Speeches

Madam President, (Beginning of an off-microphone performance) ... natural floods, but all the mayors and paramedics who are trying to help these people. Unfortunately, such extreme weather events are increasingly becoming part of our daily lives. We therefore need to reassess whether the existing tools to strengthen our resilience and preparedness are sufficient and, if necessary, rethink and set up new strategies. It is in these situations that European solidarity is of great importance. It can provide us with support and an opportunity to coordinate this situation with other Member States. At the same time, we must do everything we can to help these people as soon as possible. He who gives quickly gives twice. I therefore also call on the Slovak Government to try to help these people affected by the natural disaster as quickly as possible. And to use all domestic, but also European, means to do so.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Article 23 is the final nail into the coffin for fundamental human rights and free society in Hong Kong. Beijing, together with its lackeys in the Hong Kong administration, have destroyed the city’s freedoms. They broke international agreements and they have either locked up or forced to flee the brightest of the city’s citizens. What has happened in Hong Kong is both a telling example of how the totalitarian regime works, but it is also a warning for all of us. The daily attempts to undermine our democracies, including in this House, shine true light on these regimes and its aims. This is why we need urgent EU action on Hong Kong, particularly holding accountable those Chinese and Hong Kong officials like John Lee, responsible for the destruction of the freedom in the city. Moreover, we need stronger protection of our citizens, including dual nationals targeted by Chinese transnational oppression. At the very end, let me express sincere gratitude to all colleagues, and especially to Reinhard Bütikofer, for all their cooperation over the past four years in standing up for freedom in the face of the totalitarian CCP. Working across political divides, the European Parliament has become a leading voice for a changing EU stance towards the CCP, one that is more principled, that protects our democratic institutions and societies, that defends our economic security, and, above all, that stands up for those countless voices oppressed by the Communist regime. Let me say a big ‘thank you’, but let me also take this opportunity to urge the Commission and the Council to finally step up too.

Mr President, while the Commission and the Council continue to pretend that Azerbaijan is the EU’s strategic partner, the regime in Baku continues to oppress its own people, threaten its neighbours and thwart efforts towards regional peace. Today there are 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan. I welcome the release of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, but the regime must not be allowed to pull the wool over our eyes. Dr Ibadoghlu remains gravely ill as a result of imprisonment and requires immediate surgery. All the trumped-up charges against him must be dropped, and he must be allowed to travel abroad to undergo medical treatment. At the same time, after the ethnic cleansing of Christian Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, the regime continues to threaten Armenia and thwart efforts towards sustainable peace. This reality is all the more haunting today as we commemorate the anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. The world failed to act in 1915, and it failed to act again this year when over 100 000 Armenians had to flee their homeland. The phrase ‘never again’ cannot be just empty words. We must use our diplomatic and economic strengths to ensure that Baku returns to peace and stops oppression at home. It is time to stop dreaming about the strategic partnership. Face the reality and act in accordance with our values and principles.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the governing Georgian Dream party has once again reintroduced the act on agents of foreign influence. The plain fact is that this law, currently in the Georgian Parliament, is the same text withdrawn because it violated Commission recommendations on Georgia’s candidate status. It is the same text modelled on that one of Putin’s Russia. Rather than strengthening transparency and the fight against the malign influence of Kremlin and other authoritarian regimes, the proposed law will undermine the work of civil society and independent media. Should this law be adopted against the aspirations of Georgian people, and in violation of the Commission recommendations, then our response should be clear. First, we must freeze any opening of accession negotiations of Georgia. Second, any future financial assistance to Georgia must be made conditional on scrapping this damaging law. And finally, I once again call on the Council to impose targeted sanctions against the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili and free Misha Saakashvili.

Madam President, according to the ILO, on any given day in 2021, there were 27.6 million people used as forced labour. In the Chinese province of Xinjiang, around 1.5 million people have been sent to concentration camps. Millions believed to be used as forced labour in making different products that end up on our markets, from cotton to solar panels. For too long, we ignore these facts, thus becoming morally complicit in these crimes. This is why I welcome both the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the ban on products made with forced labour. I particularly welcome the risk-based approach so that our efforts can focus particularly on high-risk sectors and geographical areas, especially those like Xinjiang or Tibet, where State-imposed forced labour takes place. This way, we can also strike a balance between targeting the perpetrators and ensuring that our companies are not burdened by excessive administration. It is crucial that the ban hits those responsible for perpetrating and profiteering from abuses, rather than our small businesses. The new legislation is not perfect, especially after countless negotiations and compromises. It is, however, an important first step in ensuring that we stop profiteering from the suffering of others. Human dignity is and must always be our number one priority.

Madam President, it is absolutely crucial that, when assessing the rule of law in the Slovak Republic, the EU institutions strictly adhere to the principle of subsidiarity and do not interfere with the exclusive competences of the Member States. It is here that we have recently adopted a regulation to strengthen the protection of media freedom. Protecting media freedom means protecting democracy and freedom. And we must demand this in Slovakia as well. We follow the bullying of journalists, we follow the trampling of justice. Such steps lead to the unfreedom that we know well from the times of totalitarianism, but also from the times of swordsmanship. They also threaten EU funds that are meant to serve the good of the people, and we must not allow this development in Slovakia.

Mr President, horrified, outraged and disappointed. The fundamental human right is the right to life, and the fundamental pillar of our free civilization is freedom of thought, conscience and religion, not the so-called right to abortion. At the same time, we are all well aware that cultural ethical issues fall within the exclusive competence of the Member States. I reject this gross undermining of our treaties and our agreed competences. Colleagues, you who push this agenda at a time of serious economic and geopolitical challenges, at a time of increasing poverty, are you aware that the result of the European elections will be an increase in votes for populists, extremists and anti-system parties? Citizens will no longer believe in the European project, which aims to protect peace, the dignity of the human person, security and prosperity. Moreover, this initiative will never receive the support of all Member States, but will seriously jeopardise the much-needed and fragile unity in the European Union. Together with the Conservatives and Christian Democrats, I stress that we will return to Europe the values on which it was founded.

Mr President, I supported the AI Act from the outset. It represents a huge success and a fundamental step in the adaptation of this fast-paced technology. My main priority for the negotiations on the regulation was a strong human-centric approach. Artificial intelligence must always be focused on man, his good and the protection of his dignity and rights. It must simply be a good servant and not a bad master. I also support an approach based on assessing the risks that a particular type of AI can pose to people, their fundamental rights and democracy. I am convinced that the agreement reached on the text will protect our citizens and support our businesses and innovation, as it will give them clear rules and thus legal certainty. It also serves as an example for other countries. Indeed, AI technology knows no borders and we need to work with our democratic partners to mitigate its risks and exploit its full potential.

Mr President, did you not hear me before? Thank you very much. The protection of journalists and media freedom are increasingly pressing issues, not only in the context of escalating attacks and pressure against the media, but also, for example, the Slovak government's attempts to curtail media freedom. Clear rules must therefore be put in place to protect journalists and their sources. I also appreciate the strict rules on transparency of media ownership and funding. Free and pluralistic media are one of the cornerstones of our democratic society, and attempts to limit them are one of the first signs that something is happening in a given country. Let's not let it ever end like in Slovakia with the murder of a journalist and his fiancée. That is why I voted in favour of this regulation and I believe that it will provide an essential important framework for the media to be free and for us citizens to be able to rely on it.

Madam President, the enlargement of the European Union is widely regarded as one of the greatest geopolitical achievements and in our strategic and security interests. However, I cannot agree with the one-sided narrative, which assumes that future enlargement can only be successful if it is accompanied by a change in the basic treaties and the abolition of the right of veto in certain policies. Nor do I agree with the report's assertion that citizens' demands in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe can only be met through the transfer of competences to Brussels. According to a legal analysis by the European Council, up to 300 out of 326 citizens' recommendations can be implemented within existing competences. Colleagues, we are facing a number of internal challenges and external threats. The European Union must find a solution effectively. Doing what he is competent for, instead of wasting energy on areas where he is not competent. Above all, however, we need political will to continue to serve our citizens and protect their interests.

Mr President, I welcome this debate because it is time for us to speak a few hard truths. The fact is that the EU's policy towards the South Caucasus can best be characterised as a policy of diplomatic neglect and strategic failure. When Azerbaijan attacked Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020, European Union Member States, including the Slovak Republic and Prime Minister Robert Fico, sold weapons to Azerbaijan despite the embargo. When Azerbaijan starved the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, we signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Aliyev regime. We have even ignored evidence that the gas Aliyev sells to us is probably Russian. When the Aliyev regime imprisoned human rights defenders ahead of sham presidential elections, Charles Michel congratulated Aliyev on his victory. And what are we doing now that Aliyev and the leaders of the regime are questioning the very territorial integrity of Armenia? Colleagues, these are serious moral and diplomatic and strategic failures. The same failures to respect our own principles have been exploited by Vladimir Putin. Our values and principles are not our weakness, but our strength. That is why we now need to finally show a clear stance towards the Aliyev regime, including through sanctions, so that we refer to and deter aggression rather than allow it. At the same time, we need to deepen relations with Armenia, in particular in the areas of trade, security and defence, and to support democratic reforms.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, let me begin by thanking colleagues from across this House for cooperation on this resolution. The cruelty of the Lukashenka regime knows no bounds, and we continue to observe that the treatment of political prisoners in Belarus continues to worsen. The arrest of family members, in particular wives and mothers, is a new low even for this regime. Maryna Adamavich, Tatsiana Sevyarynets, Darya Losik and all their loved ones must be released. This evil needs to stop! The European Union must continue to strengthen its sanction regimes against Lukashenka and his henchmen. We must also do more to speak out for the political prisoners on the highest level, and to support their family members through different mechanisms and schemes. Finally, we must ensure that all these crimes are thoroughly documented, and Lukashenka and the representatives of the regime will be one day held accountable. Thank you very much and zhyve Belarus!

Madam President, at the end of 2021, we engaged with a group of MEPs in the project and reported anti-Semitic content. However, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube only pulled around 11% from the reports. In shock, we approached the management of these platforms, but with no result. Since then, the Digital Services Act has entered into force. However, we are still learning about scandals with a lot of toxic content. The Commission asked the Platform for an explanation, but again we have no answer. After Hamas attacked Israel in October last year, anti-Semitic content on social media, especially on TikTok, has become increasingly widespread. The spread of toxic content is also greatly helped by so-called attention economy algorithms. These, in order to generate profit, lock people into information bubbles and thus multiply this toxic effect. I have long pointed out that this is a major problem that not only undermines democracy, but spreads disinformation, and at the same time endangers people's mental health. That is why I pushed for these algorithms to be classified as high-risk in the AI Act, which ultimately became the position of the European Parliament. Unfortunately, in the trilogue, the European Commission and the Council did not support this view of the European Parliament. I wonder how, then, we intend to intervene, as social platforms clearly do not accept their share of responsibility and we have wasted the AI Act?

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, from Africa to the Western Balkans, we see the cost and corrosive impact of Chinese investments. They undermine countries’ finances, human rights and the rule of law. Colleagues, the democratic world is facing a serious security threat from this totalitarian regime, and we need to act accordingly. First, we must move faster to deliver the necessary investments. Second, we must intensify our coordination with democratic allies. Rather than aid dependence, investments are the best way to ensure sustainable economic development and to strengthen democratic governance. They are vital to our economic competitiveness, whether by improving connectivity or securing access to critical raw materials. Moreover, they are key to addressing the root cause of mass migration.

Madam President, dear colleagues, I welcome Parliament's strong stance on the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. Just this year alone, reports mention a variety of tortures the practitioners were forced to endure: wearing a straitjacket, being shocked with an electric baton; sprinkled with chilli peppers, having their feet burned, being force-fed with mustard oil or deprived of food and sleep. Several women were sexually assaulted and we shouldn't forget about the sickening act of forced organ harvesting. Dear colleagues, let me speak frankly. For more than seven decades, the CCP has terrorised people across mainland China and continues to commit gross crimes against humanity. Yet, as the EU, we have sanctioned four minor officials for human rights abuses in Xinjiang. I am sorry, but this is a weak and insufficient response to the wide scale of crimes being committed by this regime every day. It is time that the EU is more principled in its approach towards the CCP. It is the lack of principled policies that led us into this current security peril. A good start to addressing it is to hold the CCP and its henchmen accountable for crimes committed against humanity.

Madam President, I am very pleased that we have the opportunity to discuss this very important topic. Skilled labour shortages are a phenomenon affecting all Member States. The worst are specific sectors such as healthcare, the care sector, but also the construction and information sectors. I have been working with representatives of the care sector in Slovakia for a long time and the situation is really alarming. The ageing of the population and the flight of workers to Western countries, which will offer them a higher financial reward, exacerbate the situation. Carers, whether formal or informal, are the basis for decent care for the elderly and people with disabilities. However, there are desperately few of them, and those we have are underappreciated and tired. They are often in worse health than the people they care for. We have a CARE strategy, we have commitments to ensure the retraining of workers or a lifelong learning strategy. However, none of this will attract new workers unless the conditions of their profession, including financial remuneration, are dignified. Therefore, I would like to ask whether the European Commission is planning concrete initiatives to attract workers to the care sector, where the situation is truly alarming. 'Cause we're all gonna need care someday.

Madam President, honourable Commission, as the beginning of this report says, the European Union is founded on respect and reverence. This, of course, must apply to human rights, freedom, democracy or the rule of law. However, I reiterate that respect and reverence must also apply to the principles on which the European Union was built. One of them is the principle of subsidiarity, and thus respect for the division of competences between the European Union and the Member States. Again, this report itself grossly encroaches on the exclusive competence of the Member States in the areas of family law, education or the protection of life. Not to mention, it calls on the Member States to ratify the Istanbul Convention, which has long been a source of much controversy. If we want to achieve full respect for rights and principles, we must first set an example. That is why I propose to start by respecting the limits given to us by citizens and defined in the European Treaties. As the old Latin proverb says: Keep order and order will keep you.

Mr President, I am pleased that the European Parliament is dealing with the issue of transparency in the funding of NGOs. I consider the work of the third sector to be very important. It can often deliver help more efficiently and quickly to people where they need it. In the context of this report, I would like to reiterate that church charities are often unable to apply for funding from the EU budget because of the setting of criteria. I find this unfair, as these organisations are many times more effective in helping people and it is mainly a waste of their potential. This is especially true for those in need of help. On the other hand, I am critical of the selectivity of the allocation of European funds, as organisations that push a certain ideology are often funded, which I totally disagree with.

Madam President, colleagues. Commissioner, for over seven decades, the Chinese Communist Party terrorises and oppresses Tibet, from suppression of all fundamental freedoms to mass surveillance, forced labour or the cruel internment of a million children in so-called boarding schools. These acts only have one clear aim the destruction of Tibetan identity and culture, and that of other ethnic and religious groups and minorities across mainland China. The European Union must stand clearly with the oppressed, both in words and in deeds. Those responsible must be held accountable, not least by imposing targeted sanctions for these crimes against humanity committed by the CCP. Colleagues, let me be clear about one more thing. As the CCP continues to worsen its oppression at home, it also becomes increasingly aggressive abroad. These two processes work hand in hand. The CCP continues with this terror because it faces impunity. Therefore, standing for the oppressed is both our moral duty and also a step towards protecting our own interests and safety.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Commission, Council, let me begin by thanking colleagues from across this House for the cooperation on this very strong resolution. The cruelty of the Lukashenko regime knows no bounds, and we continue to observe that the treatment of political prisoners in Belarus continues to worsen. This is why I am particularly concerned about Mikalai Statkevich, but also all political prisoners who are beaten, tortured, denied basic medical care. I also want to use this opportunity to mention other political prisoners with whom their family members have had no contact and communication for a long time, including Viktar Babaryka, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Maksim Znak, Maria Kalesnikava, Ihar Losik, Pavel Sevyarynets, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Andrzej Poczobut and the Nobel Prize laureate, Ales Bialiatski. This evil needs to stop. The European Union must continue to strengthen its sanctions against Lukashenko and his henchmen. But we must also do more to speak out for political prisoners on the highest level, to support the families of the political prisoners and Belarusians fleeing from the regime’s persecution. My message is simple: release, Mikalai Statkevich, release all political prisoners and stop this cruel repression! Zhyve Belarus!

Madam President, thousands of people in Slovakia's squares are protesting against the abolition of the Special Prosecutor's Office and further interference in the criminal area. Together with them, I insist on justice for all. Prime Minister Fico, it was you personally who first approached the European Commission. When the answer and full squares do not suit you, do you try to distract attention and blame the opposition? The key to the solution is in your hands. It is enough to stop these destructive steps and return to the negotiating table in the National Council. I also reject your allegations that I support Slovakia's withdrawal of EU funds. As a representative of the KDH, a party strong in the regions, I will always fight for Slovakia to effectively use EU funds to move our cities, municipalities and regions forward. And I have always opposed using the withdrawal of EU funds as a punishment against voters when we do not like or someone does not like the outcome of the election. However, I would like to point out one more point here. In the past, attacks by this Parliament too, in the context of the protection of the rule of law, have all too often been directed towards policies that fall within the exclusive competence of the Member States. Unfortunately, this has undermined the legitimacy and authority of the European Union in this area. I therefore appeal again and again for strict respect for the principle of subsidiarity. The future of the European Union, of which Slovakia is a part, is also based on this.

Mr President, colleagues, the totalitarian regime of the Chinese Communist Party represents the single biggest threat to our freedom and security. We continue to pretend that we can cooperate with China, but even on the issues like the climate change, the CCP actions are destructive rather than constructive. This is why we can no longer afford to hide our heads in the sand. The CCP is open about its intentions. Our policy must be clear: we must hold the CCP accountable for its crimes against humanity, and we must continue to work with our partners in strengthening our response to the economic and security threats it poses. Failure to do so can have catastrophic consequences, not only for the people of China, but also for all of us.

Mr President, dear colleagues, Commissioner, let me thank colleagues across this House for their cooperation and speedy conclusion of negotiations of this file, which reflects the urgent need to implement its provisions. In today’s world geopolitical context, it is essential for the EU not to be dependent on few suppliers, especially those which pose a security threat to the Union, like the totalitarian China. I believe that coordination and cooperation with our allies and strategic partners are key to successful implementation of this act. This is why I initiated a joint declaration of legislators from around the world to work together in ensuring secure, ethical and sustainable access to critical raw materials, which will be published later today. In this context, I also encourage the Commission to conclude more such partnerships and to add a critical raw materials component to existing and future agreements with third countries.

Madam President, Commission, colleagues, let me start by thanking my dear friend Anna Fotyga and all colleagues for excellent cooperation on drafting this resolution. I believe the strong text is a testimony to this House’s steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the protection of human rights. I fundamentally condemn the brutal murder of Tamaz Ginturi. Let me be clear: this horrific act, as well as all acts of murder, kidnapping, illegal abduction and torture of Georgian citizens are the direct responsibility of the Russian occupation forces. They would not happen if not for the occupation of Georgian sovereign territory. This is why all those responsible must be held accountable, including through targeted sanctions. But above all, Russia must cease its illegal occupation. We stand by Georgia; support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of its people; and condemn all efforts by Russia and its proxies to undermine these goals.

Mr President, Commissioners, colleagues, the totalitarian regime of the Chinese Communist Party has destroyed Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and freedom. This is a fact. Moreover, the assault on the judicial independence and abuse of the law to crack down on pro-democracy activists has been central to Beijing’s strategy to silence all democratic opposition in Hong Kong. In the last years, this House has passed multiple resolutions about the deteriorating, situation in Hong Kong. But they have been met with a frustrating lack of response from the Council and the Commission. That is why I want to remind colleagues that the deterioration of the freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong also directly impacts us, as the growing evidence of sanction invasion through the city continues to show. Colleagues, it’s time for the EU to act. The existing Council conclusions need updating and implementing. We must insist on the immediate release of all people detained under the NSL and for the ending of the political show trials. Finally, it is time for John Lee and other Hong Kong and Chinese officials to be held accountable, including by imposing EU targeted sanctions.