Speeches

Madam President, Commissioner, Ján Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová in Slovakia, Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta: journalists, they have paid a high price, that of their lives, in their search for the truth. I am not a journalist and I am not Slovak, but I am still quite disconcerted to see that some are using this forum, this important moment where we can debate among ourselves how to improve the situation and the protection of journalists, to make national politics, to criticize those who criticize, when this is really our role. So, Commissioner, you said that you wanted to work on improving the protection of journalists, and I am convinced of that. But this requires more and more concrete actions, for example, careful monitoring of the implementation of the European Media Freedom Regulation for more pluralism, more independence, an extension at national level of the Directive "Strategic lawsuits against public participation" to combat abusive court proceedings against them, as you mentioned. We must also put pressure on States that violate media freedom and thereby our fundamental values, and if necessary, please impose sanctions on them.

The next vote is on 'Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize MON 95275' (see minutes, item 6.4). (Voting time closed)

Madam President, Minister, Commissioner, Europe is the largest trading power and the largest market. Despite this, we are nervous with every statement from Washington. On the threat of tariffs, our first line of defence is obviously deterrence. Without revealing its game, it is time for Europe to make it clear that, even if this is not its preferred scenario, it is capable of resisting, replicating and safeguarding these sectors. These tariffs will probably also be a pretext to negotiate something else. As you know, President Trump looks at every relationship in a transactional way and we see that it doesn't end with the economy. So I tell you too, Commissioner, draw a bright red line. This bright red line is what we do not haggle, so neither do our fundamental values, which, it has been understood, annoy for example some bosses of the tech American. Citizens would not accept it, because our citizens and our sectors are now waiting for fair and balanced trade relations, equal to what we are, in fact: a great trading power that draws its value from its strength.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the Commission statement on the escalation of gang violence in Sweden and strengthening the fight against organised crime (2025/2549(RSP)).

The next item is Council and Commission statements on links between organised crime and smuggling of migrants in light of the recent UN reports (2024/3017(RSP)).

Madam President, Prime Minister, there are many topics that I would have liked to discuss with you, but I will focus on one topic, as I have only one minute. You propose in your programme a Europe that protects. As a Europe that protects, it must also do so in terms of respect for its fundamental values, such as the rule of law. Poland has proved, after seven years of the procedure laid down in Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), that, if there is political will, another path is possible, which brings together the values that are at the heart of our European project. This path gives you, I think, the legitimacy and the exemplarity to be the necessary driving force for a revision of the procedures provided for in Article 7 so that they are accelerated, more effective and more concrete. For how can we explain that, seven years later, Parliament’s request to activate Article 7(1) TEU for Hungary did not receive any formal follow-up? I would like your presidency's record to be marked with a clear signal on respect for the rule of law. This is possible. We're counting on you.

Mr President, Commissioner, thank you for your explanations. Indeed, every European citizen has the right to expect their representatives to make proper use of public money. OLAF, through its anti-corruption investigations, ensures that equal treatment, transparency and integrity can prevail over decisions of an arbitrary or political nature. It would simply be intolerable for a European executive, here the Hungarian government, to wiretap and screen OLAF investigators. There is a lot of talk, and rightly so, about the fight against foreign interference. But what are we doing against institutional espionage within the EU itself, with a legitimate EU agency? If this breach of the principle of sincere cooperation is proven, I call for a firm and, above all, concrete response from the European Commission. Is it necessary to remind you of Parliament’s insistent request for the activation of Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union?

Madam President, Commissioner, relations between the United States and us Europeans are more than two centuries of partnership and solidarity. Two centuries: that is to say, as these privileged links have gone through times, political configurations too, with ups and downs – is this not the essence of any relationship? Yes, President Trump’s second term will be made up of uncertainties, surprises, about-faces, outrages, sometimes also brutality. Because Mr. Trump, as we know, benefits from the confusion and the balance of power. I do not want a Europe that turns its back on its historic ally or a vassal Europe. Our relations must remain balanced, and in order to do so, let us show our ability to remain united, autonomous. Let's show our ability to defend our strategic interests. We have strong economies, an integrated market of nearly 450 million consumers, so let's go further by making the Draghi report a reality without delay! Let's work for our common defence "Made in Europe"! Let's ensure our energy independence with a balanced and low-carbon mix, especially thanks to nuclear power! In other words: Let us work towards a Europe that is open to the world, which at last – finally! –, take his destiny into his own hands!

Madam President, everyone has the right to express their opinions, including Mr Musk. But freedom of expression, in order to be fully exercised, must respect a series of principles. It cannot be a tool for wilfully deceiving or defaming, for example. Above all, it must be able to be exercised fairly for all. This means no rigging – which would aim to benefit the narrative that is more suited to an ideology or the interests of an individual. If we have a Digital Services Act, it is first and foremost to protect users and our fundamental rights. But for it to be truly effective, successful investigations and penalties for infringements are needed. Because, of course, no one is above the law. How can we explain that an investigation started in December 2023 has not yet been completed? Platforms are not waiting. The evidence, Commissioner: you have had to add three investigative measures since then. How many elections in Europe will still potentially be under pressure before the Commission provides a clear answer? Commissioner, we must do better, we must do much better, with three key words in mind: agility in relation to a constantly evolving reality, speed of analysis and efficiency in the application of our rules.

The minutes of this sitting will be submitted to Parliament for its approval at the beginning of its next sitting. If there are no objections, I will forward the resolutions adopted at today's sitting to the persons and bodies named in the resolutions.

The next item on the agenda is the Explanation of Votes, for which I have received nothing. Before you leave, let me wish you the best end of year celebrations.

Mr Angel, can I ask you to speak more slowly? You are all very nervous today. You speak very fast. You want to go to Christmas. Me too, but the translators cannot do their work. Sorry to interrupt. They sent me a red light, so I am obliged to interrupt you.

(To Ms Timgren after she had displayed a t-shirt bearing a slogan) I have not seen it, but we will look upon it. Please respect the rules of this House.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the Commission statement on the Commission's plan to include the revision of the outstanding proposals on animal welfare in its work plan for 2025 (2024/2998(RSP)). Commissioner Várhelyi, if you are ready, please take the floor.