Speeches

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, all EU enlargements were not just a success story – enlargement is a beacon of hope, a testament to what we can achieve when we stand strong together. Past enlargements have transformed our continent, bringing peace, prosperity and stability to millions. A new wave of enlargement is now a necessity, but with new members joining, we face real institutional challenges that demand bold actions. At the current stage, to be able to absorb new members, we must move away from the paralysis of unanimity in the Council, because Europe cannot afford to be held hostage by a single veto. We should fully utilise the flexibilities already offered by our current Treaties to act faster and to act smarter. But this is not enough. We need the courage to adopt targeted Treaty changes and reflect the ambitions of our citizens of a Union ready for the future. The Council must not shy away from this conversation, and I regret its absence here today. Silencing the debate on Treaty change is not an act of caution, but a dangerous retreat from responsibility. Dear colleagues, the time to act is now. Let's move beyond paralysis and division, ignite the spirit of solidarity and justice and build a stronger Europe. I thank the rapporteur, Sandro Gozi, for his excellent work, and we must work hard together, because we must, before the end of this mandate, make sure that those candidate countries who advanced quickly, who are doing many efforts, become members of this European Union.

Madam President, dear colleagues, for way too long, European Works Council have existed without real power to influence decisions in transnational companies. Information has come too late, consultation has been too limited, and workers have been often excluded from decisions that directly affect their lives. Today, we have the opportunity to change that. This reform gives the European Works Councils clearer rights, stronger enforcement and binding participation in decision-making. It ensures early and meaningful consultation, not after factories and production sites are closed or jobs have disappeared, but before decisions are taken. It also introduces tangible sanctions for companies that fail to comply. Let me be clear: this is not about opposing regulation and competitiveness. On the contrary, true competitiveness requires trust, participation and a shared sense of purpose. When workers are genuinely involved in shaping the future of their company, they become partners in innovation and in resilience and not obstacles to change. This text is more than a revision; it is a milestone in European social dialogue. Let us make this directive not a silent formality, but a living instrument for five million European workers.

Madam President, Prime Minister, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Socialists and Democrats Group, I welcome you, Prime Minister, here in this house of European democracy, a place that embodies history, but above all the future of our Union. Luxembourg and Europe are a historic couple. We are bound by a common destiny. As a founding country, Luxembourg has lived through all the major stages of the European project while often being at the forefront of progress. In the trials, he was able to recognize that his fate was played out collectively by placing his trust in Europe. And Europe has always taken our country further. Even today, in these uncertain and tumultuous times, we must reaffirm this same confidence in a strong and united Europe. Together, we will overcome threats, protect our continent, animate our economies and strengthen our industries. This will sometimes involve simplifying our regulatory frameworks, but rest assured that we socialists will never sacrifice our environmental and social ambitions for indiscriminate deregulation. Together, we must defend our values and the rule of law that underpins Europe. To meet all these challenges, Europe must have an ambitious multiannual financial framework that not only meets our objectives, but also meets the expectations of our fellow citizens. It must also provide itself with the means to operate more efficiently, to remove blockages, to counter attempts at blackmail and to prepare for the future, including, Prime Minister - and here we must not hesitate - through targeted amendments to our treaties. Europe must also respond quickly to the cost-of-living crisis, housing challenges and strengthen social rights. Colleagues, the Luxembourg social model has long been a source of inspiration for Europe and I am proud of it. But I am deeply concerned about some recent decisions by your government, Prime Minister, that challenge this model and undermine social peace. I therefore hope that you will come back to these choices and that you will defend at European level, in Brussels and Strasbourg, the deepening of a social, just and united Europe. Finally, Prime Minister, I would like to salute your courage and that of your party, the Christian Social Party, for having enshrined the right to abortion in the Luxembourg Constitution. In a context where women's rights are under attack, this advance is indispensable. I hope that Luxembourg inspires Europe and that you can convince your friends in the EPP and in the European Council to include this fundamental right in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Prime Minister, I am counting on you and on Luxembourg to continue to be at the forefront, to carry the European project loud and clear. Long live Europe!

Madam President, dear colleagues, what did I see on the streets of Budapest? Young and old people carrying Hungarian, EU and rainbow flags, demanding equality, human dignity, freedom and democracy. And none of Orbán's threats could silence them. Quite the contrary! And while the peaceful Pride was banned and vilified, several far-right protests and manifestations were allowed by the Hungarian authorities. But the desire for freedom and equality was much louder than the insignificant number of extremists and ideologists. Hungarians understood very well that, throughout history, whenever a government wanted to take away the rights of minorities, the majority also suffered. Hungarians want an inclusive society. This is what they called for when they voted to join the European Union – a society that empowers them and uses their potential. The only way to deliver this is through strong EU-wide anti-discrimination legislation. Dear Commissioner, the European Union was built on the promise of human dignity, freedom and equality. But this is not the reality for millions of Europeans. In Budapest, the people, the mayor, the organisers and political parties showed their courage. They stood up for equality, even at the risk of retaliation. Now it's the Commission's turn, as it promised to act. Put the horizontal anti-discrimination directive back on the table and show that, in the European Union, people's fundamental freedoms and the right to assemble cannot be attacked without consequences. As the guardian of the Treaties, guard and defend our values! Long live the Union of equality!

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, every single enlargement of our Union has been a major success story, and enlargement has now become a geopolitical necessity to protect ourselves and our neighbours against interference from autocratic regimes. It is important and good that enlargement is, again, high on the agenda. War on our continent, the rise of fascism, the shift in transatlantic relations – all this reminds us that enlargement is in our own strategic interest. There will be no shortcuts on EU values and fundamental principles. Accession to the EU must always remain a merit-based process and, therefore, as EU institutions and Member States, we must support the candidate countries. We also have homework to do: institutional and financial reforms are needed to absorb new members. Our Union is barely functioning at the current state with 27, so what about 30, 32 or 35? We need to change our way of working so that every citizen, every worker, every business and society as a whole can continue to benefit from our European project. So let's have the courage to adopt targeted treaty changes, move away from unanimity, deepen the social dimension of our Union and strengthen the union of equality, and we must live up to our promises to citizens and to the candidate countries.

Mr President, dear Commissioner and dear colleagues, freedom of assembly is the heartbeat of democracy. And in Hungary, that heartbeat is faltering under the weight of repression. When people cannot gather peacefully to voice their concerns, when their right to protest is crushed by heavy handed tactics, it is a clear signal of a collapse of the very freedoms we claim to protect. It is extremely sad that we, the pro-democratic groups, must keep repeating the obvious. What is currently happening in Hungary is not only a national or LGBTI matter, it is about the fundamental rights of every European citizen. If we allow the Hungarian government's crackdown to go unanswered, we are sending a message that democracy is negotiable. We keep repeating these messages to highlight the urgency of the situation. Dear Commissioner, Article 7 and infringement procedures are not optional tools, but essential duties. Our Union's credibility depends on the Commission's action and willingness to uphold democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law. European citizens, including the Hungarian people, count on you. I will march in Budapest to protest against the love story between Putin and Orbán.

Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear rapporteur Ana Catarina Mendes, dear colleagues, the Commission's rule of law reports have become a vital tool for democratic oversight. And year after year, they highlight persistent structural deficiencies, attacks on judicial independence, pressure on media and the weakening of civil society. These warning signs are systematically repeated in each edition, yet real sanctions remain elusive. Some governments in Member States continue to test how far they can go, crossing red lines without facing meaningful consequences. What begins as an isolated breach spreads from one Member State to another, to two, then three or more. Among the most alarming trends are the attempts to silence civil society. The systematic attacks on women's rights and on the rights of minorities, particularly LGBTI+ citizens whose dignity and freedoms are increasingly undermined by hostile rhetoric and discriminatory laws. Let us not forget that hate speech too often ends in hate crime. When the Union tolerates the transgressions of some governments, it betrays its founding values. It is time to act – the Commission must move from observation and monitoring to enforcement.

Mr President, Commission Vice‑President, colleagues, more than 84 million Europeans struggle with mental health issues. To overcome this silent pandemic, we must embed mental health in all our social and equality policies, with concrete actions that go beyond the health sector. The European Pillar of Social Rights is the perfect framework to achieve these goals. Policies on employment, housing, education, child and social protection have a positive impact on preventing and mitigating mental health problems. As policymakers, we must not shy away from regulating the transformations in the labour market. While digitalisation, telework, algorithmic management and platform work may offer flexibility. The lines between the private and the professional are increasingly disappearing. Precarious jobs, unfair wages, little or no right to disconnect and a lack of social protection creates immense mental stress. Mental health is, as you said Commissioner, an economic issue and therefore preventing mental health issues caused by work is an investment which benefits workers and companies. Together, we need to strive for a European Union that protects and promotes mental health through very strong and fair social policies.

Madam President, dear colleagues, 80 years ago, the guns fell silent across Europe, marking the end of the most devastating war our continent has ever known. And today we honour the memory of those who were murdered, who suffered and perished. And we reflect also on the long, difficult path from destruction to peace. Out of the ashes of conflict, Europe chose reconciliation over revenge. Former enemies reached out in solidarity, laying the foundations for a united, peaceful continent. The European Union stands today not only as a political and an economic alliance, but as a powerful symbol of what unity, mutual respect and shared values can achieve. Today, this legacy is under threat. Across our continent, the far right and nationalism are once again gaining ground, fuelling hatred and division. But we must not forget where such ideologies once led us. The horrors of the past are not just history – they are warnings. On this important anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to a strong, united Europe, one that champions peace, democracy, equality and the dignity of all its people. Let our history be our guide and our unity be our strength. Today we must also pay tribute to the brave people of Ukraine, victims of the brutal aggression of Russia's autocratic regime.

Madam President, dear all, today I choose to speak directly to the dear citizens of proud Hungary. For too long, you have been told that Brussels forces you to accept 'foreign values' and that the West seeks to undermine your culture. But let me be clear: our message is not an attack against you. We only ask that every person in Hungary be treated without discrimination and no one be forced to hide who they are. Banning pride and permitting AI surveillance sends a dangerous signal that some among you are less worthy of freedom and respect. The European Union stands for Hungary, where every citizen can live openly, with dignity and without fear. Dear Hungarians, the Fidesz Government has restricted your right to speak freely and your right to peaceful assembly. It is our duty to stand against this. Hungarians deserve the same rights as everyone else in our Union. We believe in your strength and in your rich cultural heritage. Our goal is simple: to protect the rights of all Hungarians, ensuring freedom and equality for every person in this great nation.

Mr President, Commissioner and colleagues, our social model is totally under pressure, because digitalisation, algorithm management and AI have exposed the weaknesses of our regulatory framework, which is totally out of date. Millions of Europeans are impacted. Young people are increasingly caught in the cycles of precarious jobs and minimal social protection, while corporate profits are rising at their expense. We must confront this reality and take concrete action. We currently observe an excessive fetishisation of innovation, and therefore we must ensure that the technological progress benefits the society as a whole. This means establishing binding digital labour standards to protect workers and instituting strict oversight of algorithmic decision-making to ensure it does not undermine fair labour practices. We also need targeted investments in education and retraining programmes to prepare our workforce for the jobs of the future. Moreover, we must tackle the concentration of power in the tech sector. We must ensure the full implementation of the Digital Services Act and further legislate to kerb monopolistic practices that distort our economy and aggravate inequalities. We must act and we must legislate to strengthen social Europe.

Mr President, Commission Vice-President, colleagues, the belief that deregulation disguised as simplification will solve labour market problems in Europe and make Europe more competitive is misleading. Weakening our values and backtracking on achievements will not strengthen our economy. Real competitiveness comes from unlocking the full potential of our workforce, of human capital. This is why we must build a true Union of Skills, an integrated European labour market where talent moves freely. I welcome the Union of Skills Roadmap, Commission Vice-President, as it goes in the right direction. Today, businesses struggle to find skilled workers while too many Europeans face barriers to mobility. This fragmentation holds us back, and instead of lowering standards, we must remove obstacles to talent mobility by automatically recognising diplomas and qualifications so that professionals can work anywhere in Europe without bureaucratic hurdles for SMEs. We have to invest in cross-border training because our economies are interconnected and our education system must also better cooperate, and we must ensure social rights portability and guarantee real social security coordination. The Union of Skills, the Union of Talents will give Europe a real competitive advantage. Let's make it a reality together, European Parliament, European Commission, Member States, regions, social partners, academia and civil society.

Madam President, Commissioner, Vice-President, Minister, dear colleagues, when talking about women's rights, the European Union has to be clear and precise, otherwise it creates potential for regress. The Commission must unquestionably support the right of women to have authority over their own body. If not, the far right, sponsored by the anti-gender movement, will do its absolute worse to backtrack on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The European Union either truly defends a union of equality or open its gates to the far-right extremists within and outside of Europe to dilute women's rights in all walks of life. Make no mistake: promising in the roadmap quality and inclusive education to all girls and women and then tiptoeing around the essence of it, such as the promotion of comprehensive sexual education, is playing in the hands of the far right and patriarchy. There is a desperate need for progress and real equality, as the people marching on the streets all over Europe on 8 March showed it very clearly, so we have to listen to those voices. As our feminist and democratic values are under attack, there is no middle ground or room for hesitation. It's either mainstreaming gender equality or mainstreaming misogyny and sexism. You have our fullest support, Commissioner, on this roadmap, and the S&D Group is with you.

Mr President, Minister, colleagues, conservatives often take pride in claiming to embody the political centre. Yet, in recent times, their ideas have increasingly resonated with parties from the far right. Whether by crude political design or reckless indifference, this irresponsible game endangers Europe and its competitiveness. We often hear from conservatives and others that we need to use common sense to increase our competitiveness. Well, let me ask you, is it not common sense to take measures to protect our environment, to believe in science, considering that our economic output is dependent on a healthy planet and population? Should we not open more avenues for legal migration to address our labour shortages, rather than aggressively clamp down on migration and threaten to close internal borders, thereby undermining our single market? And do we not need more European solutions considering that 27 national rules create more bureaucracy and administrative burden for our companies, the very opposite of what you want to achieve by pushing for an unrestrained and dangerous deregulation agenda? This all seems common sense to my political group. So let's make the European Union competitive – competitive for the future and not for a world long gone.

Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, dear colleagues, digital and climate transitions are transforming our labour markets and challenging millions of jobs, but also bringing millions of new opportunities. Faced with this new reality, we must invest massively in vocational education and training, but not only for young people, but also for workers whose qualifications need upskilling. Training these experienced workers is not just about offering them a new chance, it's also a social and economic imperative. We must complement their skills for innovative sectors such as digital technologies, renewable energies, the health care sector and green industries. Nevertheless, the responsibility does not solely rest on individuals. The state and businesses must take action. Member States must guarantee more funding for supporting vocational education and training, and the companies must be more open for apprenticeships. Combining theoretical classroom training with a practical component in the company is the best springboard towards internal professional reconversion. This is how we will turn the digital and the climate transition into an opportunity for all our citizens, but also for all our businesses. It is also important to have better recognition of these diplomas of vocational training because let's not forget the millions of mobile workers and cross‑border workers in the European Union.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the demographic challenges Europe is facing are among the main threats to our Union's competitiveness. The European Union and the Member States need to create an environment that supports the life choices of our citizens, and we must help them to fulfil their aspirations and to reconcile private and professional lives by ensuring access to quality childcare, and particularly in the light of the upcoming revision of the Work Life Balance Directive in 2027. Labour shortages and qualified labour and less-qualified labour shortages and working age population in decline poses really a great risk on many levels. But if we tackle it in the proper way. I think demographic trends can strengthen Europe's resilience, and this can only be achieved if cohesive policies focus on gender equality, intergenerational fairness, digital and green transition, managing legal migration, and if they involve remote and rural regions that too often are left behind. Promoting the EU's access to quality jobs, affordable housing and decent living standards is also crucial. By giving young people access to stable housing, we empower them to build their future and address the great challenges of our time. And let me just remind you of Mr Letta's report: the fourth freedom, the freedom to stay. This is very important for the rural and the remote regions, and we must invest in these regions.

I really apologise to the interpreters, who do a very good job. I was going to say that improving animal welfare in Europe is not only ethical, but it is also essential to achieve a healthy and sustainable society and it will limit the spreading of zoonotic diseases. So the EU must push for the highest possible standards and the Commission must deliver on their promises, which they have been doing for the last years. Thank you very much and Merry Christmas.

Madam President, dear Commissioner, for many years European citizens have been asking for a revision of EU animal welfare legislation. So far, too little has been done and this must change. While we welcome a Commissioner for animal welfare, the Commission must ensure that any pending proposal will be delivered by 2026. This is in line with the recommendations of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture. It also reflects the will of millions of citizens that collected signatures for citizens' initiatives such as 'End the Cage Age' and 'Fur Free Europe'. Improving animal welfare issues in Europe is not only ethical, but it also is essential. (The President interrupted the speaker)

Mr President, Commissioner, what do the 1949 Women’s Union for Peace in Belgium, the Mothers of May Square in Argentina and this year’s Sakharov Prize finalists Women Wage Peace and Women of the Sun have in common? Well, these are women’s movements for peace. In these turbulent times and on the occasion of the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, I believe it is urgent to recall UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which stresses the important role of women in the peace process, including conflict prevention, management and resolution. There is an urgent need for Europe to commit to implementing this resolution, on the eve of its 25th anniversary. While women’s contribution to the reconciliation process is welcomed, it is still not integrated into formal peace negotiation processes. Yet women are at the forefront of peaceful movements, agents of change and the linchpins of post-conflict social and economic recovery. So we must bring that voice, their voice, into the world, for a more just, more humane and more egalitarian world.

Madam President, Discrimination against people with disabilities persists in all areas of our leisure and professional lives – and this is unacceptable. And how can we treat people with disabilities on an equal footing if we cannot even agree on a uniform definition of disability in Europe? How can we speak of a social and equality union when our EU funds still exclude them from the labour market? We need to stop perceiving disability as a problem. Rather, we need to understand that people with disabilities represent an exceptional pool of talent and strengthen our social union. Greater inclusion of people with disabilities means, above all, promoting the diversity of our workforce, reducing poverty, investing in human capital to create wealth that benefits all. This is precisely why we need to strengthen the EU Disability Strategy. I am also thinking of investing in the social economy, introducing reasonable accommodation across the board and introducing quotas in companies and administrations. Let's tackle it! And, Commissioner, I am convinced that we will do this together with you and your team.

Madam President, today we celebrate the first international instrument to recognise children as human beings entitled to fundamental freedoms and human rights. 35 years later, we must continue strengthening these children's rights here in Europe. Therefore, comprehensive and age-adapted sexuality and relationship education is an essential tool to prevent sexual abuse, paedophilia and violence, and it is critical for the health of children and young people. In a world where sexual abuse, gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, AIDS and STDs pose a risk to the well-being of young people, education becomes a very powerful instrument. However, despite the clear evidence of the benefits of sexuality education, it is still challenged. Dear colleagues, the health and well-being of children cannot be politicised. It is not about ideology, it is about human rights. And together, we need to fight for a more resilient society without leaving behind vulnerable groups like children living with disabilities, LGBTI young people, rainbow families, refugee and migrant children. Children are our future, but let's not forget they are also our present.

Madam President, in a union of equality, there is no room for discrimination. I ask the right side of this House, would you not be outraged if one of your relatives or one of your friends would be discriminated against because of the colour of their skin, or because of their religion, or because of their disability? Why are some of you not shocked when people continue to suffer, on a daily basis, discrimination and violence because they are lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary or an intersex person? In a union of equality there is no place for double standards. In Europe the anti-gender movement – notably supported by Putin, Orbán and Meloni and others – is getting increasingly vocal and is taking discriminatory measures against the LGBTI community. Europe must counter this axis of hate and actively oppose legislation that undermines equality, freedom and rule of law. Europe must denounce discriminatory laws and ensure compliance with EU law and the case law of the ECJ. The Commission must not hesitate to launch infringement procedures. We Socialists & Democrats will never sell our values for political gain, and we will never waver in our commitment to workers' rights to human rights, including LGBTQI+ rights.

Madam President, dear Commissioner Dalli, a 13 % gender pay gap in our Union is a scandal and is a slap in the face of our core values. And while I welcome EU legislation and in particular the Pay Transparency Directive, we must face the facts: these initiatives will only be successful if there is real political will for change. And I can hear those in this House who will claim that the administrative burden of this legislation is too high – that's not true – and it's the EU and not we are responsible for that – it's the exact opposite. It is up to our Member States, up to our companies to guarantee gender equality and to ensure the principle of equal pay for equal work. If they had respected our treaties and the Commission recommendations, Europe would not have had to legislate. We all have a responsibility in transforming patriarchy into a Union of equality. And to those who want to portray this fight as an invention of what they call gender ideologists: equal pay is enshrined in our treaties since 1957. Therefore, they must stop blaming the progressives. They should stop making women and workers feel guilty and rather look at their own inability or unwillingness to guarantee equality. Enough is enough. Let us together put an end to the gender pay gap. And thank you very much, Commissioner Dalli, for all the work you have done.

Mr President, dear all, closing the EU's skills gap is a must for all transitions that our society, our workforce and our economy are facing now and in the future. When it comes to the climate and to digital transitions, we need to come back to a positive narrative – highlighting the opportunities, but of course also addressing fears and doubts. To close our skills gap, we also need a true single market of skills by facilitating the recognition of the competencies of our workforces between our Member States. I want to thank Commissioner Nicolas Schmit for the work already delivered with the European Years of Skills, individual learning accounts and the extension of the Erasmus+ mission. All this has improved access to vocational education and training for all, and we must continue on that path. If the new Commission wants to use 'skills, skills, skills' as a mantra, we must not forget that our citizens, our workforce, young and old, will only embrace this if lifelong learning and upskilling lead to better jobs, to quality jobs. Indeed, when we discuss skills, we have to address the social dimension of competitiveness and jobs, and cherish social dialogue.

Madam President, the single market is the crown jewel of the European construction, and in my eyes gives the EU a competitive advantage. A stronger single market means a more competitive Europe. Mr Letta, as your excellent report shows, we can improve a lot and we must perfect it. We need better implementation of the existing rules. We need to ensure that it contributes to a more sustainable and a more social Europe, and we need to consider strengthening integration in crucial sectors, as a stronger single energy market, for example, driven notably by better interconnectivity, can lead to more secure and affordable energy and cheaper electricity bills for companies and our citizens. Furthermore, for the S&D Group, more integration means more competitiveness for our companies, better consumer protection and more prosperity for Europeans – while adopting national solutions will lead to more fragmentation and ultimately a weaker Europe. Further harmonisation of rules also means less bureaucracy and a reduced administrative burden for our companies, especially for SMEs, which will no longer have to navigate through a jungle of 27 different sets of national rules. So let us leverage the power of integration to tap into the full potential of the single market.