What Nikolina spoke about.

17

Jun

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Preparation of the European Council (joint debate)

The meeting of the European Council will be very important for the debate on the new European budget that will decide what kind of Europe we want in the next decade. We face war, global competition, a technological race and the need to strengthen our security and resilience, so we cannot finance our priorities until 2034 with a budget from the past. The new European budget must invest more in competitiveness, innovation, research, transport and energy security and defence capabilities. At the same time, we cannot talk about strengthening European competitiveness without these funds being available to all Member States alike. Experience from Horizon It is clear to us that 70% Horizon Only six Member States use the budget. It is therefore illusory to expect that by this same method the European Union will be globally competitive and I believe that we need to have a geographical balance in the new fund, because only if the funds are competitive, competitiveness is available to all Member States, we are talking about a competitive Europe.

16

Jun

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

2025 Commission report on Türkiye (debate)

The European Union has been providing substantial support to Turkey for years, including almost €12.5 billion since 2011 to help refugees and local communities. This confirms that the European Union remains an engaged but also a responsible partner, but that European funds must be linked to values, reforms and accountability. That is why the backsliding of the rule of law is worrisome. Turkey remains a candidate country, but its European path cannot progress without free media, an independent judiciary and political pluralism. Finally, Turkey is an indispensable part of the Mediterranean and it is therefore important to continue dialogue and interparliamentary cooperation, especially within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean, which has been connecting actors from across the Mediterranean area for decades.

16

Jun

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Question Time (Commission) - State of play on the European Commission’s pledge to reduce the reporting burden, in particular for SMEs

Today, the Honourable Chair, Commissioner, European companies, and in particular SMEs, are not asking Europe for new strategies and will not measure our success according to the number of action plans published, but according to how much rules we have really simplified. That is why we at the HOUS Committee proposed the goal of issuing building permits within 60 days through fully digitized procedures, but also asked for a housing simplification package to be presented. Therefore, my question is very specific – given that today we lack over 10 million apartments for our young people, for professors, firefighters, medical staff and we know that young people are leaving our parents later and later, I am interested to know whether the upcoming housing simplification package, announced for 2027, will include a European goal of granting permits within 60 days, and what concrete measures the Commission plans to propose in order for Member States to speed up the procedures that are slowing down the construction of much-neededed apartments today, as without these speeding up procedures and cutting red tape, there are no affordable apartments for our young people.

20

May

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

High time to deliver on the Single Market, providing certainty and predictability for EU businesses and quality jobs (continuation of debate)

Dear Chair, the Single Market is one of the greatest achievements of the European Union, but today we have to be honest, Europe is still not using its full potential. While our global competitors are rapidly investing in industry, technologies and innovation, European companies still face fragmented rules but also slow procedures. If we want a competitive Europe, we need to provide businesses with what is most needed today: certainty, predictability and a stable investment framework. A strong and functioning Single Market is not just an economic project, it is the key to European resilience, strategic autonomy and long-term prosperity for our citizens.

19

May

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Recommendation on the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (debate)

In a time of geopolitical tensions and instability, wars and the weakening of the rules-based international order, the European Union must remain a strong advocate of multilateralism and the United Nations. We are witnessing growing trade conflicts, an attempt to weaken international institutions, and that is why the European Union must defend international law even more decisively, the Charter of the United Nations and the system of global cooperation that has been the foundation of peace and stability for decades. We must play a stronger role for the United Nations and a stronger contribution from the European Union in addressing global, security and humanitarian challenges. It is particularly important to continue supporting Ukraine and to strengthen the global security and resilience of democratic societies, as in a world of growing divisions, Europe must remain the voice of reason and cooperation, international law and common solutions. Together, the European Union and its Member States are the largest financial contributor to the UN system, but our responsibility must not only be financial, but also political and value.

18

May

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market (debate)

Today, the European steel industry is under strong pressure from global overcapacity and unfair competition. That is why I support the strengthening of the European Union's safeguards, stronger control of the origin of steel and a stronger defence of our market. But we must also link this debate to the daily lives of our citizens. In recent years, we have witnessed a strong rise in the prices of steel and construction materials, which directly spills over to the rise in construction costs and housing prices across Europe. Eurostat notes that producer prices of new residential buildings in the European Union have risen by as much as 52%. This is why the question of the competitiveness of the European steel industry is now becoming an issue of affordable housing, and industrial policy, competitiveness and housing security of our citizens are no longer separate topics – they are part of the same European responsibility.

11

Mar

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

EUCO and situation in the Middle East (joint debate)

10

Mar

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Cutting red tape to enable a competitive and clean transition – the urgent need to shorten and simplify permitting (debate)

Dear Chair, Commissioners, dear colleagues. If we want a competitive Europe and a successful green transition, we need to be honest with ourselves. Too many projects in Europe do not stop the lack of ideas or investment, but bureaucracy. Permit-granting procedures often take years. Investors give up, projects are late, and citizens are waiting for the solutions they need today, not in a couple of years. Simplifying and shortening administrative procedures is therefore a key issue for European competitiveness and for SMEs to be able to breathe. This is why we adopted a clear proposal in the Housing Crisis Committee: accelerate and digitalise building permit-granting procedures, with the aim of granting them within 60 days, as simply without faster permits there is no faster construction, and without faster construction there is no solution to the housing crisis or the green transition.

10

Mar

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Housing crisis in the European Union with the aim of proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing (debate)

Dear Chair, Commissioner, colleagues. Today in Europe, millions of people share the same fear - the fear that they will not be able to afford their own home. Young people are working, being educated, building careers, but they are aware that with such a rise in prices they cannot afford a home on their own, and without a home there is no family, there is no planning for the future and there is no demographic stability. This is why today, with this report, we are sending a clear message: Europe has a problem of insufficient housing supply. We just don't build enough. I therefore call on the European Commission to present as soon as possible a housing simplification package that will cut red tape, harmonise overlapping rules between Member States and speed up the construction and renovation of existing dwellings. We need to mobilize land for construction, simplify laws at national, regional and local level that affect zoning, spatial planning and construction. Building permits must become digital, they must be issued within 60 days. Member States should use incentive tax frameworks, either for the purchase of building materials, the works themselves or until the tax exemption on the first property, such as in my country of Croatia. At the same time, we must also tackle short-term rentals, as you have announced, but for the balance of tourism and the balance of affordable housing in tourist destinations. I brought something symbolic with me today. This key. This key for millions of Europeans means security, stability and dignity, and our task is for every young man in Europe to hold this key in the hands of his own home. Thank you very much and I invite you to support this report.

11

Feb

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Urgent actions to revive EU competitiveness, deepen the EU Single Market and reduce the cost of living - from the Draghi report to reality (debate)

The Honourable Chair, Commissioner, Draghi's report has clearly warned that Europe is lagging behind global competitors and has proposed hundreds of concrete measures. A year later, only about 11 percent of the 383 recommendations were implemented. As EPP rapporteur in the TRAN Committee for the new European Competitiveness Fund, which will be one of the key instruments of the new European budget, I believe that Europe must have a clear tool to invest in strategic technologies, innovation and industrial resilience. This fund must help large projects, but also small and medium-sized enterprises, and ensure that all regions in Europe have the opportunity to participate in this development and not just make large use of it. Our goal must be clear: a stronger single market, fewer administrative barriers, more investment and more opportunities for all European entrepreneurs.

10

Feb

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Presentation of the action plan against cyberbullying (debate)

10

Feb

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Building a stronger European defence in light of an increasingly volatile international environment (debate)

9

Feb

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

World Cancer Day (debate)

21

Jan

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

European Council meeting (joint debate)

Dear Chair, Commissioner, the conclusions of the last European Council clearly show that the European Union is in a period of heightened geopolitical tensions, but also ahead of key internal decisions, which will determine our competitiveness and strategic autonomy. In this context, the debate on the new European budget is crucial. The budget must be a strategic tool that will enable Europe to respond to security challenges, accelerate economic development and strengthen resilience. We live in a new world and it is therefore crucial to reach an agreement in a timely manner. If we want a stronger and more sovereign Europe, we need to invest in what strengthens our competitiveness, industry, innovation, transport connectivity, energy security and regional development. A Europe that wants to be politically relevant must be economically strong.

20

Jan

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

Tackling AI deepfakes and sexual exploitation on social media by making full use of the EU’s digital rules (debate)

Today, the Honourable Chair, Commissioner, AI brings enormous opportunities but also serious risks, especially when it is used to create deep fakes, exploit, blackmail, violence, especially against women, children, but also in general to manipulate citizens. The problem is the lack of uniform implementation. The European Union's digital rules clearly oblige platforms to remove illegal content, assess risks, prevent the spread of harmful algorithmic practices and protect minors. This must be done consistently and without exceptions. It is important to ensure rapid identification, removal deep fake content, effective cooperation with competent authorities and effective protection of victims.

19

Jan

2026

Speeches HR

Watch

The 28th Regime: a new legal framework for innovative companies (debate)

Dear Chair, Commissioner, if we want Europe to remain competitive in the global innovation race, we need to remove the barriers that are holding ours back today. start-up i scale-up companies. The 28th regime does just that, offering a voluntary European legal framework that allows innovative companies to operate across the Union under a single set of rules instead of 27 different national systems. The 28th regime responds to this problem, enables digital business creation within 48 hours, facilitates cross-border operations and increases access to capital. For small and medium-sized enterprises, for young innovators and for countries such as Croatia, the 28th regime can be an opportunity to remain talented and create competitive European companies. This is why I expect the Commission to present a concrete legislative proposal for the 28th regime for innovative companies already in the first quarter of this year.

17

Dec

2025

Speeches HR

Watch

2030 Consumer Agenda (debate)

Dear Chair, Commissioner, colleague and colleague, consumer protection is the foundation of the single market and citizens' daily trust in the European Union. The 2030 Consumer Agenda comes at the right time at a time of high cost of living, strong digitalisation and growing challenges in online trade. This strategy combines strong consumer protection with competitiveness and sustainable growth. Consumers are not a barrier to the market, they are its driving force. It is particularly important to strengthen digital fairness, the fight against unfair practices online, addictive design and fraud, as well as better protection of vulnerable groups, including children, young people and the elderly. Finally, this strategy must remain focused on concrete results, safe products, fair prices, clear information and effective redress.

17

Dec

2025

Speeches HR

Watch

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025, in particular the need to support Ukraine, transatlantic relations and the EU’s strategic autonomy (debate)

The incoming European Council comes at a very important moment for the future direction of the European Union. At the same time, as we continue to provide strong support to Ukraine, we need to make strategic choices that will determine Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and autonomy in the years to come. In this context, the discussion on the new Multiannual Financial Framework must focus on priorities that strengthen our real strength. Europe cannot remain competitive without serious investments in our industry, innovation, research, but in security, defence and energy independence. Strategic autonomy does not mean closure to partners. On the contrary, strong transatlantic relations remain the foundation of our security and prosperity. But Europe must have the capacity to act alone when needed.

16

Dec

2025

Speeches HR

Watch

Presentation of the automotive package (debate)

16

Dec

2025

Speeches HR

Watch

Presentation of the European Affordable Housing Plan (debate)

25

Nov

2025

Speeches HR

Watch

Protection of minors online (debate)

Dear Chairman, thank you, children today grow up in a digital environment that is not built for them and that is directed against their interests. Around 97% of young people in the European Union use the internet every day and teenagers spend up to nine hours a day in front of screens. In such an environment, children are exposed to illegal, pornographic and other harmful content. At the same time, the number of cases of adults contacting and recruiting children online is growing, and the age limit is still too easy to bypass. This is why we need stronger enforcement of the Digital Services Act, stronger measures towards platforms and action against design that is contagious and manipulative. Equally important, I also welcome the promotion of media literacy and the creation of an EU age verification framework that would set a digital age limit of 16 years, unless parents explicitly grant access and a complete ban on access to children under the age of 13. These are necessary steps to ensure a safe digital space for children and protect them as much as in the physical world. Our priority is clear: safety of minors cannot be an option, it must be an obligation.

25

Nov

2025

Speeches HR

Watch

Communication on the Democracy Shield (debate)

Dear Chairman, European democracy is under pressure like never before. Foreign powers are conducting aggressive campaigns, information manipulation, hybrid attacks and destabilisation attempts, and their aim is to weaken the trust of our citizens in democratic institutions. According to the latest Eurobarometer, almost 80% of Europeans fear that voters will make decisions based on disinformation, and 71% are concerned about possible cyberattacks on elections. This is clear: democracy in Europe is under systematic attack and we must act quickly and decisively. This is why the European Democracy Shield is an important step forward. I welcome the strengthening of the Fact Checker network and the establishment of the European Democratic Resilience Centre, which will enable joint action by Member States, faster information exchange and stronger capacities to detect and counter external threats of influence and disinformation operations.

24

Nov

2025

Speeches HR

Watch

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

24

Nov

2025

Speeches HR

Watch

30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process and the new pact for the Mediterranean (debate)

13

Nov

2025

Speeches HR

Watch

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025 (debate)

The most important thing for the Honourable Chair, geopolitical unpredictable times, is to strengthen Europe's defence capability by 2030 and accelerate joint investments in research, innovation and the industrial base. Strengthening Europe's defence industry means strengthening our technological and economic independence. Finally, I also welcome the fact that housing has finally been recognised by the European Council as a key topic for European citizens. We are now waiting for the Commission to present an ambitious affordable housing plan that should concretely help all Member States to address this pressing problem, such as a directive that will regulate short-term rentals, for example, because we need to provide our young people and mothers with affordable housing, affordable housing to stay in our regions.