What Sophie spoke about.

23

Oct

2025

Speeches EN

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Breast cancer: the importance of screening (debate)

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the Council and Commission statements on breast cancer: the importance of screening (2025/2937(RSP)).

23

Oct

2025

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Combating violence against women and girls, including the exploitation of motherhood (debate)

The debate is closed.

22

Oct

2025

Speeches FR

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Allegations of espionage by the Hungarian government within the EU institutions (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, at the beginning of the year we were already expressing our concerns after staggering revelations. We were already talking about Hungary, a fully-fledged Member State of the European Union, I would remind you, which nevertheless spied on, monitored and wiretapped investigators from the European Anti-Fraud Office. At the time, you reassured us, you told us that the institutions were safe from this type of interference. Ten months later, today, thanks to the investigations of the press, in particular Direkt36 and De Tijd, we discover that a whole espionage network has been set up. Let us be clear, today the Hungarian authorities defy all the principles of loyalty and solidarity between the Member States, act against their interests and those of Europe and, given the nature of the facts, obviously endanger the security of Europeans. Commissioner, today nothing is actually known about the Commission's internal investigation, nothing about the precautions and arrangements that have been put in place since then, if they have been put in place, to prevent espionage operations. In addition, when these operations were launched from the Hungarian Permanent Representation, it should be recalled that it was your colleague, Mr Várhelyi, who was in charge of them. The Commission should have suspended Commissioner Várhelyi, at least in time to shed light on the matter. So if the Commission does not fully assume its responsibilities, it is up to us, I think, Parliament, to do so, and that is why we support the immediate creation of a committee of inquiry into Hungary's espionage operations.

22

Oct

2025

Speeches FR

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The ongoing assault on the democratic institutions and the rule of law in Bulgaria (topical debate)

Madam President, the independence of the judiciary is not a technical detail, let alone a view of the spirit, but the very heart of the rule of law. And I join my colleagues, Blagomir Kotsev also has the right to justice and equality before the law. In its 2025 report, the Commission already warned about the state of the rule of law in Bulgaria, noting that concerns about this situation are building up – and this was also heard in this forum – and that is why, as Chair of the Monitoring Group on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights (DRFMG), I proposed that we go there. I think this is our job, I think this is our role and I have to tell you that I am quite surprised that at this stage it is not possible, at least it seems impossible at this stage, to have a majority to lead a DRFMG mission in Bulgaria. That's pretty amazing. I hear that we are supporting it – but yes, we are supporting it – maybe next year. What we have to do is leave now. To those who explain to us that there is nothing to do, well I say to them "Do not be afraid, then", the DRFMG will do a mission called fact-finding mission and it will come back to appease everyone. I therefore appeal to those who have yet to decide on this mission, because it is important to transcend our political differences when it comes to defending the rule of law.

9

Jul

2025

Speeches FR

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EU-US trade negotiations (debate)

Mr President, we have the impression that it has been six years, but in fact President Trump has only been back for six months, and with him his strategy of chaos. So yes, in the face of uncertainty, we need a swift agreement with the United States, a fair, balanced agreement, without having to sacrifice our sectors of excellence – such as the pharmaceutical sector, which was still threatened by the President a few hours ago –, our health standards or our core values – which some tech giants do not like. I am confident that this Parliament has been clear enough on its red lines to have been heard by the Commission. However, I would like to add two things: First, President Trump has accustomed us in six months to spectacular reversals according to his moods. So, if there is agreement, we expect the Commission to remain alert and ready to react, or even to retaliate, if necessary, in future times. Secondly, if we want to be stronger, more resilient, we also have to do the job here, because it is not the election of the President of the United States that prevents us, for example, from making the Draghi report a reality, from deepening the single market. We expect these reforms quickly, much faster.

9

Jul

2025

Speeches FR

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Lessons from Budapest Pride: the urgent need for an EU wide anti-discrimination law and defending fundamental rights against right-wing attacks (topical debate)

Madam President, the 200 000 people who walked in Budapest also reminded us of our European ideal: a Europe of freedoms, a Europe of values. The Commission has just published its annual rule of law report, in which it is clear - and you confirm this - that the Hungarian government continues to weaken, whenever it can, our democratic principles. So the findings are good, but what interests me, above all, is action. And we, here in the Council, in the Commission and in Parliament, are still moving forward in an orderly fashion that is too dispersed. That is why, Commissioner, I propose a clear reform: the establishment of a European Semester of the rule of law, as is the case for economic and fiscal governance, because it is also – and equally – important. A cycle that goes beyond analysis, with, among other things, recommendations in the form of steps (like the recovery plan), a precise timetable, but above all effective sanctions for those who knowingly breach our common rules – when I hear some of my colleagues, I think it is really necessary. I know your commitment on this issue. Let’s bring this bold project together for our democracy – finally!

21

May

2025

Speeches FR

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The Hungarian government's drift to Russia-style repression: legislative threats to freedom of expression and democratic participation (debate)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, this is interesting, because what was expressed earlier in the debate is exactly what we experienced in Hungary during our mission: When questioning and asking legitimate questions about a whole piece of legislation, the Hungarian government does not answer these legitimate questions, but attacks. That, ladies and gentlemen, is what we experienced during three days in Hungary. I end up wondering, ladies and gentlemen, whether this type of answer does not simply come from the fact that even they are beginning to feel uncomfortable with the laws they want to vote on. Why? Because the Hungarian parliament should soon pass a law that aims, no more and no less, to eliminate any media or organization that criticizes the action of the Hungarian government. This law, which is called – and I quote – ‘Transparency in public life’, is in fact not seeking transparency, but rather censorship. As you know, when it is no longer allowed or possible to express a divergent opinion in the face of the power in place, we definitely leave the democratic field. Again this morning, I met here with independent Hungarian media journalists and they are very clear: If this law comes into force, they can put the key under the door. Since Hungary will again breach the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the Commission will have to take interim measures to prevent irreversible damage. It will also have to initiate infringement proceedings without delay. You say, Mr McGrath, that the Commission will not hesitate. We'll see what she does. I also appeal to the Council, which will address the issue on Tuesday: How many more transgressions will we have to denounce before the repressive part of Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union is activated? To ignore is to tolerate, and if we tolerate today what is happening in Hungary, we send a signal that it will be possible tomorrow for anyone to bypass our democratic principles without consequences.

21

May

2025

Speeches EN

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

Actually, you are helping my case. I did not see it. If I saw it, I would not have given the floor, which shows you that we are treating everybody equally. Please don't play that game, because that makes debates very complicated. So it is very clear – I am talking to everybody: please take away all symbols before you take the floor. This is in the règlement and everybody has to follow the rules.

21

May

2025

Speeches EN

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

Please respect this assembly. I'm asking you to take away any symbols. And be reassured, this will be applied to everybody.

21

May

2025

Speeches EN

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

I would like to draw the attention of everybody, although we spoke about scarves and veils and other things, in our règlement it's forbidden to come with Palestine keychains or any other symbols that you might have. It's not about Palestine: it would be the same with any other country. So please take them off before you take the floor.

21

May

2025

Speeches EN

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

That's an interesting development. It's a blue card which has disappeared! So I will now call Ms Boylan.

21

May

2025

Speeches EN

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

Thank you for your remark. I draw your attention to the fact that I have seen it. They will receive the floor if they take it away. This is the policy that we are taking.

21

May

2025

Speeches EN

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

Obviously, I would love to see what you're wearing as a t-shirt, but if I may recall, those are not allowed.

21

May

2025

Speeches EN

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

Thank you very much for your intervention. And if I may say, it is extremely difficult to hear and understand what people say if you are all screaming at the same time. So please, I refer to the règlement. You all have to follow it, and I please ask you to have a dignified debate. This is what we do in this House.

21

May

2025

Speeches EN

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

Thank you, your time is up. Please, everybody, we just started this debate. I know it's very sensitive. I know that everybody is on edge. But if we start like this we're never going to have a good debate. So please let your colleagues speak, even if you disagree with them, and let me chair. I understand there is a point of order.

21

May

2025

Speeches EN

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

The next item is the debate on Council and Commission statements on 'The EU's response to the Israeli Government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages' (2025/2715(RSP)).

2

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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European Steel and Metals Action Plan (debate)

The first item is the debate on the Council and Commission statements on the European Steel and Metals Action Plan (2025/2633(RSP)). I would like to remind you that we continue with the test of the new format for this debate, so there will be no speaker list. After the first round of speakers on behalf of the groups, Members who received speaking time from the political groups or non-attached secretariat will be called to speak and will be reminded of their allotted speaking time. Please keep an eye on the screen in the Chamber where the current speaker and the next three speakers will be displayed. When your name appears as upcoming speaker, I would like you to prepare and make your way to the rostrum. The normal rules regarding blue cards and the catch-the-eye procedure will apply during the debate.

2

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 72) (action taken)

In relation to the decisions by the LIBE, AGRI and TRAN Committees to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, pursuant to Rule 72(1), announced at the opening of the session on Monday 31 March, the President has received separate requests for a vote in Parliament by the PfE, ECR, Left and ESN groups, reaching at least the medium threshold, on the decision of the LIBE Committee to enter into negotiations on the following file: Establishing an EU talent pool. The President has also received a request for a vote in Parliament by the PfE Group, reaching at least the medium threshold, on the decision of the AGRI Committee to enter into negotiations on the following file: Granting equivalence with EU requirements to Moldova and Ukraine as regards field inspections and production of seed. The votes will be held tomorrow. Concerning the other decisions to enter into negotiations, the President has received no request for a vote in Parliament by Members or political group or groups reaching at least the medium threshold. The committees may therefore start negotiations.

1

Apr

2025

Speeches FR

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Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 (debate)

Madam President, High Representative, in 2024 democracy and human rights fell further in the world. As you said, Madam rapporteur, our Union is founded on values – Article 2, which also guides its external relations, Article 21 – and this Parliament also contributes to this: through its political work, of course – some 60 texts in one year – through the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group and its many instruments, or through the Sakharov Prize and its initiatives, which have been helping human rights defenders since the year they were set up. So when I hear some colleagues say, for example, that freedom of expression is also the freedom to deceive, the freedom to scam, or that elections are free when they have been clearly manipulated – and what to say about the last two days, when we hear envi that some people are above the law – well, I have to tell you, that is a serious warning for all democrats. The report put to the vote embodies the values and ideals that our Parliament has always held. It is supposed to be the record of the past year, but it has also, certainly, become a compass for years to come.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Approval of the minutes of the sitting

The minutes of this sitting will be submitted to Parliament for its approval tomorrow, at the beginning of the afternoon.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Agenda of the next sitting

The agenda for the next sitting, which is tomorrow, Tuesday 1 April at 9.00, has been published and is available on the European Parliament website.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

That would be the last speaker for the one‑minute speeches for this plenary sitting. Thank you, Commissioner Roswall, for having stayed until the end and taken the floor on each occasion you were given.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Just to let you know that the next time you breach procedure knowingly, I will not let you speak.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

(in response to Ana Miranda Paz showing a block of cheese) Please, you're not allowed to do that – and you know it.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

The next item is the one-minute speeches under Rule 179. I'd like to inform you that, for the one-minute speeches, you are invited to take the floor from your seat.