What Sunčana spoke about.

7

Oct

2024

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Facing fake news, populism and disinformation in the EU - the importance of public broadcasting, media pluralism and independent journalism (debate)

Disinformation is a powerful weapon for political, economic and social goals. Of course, they have serious repercussions on social cohesion. In times of rising populism, disinformation and fake news, the role of public service media and media pluralism has never been more important. Some data – 88% of European Union citizens see fake news as a problem in their country and 83% see it as a threat to democracy. Television remains the most trusted news source for 49% of Europeans, while only 14% trust social media. However, don't be fooled, six times faster fake news or disinformation will reach 1,500 people on social networks than those rights on television or public services. The most fake news covers several key segments: politics, migration, health and security. In conclusion, in order to fight fake news, populism and disinformation, we need to give actors, which are public services, a much greater role and, of course, ensure independence.

7

Oct

2024

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Need to fight the systemic problem of gender-based violence in Europe (debate)

Dear Chairman, it seems to me that we have been talking about the same things for almost five years. According to a 2022 report by the Fundamental Rights Agency, one in three women in the European Union has experienced physical or sexual violence by the age of 15. And yes, I agree with colleagues who have said, often from people they just know, their partners, their close family members or acquaintances. These figures are not just statistics, colleagues. They represent lives destroyed by fear, trauma and suffering. Once again, I will give a good example from the country I come from, from Croatia. By introducing femicide as a separate criminal offense in the Criminal Code, Croatia has taken an important step towards combating violence against women. Support this in your own countries as well. We also need to increase funding for prevention programmes, support shelters and hotlines for victims, and improve cooperation between countries so that bullies do not go to another European Union country and find their asylum there. Finally, the main challenges – lack of reporting and fear of stigmatisation, a culture of impunity and gender stereotypes, and insufficient implementation of the law. We need to be more efficient.

18

Sep

2024

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Organised crime, a major threat to the internal security of the European Union and European citizens (topical debate)

Dear Chair, Dear Commissioner Hahn, colleagues, the figures are clearly not good. Organised crime poses a serious threat to the internal security of the European Union and obviously destabilises its economic, political and social system. In 2022, criminal activities such as drug trafficking, the most cannabis and cocaine, human trafficking and cybercrime cost the European Union a whopping €350 billion. Around 70% of organised crime groups operating in the European Union are affiliated with organisations outside the Union. It is therefore quite clear that we need to provide sufficient resources to fight terrorism, human trafficking and drug smuggling on the ground. First of all, I want to thank the police. However, we must continue to look at organised crime, for example in the Western Balkans, where geopolitically speaking, it poses a serious challenge to the security and economic development of the region. The main challenge, of course, is also its transnational nature, which exploits differences in legislation and judicial systems. Drug trafficking, which we have often heard you, colleagues, mention today, and obviously has to be one particular topic, is still the most profitable form of organised crime and earns billions of euros a year. Criminal groups also exploit migrants, vulnerable individuals, most often for labour exploitation, including sexual slavery. Cybercrime, of course with the development of digital technologies, is increasingly exploiting the Internet for illegal activities such as hacking, data theft and financial fraud, however, geopolitical goals are also the focus. Organised crime also contributes to the spread of illegal weapons within the European Union, which increases the risk of violent crimes and terrorist attacks. Through various schemes, criminal groups launder illegally obtained money, which allows them to infiltrate legal economic flows and politics. He uses corruption to protect himself from persecution. I'll finish up, Mr. Commissioner. All this has an impact on security and society and the destabilisation of institutions, so we need to be faster, we need to be more efficient and we need to apply the new rules much more. (the Chair interrupted the speaker), because this is how crime always seems, (the Chair interrupted the speaker) in front of us.

17

Sep

2024

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State of the Energy union (debate)

Dear Chair, Commissioner, first of all thank you for the enormous efforts you have made in the past mandate and we all understand that in order to achieve our 2030 and 2050 targets, we need to invest around €390 billion a year in energy systems, clean energy technologies and grid infrastructure. I would like to give a good example of my country of origin, Croatia, which has made a significant contribution to these efforts, especially through investments in gas infrastructure and the capacity of the new LNG terminal. Improving the European Energy Union or energy independence is one of the preconditions and economic sovereignty. Therefore, it is important to focus on several key aspects: diversification, further increase of energy efficiency, better connection and integration of European energy networks, development of energy storage infrastructure, decentralisation. Of course, we must continue to decarbonise and foster the green energy transition. However, I want to make it clear that we must not neglect the potential of nuclear power. We need to invest in research into advanced clean energy technologies and we need so-called energy solidarity and cooperation between Member States in the event of a crisis, which unfortunately were many. In the context of industrial competitiveness, we also attach importance to a predictable regulatory framework and policy as the key to a stable and predictable energy market. Improving the Energy Union through these measures will ensure a more stable, cleaner and resilient energy supply in Europe and will certainly contribute to long-term sustainability and energy security. All this, in the interest of our citizens and of course a competitive economy.

17

Sep

2024

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Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting democracy and freedom in the online sphere (debate)

Dear Chair, colleagues, the power of social and media platforms has drastically changed the way we communicate and participate in the democratic process. We want to protect illegal activities with the Digital Services Act, not prevent or restrict freedom of speech. Once again, I underline this because even here today we have been confronted with numerous disinformation. The Digital Services Act is a tool to create a safer and more transparent online space, while also protecting our democratic values. I'll give you one piece of information here. According to the European Commission, as many as 83% of European Union citizens have experienced online disinformation. It is therefore quite clear that we need to strengthen our digital sovereignty. Fake news, on the other hand, is 70% more likely to be transmitted than the true story. The Digital Services Act is not just a regulatory framework. It is our defense shield against threats that may threaten our very foundations of democracy. Finally, I call on the new Commission to be even more involved in sanctioning those who do not respect our rules.

17

Sep

2024

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Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States (debate)

Dear Chair, colleagues, Ukraine has the right of defence. Europe must remain strong here and protect Ukraine from Russia’s imperialist ambitions. Let's not forget the fact that the occupation began almost a decade ago, and the brutal aggression in 2022. Since then, we have witnessed human rights violations, the loss of human lives, the suppression of Ukrainian identity, the persecution and murder of children. Approximately six children were killed in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. As for my country, in addition to concrete financial assistance in two years of about 300 million euros, we are providing humanitarian, economic and political support to Ukraine, and last week during a visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Plenkovic announced support with a donation of 5 million euros for the reconstruction of energy infrastructure. In October, a summit of Southeast European countries will be held in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Objective: support for Ukraine and its territorial integrity. Colleagues, let's be on the right side of history, let's be with Ukraine.

25

Apr

2024

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Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews (debate)

The Honourable Chairman, Honourable Colleagues, undoubtedly, Croatia was also a strong proponent of enlargement, especially of the Western Balkan countries. When it comes to reforms within the European Union, I think it is extremely important to use the current mechanisms at our disposal to make the necessary steps forward towards the enlargement of the Union, but I also want to highlight the cohesion funds that will be crucial in this process. On the other hand, we want to see reforms from candidate countries, including judicial independence, economic stability, environmental protection, human rights and alignment with the European Union's foreign and security policy, which we see in some countries is not happening. Each area is key to the integration process. Our ultimate goal is not only formal compliance with EU standards, but a real internal transformation that will benefit the new members after their accession. We must see the enlargements of the European Union as an important link to peace and stability and as an economic strengthening of our Union.

13

Mar

2024

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Need to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia (debate)

Dear President, colleague and colleague, many childhoods have been destroyed. Children are used as a means of pressure or a war trophy. And what happens here in front of our eyes in the European Parliament? Russian agitators spread falsehoods and propaganda. We must show that we are united, that we are on the right side of history and that we are on the side of the innocent. On the side of the innocent, those 20,000 children who have been deported, and only 388 have been returned. Such mass relocation of Ukrainian children is a violation of the norms of international humanitarian law, and we have heard - Russia is conducting it solely for the purpose of their further russification, deletion of the national identity and transformation of their Ukrainian consciousness into Russian consciousness. They want the Russian “sacred”, never forget it, and something similar is happening in our environment. Colleagues and colleagues, use children as shields, they are the most common cowards. And what do we do? This is a good step, but we have to be stronger and we have to be stronger. We must immediately request that all cases of enforced disappearances be investigated and those responsible for what they have done, namely war crimes.

12

Mar

2024

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European Media Freedom Act (debate)

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, we have heard several times: free media is a key pillar of any democratic society, and it is precisely this media freedom act that should safeguard the editorial independence of journalists’ rights. In addition, Member States will be obliged to protect the independence of the media, and all media, regardless of their size, what is extremely important and what we have been highlighting in particular for years, will have to publish information on their ownership structure and be more transparent about obtaining funding from the state budget. What is new and what I welcome is the creation of the European Board for Media Services, the media supervisory body. Finally, let's not forget that the media sector contributes to job creation and growth with a turnover exceeding 3% of GDP. Equally, with around €50 million per year, the European Union supports the media space and the media sector, also allocating funds to research projects and reducing disinformation. They are an economy like everyone else, and they must have equal rights.

27

Feb

2024

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Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2023 (debate)

Honourable Chair, Honourable Commissioner, Colleagues. This year we celebrate significant anniversaries in the field of human rights. 75 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 30 years since the Vienna Declaration of Human Rights and 25 years since the United Nations Declaration. Why am I saying this? It is these milestones that remind us of our shared commitment to the universal, indivisible and interdependent nature of human rights. The development of democracy and human rights and their strengthening are in fact a reflection of our civilisational and democratic achievements. The world is an increasingly cruel place. Isn't the right to freedom, to life, that zero position? If we turn around and look around, we will realize that in many countries we are in exactly that, zero, position. Our action is based on the principle that democracy and human rights are not only values of the European Union, but also global norms that require our support. In 2023, we witnessed an increase in authoritarianism, with more than half of the world’s population living under authoritarian rule. I think this is an alarm, which highlights the urgency of our mission to strengthen democracy and protect human rights. The European Union’s external action, as outlined in our report, is dedicated to strengthening and supporting democracy and human rights. In particular, I want to denounce the abuse of multilateral institutions by totalitarian and authoritarian regimes that attempt to undermine human rights mechanisms.

7

Feb

2024

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The EU priorities for the 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (debate)

The priorities of the Honourable Chair, the Honourable Commissioners, the Colleagues are clearly clear: address poverty from a gender perspective, strengthen institutions, ensure robust funding mechanisms that support these objectives. Economic empowerment and the eradication of gender-based discrimination in the workplace and beyond are also at the top of our agenda. But what is the real situation? We've heard different numbers. Last year's UN report warns that with the current rate of progress, it will take 286 years to close gaps in women's legal protection. A colleague said something similar about it. Up to 140 years to achieve equal representation of women in so-called power positions. And now we're going backwards. Last year it took us 40 years to achieve equal representation of women and men in national parliaments, we came to 47. There's an election ahead of us, so I'll ask. You know who Medeleine Albright was, you know what she told the women? That there is certainly a place in hell for women who do not support women, so, therefore, let it be a place where you support women. Finally, I would like to welcome the agreement reached yesterday by the Council of the European Parliament regarding the Law on Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and I would like to give a good example of my country of the Republic of Croatia that has amended the Criminal Code. A new crime of aggravated murder of a woman has been introduced, so-called femicide and many other things have been promoted to the benefit of women and girls. Croatia can be an example here.

7

Feb

2024

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Automated data exchange for police cooperation (“Prüm II”) (debate)

In particular, the Honourable Chair, the Honourable Commissioner, congratulates colleague Rangel on the significant progress achieved with the Prüm II proposal, a key step forward in strengthening police cooperation between Member States through automated data exchange. The establishment of national DNA analysis files marks a crucial development in our fight against crime, terrorism, drug traffickers, human trafficking. By adopting an implementing act specifying the characteristics of the profiles to be exchanged and the minimum requirements for matches, we are also aligning with international and European standards, ensuring a robust framework for cross-border cooperation. Data sharing is necessary in investigations into criminal activities, so I simply do not understand colleagues who question this way of data sharing. The possibility for Member States to participate in the automated exchange of police record indexes further enhances our cooperation possibilities. Such an exchange based on sets, including biometric data of individuals convicted or suspected of serious crimes, also strengthens our collective ability to effectively prevent, detect and investigate crimes. Of course, our actions must be guided by the principles of proportionality, respect for fundamental rights and an unwavering commitment to the security of the European Union. These are good tools for our police to fight crime and I support this proposal.

6

Feb

2024

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Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union (debate)

Over the last nine years, the European External Evaluation Service’s working group has collected, analysed and exposed nearly 16,500 disinformation by the Honourable Chair, the Honourable Commissioner, colleagues. The findings indicate that Russia remains the primary source of such campaigns, in particular those justifying its aggression against Ukraine. This document that we are witnessing today and that we have seen is proof that all we have in politics is morality and integrity. These colleagues don't have that. It's the political bottom of the bottom. These are people without morals, these are people who work in favor of the aggressor and Russian propaganda. There is, it is quite clear, an army of disinformationrs spreading a negative EU impact; Our response must be to improve cyber defence, ensure the transparency of the electoral process and raise awareness. And let's not forget, the INGE Committee has done a great job and I believe that its work must continue.

17

Jan

2024

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Extending the list of EU crimes to hate speech and hate crime (debate)

In a world of growing globalisation, modern legislation and legal frameworks undoubtedly need to be strengthened. Regulation and processing are challenges for democratic societies, which regrettably see an increase in intolerance. I will look in particular at online hate speech. There are numerous examples that often represent a conspiratorial for violence. Digital platforms and various closed communication groups, i.e. channels, are fertile ground for multiplying hate messages with often far-reaching consequences. Remember Cyberbullying and Nicole Fox's girlfriends. We spoke here in the European Parliament about her case. Bullying, too much exposure of young people to violence, is a serious problem today. The EU Kids Online survey found that nearly 50 percent of children were exposed to cyberbullying. This is not a question of restricting freedom of speech. It is about protecting the right of all citizens to live without fear of discrimination, violence and hatred. Freedom of speech must not become a freedom to spread hatred, and here we make a difference.

16

Jan

2024

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Empowering consumers for the green transition (debate)

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague. It is good that citizens will no longer have to question or doubt the truthfulness of what they are selling to us and that we will put an end to manipulative practices. We are constantly talking about the green transition. It's not just a political or economic change. It is also a cultural change. As consumers, our choices, from small everyday decisions to large investments, have a huge impact on the environment. Empowering consumers means providing accurate, clear and relevant information to help them make so-called sustainable choices. In Croatia, as in the entire European Union, we have seen data, we see a growing interest of consumers in environmentally friendly products. They need to know where they come from, how they were produced and what their ecological footprint is. This is a clear signal that consumers are not only looking for sustainable options, but are also ready to support the green transition with their wallets. Last but not least, the transparency and credibility of labels, but also the balance between consumer and producer protection, is what we have taken care of.

12

Dec

2023

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EU-US relations (debate)

The United States and the European Union represent an area of about 800 million people, united by a long history of cooperation, freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The conflict in Ukraine and the geopolitical challenges related to China, as well as the need for global climate change governance, are just some of the challenges that require strong and united transatlantic cooperation. However, relations between the United States and the European Union must not be understood for granted, and in particular we must not speak here in the context of relations with the United States as an inferior partner when we put this in the context of a country of the European Union. This includes cooperation in areas such as trade, security, defence, technology and the fight against climate change. However, what remains the essential foundation of our defence is actually NATO, the development of European defence capabilities, which is essential for maintaining peace and stability. The great political rearrangement we are witnessing necessarily needs strong transatlantic cooperation, vital for preserving peace and stability.

12

Dec

2023

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Defence of democracy package (debate)

Dear Chairman, the disinformation industry has long taken off its gloves. We are probably all aware that disinformation is paid for on the dark web, and they are most interested, of course, in elections. Elections that are equally ahead of us and I think our defence of democracy is becoming a matter of urgency at the moment. We have defined the challenges of our time. However, we must be aware that these challenges are increasing. We are witnessing hacking attacks on the European Parliament's website, various hybrid threats. Thus, issues such as the protection of critical infrastructure, the media, online networks, information security, energy security and closing loopholes are used by actors exploiting these loopholes in our security system. This is of crucial importance. The package proposed is not perfect, but it is good, on the way to defend ourselves from these influences. I stress the importance of this package and the need to get involved in its implementation for another reason, because we also need to address the issues of numerous former European officials working for hostile foreign entities and foreign funding of political or civil-society campaigns in the European Union.

12

Dec

2023

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European Health Data Space (debate)

Just as predicted, I think my colleague Sokol told you at the beginning in what you insist. Why do you think you'd... you're actually putting that presumption of innocence in the starting position instead of first seeing if someone's guilty and then making a verdict. That's how I'd put it. You twist a bit, this one, in the context in which the report was written. So, I think there are mechanisms and do not be afraid that this will be abused, for example by employers.

12

Dec

2023

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European Health Data Space (debate)

I think you need to look at the document again, and in addition, we will discuss it in another context. So you agree with what I said, I see you're shaking. So, we will be the ones who will determine a certain level of availability of our data, so do not be skeptical. I don't think anything would happen to anyone. Especially consider rare diseases, people who have cancer. So, let's give all of us a chance to improve the system. No system is perfect and no law is, as they say, carved into stone. If this system isn't perfect, and it may not be perfect at first, we'll change it, we'll refine it. The protection of privacy, I think the reporters have built it well, is in the first place.

12

Dec

2023

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European Health Data Space (debate)

In particular, I congratulate the rapporteur on this proposal, which in any case reflects our commitment to both improving the health system and promoting research and cooperation and supporting innovation in digital health and telehealth. I see there's a lot of controversy here, so I'll give you my personal experience. You end up in Strasbourg at the hospital, you change four doctors, you spend six hours there, and you tell everyone again what you have and what your history is like. That's what happened during a plenary session. If there was a database at that time, where the first doctor who examined me would have had access to my health records, I wouldn't have been going through all that agony I'd been through. So when you're questioning whether we're on the right track, please take that into account. Many times here, colleagues have also emphasized that actually integrating digital technologies into the health system means better access to information, exactly what I said, improving the quality of care and effective prevention. Personalized medicine, let's look a little into the future, and in some countries the present, I think it can improve our health systems. And at the end of the day, when you draw the line, we can save lives and reduce the little money we invest in health systems. (The Member agreed to answer the question raised by raising a blue card.)

23

Nov

2023

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International day for the elimination of violence against women (debate)

Thank you very much to the Chair, the Honourable Commissioner, colleague and colleague, nearly 736 million women over the age of 15 worldwide have experienced intimate partner violence or sexual violence by non-partners. These are not just World Bank statistics, these are the voices, faces, and lives of women that require our immediate action. Let me give you a good example from my home country. Amendments to the Criminal Code in criminal proceedings have been announced, including recognition of femicide crimes and tougher sentences for bullies, including longer prison sentences for rape. Maybe it's a good path. This is a significant step and we have to agree. But what do we need? Key actions: Facilitate reporting of violence, provide more opportunities for women to seek assistance, increase awareness and training of police and judicial staff, and increase women’s financial independence. We need to address these structural inequalities. Most bullies remain unregistered, and we have statistically proven that, for fear of reporting bullies. We heard the data - Covid has increased all this. The United Nations said yesterday that violence had increased the most in the past 20 years. Nearly 89,000 women and girls have experienced violence. Only the weak use violence against women to make them feel bigger, and we do not turn our heads, do not close the windows, but be loud and report violence. In this way, we will make a difference in our society and be truly equal.

21

Nov

2023

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Packaging and packaging waste (debate)

Dear Chairman, thank you very much. Today we face, colleagues, a challenge that actually defines our generation - packaging and packaging waste management. We are all aware that the amount of packaging waste in the European Union has increased from 66 million tonnes, as early as 2009. Ten years later, we had almost 70 million tonnes of waste. However, I stress the importance of clear regulation and legal certainty, as well as the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including e-commerce. But let's be careful with the burden on the manufacturer. This includes the promotion of the production of recyclable packaging, but also the development of recycling and reuse infrastructure. It is clear that our goal must be to create an economy that protects our planet. However, we must decide what is important and realize what is possible in circumstances that, let's be clear in this, are not the same in all members of the European Union. Therefore, we are promoting packaging that will make our planet greener, however, let's define priorities.

20

Nov

2023

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Common rules promoting the repair of goods

The Honourable Chair, as rapporteur for the ENVI opinion, can say that this proposal, aligned with the European Green Deal, is key to achieving our sustainable consumption goals and, of course, climate neutrality. According to the Eurobarometer survey, I will only recall that 77% of consumers in the European Union would rather repair their products than buy new ones, but ultimately have to replace or discard them because of repair costs or service insufficiency. That's exactly what we did. Our focus was, in particular in the ENVI opinion, on facilitating the repair of products for consumers, thereby reducing waste and strengthening the repair sector. We want it to be more affordable and, of course, cheaper for end consumers. We also underline the need for price transparency and availability of spare parts, which is essential for a sustainable repair market. I am also of the opinion that it is necessary to strengthen the culture of repair through awareness-raising campaigns, primarily at the national level. With this proposal, I will conclude, we support consumer rights, but also SMEs and contribute to the development of the repair market. Thank you very much to the rapporteur and colleagues for your cooperation.

8

Nov

2023

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Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7) (debate)

With this report, we are setting a clear and strong direction that protects consumers, the competitiveness of our market and, let's not forget, many jobs in the European Union. To me, it is crucial to find the right balance between industry and our climate goals. In doing so, of course, paying attention to the well-being of our citizens. I would say that reasonable deadlines for applying these rules give industry time to adapt without compromising our environmental goals. Also, our compliance with UN regulations on particle emissions, brakes and tyre wear demonstrates our responsibility and what we call leadership. This legislative proposal puts us at the forefront of the fight against climate change, but also carries the weight of responsibility for precise implementation and enforcement. Of course we all want to drive cleaner cars, we all want cleaner trucks, buses. We all know that well. We also know that the EPP Group is a great supporter of the green transition, but we also want to do so in a way that takes into account the real needs of our citizens. Let's not forget that everyone in that first proposal would simply not be able to afford new cars - much more expensive cars, but we also have to take into account the many jobs and what we have heard about the financial cake of GDP brought by industry. So, my friends and colleagues, I'll finish. Stability, security and predictability - this is what we need to provide to our citizens and our industry - not populism.

8

Nov

2023

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EU enlargement policy 2023 (debate)

The enlargement package presented today sends a strong message, I would say, here from the European Parliament and, of course, from the Commission. I congratulate Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, but also Bosnia and Herzegovina, aware of the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina only received candidate status last December. What is good about Bosnia and Herzegovina: the reform efforts that have been achieved since then have been welcomed and I congratulate Borjana Krišto in particular. Of course, with the full support of Croatia and the Croatian Government and us representatives who are constantly standing with Bosnia and Herzegovina. I would say that today's situation win-win – let's look at it that way. I fully support the individual approach to enlargement policy, and with the new recommendations we are aware that Bosnia and Herzegovina should not wait until March next year. These things can be solved earlier. Enlargement is a key policy of the European Union and we know how important the Western Balkans are for the European Union. I see this as a wide open door to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the dynamics of enlargement and those reforms that are needed are in their hands - they have all the tools.