Speeches

Mr President, if we wish honestly to be self‑sufficient and independent in security, then defence isn't enough. The only way to be really self‑sufficient, independent and strategically autonomous is to also be independent when it comes to local food and energy production. While the EU doesn't pose significant fossil fuels, the only way to truly secure our backs is by strong independent defence, an independent and renewable energy sector and local food production. And I hope that there are no forces here that wish to return to fossil energy, for as long as you rely on fossil‑based energy solutions, one cannot be truly self‑sufficient. Hopefully, not a single country wishes to be relying on Russian gas, but not only on Russian gas – the lifeline network with any other fossil energy producer is not promoting our European self‑sufficiency neither. So if you're going to be cold or dependent on imported food or armoury, as long you can be oppressed. And that is not the way forward for Europeans; the way forward is with strong defence, renewable energy and local food production.

Madam President, colleagues, the EU's largest greenhouse gas emissions come from energy production. To genuinely cut these emissions, we must take the adoption and development of nuclear energy and renewable energy sources seriously. Nuclear energy is crucial, balancing power alongside renewable energy sources. One of the biggest issues with the transition to electrification is the huge need for pure electricity. The Nordics, with great water and windmill possibilities are on good track with this, but how are we going to get a sufficient amount of pure electricity to the hydrogen possibilities, or how will we make the grid infrastructure be sufficient? I truly hope for action on these basics of our electricity system, alongside fusion development, because as long as these basics are unsolved, I still doubt that we can go so far as presented today with fusion energy.

Mr President, esteemed colleagues, this year has been the warmest on record. The Paris Agreement is in real danger, as mentioned here several times already. As the northernmost MEP, I surely do my best to save the winters for the coming generations too. We've been living through an era of acute crisis throughout the 2020s, so signs of impact of climate change are continuously emerging across the globe. In order to prevent climate change from evolving into another acute and costly crisis, we need to take more actions. One of the largest sources of emissions in the EU is energy production. I believe more effective climate policies can be achieved through incentives rather than prohibitions. We cannot only impose bans, because if there isn't enough sufficient and generally affordable renewable energy alternatives, at the same time when we introduce the bans the resistance will be only further thrilling populist movements. So let's be wise with the actions: best technologies, best possible timing, best results to truly cut.

Mr President, the fight against climate change is extremely important and it only makes sense that we should always act as sustainably and in balance with nature as possible when it comes to natural resources. Moderation is probably a good guideline. Unfortunately, however, in the last period, Europe did so on the basis of the green transition, which is an important issue, including, unfortunately, bad legislation. An issue of such importance should not be the subject of failed legislation, because, at worst, it happens, as we have seen on our continent and also heard in this debate, that with poor legislation, populist forces, even if they deny climate change as a whole, are gaining power. It certainly does not contribute to our common goal of getting rid of fossil fuels. And the more we rely on fossil fuels, the more money we drain from Europe and the worse our security of supply, self-sufficiency and security will be.

Mr President, thank you to President Niinistö for his report on improving Europe's crisis preparedness. I dare to say that history and geography have taught us Finns to prepare for many kinds of crisis conditions, and traditionally, both as families and as a nation, they have always wanted to prepare for a bad day, as the saying goes. An example in Finland is the Act on Security of Supply and, as part of central government, the National Emergency Supply Agency. It takes care of the planning and operational operation of the country's security of supply, first and foremost through comprehensive security, covering medicines, food, energy and regional contingency plans together with local authorities. It is important that Europeans understand the holistic nature of security. It's not just military. We need to strengthen our critical infrastructure and improve Europe's independence in all areas of society so that, in the event of unexpected crises, we are finally better prepared. The report provides excellent tools for this.

Mr President, bureaucracy paralyses competitiveness in the EU and weakens us in the global market. According to the Draghi's report, over 60 % of the enterprises in the EU consider the regulation an obstacle to investments, and over half of the small and medium-sized enterprises consider regulation and administrative burden to be their biggest challenge. We have lagged behind the United States in this matter, and if we don't deregulate, the split will evolve. For example, in the field of technology, only four of the world's 50 largest technology companies are European. Usually, the governments and even the Commission always want less bureaucracy. But then nothing happens. Quite the contrary. I believe it is more a question of culture and a way of doing things. Do we offer the businesses a possibility to prosper or do we regulate them out of business?

Mr President, the cornerstone of the welfare state is the very widely accepted progressive taxation. You pay taxes and receive high-quality public services in return, which you can also seek to decide on democratically in public duties. It is very important that taxation continues to be a national competence. But there is a huge need for international cooperation in tax evasion, exchange of information and the large-scale collection of taxes in general. Taxes are also very important in terms of inequality in society. In particular, economic, social or regional inequalities between people and regions also create a basis for the growth of various extremist movements. That is why tax policy must also take care of the overall integrity of society, and for that it works very well when used smartly. A sound tax policy will generate economic growth that can even out harmful inequalities. Above all, our continent needs prosperous, sustainable economic growth. A bad tax policy prevents it, a good one makes it possible.