Speeches

Madam President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, as the rapporteur of this House for Armenia and for the relations with Armenia, I want to underline why today's debate truly matters. EU‑Armenia relations have reached a pivotal moment. Armenia has in the past years demonstrated a genuine commitment to democracy, and our partnership today is an example of what closer cooperation can achieve. Armenia has clearly signalled its path. A path of peace, reconciliation and prosperity for its people. A path of closer cooperation with Europe. But precisely for this reason, we are seeing an unprecedented rise of Russian influence in the country through its proxies, through its oligarchs and other malign influencers, through disinformation campaigns and other hybrid threats designed to undermine democracy – as Russia managed to do in Georgia already. Colleagues, Armenia remains the sole democracy in the region. We must do our utmost to support and safeguard the upcoming elections and Armenia's vibrant democracy system. As Prime Minister Pashinyan rightly explained to Vladimir Putin last week, it is the Armenian people who must decide about the country's future, and our role is to stand by Armenia and with them in this election. I put my full trust in the Commission, and the Commission can play an important role in this action.

Mr President, dear colleagues, Georgian people made it clear decades ago: they believe in a free, democratic Georgia anchored in European values. Yet, the one‑party rule of Georgian Dream, using Putin's playbook, is steering the country in the opposite direction. We are witnessing repeated attacks against peaceful protesters, the silencing of journalists and a curtailing of fundamental freedoms that are essential to any democracy. Elene Khoshtaria, Mzia Amaglobeli and other pro‑European voices are among the victims of the current regime. They face years in prison only for speaking out. As friends of the Georgian people, we cannot sit idly by while fundamental freedoms are being eroded. I call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and I would like to reiterate, once again, the need to impose targeted sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili for his destructive role on politics, society, the economy and all Georgians.

Mr. Blaha, I am not going to the Slovak Republic. But I stand here because Slovak citizens have put me in this institution to defend their interests. Slovak citizens do not want European funds to be stolen. And I have made it clear here that we are asking the European Union to act where we have given it competence – and it has competence to investigate corruption and not to act where it does not have competence. These examples, such as the amendment of the Constitution, are not being discussed here today, and that is why I also stood up to speak here only about what lies within the competence of the European Union.

Madam President, if Slovakia were a house, there would be darkness in it. Yes, corruption plunges our society into darkness. The current government is extinguishing one light after another, weakening and dismantling institutions for detecting and investigating serious crimes such as the Special Prosecutor's Office, the National Crime Agency or the Whistleblower Protection Office. These steps, including countless amendments to criminal codes, frustrate corruption investigations. In addition, we are watching the obstruction of the protection of property rights of Slovak citizens, especially national minorities. But people in Slovakia have not become accustomed to this darkness. According to 2024 surveys, 87% of the population in Slovakia perceive corruption as a serious problem. People are aware that corruption is widespread in the country and robbing them of a better life. And yet there are small lights that tirelessly shine into this darkness. Brave investigators, whistleblowers, civil society or journalists. I want to stand firmly on the side of justice and all decent citizens and say to our government from here: We see the darkness, we perceive it and we do not let it down, we work and we shine into the darkness. This pressure is very much needed. We will continue to ask and expect clarifications as well as the proper functioning of the control mechanisms. However, we also expect this light from the European Union to act where its competences have been handed over and to respect Member States where it does not have competences. Slovakia cannot belong to the chosen ones who profit from this darkness. It belongs to everyone who lives, works and creates there.

Madam President, at the age of 78 and in poor health, Jimmy Lai faces life imprisonment following a sham trial based on fabricated offences. This is the real face of the brutal Chinese Communist Party. Jimmy Lai is one of the strongest supporters of democracy in Hong Kong. He represents the best of Hong Kong, its entrepreneurial spirit and its love of freedom. Therefore, colleagues, I would like to call for a strong statement demanding his liberation. China has yet again breached its international obligations and Hong Kong became a tool of Chinese foreign policy – a place to evade EU sanctions on Russia, a place where democracy, unfortunately, has no space anymore. And we must act. I urge the European Commission to initiate the suspension of Hong Kong's special status under the WTO, and to withdraw the credentials of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels. Jimmy Lai must be freed.

Madam President, almost a month ago there was one of the largest abductions in Nigeria's history. The attackers entered St. Mary's Catholic School and kidnapped 300 innocent children. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. We are witnessing increasing abductions and recurrent violence by armed forces and Islamist terrorist organisations. Christian communities are suffering immensely. Christians in Nigeria are six times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to face resolutions than the rest of the population. However, Nigeria is not an isolated country or an exception to this. Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world. I therefore turn once again to the European Commission, which is blatantly ignoring the requests of us MEPs to finally appoint a special envoy for freedom of religion in the world. I appeal to the governments of the member countries, especially mine, to increase the protection of persecuted Christians in the world. Don't worry about your life if you just want to celebrate Christmas. Blessed Christmas to all.

Madam President, dear colleagues, in compliance with Rule 202 of the Rules of Procedure, I would like to raise a point of order to the agenda point 'Award of the Sakharov Prize'. Last night, freedom and democracy defender and former Sakharov Prize nominee Jimmy Lai was found guilty of fabricated offences by the brutal Chinese communist regime. He faces life imprisonment. Jimmy Lai is one of the strongest supporters of democracy in Hong Kong: his life story is the biggest proof. His sham trial fell short of any fair standards. Moreover, it is a grave violation of international law under the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Therefore, colleagues, I would like to call for a strong statement demanding his immediate release, and I would like to also propose a plenary resolution on the erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong to be added to the January plenary agenda.

Mr President, dear colleagues, dear Baha'i friends on the balcony. The Baha'is are the largest unrecognised religious minority in Iran. They are facing systematic arrest and torture, denied basic human rights such as education, employment or even a dignified burial. Their only 'crime' is their Baha'i faith. The Iranian totalitarian regime misuses laws to label Baha'is as a 'misguided sect', treating them as an outlawed religious minority and a threat to national security, for which they face arrests and sentences. Therefore, they need our support, recognition and urgent action. The Baha'is in Iran are an example for people all around the world because they, facing prosecution and injustice, support, with great courage and resilience, each other and their fellow citizens. They are not deterred from helping their fellow neighbours and citizens of Iran who are not Baha'i. For all these reasons, I believe this resolution is the right signal that we stand by the Baha'i people in Iran.

Madam President, sovereign motherhood is a business that knows neither ethical nor geographical boundaries. In it, the woman is humiliated to the level of rented reproductive organs, and the child to goods to order. With the fact that when the result does not suit the customer, the next fate of the child does not interest anyone. More recently, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women called for an international ban on surrogate motherhood. I have been working in this area for a long time as well. KDH, my home political party, succeeded in enforcing such a ban into the Constitution of the Slovak Republic. We have taken steps to protect human dignity, at least at national level. Treating a child as a commodity and exploiting women is a global problem. If we want to be leaders in the protection of human rights and human dignity, the European Union must act urgently.

Commissioner, colleagues. The tragedy in Novi Sad is a clear example of how poor-quality Chinese investments, combined with a combination of corruption and non-transparent practices, will put the lives of European citizens at risk. However, it is also a symbol of where Serbia has been going in recent years. Instead of progress towards Europe, we see a gradual shift towards Moscow and Beijing. This inclination is well known to me. We see an increasing aggression against our own citizens, who have taken to the streets against the situation in the country. We see increasing aggression against other groups, such as the Slovak minority. Like everyone else, Serbs want to live in a decent and prosperous European country ruled by the rule of law, not by corruption. I believe that the future of a democratic Serbia is in a democratic Europe.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we speak here today about Gui Minhai, a Swedish publisher abducted 10 years ago from his holiday home in Thailand by the Chinese intelligence forces. Through Gui's writing and publishing in Hong Kong, millions were able to reach books which were banned in mainland China. His case reminds us of the Chinese Government's long arm of repression against independent voices, against truth and against facts. Because of the Chinese communist regime, facilitating the free circulation of words and ideas is a crime. Gui's case is not an isolated domestic matter. It is emblematic of a worrying practice of transnational repressions, disappearance of people for expressing freedom of thought and freedom of belief, and forced confessions, which are orchestrated during sham trials. This is how the Chinese regime suppresses its critics. And this is not only about the case of Gui Minhai – it's Ilham Tohti, Jimmy Lai, Panchen Lama, but also Ding Jiaxi, thousands of other political prisoners in China, millions of Uighurs who are held in concentration camps and labour camps, and many more suffer under the brutal regime of Beijing. I grew up in the then communist regime in Czechoslovakia. These regimes do not play according to international rules. They are either exploiting them or violating them. We must finally understand this and act accordingly. Again and again, I call for a principled approach to the Chinese communist regime, for an approach in which human rights and fundamental freedoms are the central pillar of our relations, because respect for fundamental freedoms is non-negotiable.

Mr President, dear colleagues, two years ago we woke up to the tragic news of Hamas's brutal and barbaric evil attack on Israel – an attack that left thousands of civilians dead or taken hostage and unleashed incredible suffering that continues today. Today, in Europe, we are witnessing a growing wave of antisemitism, or Jew hatred, to put it in blunter terms. Jew hatred manifested in attacks on synagogues, Jewish businesses and cemeteries being vandalised frequently. This picture hurts, because Europe was built on Judaeo-Christian heritage. It is our duty to stand firm on our values. If we look away when facing hatred in society, we betray our core European DNA. Today, we live in hope that what many of us call the Holy Land will embark on the path of peace. Let us therefore unite in prayer for peace, for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and for the return of all hostages. Let us pray that tolerance will fill our hearts in Europe, where many Jewish people have their homes.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, the US is not only the largest trading partner, but also our closest ally. We share a rich history, common values and traditions. The transatlantic relationship is the foundation of our mutual prosperity and security. And tariffs benefit neither side. They only benefit totalitarian regimes like China and Russia – the same regimes that threaten our security, our economy and the rules-based order. Let's prompt cooperation in areas that address our common risk as part of the tariff negotiations. That is what the US is expecting from us, too. I call on the Commission to propose how we can jointly address China's dominance in critical raw materials, how to protect our markets against cheap products made by forced labour, and how to secure sensitive data, especially the genomic data of our citizens.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, the US is not only the largest trading partner, but also our closest ally. We share a rich history, common values and traditions. The transatlantic relationship is the foundation of our mutual prosperity and security. And tariffs benefit neither side. They only benefit totalitarian regimes like China and Russia – the same regimes that threaten our security, our economy and the rules-based order. Let's prompt cooperation in areas that address our common risk as part of the tariff negotiations. That is what the US is expecting from us, too. I call on the Commission to propose how we can jointly address China's dominance in critical raw materials, how to protect our markets against cheap products made by forced labour, and how to secure sensitive data, especially the genomic data of our citizens.

Madam President, colleagues, the release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski and other political prisoners gives hope to all of us who believe in a democratic Belarus. But this single positive message doesn't signal the end of political repression in the country. Over a thousand political prisoners remain behind bars. Systematic crackdowns on citizens have only strengthened in recent months. Repressive measures have expanded to include unprecedented attacks on churches and on religious freedom in general. Dear colleagues, we have to continue to exert pressure on Lukashenka, particularly by making sure our sanctions are not circumvented. We have to continue to support Belarusian civil society and the democratic opposition. And let's not forget that our support to Ukraine is also support for a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Belarus. Zhyve Belarus!

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, current export controls on several minerals is yet another example of the toolbox China uses for its political purposes. Misusing its dominance over rare earths and deliberately causing disruptions in the supply chains is part of China's trade strategy, which allows it to maintain global dependencies. This puts in danger not only our car producers, but also healthcare, defence and our energy sector. I expect the Commission to formally raise the issue of unjustified export controls with the WTO, and also to use the anti-corruption mechanism the EU has at its disposal. It is also high time to accelerate the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act we agreed upon about two years ago. Finally, the upcoming EU-China summit is an opportunity for the EU to raise the dependencies and firmly defend the interests of our industry, our citizens, and also defence of human rights worldwide, but also particularly in China.

Mr President, Vice-President, just yesterday we witnessed another brutal bombing of Kyiv. Each such acts reminds us of the threat that Russia poses – and other totalitarian regimes – to Ukraine, to Europe and to world-based global order. It is high time to take our security seriously and adequately invest in defence. But we must do that responsibly and in cooperation with our allies. Raising our defence capacity is not just about tanks and missiles. Access to critical raw materials is of crucial importance for the future of European defence, especially while totalitarian China is misusing its dominance. We must ensure that investments in critical raw materials, particularly mining, refining and the production of essential components, are counted towards the increase of NATO defence spending.

Madam President, dear colleagues, China has recently imposed new export controls on several minerals, misusing its dominance over rare earth. It's already causing disruptions in our supply chains. This is not the first time China has closed taps on critical minerals. In order to secure the future of our industries, we have to address these actions in the context of competitiveness and economic security. For this reason, I am suggesting to pick up this point at our next session in July – not as part of the preparation for the EU-China summit, but as a separate point.

Mr President, Commissioner. Today marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Europe, as we know it, was built on a strong transatlantic union and on common values. This is what helped us defend ourselves against totalitarian regimes. The current geopolitical context requires bold strategic thinking at the highest political level and the search for sustainable cooperation. I have been pointing out from the outset that, instead of criticism, it is necessary to engage constructively with the United States and seek common interests. Instead, we should definitely not lean towards undemocratic, totalitarian regimes. We cannot allow totalitarian regimes today to take advantage of our differences. Flirting with the Chinese Communist Party will ultimately undermine our economy, but also our security and tarnish the heritage of all those who have protected the values of human dignity and democracy, the foundation of the European Union.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, this month we honour the memory of 1.5 million people – innocent lives lost in one of the darkest tragedies of the 20th century. Yet the wounds remain open and the struggle for justice is far from over. The genocide led to mass murder, displaced and loss of Christian cultural heritage. The Armenian people still carry the trauma of these atrocities. The only path to achieve normalisation of relations is to recognise, and work on recognition and reconciliation – on a political level and on a people-to-people level. This is even more important today, and hundreds of thousands of people are displaced in Armenia and from Nagorno-Karabakh, escaping atrocities from the side of Azerbaijan. That has added another layer of hardship. Recognition and reconciliation need courage – the courage to confront the past and to build a future based on truth. The EU must stand firm in its commitment to historical justice and urge Türkiye to acknowledge this chapter of history. Without recognition, there is no lasting peace, and that peace remains elusive. I call on the Turkish authorities to embrace this process and advance on the dialogue with Armenia. The Armenian people have always demonstrated extraordinary strength, spirit and resilience. It is high time to pave the way for genuine reconciliation, and bring peace and prosperity to the South Caucasus, and justice to Armenian people in Armenia and around the world.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, it has been almost a decade since the EU lifted sanctions on Belarus due to the so-called 'improvement' of the human rights situation at that time. As a representative of civil society, I warned against this step. Already then, we knew the real face of Lukashenka. Since then, I have spoken in this House on many occasions on the worsening human rights situation in Belarus. Some time ago we have been talking about 700 political prisoners; today we speak about 1 300 political prisoners in Belarus. In fact, thousands of political prisoners languish in inhuman conditions, subject to torture simply because of their desire to live in a free and democratic country. The independent press has been shattered, journalists silenced, media outlets banned, and representatives of civil society imprisoned. The media is replaced by a Soviet style of propaganda. This has to stop. Instead of 'condemning' and 'urging', we have to act. And the real act is to double down on sanctions against those who enable this inhuman regime. Because Lukashenka's oppression, built on electoral fraud and a systematic crackdown on citizens, represents a direct threat, an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy, human rights and freedom – our core values. And let us not forget, while the EU has invested in time and effort to treat Belarus differently, step by step, Belarus has become a Russian puppet state. We cannot ignore this. The deepening cooperation between Minsk and Moscow, their coordination in military intelligence and other fields pose a direct threat not only to the Belarusian people, but also to the security of EU. The European Union must stand with the people of Belarus. We must support the people's desire to live in a free, democratic and prosperous Belarus. Zhyve Belarus!

Mr President, over 20 political hostages who were imprisoned during the ethnic cleansing of Christian Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh are still detained in Azerbaijan. They are facing inhuman conditions and sham trials which could result in their life imprisonment. This is the real face of Aliyev's regime – a regime which oppresses its own citizens and disregards international obligations. While the European Union comes with a strategic partnership, the regime in Baku continues to threaten its neighbours and world efforts toward regional peace. In the current geopolitical environment, there is a strong need for the EU to defend its values, especially in its closest neighbourhood. Instead, we are again appeasing the oppressor and rewarding Aliyev's actions with enhanced trade. Have we not learned our lesson? It's time to stop dreaming about a strategic partnership, face reality and act in accordance with our values and principles. We have to take urgent action and address claims and these clear violations of basic human rights, and ensure that the hostages are immediately and unconditionally released. Leading judges and prosecutors who play a role in these unjust trials should face sanctions, and we have to make sure that any future cooperation with Azerbaijan is based on conditions of the release of all the political prisoners and demonstrated readiness of Baku to engage in a peace agreement which would respect the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians.

Mr President, colleagues, Commissioner, just in the recent years, the Chinese Communist Party has built an Orwellian state that has introduced mass surveillance, forced labour and placed over a million Uyghurs in a concentration camp. This is the reason why many Uyghurs escape the brutal regime while placing their trust in the hands of the international community. Thailand has completely failed these victims and violated international guarantees of their dignity and rights. They were kept in inhumane conditions before being sent back to China, where they face the risk of torture and imprisonment. Dear colleagues, this is yet another proof of why we have to rethink our relations with China, ensuring a value-based and consistent approach towards the Chinese Communist Party. Only such a principled foreign policy can protect human rights and our economic interests. Thailand and our partner countries have to decide where they want to stand.