Speeches

Let me just say that, unfortunately, we do not have this blue card procedure. I did notice that there was a need to have debates and comment on a colleague's speech, but unfortunately that is not the case. But for those of you who have the floor, of course you can do it.

The next item is the topical debate under Rule 162 of the Rules of Procedure on the role of the EU in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic: How to Vaccinate the World (2021/2926(RSP)). Let me remind you that during this part-session there will be no catch-the-eye debates and no blue card questions will be accepted. I would also like to point out that, as in recent part-sessions, it is possible to speak remotely from the Liaison Offices of the Member States. Finally, I would like to remind you that the floor in the Chamber is still used from the rostrum in the centre of the Chamber. I urge you to follow the list of speakers and move close to the podium when your speaking time is about to start.

Mr President, this directive is a good firm, first step away from unhealthy tax competition and tax avoidance towards tax transparency and tax justice. And let’s remember, this was stuck in the Council for five long years. Of course, this legislation is not perfect. Parliament wanted a global disaggregation of tax information, but the best the Council could agree on was that EU countries and black- and grey-listed tax havens be included. But, the directive covers 80% of tax avoidance by multinationals within the EU. Finally, we will expose tax havens and tax dodgers. This directive is a very important accompaniment to the OECD deal on a global minimum effective tax rate for multinationals. So, we are on the right track, and we will use the review clause in this outcome to the full in four years to secure global disaggregation and many other things.

The next item is the recommendation for second reading by Regner and García Del Blanco — Disclosure of income tax information by certain companies and branches (2016/0107(COD) A9-0305/2021) I would remind you that you can ask for the floor on request and for the blue card questions via your voting machine once you have put your voting card on the machine. So I ask you to always take your voting card with you. Instructions are available in the Chamber. If you wish to ask for the floor on request, you can do so now and not only at the end of the debate. I would also like to remind you that interventions in the Chamber will continue to be made from the rostrum in the centre of the Chamber, with the exception of on-demand interventions, blue card questions and points of order. I therefore urge you to follow the list of speakers and move close to the podium when your speaking time is about to start.

We're starting to change the subject. I look forward to Commissioner McGuinness coming. Maybe we'll wait a few minutes for the commissioner. Written statements (Rule 171)

The debate is over. The amendments will be put to the vote today and the final vote will take place on Thursday 21 October 2021. Perhaps you can go and talk outside the hall when you have so much to say. Written statements (Rule 171)

The next item is the debate on the Council and Commission statements on the rise of right—wing extremism and racism in Europe (in light of recent events in Rome) (2021/2933(RSP)).

Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, it is a particular honour for me to announce the decision of the Conference of Presidents of today, to award the Sakharov Prize 2021 to Aleksei Navalny, Russian anti-corruption activist and an advocate for change. Aleksei Navalny has showed great courage in his attempts to restore the freedom of choice to the Russian people. For many years he has fought for human rights and fundamental freedoms in his country. This has cost him his freedom and nearly his life. On behalf of the European Parliament, I call for his immediate and unconditional release. All harassment, intimidation and attacks against the opposition, civil society and media by the Russian authorities must stop. Today, the Parliament has also honoured a group of Afghan women, by committing to the organisation of a full week of activities to raise attention to their situation. We are talking about a group of women such as Shaharzad Akbar, Mary Akrami, Zarifa Ghafari, Palwasha Hassan, Freshta Karim, Sahraa Karimi, Metra Mehran, Horia Mosadiq, Sima Samar, Habiba Sarabi and Anisa Shaheed. They have all fiercely fought for equality and human rights, and the European Parliament wants to honour these women’s bravery, as they are among the first to suffer violations of their most basic rights and freedoms after the Taliban seized control of their country. Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, today is testament to the commitment of this House to the people of Russia and Afghanistan who yearn for a life without fear. We are with you. Together we will see that freedom will prevail; that democracy will prevail.

The next item is the report by Maria da Graça Carvalho, on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, on the proposal for a Council regulation establishing the Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe (COM(2021)0087 – C9-0166/2021 – 2021/0048(NLE)) (A9-0246/2021).

I found out that it was Slovenia that raised this issue at the UN Human Rights Council, together with four other countries. The debate is over. Written statements (Rule 171)

I just said that what you said is not related to the subject of our debate tonight. You can continue, but in connection with the theme of tonight's debate.

Excuse me colleague, I have been pointed out that you’re speaking out of the topic of tonight, which is the right to a healthy environment. So please try to make a link to the topic. OK?

Mr President, eight months have passed since the military organised the coup in Myanmar and the horrific human rights violations towards civilians – all civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities – continue. The European Parliament should today reiterate that the only legitimate representatives of the democratic aspirations of the people of Myanmar are the committee representing the sidelined Parliament, the CRPH, and the National Unity Government. We should encourage and demand that the EU representatives form a very close relationship with these two bodies. Sanctions may not always have an immediate impact, but they are the best means that we have in our toolbox. So the European Parliament is today most likely to be calling for a fourth round of sanctions against those economic and financial entities that guarantee the money flows to the junta. We are talking about two state—owned banks, the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and the Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB), through which all foreign currency is collected, and we need finally to add the state—owned Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) to the list of sanctioned economic entities. And let us not forget the personal sanctions against those who have been perpetrators of the violence against the Rohingya minority. The European enterprises also have their responsibility, and that’s why they are prohibited from having any dealings with the sanctioned entities. We should call for very clear consequences and sanctions against the breaches of those sanctions. Perhaps there is no quick fix to this terrible situation in Myanmar, but we should very much cooperate with international organisations. ASEAN has been a big hope, but unfortunately a very big disappointment as well. They do not seem to be able to recognise how important cooperation with the National Unity Government is, and I hope this will change in the forthcoming ASEAN Summit at the end of the month.

We shall now move on to today's second voting session. We will vote on the procedures announced on today's agenda and the votes will be open from 20:00 to 21:45. The voting method is the same as in previous votes. All votes shall be taken by roll call. I now declare the second voting session open. You can vote until 21:45. The results of the second voting session will be announced tomorrow at 9 a.m. Votes have been opened. Have a good evening! (The sitting adjourned at 20:02)