Speeches

Mr President, two years ago, Mahsa Jîna Amini, 22, lost her life as a result of injuries inflicted by the Iranian morality police. The reason? A badly worn hijab. Just a few weeks ago, we were deeply moved by the images of Ahou Daryaei, which symbolize yet another act of women's resistance in the Islamic Republic of Iran. By his act, Ahou Daryaei, and those who preceded him, also reminds us of our duty, to us Europeans: that of supporting women in Iran who defend their fundamental rights, too often at the risk of their lives, in the face of repressive and violent power. Europe must step up its pressure on the regime in Tehran. Let us demand that women's rights be strictly respected and that those who peacefully demonstrate in this direction be immediately released. Let us give more support to civil society working for a fairer and more inclusive Iranian society and, as Parliament has already called for, let us finally call the guardians of the Islamic Revolution what they are, a terrorist organisation.

Madam President, today only 12 Member States, including my country, Belgium, have strong plans in place to protect the rights of LGBTQI+ people. While many Member States continue to move in the right direction, not all are making this choice. Not all MEPs make this choice either, obviously; It's a shame, but that's the way it is. Recall that the 2021 anti-LGBT law in Hungary, which in fact equates homosexuality with pornography, fortunately, under the impetus of Belgium, again, made the Council and the Commission react. This unacceptable law imposes, for example, the placing on the bench of books as Heartstopper, very popular novels and series that talk about love between two teenagers, quite simply. I hope that the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union expected in 2025 will set an irrefutable and necessary precedent in other cases, such as Bulgaria, and thus allow systematic infringement procedures to be opened by the Commission in such cases. Europe is and must remain a land of freedom, of self-realization. I realize if I want and how I want.

Text item on the agenda is the debate on the Commission statement on the rise of energy prices and fighting energy poverty (2024/2955(RSP). I will give the floor to Commissioner Simpson, when you're ready, madam.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the Commission statement on critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea (2024/2956(RSP).

Madam Speaker, the election of the new U.S. president is arousing enthusiasm among some, and dismay among most of our fellow citizens. And fortunately, the foundations of the relationship between Europe and the United States are strong enough to cross eras and, of course, democratic cycles. I strongly believe in it and this conviction has been reinforced since our mission in Texas, and this election must therefore arouse determination among us. Determination to continue working with the United States, our historic ally, despite our differences. Because our common interests have not disappeared, whether they are economic, technological, energy or security. Determination also to finally realize our strategic autonomy because the promises we made in the first election of President Trump have clearly not been sufficiently followed up. As you said, Mr Borrell, it is high time, the road map is clear, so let us go frankly.

Madam President, almost every year since 2017 – the tragic assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia – the European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for more efficient and faster justice, especially in the most serious cases of corruption. The climate of impunity cannot be allowed. I met this morning with the son of Daphne Caruana Galizia, who, in addition to his grief, has to live with this sense of injustice, especially since the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of his mother has still not been tried after seven years and as the pre-trial detention could come to an end. Since 2017, the European Parliament 'laments', 'regrets', 'reminds', 'expresses concerns about' the length of proceedings. But the real question to me is: when will the Rule of Law Report have more teeth? Commissioner Reynders, you have done so much for the rule of law, and thank you for that. But it is clear to me that the Rule of Law Report should include binding recommendations with a clear deadline for action, with a systematic link with European funds and programmes as well. We owe Daphne Caruana Galizia this much at least.

The next item is the Commission statement on 'Tackling the steel crisis: boosting competitive and sustainable European steel and maintaining quality jobs' (2024/2883(RSP)). Commissioner Dalli, if you are ready to take the floor again ‑ sorry, we make you work very hard!

The next sitting is tomorrow, Thursday 10 October at 9:00. The agenda has been published and is available on the European Parliament website.

We start with the explanations of vote on strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on a Commission statement on protecting the EU budget and ensuring that EU funds do not benefit entities or individuals linked to terrorist or Islamist movements (2024/2855(RSP)).

The next item is the debate on seven motions for resolutions on Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law (2024/2858(RSP)).

The next item is the debate on six motions for resolutions on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas (2024/2857(RSP)).