Speeches

Mr President, we call for the prosecution of war criminals like Putin, Shoigu, Gerasimov, yet some among us suggest peace talks with these very criminals. How did we lose our moral compass? We have a strategic compass, but morally we are paralysed. While Ukraine fights for its survival, we talk of negotiations with those responsible for bombing schools, hospitals and civilians. Just look at the facts. Russia has launched over 7 000 missile strikes since the start of the invasion. How can we even consider sitting down with those responsible for these atrocities? Europe has power to act, but we are crippled by indecision and lack of political will. And while we hesitate, we hold back Ukraine with restrictions on the very weapons they need to defend themselves. This isn't just a weakness; it's a moral failure. If we truly stand with Ukraine, we must lift all the restrictions on weapons use and give the tools to strike back effectively. It is time for Europe to stop wavering. We don't need more plans or excuses; we need the political will to act, to stand with Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable. Let's release the weapons, but also let's release the accession talks with Ukraine.

Mr President, I will not dwell on what Madame Commissioner already mentioned: the staggering numbers of rising anti-Semitism in Europe. Obviously, Europe's Jewish communities should not have to hide their identity out of fear. And obviously, what we see right now in the 21st century is that the ghosts of the 20th century are haunting us here in Europe. There are thousands, if not in hundreds of thousands, of Goebbels in the digital arena spreading anti-Semitism. The Digital Service Act is actually a good way forward. But I think the utmost duty actually falls to the Member States to enforce, to actually increase the education for law enforcement officers, so that they can detect hate crime and hate speech. Because that is what we lack, because we cannot identify them and therefore they go into hiding. Are there any tools to do that? I don't think so. What we have to do is really expose in a true manner the anti-Semitism that is actually happening in this House as well.

I would like to pose a question based also on international trade and agriculture. Obviously it's an ambition, it's a strategy that is with the industry altogether, with the sector. How do you see the relationships being exercised by EU with the UK – with the new Labour government, as well – when it comes to food in particular? The last point I wanted to ask is how to overcome the biggest stumbling blocks that are actually blocking the way further with the Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. What is the recipe? And how does the agriculture business in Europe actually see that as well?

Madam President, dear colleagues, there are more than half of us that are newly elected to this Parliament, and it is very important today to vote for this statement, and I thank the authors of this statement. I will say why. Because the Kremlin is closely watching how each and every one of us is going to vote today. First of all, we cannot hesitate because hesitation is something that provokes autocrats, particularly Putin. Hesitation, in the Kremlin, is seen as a weakness. Nothing, nothing provokes autocrats more than the show of free people of the weakness. So, therefore, we have to step up all the support that we can provide to Ukraine. It should be not put under question. The statement title – ‘The need for the EU’s continued support for Ukraine’ – is not there with a question mark. It’s with an exclamation: there is an immediate need to support Ukraine in this House, in this Parliament. Once again, everyone, be cautious. Kremlin is closely watching who is voting how for this statement.