine and are loading ammunition into Ukraine's weapons. Europe has become a supplier, and it has to be a leader, to offer solutions. Europeans don't want war in Europe. The countries that were designated to be on the front line of defense do not want war. The Bulgarians also do not want to be involved in this conflict, and we all want, we insist, to put an end to this cruelty, to this brutality in Ukraine. A wise world leader, Pope Francis, told us recently: “The end of the war can only be achieved through concrete peace initiatives.” Billions of dollars have been sent to help Ukraine, yet the escalation is intensifying. The ceasefire, the search for compromise solutions is the path that can save Ukraine and prevent self-destruction. There will be no winners in this war. No one has won a war against a huge nuclear power. The European Union was created to preserve peace. Maybe we still have a chance to do it. Maybe.

Madam President, colleagues, today everyone is saying that they want peace in Ukraine and are loading ammunition into Ukraine's weapons. Europe has become a supplier, and it has to be a leader, to offer solutions... (The president interrupted the speech due to noise in the room.)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the asylum system has been under reform for more than seven years. Seven long years, during which we witnessed the collapse of national systems under the pressure of populist movements exploiting human tragedies. And now, for the first time, we are about to have a new asylum system in the European Union. But we have very little time to take this last step. So today we have to decide: Are we going to spend next year hiding behind excuses and fears or are we going to do our job? Because, if it is a question of exploiting different solutions, let’s meet and discuss! Let's talk, colleagues! We – the Parliament, the Council, the Commission – need to implement the roadmap. We need leadership, not excuses. No more excuses, colleagues!

Madam President, what is the response of the prime minister of a European country after listening for months to journalists, former and current ministers, political leaders, the opposition, Nikos Androulakis, the leader of PASOK. “...it is legal, but I did not know,” says Prime Minister Mitsotakis. That's his answer. It's his responsibility. Months earlier, a law was passed that placed the intelligence service under the Prime Minister's control. But this is not just another scandal. Eavesdropping on opponents, the use of spyware, today and tomorrow, is a big European problem. A power that seeks to control opposition and journalists can always frame the defamation of our rights within legal frameworks. We haven't seen it in one country. It's our responsibility, folks. It is our responsibility not to make this possible. That is why it is so important to hear the answer from Athens. How and why did you allow this?

Madam President, today the war in Ukraine threatens to turn into a huge European catastrophe. Millions fear the expansion of the conflict. The belief that the supply of more and more heavy weapons, tanks will lead to the end of hostilities, differs from reality. Not only are we not approaching peace, but escalation seems inevitable, inevitable. And what's the next step? What will we send tomorrow, fighter jets, military? Maybe a nuclear weapon? Ukraine is facing a power that also has enormous nuclear potential. Do we expect such a battle to end with Ukraine's victory on the battlefield? Yes, making the conflict permanent may destabilize Russia, but it will doom the Ukrainian people to a long, self-destructive war and burn Europe. The European Union needs a winning strategy to stop the war. The word we do not hear from Brussels is negotiations, negotiations, so that Ukraine can reach a peace agreement that will protect the lives of its citizens as much as possible.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, what we are doing is not enough to find solutions to the problems that are causing the destabilisation in Afghanistan. Yes, humanitarian aid to Afghanistan should be increased, but humanitarian aid is not a long-term solution. We cannot hope for an improvement in the rights of girls and women unless we stop the financial flow that feeds those who impose their standards. Therefore, we will at least have to start talking. We will at least have to start discussing the serious threat that illegal opium cultivation and methamphetamine production pose to the country. There is a close link between drug trafficking and terrorism in Afghanistan. Trafficking generates financial resources that are used by terrorist groups operating in the region. You need to increase your pressure on the Taliban to stop growing opium, and provide them with livelihoods through alternative crops.

Madam President, what is the purpose of today's debate? Once again, the European People's Party is abusing its right to propose a thematic debate. In October, and in a pre-election environment, the EPP imposed a debate on Bulgaria on a topic that only their friend Borisov cared about, and on a topic that had long been decided in court. Today we are once again witnessing another absurdity. We are discussing Spain, a country with well-established democratic principles, a country with democratic, effective institutions. According to the World Rule of Law Index, Spain is in the top 20 of the world. What do you want to discuss today? When the facts speak, it is right for politicians to consider the facts. Where were you, colleagues from the EPP, when your fellow party member Borisov collapsed the freedom of speech in Bulgaria and conquered the judicial system? Where were you when Viktor Orban, a loyal member of the EPP at the time, destroyed the rule of law in Hungary? Where were you when Janša tried to control the public media in Slovenia? How many thematic debates did you ask for then? From such behavior, colleagues, the whole of Europe loses. Estimados colegas del Partido Popular Europeo, hoy tengo un mensaje para ustedes: España es uno de los países más democráticos del mundo y el Estado de Derecho no es un juego político. El Estado de Derecho no es un juego político que pueda utilizarse a su conveniencia.

Mr President, we are all very aware of the difficulties in dealing with a conflict that has lasted for several decades. We cannot remain spectators of a situation that creates despair and insecurity and costs the lives of many innocent people. In the current circumstances, bringing peace is not an easy task, but it is not impossible. We must start by putting peace back on our European agenda in order to find solutions to the conflict. The 2020 Munich format was part of a constructive EU initiative towards a two-state solution. We need to keep this format alive. The European Union has all the sources available for this. It should lead by example in promoting peace, bringing together concrete contributions that international partners are ready to provide, as violence will not help resolve the conflict.

Mr President, last week Austria and the Netherlands blocked Bulgaria’s entry into Schengen, hiding behind arguments that had nothing to do with European rules and standards. Austria and the Netherlands abused their right in the Council, questioning the future of the European Union. Today I have only one question for the Commission. The Netherlands and Austria have shown a blatant abuse of law over the past week, trampling not only Schengen legislation but also the Treaty on Fundamental Principles. As guardian of the Treaties, the European Commission has an obligation to react Let me say that Bulgaria does not need words of assurance. We need concrete action. For this reason, Commissioner, I ask you today: Will you lodge a complaint with the Luxembourg Court of Justice for breach of the principle of sincere cooperation?

Madam President, Mr Golob, we are honoured to be in this room today and to have the opportunity to lead this debate. Only a year ago, Slovenia embarked on a destructive path, and the then Prime Minister controlled the media and the judiciary with great arrogance. I am pleased to see that Slovenia quickly got rid of this model. I congratulate you for undertaking decisive reforms to ensure that the country’s media will be free from political interference. What you have done to restore media freedom is an inspiration for the whole of Europe. Mr Golob, thank you for putting Slovenia back at the heart of the European Union and, above all, for proving that the countries of south-eastern Europe can propose reforms that inspire the whole European Union.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, do we want war in Europe? Because with this resolution, we are only fuelling the conflict and bringing Europe closer to a major disaster. Declaring Russia as a state promoting terrorism reduces the possibility of finding a peaceful solution to the conflict, because one does not negotiate with a terrorist. By voting in favour of this shameful document, we are letting everything be decided on the battlefield. Do you understand what that means? A war with a major nuclear force cannot be won. We condemn Ukraine to a long war, condemn Europe to exhaustion and pave the way for a global nuclear catastrophe. Dear Members, we need a European strategy to stop the war. Europe must engage in peace negotiations, insist on a compromise that is reasonable and acceptable. Instead, with this resolution, we are taking another step towards Europe’s training in this war. (The President withdrew the floor to the speaker)

Mr President, Commissioner Schinas, Commissioner Johansson, almost a decade ago, Europe witnessed the tragedy of Lampedusa. It was a wake-up call for all of us. It was a wake-up call for solidarity and better coordination. Nearly 5,000 people have died in the Mediterranean since 2014 and we continue to count, we record tragedies and we hide behind excuses. We are debating, but we are not changing anything. We must collectively manage search and rescue operations. We cannot leave some Member States alone and punish them for their geographical location. We cannot, of course, erase tragedies, but we can stop them in the future. And the answer is very simple: Putting European unity ahead of national politics. Our migration and asylum policy can no longer be held hostage by populists and we will have to stop constantly relying on ad hoc solutions, but always react to a tragedy. We will have to stop all this from happening, stop debating and start working.

Madam President, Bulgaria is not a second category member of the European Union and we have proven this many times over the years. When we guard the external borders of the European Union, we get a pat on the shoulder. When we are in solidarity with Greece's financial problems, we get a pat on the shoulder again, when we comply with European rules on cabotage to the detriment of our transport business, we get a pat on the shoulder again. 11 years ago, we proved that we have met all the technical requirements for the Schengen area, but to this day we are unsuitable for you. I refer to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Any additional conditions you put in place, Mr Rutte, have nothing to do with the written rules of Schengen. Let me tell you something about Bulgarian society. If Bulgaria receives another refusal to Schengen in December, distrust in the European Union will grow. And your decisions directly affect the functioning of the European Union. Don't betray us!

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, if Europe is to be strong in order to better protect the social and economic rights of its citizens, it must be independent. Strategic autonomy, the building of our security and defence system, is the basis of this prosperity. It also means interdependence between EU Member States that share common values, but also through cooperation with other European countries. The protection of shared infrastructure after the Nordstream attacks should be a common concern and policy. The European Political Community is also a forum where Turkey’s pragmatic approach and its role as mediator in the war in Ukraine could be discussed. But today we cannot replace the responsibility of the European Union, where difficult decisions are taken unanimously, taking into account the interests of each Member State. This is a guarantee that we will stay together, to be stronger too.

Mr. Chairman! Where are you taking us, ladies and gentlemen, where are you pushing Europe, this Europe that generations have fought for so that we can all live in peace? Why do we hear calls for arms every day and not for diplomatic negotiations? Why are you talking about a possible nuclear catastrophe and not a European strategy to stop the fratricidal conflict? Do we already have a European war commissioner? Yes, it is unacceptable to drop bombs on the European continent. But what did Brussels do to prevent the nightmare in Ukraine? The Minsk agreements were your responsibility, now peace is our responsibility. Tell us who is already the European Commissioner of War and why we do not hear his concern about who and why blew up Nord Stream? Who's trying to destroy South Stream? Who is bombing Europe's largest nuclear power plant? Bulgaria is only a few kilometers away, a few hundred kilometers from the war and tomorrow the fire can be transferred to us, because we were silent when we had to talk. We must stop the self-destruction of Europe, and today it is not tanks that are needed, but wisdom and courageous decisions.