Speeches

Madam President, I welcome today’s support for the resolution concerning the health of Georgia's ex-president, Mikheil Saakashvili. Once again, the message of this House to the Georgian authorities is clear: allow Mikheil Saakashvili to undergo medical treatment abroad without delay, in accordance with Article 283 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia. Also, let me thank colleagues for supporting our calls to sanction Bidzina Ivanishvili for his role in the deterioration of this political process in Georgia. The oligarch bears primary responsibility for the situation, and the EU should act accordingly.

Madam President, just as the autocrats in the Kremlin continue to wage their war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, they also continue in the persecution and oppression of the opposition, human rights defenders, and pro-democratic forces in Russia. Alexey Navalny, the brave Vladimir Kara-Murza and other political prisoners continue to face draconian conditions. I welcome that this house continues to be unwavering in its united stance in support of all political prisoners in Russia. However, it is also crucial to support those Russian human rights defenders and pro-democratic forces seeking shelter in our countries. This is why I find bewildering the recent decision by the Georgian authorities to deny re-entry to Anna Rivina, the founder and director of Nasiliu.Net, an organisation providing services and shelter to victims of domestic violence. We must continue to support those who, like us, want to breathe freedom and want Russia free of oppression.

Madam President, critical raw materials are essential for the deployment of the technologies that enable green and digital transitions and for building the economy of the future. This is why the upcoming CRM Act must not only be ambitious, but also in line with our industrial strategy and broader supply chain diversification. Today, the totalitarian regime of the Chinese Communist Party controls roughly 60 % of the world's production of rare earth minerals and materials. Those resources include lithium, cobalt and other elements crucial for making electric vehicles, batteries or semiconductors. I am glad that the Union finally woke up to the need to diversify our supply chains. We need to use global gateway and other opportunities to invest and work with our allies to access critical raw materials. But we need to also ensure that this diversification does not lead to new dependencies and human rights breaches.

Mr President, I welcome today's vote on the REPowerEU legislative package, which is key to tackling the current energy crisis by supporting infrastructure projects or improving the energy efficiency of buildings. I appreciate that part of the package is one of Slovakia's demands, which was promoted by the KDH from the beginning, and it is the use of unspent cohesion funds to support vulnerable households as well as companies most affected by the energy crisis. Slovakia will be able to transfer up to 10% of the unspent cohesion funds, which should mean around one and a half billion euros, and another one billion euros should be able to be used from the new available cohesion funds to support the REPowerEU objectives. It is crucial that the Slovak government uses these funds strategically and cooperates with the regions to help those most affected by the energy crisis.

Mr President, dear colleagues, your vote today is not about whether you think platform workers should be employees or not. What we are voting on today is whether the European Parliament should effectively use its democratic procedures to debate this crucial piece of legislation. You are also not being asked to delay the legislation, because in fact the Council is not yet ready to start a trilogue. Therefore, the European Parliament should take the time to consider and debate this crucial piece of legislation, which will fundamentally affect 28 million platform workers in Europe. Many of us have requested, from the beginning, that this text has to ensure legal certainty. Instead, the proposed text is being interpreted differently by various stakeholders. That alone is a sign that it needs the further consideration of this House. I accept that not everyone in this House agrees on how to best regulate this sector, but we should be able to agree that when we write the legislation we ensure that it is legally sound and that it is implementable. Colleagues, I ask you today to allow this House to have a meaningful vote on the subject. Today, we each have the opportunity to improve the text and to achieve the goal of this directive, which is the improvement of the working conditions of platform workers, including social protection. For this reason, I call on you to vote against the committee’s decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the very life of the former President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, is at risk. Games, tricks and delays must stop. This shameful behaviour by the Georgian authorities is in direct contradiction to the government’s stated European aspiration and the very values and principles it entails. As Members of this House have done on many occasions in the past weeks and months, I once again plead with the Georgian authorities: allow Mikheil Saakashvili to undergo medical treatment abroad without any delay, in accordance with Article 283 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia. Ex—President Saakashvili must not be allowed to die in prison. Georgian authorities bear full responsibility for his health and wellbeing, and will be held accountable should anything happen to him.

Mr President, in August 2020, we were shocked to watch footage from a cell at Charleroi airport, in which Belgian police officers brutally intervene against Slovak Jozef Chovanec, who subsequently died. As a follow-up, this Parliament also called in a letter for a swift investigation of the case and a fair accountability. The same shock was also caused by a recent decision of the Belgian prosecutor's office, according to which there is no criminal liability for police officers intervening against Jozef Chovanec. And I wonder how it is possible that, at the heart of the European Union, where we are anxiously monitoring even signs of breaches of the rule of law, a decision is taken that appears to be in stark contradiction with fair treatment and the right to a fair trial? I therefore call for immediate attention to this case and coordinated action to ensure a proper and fair investigation.

Mr President, from Africa to the Western Balkans we see the costs and corrosive impact of Chinese investments. They undermine securities, countries, finances, human rights and the rule of law. I welcome the recent EFSD+ opinion to release over EUR 6 billion to support 40 investment programmes. Yet this is nowhere near sufficient. Between 2014 and 2018, the PRC gave out more than USD 400 billion in foreign loans alone. Colleagues, the democratic world is facing serious security threats from this totalitarian regime, and we need to act accordingly. First, we must move faster to deliver the necessary investments and ensure that our deeds are matched with efficient strategic communication. Second, we must intensify our coordination with democratic allies, including the US – which is a response to the debate before. To conclude, generating sufficient investment for infrastructure programmes is as much a question of defending our values as well as strengthening our interests and security globally.

Mr President. As a member of the Committee on Social Affairs and Employment, I have been advocating for workers’ rights, including their rights to information and consultation, since the beginning of my mandate. As the resolution rightly pointed out, the success and positive impact of European Works Councils is based on trust and constructive dialogue between the board and the management of the company. Therefore, it is these aspects that we should strengthen and not look at societies a priori as if their aim were to violate the principles of democracy in the workplace. I therefore do not agree with the proposed introduction of the right to apply for interim relief to temporarily suspend the implementation of company management decisions, which may, in certain circumstances, lead to overuse and thus paralysis of the whole of society. I also think that the issue of so-called gender quotas for works councils is superfluous in the context of the revision of the directive. Again, I would like to reiterate my argument that I, as a woman, am undervalued by this approach. Quotas are counterproductive. Moreover, I think that they may result in additional discrimination against mothers' women vis-à-vis other women. Last but not least, I also disagree with the draconian sanctions that this text proposes, such as the exclusion of a company from subsidies, public contracts or European funds. This is due to the cumulative effect of the company’s obligation to pay all administrative and judicial costs, regardless of who was successful in the proceedings, which will represent an additional financial burden. I am of the opinion that companies have no difficulty in meeting their obligations under a well-designed system, but disproportionate sanctions for this good set-up will not really help. However, I fully support the revision of the Directive on the establishment of a European Works Council and believe that it can help protect workers' rights with a good and balanced approach.

Madam President. Protecting the dignity and rights of every person in the world is one of my top priorities and I devote myself to it every day. It forms the basis of my political work. Unfortunately, I could not support the annual report on human rights and democracy in the world. It calls for the right to abortion to be included in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which I find unacceptable. This move puts the very principle of human rights in complete contradiction with its very essence, as it threatens the protection of human life and the fundamental human right, which is the right to life. Such an erosion of the universally applicable human rights system threatens the main instrument on the basis of which we protect human rights.

Madam President, during today’s vote, I supported the annual report on the common foreign and security policy. However, I believe that because we are today facing serious geopolitical threats, we can no longer afford to be spending time discussing empty concepts or engage in unnecessary turf battles between the EU and NATO. Instead, we must put all efforts into concrete action, and to do this in lockstep with our transatlantic allies, and ensure that EU and NATO work together to address the pressing challenges in accordance with their respective competences.

Mr President, dear colleagues, for over a month now, an Aliyev regime-sponsored group who pretend to be environmental activists are blocking the corridor between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. As a result, the humanitarian situation is becoming dire. Basic food and medicine are running out and even fuel is in short supply. Many lives are in danger. The strategy of the dictatorship in Baku is clear. However, also we bear responsibility for this situation. For years we have neglected the Caucasus region. Because of our energy deals, we have even shut our eyes to the human rights situation in Azerbaijan and Aliyev’s aggression against Armenia. In this time, we need to invest in serious diplomatic effort to help solve this decades—long conflict, work with our partners to establish an international peacekeeping mission and provide immediate humanitarian aid.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the destruction of homes and cities; thousands killed; mass executions; rape or forced deportations. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine brings untold suffering every day. This evil is an attack on all basic moral and legal principles. As such, the leadership of the Russian Federation must one day face justice for crimes of aggression and crimes against peace. Justice must prevail, not least to bring a measure of justice to the victims, even if it cannot resurrect the lost loved ones. As Justice Robert Jackson said at the opening of the Nuremberg Trials in 1945: ‘We must never forget that the record on which we judge these defendants today is the record on which history will judge us tomorrow’.

Madam President, from Putin’s terror and aggression against the people of Ukraine, Lukashenko’s oppressive regime in Belarus, credible evidence of a genocide against Uyghurs by the CCP, to the dramatic increase of persecution based on religion and belief, the human rights situation around the world remains dire. At a time when non-democratic and totalitarian regimes continue to subvert our democracies, they also seek to destroy the human dignity of their own citizens. That’s why today, more than ever, we must take democracy on the offensive and support freedom—loving people around the world. At a time when we need to work with our democracies together and allies to strengthen the resilience of multinational institutions against the malign influence and non-democratic regimes. To do this, we must finally leave behind ideological battles in areas beyond our competences and increase work together to support those whose freedom is in peril.

Mr President, High Representative, dear colleagues, from the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the coercive behaviour of the totalitarian Chinese Communist Party to the Iranian nuclear threat, we are facing a multitude of serious global security challenges. We can no longer afford to be discussing empty concepts or engaging in an unnecessary battle between the EU institutions and NATO. Instead, we must put all efforts into concrete actions to rebuild the European security architecture, to support Ukraine with the necessary weapons to defend itself, to deliver on our defence spending commitments, and to protect our citizens and companies against cyber-attacks, disinformation and economic coercion. This is why I welcome the EU-NATO Joint Declaration. NATO is and must remain the cornerstone of our security, and the EU and NATO must work together to address the pressing challenges, in keeping with their respective competences.

Madam President, I welcome today’s vote on the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. We must continue to work with our allies, especially the United States, to continue supporting durable peace between Israel and the Palestinians, but also across the regions through the Abraham Accords. However, let me also stress the importance of education in building durable peace based on respect and tolerance. Hatred, incitement to violence and antisemitism are in conflict with European values and are a key impediment to the resolution of the conflict. That’s why I would like to stress that all schoolbooks and school materials supported by the Union funds, including those used by UNRWA, must be in line with the UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, coexistence and non-violence. EU funding must be suspended if clear and substantiated evidence of misuse is presented.

Madam President, I welcomed the report on the long-term challenges for rural areas in the European Union, as up to 30% of the European population lives in these areas and we need to address the living conditions and well-being of these people. Rural areas face reduced access to basic infrastructure, education and jobs, as well as an ageing population, and the outflow of people to cities. It is these aspects that I have been raising for a long time and calling for the creation of sufficient connectivity for rural and more remote regions, including high-speed internet and digital tools, so that the inhabitants of these areas do not have to move to work, have the opportunity to work remotely and so that depopulation is prevented. I also consider it necessary to support farmers, which is not only important for rural areas, but also for our food security.

Madam President, this report has given us a comprehensive view of the problems faced by persons with disabilities in the European Union. These are not only environmental barriers, but also barriers to the labour market, education and healthcare. And although we are bound by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, changes are very slow. I welcome the fact that the report called for the European Disability Card to be adopted as soon as possible. This card will facilitate mobility within the European Union and thus give these persons access to travel, sport or leisure activities. At the same time, its key aspect is the recognition of disability status across all Member States. Indeed, many disabilities are not visible at first sight and automatic recognition of status will make the situation easier for many. I therefore call for the card to be accepted as soon as possible and as widely as possible.

Madam President, colleagues, Georgia used to be a front runner in reforms within the Eastern Partnership countries. That’s why it is all the more frustrating to observe the negative trends impacting the country’s developments. We must acknowledge that the progress in some sectoral reforms has taken place, but we cannot ignore the overall state of democratic processes and rule of law. Political leaders are deeply dividing not just the political space, but also the society. The ruling party continues to ignore the agreement of 19 April 2021. Despite the will and readiness of this House, the Jean Monnet dialogue continues to stall. One oligarch continues to hold excessive influence over the political landscape. We have seen attacks against journalists. The judiciary is misused for political pressure and the democratic political process continues to deteriorate. To the contrary, we expect that the trumped-up political charges against Nika Gvaramia must be dropped and he must be released. And the former President Saakashvili must be allowed to undergo medical treatment abroad in accordance with Article 283 of the Criminal Procedures Code of Georgia. Overcoming these serious challenges is the key to Georgia’s European future, but also in strengthening the country’s democracy, as well as the resilience in light of today’s Georgian situation. As friends of the Georgian people and the champions of their European aspirations, we must be honest about these developments and not waiver in our support for Georgia’s democracy.

I do understand. And thank you for the answer that the Member States have to do also their homework. But maybe I will focus on the question of Nuctech bidding for protection ... for providing technology to in order to protect our external borders. Because I believe that this is where exactly the EU can act. And if there is any attempts to do something about this bit and how we are going to resolve this issue.

Mr President, Commissioner, it is not long since some people in this House were still arguing that Nord Stream 2 is not a geopolitical weapon. It appears that we have not learned our lesson. Just months ago we have passed an important directive on the protection of critical infrastructure. But yet today, Huawei covers nearly 60% of Germany’s 5G network, Cosco owns 67% of Piraeus. Nuctech is bidding to provide technology for our external borders. As a result, the CCP can have access to incredible amount of information, including our biometric data. All these companies are directly or indirectly linked to the totalitarian regime of the CCP. If we truly want to protect our critical infrastructure and our democracies from the influence of China and other authoritarian regimes, then quite simply, we need to keep them out. And the question is: are we doing enough to keep them out?

Mr President, for too long we lacked the vision and political will to utilise the transformative nature of the enlargement process. The consequences of this failure are there for us to see. Non-democratic regimes are challenging European peace and security, threatening the stability of our neighbours and using malign investments to roll back years of democratic reforms. Reclaiming this vision and will is crucial for our society. However, we must also be creative about the integration process. We need to enhance constructive political dialogue with the candidate, potential candidate and associated countries. Include them as observers in Commission comitology proceedings, Council working groups, as well as specific meetings of the EU ministers and heads of state. We must work together to pursue our common values and interests and address the many challenges facing us today.

Mr President, I welcome today’s resolution recognising the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Putin’s Russia is waging a brutal war against the Ukrainian people. It is bombing civilian targets, including homes, hospitals, schools and churches and systematically attacking Ukrainian critical infrastructure. It is breaking all international conventions governing warfare and committing unspeakable crimes. That is why we must do all in our power to support the brave people of Ukraine and ensure that Putin’s regime one day faces international justice for the crimes committed.

Mr President, colleagues, while Lukashenko’s illegitimate regime enables Putin’s aggression against Ukraine, it continues to oppress and terrorise its own people. There are now at least 1 450 political prisoners and tens of thousands more who are suffering under the regime’s oppression. In particular, I would like to highlight my brave friend Pavel Seviarynets, who has been held in inhuman conditions for more than two years and has spent more than a decade in and out of Lukashenko’s prisons. Pavel and all the political prisoners and their families, those fleeing Lukashenko’s oppression and all the people of Belarus deserve our unwavering support and solidarity. I especially call on the European political parties to provide all necessary assistance to their Belarus member parties. At the same time, let us exert maximum pressure on the illegitimate regime so that Belarus can be free and sovereign and its people enjoy freedom and democracy. Finally, let me thank colleagues for all the cross-party support in this House, for their support of Belarus, which this House continues to show.

Madam President, it seems the European Union has not learned its lesson. Even with the terrible human and economic costs of COVID-19, the CCP’s terror against all goods and people across China and growing aggression abroad, some EU leaders still think there can be business as usual with the CCP. We have also discovered that the United Front, an arm of the CCP, has a network of offices across Europe, spreading the CCP’s malign influence in our institutions and using them as de facto police stations to control the Chinese diaspora. I ask, what more does it take for us to wake up and understand what sort of regime we are dealing with? I therefore call on those EU Member States who have not yet done so to launch formal investigations and ensure the immediate closing of these illegal police stations. It is not merely disturbing that the totalitarian regime is allowed to engage in such illegal extra-territorial activities in the EU. Their presence poses a grave security risk, not only for the Chinese diaspora, but for the very foundations of our democracy.