Speeches

Madam President! Commissioner! Colleagues! I come from Slovenia, which in the past was the victim of violent and extensive wildfires. In Slovenia, more than half of the area is made up of forests, so fires in inaccessible areas are practically a constant, constant threat. I am also a volunteer firefighter. Slovenia, which has a population of two million, has 165,000 volunteer firefighters, 50,000 of whom are operational firefighters. I am saying this because I want to emphasise that for effective firefighting we need a sufficient number of firefighters, as well as the appropriate technique. And it is firefighters who play a key role, especially volunteer firefighters, who are crucial for resilience to natural and human-induced natural disasters. They are the first to respond. They're the ones who know the area. I firmly believe that a genuine union of readiness cannot exist without clear recognition of this human capital. The European Union should also financially encourage volunteer firefighters and, above all, immediately eliminate all bureaucratic obstacles to volunteering. People who make themselves available also need the right technique. In recent years, Slovenia has strengthened its air component in firefighting. It is the air forces that can make a significant contribution to extinguishing fires in inaccessible areas. I expect the European Union to increase the range of available techniques that members could share.

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, North Macedonia has been an EU candidate since 2005, with 20 years of efforts towards membership. During this time, the country has demonstrated real dedication, enacted many important reforms and moved closer to the EU. Yet we must be clear – enlargement must remain a merit-based process. Countries that deliver results and respect democratic values should get a clear and fair EU response. The next step is to adopt the constitutional changes requested by the EU Council in July 2022, including the formal recognition of the Bulgarian community. I call on all political parties in North Macedonia to engage constructively in this process. This step is not just a technical one; it reflects the European principles of inclusion, respect for diversity and minority rights. Let me also stress that bilateral issues should not block the start of the negotiation process, especially since Member States have the final say. Enlargement is one of the EU's strongest strategic tools. Let us not undermine it because of a historical disagreement. We must focus on the present and find a way forward. At the same time, we should not forget that enlargement is not simply a political priority – it is a strategic choice. It delivers economic benefits both for existing Member States and for new ones. Therefore, advancing North Macedonia's EU integration is not only in the interest of the country itself, but also in the interest of the European Union as a whole. I cross my fingers that we will have soon North Macedonia as a full member of the European Union.

Dear Commissioner, Vice-President, dear colleagues. In Slovenia, we have some folk wisdom that holds true, even in the field of defence and security. Namely: together we are stronger and the group is as strong as the weakest link. NATO is a defence alliance that offers collective security to all countries, and collective security has always been cheaper and more powerful than the security that each Member State provides for itself. But collective security only works if each member of the Alliance fulfills their homework. Only if the commitments are fulfilled can we count on the realisation of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an attack on one is an attack on all. And that's why we can count on all NATO members to come along in the event of an attack. Or, as US President Bush once said in Vilnius, any attack on Lithuania would be considered an attack on the United States. For smaller countries, such as Slovenia, this is a key guarantee. Assurance that we will not be alone in the event of aggression and terrorist attacks.

Madam President! Dear Commissioner, Chair-in-Office, dear colleagues. War is evil, and war takes the future away from the younger generations. And it is our duty to do everything we can to stop the war in Ukraine. It is also our duty to do everything possible to stop the future war on European soil. But rewarding Putin for his crimes will never guarantee lasting peace. To indulge authoritarian leaders because of our naivety to solve everything through diplomacy is only a guarantee of a new war. The only thing authoritarian leaders understand is power. If we stop Putin in Ukraine today, then tomorrow we will avoid another war in Eastern and Northern Europe. The price to stop Putin in Ukraine is 0.25% of European GDP. Europe can do that. It is a question of political will. Is 0.25% of GDP really too much for lasting peace? If we stop Vladimir in Ukraine today, he won't knock on our door tomorrow.

Mr President. I come from Slovenia, a country that was once part of Yugoslavia with Serbia. Ironically, in a way, practically on the eve of the end of the Second World War, when we thought we had dealt with totalitarianism once and for all, we are still engaged in establishing basic democratic standards. When communism fell in Yugoslavia in the 1990s, we were convinced that freedom and democracy were self-evident. They're not. Serbia is once again fighting for freedom and democracy. Student protests in Serbia are a symbol of all this. Fundamental European values are being defended. More and more people are on their side. It is a grassroots movement that deserves our support. The European Union must be clear. It is no longer just a progress report, it is a question of the credibility of our Union. The road to the Union does not lead through authoritarianism and clientelism, but through the rule of law, free media and responsible power. The European Union owes clear support to those who are fighting for European values in Serbia.

Madam President! Dear colleagues, Commissioner! Peace is the desire of all of us. Sometimes it seems that it is absolutely self-evident, sometimes so desired, but difficult to reach. And peace is the foundation that ensures the functioning of all social subsystems, from the economy, health to social. Recognising that peace is not self-evident, the EU's ReArm programme to build credible deterrence was recently launched. A strategy to ensure internal security for the effective prevention of organised crime was also presented today. This time, however, we also have before us a strategy for a Union of Preparedness, which creates the basis for us as a society to be fully prepared for the crises that await us in the future. I would add that MEPs have also set up a special interparliamentary group on resilience, disaster management and civil protection. This trio therefore ensures that Europe is better prepared for all crises tomorrow.

Madam President! During the previous mandate, European policies and the economy were guided by the foundations of the ideological green transition. The consequences are known to everyone today. In recent years, electricity and gas prices have risen to record levels and remain high despite stabilisation. The Clean Industrial Deal we have on the table today is a pragmatic response to the madness of the green transition of the previous mandate. It is a shift towards a sensible green transition, which is necessary for the European economy and also the population to survive at all. In order for the European economy not only to survive, but also to remain competitive and relevant, we need to ensure that: Firstly, affordable energy, where the European Union's energy strategy must be based on a diverse energy mix. So, in addition to renewable energy sources, we also need to include nuclear energy. Secondly, we need to cut red tape substantially, not gradually, but immediately. Thirdly, security must be ensured, because war is the most expensive. It is also in the interest of the economy that the security of the European Union is guaranteed. Only an economically strong player is also a geopolitically relevant player.

Mr President, Commissioner, esteemed colleagues, now more than ever, we need a true European Defence Union. Today we face a key moment for our defence under the REARM Europe plan. While I strongly advocate for this initiative, we must recognise that we are at least three years late in addressing our defence needs. Europe must reclaim its own security. We are at the beginning of an important journey to develop a European army. Together we can turn our vision into reality, but this will require strong commitment from all of us. This is not just about buying equipment. It's about coming together. We must address challenges with a united military force. We need to significantly expand our military capabilities. Yes, challenges will come, just as they did with introducing a common currency – the euro. But today, the euro is a pillar of European stability. Tomorrow we have to add a European army.

Madam President! The vice-president! Commissioner! Dear colleagues and colleagues! In Serbia, we follow the strength and determination of young people. They do not demand the authorities, they demand a different future, they demand European Serbia. Serbian students are the voice, hope and conscience of the entire Balkans. Authoritarian tendencies, manifested in corruption, abuse of power and influence over the media, are not only a problem for Serbia. This is a trend that occurs throughout the region. Politicians with authoritarian tendencies connect with each other and even help each other. Corruption kills. It is a key message of the Serbian youth. Corruption kills. Literally. Corruption kills the creative charge of society. Corruption kills the rule of law. European values and democracy are not something that is given forever, not even in the existing members of the European Union. The Mayor of Ljubljana Zoran Janković offered unconditional support to Serbian President Vučić in an open letter a few days ago. It is a completely wrong message at a given moment, which can be understood and read as a denial of the problems Serbia is facing. If anything, then Serbia needs a European future. It is our duty, the duty in this house, to help Serbia along this path. It is the duty of the Serbian Government and the President to solve problems in a European way.

Madam Vice-President, Commissioner. I want a cleaner planet and I want a real green transition. Nuclear power is the key to all of this. And if the European Union wants to promote nuclear technology, then firstly, nuclear safety must remain at the heart of our efforts. The European Union must continue to promote cooperation on high nuclear safety standards. Secondly, investment in research and development is essential for Europe's secure and reliable energy supply. The Euratom programme already funds key projects such as ITER and supports the development of fusion technology. But we need even more funding for new emerging European start-ups that are developing new innovative nuclear solutions. Thirdly, the development of human resources must be a strategic priority. We need new education programmes for nuclear technologies that will prepare future generations, generations of nuclear experts. And the fourth. Europe needs to support the development of supply chains for nuclear materials and equipment. Europe needs to secure stable supply chains for highly enriched uranium, medical radioisotopes and key components for new reactors. Dear colleagues, supporting nuclear energy means building a future in which Europe is energy-secure, climate-responsible and technologically advanced.

Mr President. The goal of the green transition was to reduce CO2 emissions.2. Did we really? We're not. Timmermans' green transition was a political and ideological campaign that did not deliver results. Billions of euros have been invested in the green transition in recent years, but the targets are not met because you have approached the green transition ideologically rather than scientifically. The results were more important than the concrete results. Today we have more regulation, higher electricity prices, exhausted farmers and also a failing car industry. Commissioner Ribera, it is amazing that you are insisting on a green transition that deepens European dependencies and destroys the economy. Europe cannot save the planet through self-destruction, but it can do so through technological development. The goal of the green transition cannot be achieved through bans and additional regulation, but only through technological developments. That is why we need the development of nuclear power plants for clean and stable energy. We need to cut red tape for exhausted farmers. We are world champions in the production of gasoline and diesel engines, so we lift the ban on production after 2035 and thus enable the world to use quality vehicles. We can save the planet if we are world champions in technological development, not in bans.

Madam President. The European Union is a project of peace. And this peace project will never be complete if there are no Balkan countries within this European Union. It is my great wish that the members of the European Union become members as soon as possible. This is, after all, in our own interest, and it is primarily in their own interest. I am confident that they will do their homework well with the necessary reforms. However, I am concerned that in some Member States there is a lack of adequate support for further enlargement. According to the latest Eurobarometer of 2024, 23 Member States of the European Union support further enlargement, while there are four Member States where the majority of respondents are reluctant or opposed to further enlargement of the European Union. These are Austria, France, Germany and Belgium. It is crucial and our task is to make it clear to citizens that the enlargement of the European Union is beneficial to all, both old and new members.

Madam President, Commissioner! It is known that communists in the past used a very simple modus operandi. First discreditation, then liquidation. Putin does exactly the same thing. First he discredited Ukraine and then he tries to liquidate it. But he calls this liquidation liberation, and this ‘liberation’ represents the killing, demolition and, in a way, the denial of all that has been created in Ukraine. Death and ruins are therefore synonymous with Putin’s ‘liberation’. Today, it should be emphasized that social networks represent Putin's new digital weapon. And it is sad that he has convinced many in the West that support for Ukraine is actually a prolongation of the war. All those who believe this should protest in front of the Russian embassies that Putin should, after all, stop this senseless war.

Mr President, Madam Commissioner, no dictator is eternal. A dictator who killed and gassed his own people ran away like a big coward. This is the true face of dictators, they take care only of themselves and they destroy the country. Islamists are clearly taking over Syria – the experience of Afghanistan teaches that we should never, ever trust the words of the Islamists. We will judge them by their actions. So there are three possibilities. First, further fighting and fragmentation as in Libya. Second, one dictator is replaced by another as in Iraq. Or, we finally get a new and inclusive Syria. I expect from the EU to tie all our financial and diplomatic assistance to the new Syrian authorities strictly to the fulfilment of our core values. This is: to resolve conflicts through dialogue, to establish institutions of state, and to protect religious minorities, especially Christians. The real strength of authorities is not in the number of guns, but in the sincere support of the people.

Madam President! I come from a family where three different generations have fought in different wars in the past. My great-grandfather fought in the First World War. My grandfather fought in World War II and my father is a veteran of the Slovenian War of Independence. I am the fourth generation that in some way seemed to be bypassed by war in one way or another. But it is precisely the Russian invasion of Ukraine that has shown that even in the twenty-first century, peace in Europe is unfortunately not taken for granted. It is therefore our duty to invest in defence capabilities in order to build credible deterrence and build peace. And this message today is an important reminder that building military capabilities is not enough, but that we also need to prepare our societies for a potential conflict.

Mr President! This week in Slovenia we are celebrating Slovenian Food Week and bees are key. Bees are the main ones in the formation of, say, this food and their product, honey, is something incredible. It is an exceptional medicinal food that contains vitamins C, B and E, contains minerals that accelerate metabolism and, last but not least, it also contains substances that destroy harmful bacteria in our body. Honey is an exceptional food, if only it is real, and not fake. Unfortunately, we find that in recent times fakes appear on shelves all over Europe, adding water and unnecessary sweeteners. These fakes come mainly from China and Turkey, so I support the initiative of the European Beekeepers' Association to take action and clearly lead to the labelling of the origin of honey, as well as the quality itself. It doesn't matter what we eat.

Mr President! We are talking about the obvious thing to put Russia on the list of high-risk countries engaged in money laundering and terrorist financing. Let us remember only the Wagner Group, how uncompromisingly the Russian authorities financed the operation of this group in Africa. What kind of things did they do? Let me give you an example from Slovenia. Funding so-called illegals, Russian secret agents who are setting up fictitious companies in our, European countries. Through these fictitious companies, they finance all sorts of things, spy on us, do all sorts of things to undermine our democracy. What else do we need? What evidence do we need to put Russia on this list? Let's look at what the oligarchs are doing. I think the arguments are more than enough and that this move is absolutely correct. To put Russia on the list of risky countries.

Mr President, a bomb in the White House, a mine in the Vatican, the death of Mao Zedong and the earthquake in Paris could not have echoed through the consciousness of every man in the world like the operation in Munich. It was not the first time that Jews were attacked, and those who use sport as a weapon, as a terrorist act, must be made very clear to them that they are ordinary cowards. This should be our key message today that anyone who uses beautiful sport-related events for their political military goals is a complete coward. Sport is a thing that connects people, that unites people, and that last but not least connects very divided nations.

Madam President! Dear colleagues! Fifteen years ago, social networks seemed to be the future, to be a key tool for promoting democracy. And fifteen years later, it seems that social networks are primarily tools for spreading hatred and intolerance. What has happened so dramatically in these 15 years that one good tool has turned into a bad one? Algorithms. Algorithms are those that incite hatred, that incite intolerance, because in today's world simply good news is no longer news. And that's why algorithms encourage negative things, especially intolerance. However, I am convinced that the ban is not the solution, but that the key thing for the future is to raise awareness among young people of the consequences that uncritical use of social networks can have.

Madam President! If we want to put illegal migration in some manageable context, then it is clear that we need to fundamentally change our message that whoever enters the European Union illegally will be returned to their own homeland. Only in this way will the unstoppable flow stop. If we really put in place mechanisms to effectively repatriate all those who come to the European Union illegally. Illegal immigration cannot be regulated. Because whatever we do, there will always be a way for people to come here, look for a better life, and somehow come to say, we'll sort things out somehow. I must therefore admit that I was pleased with the latest letter from the President of the European Commission that things are finally being put on the right track in Europe too, and in the right direction, to regulate illegal migration.

Mr. President! I consider Ukraine's victory to be crucial because of the message that it is not possible to change borders in Europe in the twenty-first century in a violent way. Of course, this war will come to an end, and once it is over, we will have a long and long work to do to rebuild Ukraine. And at this point, of course, I find it important and reasonable for an aggressor to pay for his actions. That is why I support all mechanisms that use the profits of the billions of aggressors to help rebuild Ukraine and put it back on its feet. However, for Ukraine's future development to be successful, I consider it crucial to integrate it into the European Union and give it access to all the financial resources that the European Union supports, so that Europe is integrated and Ukraine is part of the European Union.

Dear President, Dear Commissioner, There is no need for new bans in the European car industry. First and foremost, we need new innovations. Above all, the European car industry does not need a new self-punishment. The European ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles after 2035 was simply a mistake. Big mistake! That's madness! Europe was a technological superpower in the field of classic cars. And why would we ban something where we were the best, where we were good? And why go to an area where we will only follow Chinese and American manufacturers? I wonder how Europe can be so short-sighted that it is destroying its own economy. Cars are not the biggest problem. We have a number of other contaminants that need to do their homework. That is why, of course, I expect the bans to be lifted and the car industry to be massively supported by debureaucratisation and by means of innovation.

Madam President. Migration is a problem in many areas. And today I would like to touch on the so-called Australian model. We will be able to turn things around in the European Union if we give a clear message that it is simply not possible to enter the European Union illegally. And if you come, you'll just be strictly back. If Australia is doing this, I see no reason why the European Union should not be able to do the same. Of course, the European Union is not an island like Australia, but on the other hand, we have migrants who will need our institutions at least a few times. This is when they may want to be greeted in our health systems, when they want social support or assistance, or the third time they want to get a job. And with these three elements, it will be very easy for the European Union to determine their status. And when this status is found to be illegal, then, of course, there is no other option than to strictly return them back to their homelands. And here is the key message. The message needs to be reversed.