Speeches

Madam President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, I want to thank everyone for this important debate today. While I cannot agree with everything said today, the discussion showed why and how this reform is still important for the EU. Although the EU visa policy is not the only element of the common migration framework, it remains an important part of it, and the suspension mechanism should also serve as a broader political instrument, but one that is used only if and when this is truly justified. There must be clear consequences when third countries fail to meet our European standards. Ahead of tomorrow, I encourage everyone to vote in favour of this reform. The EU is truly turning an important new page with this law, and I look forward to seeing it come to life.

Madam President, Commissioner Brunner, dear colleagues, tomorrow Parliament will vote on the reform of the visa suspension mechanism – one of the key elements of the common EU visa policy. In June this year, under the Polish Presidency, we reached an agreement on a compromise that will allow the temporary suspension of the EU visa-free regime with a third country under updated, flexible and more modern rules. Currently, the EU visa-free regime applies to 61 third countries worldwide and, until now, the temporary suspension of visa-free travel was only possible for limited reasons, mainly related to migration or security risks. While we have always defended a common visa policy, we have to reject attempts to use the suspension mechanism primarily as a migration management tool. Nevertheless, an evident gap has existed between the preconditions for abolishing visas in the first place and, on the other hand, their temporary reintroduction when circumstances require it. Dear colleagues, the world around us is more unstable than at any time since the Second World War. With more than 110 armed conflicts ongoing across the globe – some at Europe's very borders – we are facing new geopolitical realities and constantly emerging challenges. At the same time, Europe remains the most visited continent in the world by tourists and continues to receive a high volume of business travellers every year. The EU visa policy is therefore not only one of the key pillars of the Union's image in the world, but also one of its strongest foreign policy tools. A tool to promote European values abroad, it must serve as leverage as well. In times of global crisis, we must be able to respond collectively as a Union, so visa policy can no longer remain immune to these realities. For the first time, thanks also to this Parliament, the EU will be able to suspend visa-free travel in cases of serious violation of international law or human rights. Furthermore, the Commission will have greater flexibility to target only specific categories of passports throughout the suspension period. When a foreign government seriously breaches international law and shows no respect for human rights, its government officials and diplomats should no longer enjoy visa-free access to Europe. At the same time, the general population should not normally bear the consequences of the government's actions. But let me be clear. I will use the example of Israeli soldiers committing war crimes in Gaza and even boasting about it on social media – it is against our values and immoral to welcome them with open arms in Europe as tourists. Dear colleagues, with this agreement, we are finally modernising the visa suspension mechanism so that it reinforces our commitment to human rights and international law. The mechanism must serve as a tool to discourage third countries from undermining the international and humanitarian values that the European Union stands for. When the temporary suspension of visa-free travel with third countries is being considered, the European Commission will now also have to assess how this may affect civil society actors. Finally, dear colleagues, let me thank all my colleagues for their support and the Polish Presidency for the excellent cooperation during the negotiations. I very much look forward to today's debate.

Mr President. Dear Commissioner Serafin. Dear reporter Halicki and, of course, Minister Wammen. Welcome to the European Parliament. Thank you for presenting the Council's position on the draft general budget of the Union for 2026. With today's debate, we are entering a difficult period of seeking a European budgetary compromise, but we have a responsibility to European citizens in particular, to reach an agreement in the end. The European Union budget is under tremendous pressure, especially Chapter 7 on the financing of the European institutions. The high deficit is not the result of a natural disaster, but of a conscious political decision, because the MFF was not sufficiently strengthened during the revision process, despite the needs and commitments. That was, of course, a mistake. In Chapter 7 alone, the deficit will therefore be almost one billion euros, and we will, of course, have to reactivate a special flexible mechanism to fill the gap. Dear Sir/Madam, The Commission's amended draft budget follows the principle of limiting the increase in spending to a maximum of 2% and, of course, a stable staff policy. Despite the aforementioned financial resources, procrastination can cost us too much. Of course, we cannot and must not afford to do so, so we in Parliament will push for the removal of some of the Commission's proposed cuts so that the institutions can carry out their fundamental mission for the benefit of the Union and of all its citizens. Given the extremely difficult geopolitical context, the new challenges and the wide range of new Union legislative initiatives, proposals for cuts by the Commission are already jeopardising the efficient work of the institutions as well as their ability to comply with their legal obligations. I welcome the Council's approach to the Commission's proposal, which has not opted for additional cuts. This represents a real financial bottom for some European institutions. The Member States' approach to the budgetary framework for the European Parliament is also positive, which I consider very constructive. Our ambition, esteemed, has always been focused on the fundamental mission of both legislatures. That is why, also in the light of the geopolitical situation, we need to reach an agreement on a moderate budget for the European Parliament next year. As rapporteur for the other departments, I will strive to ensure that the other institutions of the European Union are adequately supported financially so that they can carry out their work and mission effectively. My personal foundation and fundamental goal is to keep everyone safe from cyber-attacks, including the employees who work there. New safety risks and the extremely rapid development of artificial intelligence require, of course, action by all of us. So, I would like to see an agreement on how the institutions can deal with these challenges in the most efficient way, including with adequate financial resources. I am thinking in particular here: The Court of Justice of the European Union, the Court of Auditors, the European Data Protection Supervisor, as well as the European External Action Service, to name but a few. I am convinced that we will work together to achieve these priorities and that in the end, with the help of the Danish Presidency of the Council, of course, we will be able to find a satisfactory solution for all three of us in the conciliation negotiations.

Madam President. Dear citizens of the Republic of Serbia! First of all, let me express my deepest respect and appreciation. You give hope and strength to all of us who believe in democratic institutions, freedom, the rule of law and peace. The battle, which lasts much longer than the last 10 months, added a new dimension in November last year, namely strength and strength. You, your perseverance and unity, are the change that the state needs to resist the systematic pogrom of democracy, persistent corruption and accounting with all critical voices at the forefront with civil servants, professors, media, deans and everyone else. Hundreds of attacks on journalists over the past year, dozens of imprisoned citizens, and political control of the last independent media outlets have been recorded. All condemnable acts of the political summit call for action by the Union as well, and not only in vague, worrying responses. How long will we continue to fund a regime that works against its people? Let us stand firm on the side of the people who want free elections and a better European future. Repression is the last weapon of those who know they have already lost power.

Madam President. Colleagues, Commissioner Marta Kos. Yesterday, for the 30th year in a row, we paid tribute to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide and talked about the tragic past and the importance of reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and today we are discussing its future. I am convinced that the path to reconciliation lies precisely in Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress towards European Union membership. The country's progress in the process of rapprochement reflects the will of its people, who want to be part of a community of European states, orderly, peaceful democratic states of the European Union. We need to help and support her in this endeavour. Part of this is that we do not close our eyes to serious threats. After thirty years, Bosnia and Herzegovina is once again haunted by the spirit of nationalism and secessionism. One man, Milorad Dodik, stands at the forefront of a funeral procession that would bury the efforts of a state emerging from a crunch of schism. In the face of a serious threat to the peace and statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we must stand side by side with all the forces in Bosnian society fighting for peace, equality and coexistence of all nations. The Union must adopt sanctions against Dodik quickly, decisively and without falsification.

Madam President, dear colleagues, people in Gaza and in the Middle East are still being killed every day in hospitals, in refugee centres and in the lines for humanitarian aid. We may have now narrowly avoided the escalation last month in the Israel-Iran conflict into a full-scale war, but the region remains far from peace. The people are still suffering with very little hope. A ceasefire must be achieved now. The review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement confirmed violation of Article 2. Next week the EU foreign ministers must urgently come to a decision on concrete measures: suspend the agreement; sanction those responsible for war crimes; stop trade with illegal West Bank settlements; impose an arms embargo on Israel; ban Israel accessing EU funds and programmes; and protect international law and institutions. Europe must act now. If not, EU leadership and institutions, including our foreign ministers, will be criminally responsible for their complicity under international law. Not in our name.

Dear Madam President, Honourable High Assembly. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, we remember more than eight thousand Bosnian civilians killed in cold blood by Serbian troops from Bosnia and Herzegovina before the eyes of the world. It began with rhetoric dangerously similar to that used today by nationalists against minorities. But Srebrenica was only the culmination of the genocidal campaign led by the then Serbian authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina against the Bosniaks. Previously, many massacres of innocent civilians had only raised empty calls for a ceasefire with the international community. Only the genocide in Srebrenica, which has been taking place in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a long time, finally awakened the international community. At that time, we intervened decisively, and after three years, we just stopped the killings of innocent people. We said: Never again. Nowadays, Europe is falling apart again. Which Palestinian place's name will have to be written in blood in the history of our humanity in order to move from words to deeds again? By attaching new symbols to jackets like this, we will not wash our consciences, revered. The obligation to prevent genocide must not be just a dead letter - we must act now. We are also committed to this by the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica. Good luck, European Union.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the horrors in Gaza continue. Innocent children and families are hunted for food, shot as targets every day by the Israeli army. Their only crime is hunger. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been murdered. Hospitals, schools, refugee centres are almost completely destroyed. Yet this is still not enough for some European leaders, including the Commission President and you, Ms Kallas. Enough is enough. The EU needs to immediately suspend the Association Agreement. On Monday, this must be the conclusion. We also need to sanction the extremists in the Israeli Government. Five Western countries have done it, including the UK and Canada. Where is the EU? When, Ms Kallas, will you follow? Seriously, what more needs to happen? We need a weapons embargo and an end to trade with the settlements. Yet, instead of diplomatic pressure to stop the genocide, Europe is deaf and blind. This is not just disappointing; this is morally sickening. Peace and justice now.

Mr President, Commissioner, Mrs Marta Kos. In a flood of bad and worrying news from around the world, today's debate on Montenegro's progress towards the European Union is a bright exception and a positive story. It remains the leading country on the path of European integration among the countries of the Western Balkans, with a coherent foreign policy with the Union, a commitment to international law and significant progress in the areas of media freedom, electoral law and the fight against corruption and organised crime. This is also felt by the citizens of Montenegro, who are largely in favour of membership of the European Union and where the supporters of anti-European sentiment have failed to incite wider public opinion. And that is exactly what we, the honourable Commissioner, colleagues, are and must fight for in the European Parliament. For a future of peace, stability and cooperation, not division and exclusion. That is why the enlargement of the European Union to the Western Balkans is our only common option and future. The path to membership is not only a political ambition, but a commitment to a wider society based on trust in European values and standards. I wish Montenegro a successful continuation of the reform process.

Madam President. The Rule of Law Report has received increasing attention over the past year. Unfortunately, not so much because of progress in the rule of law, but because violations continue to occur in many Member States, on the one hand, and because, on the other hand, the Union itself does not respect its own rules and European legislation, for example in the case of controls at Schengen borders or because of its duplicitous attitude towards conflicts. Unfortunately, this is also due to the indecisiveness, apathy and often duplicity of the European Union – led, of course, by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – especially when established violations of the rule of law and human rights are not followed by appropriate sanctions. There is a paradox in this question. The rule of law is only a tool for their Trojan horse. This is not about genuine intentions, but about trampling, such as the independence of the judiciary, media freedom and independent institutions. Therefore, dear colleagues, it is time to move from words to deeds. Of course, to protect the rule of law here, at home – with us in the European Union.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the words of the Slovenian President, Nataša Pirc Musar, still echo out. They embody the experience of the collective historical memory of the Slovenian people. The EU was born as a peace project from that same pain. And today we must collectively again stand up for peace. So, dear colleagues, according to the EU, in the next two days 14 000 babies will starve to death unless Israel unblocks the delivery of food and water. Still, 10 European Member States failed to sign Monday's call for Israel to let humanitarian aid into Gaza. How is that possible? If we cannot unite over something as basic as food and water, we completely lose our humanity. But even this is too little and too late. We must suspend the Association Agreement, impose sanctions, stop the arms trade. We demand a ceasefire. We demand peace now!

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, these days we celebrate a victory day. But considering the world around us, there isn't really much to celebrate. Much of the responsibility for this lies with the inaction of the European institutions led by the Commission President von der Leyen. When the allies fought for peace 80 years ago, our common European project was born. Europe was meant to safeguard peace, freedom, rule of law and human rights. It was not meant to become a project of double standards and opportunistic political interests. Instead of demanding accountability, Europe's top officials only repeat hollow rhetoric about upholding anti-fascist and anti-Nazi values. This is not the way forward. This anniversary must serve as a wake up call for the European Union to break free from the grip of hypocrisy. Europe was able to call out war crimes in Rwanda, Yugoslavia and Ukraine. Your leadership must clearly condemn and stop a genocide enfolding before our eyes in Gaza. A war crime is a war crime, whether done by Russia or by Israel. Europe must again become a source of pride, not shame. We owe this to our people and those who fought and died for Europe 80 years ago. We must end all wars. Peace must prevail again.

Mr President. Honourable Commissioner, Honourable High Assembly! Over the past year, Kosovo has shown a clear political will to move forward on this European path. This is demonstrated in particular by the achievements in electoral reform, economic stability and the protection of fundamental rights. At the same time, I would like to see more momentum in the reform process also in the area of justice, public administration and a free and pluralistic media landscape, these fundamental democratic values of the European Union. Dear citizens of Kosovo, with today's debate and a communication on progress, we are sending you a clear message from Europe. The future of your country is in the European Union, here among us. We all stand firmly behind this view. I therefore also support Kosovo's membership of the Council of Europe, its integration into international organisations and the start of the assessment of the application for membership of the European Union. It is also crucial that Kosovo's membership of the Union is clearly supported by Kosovo's citizens as well as by politics. This is an opportunity for a new impetus in the process of rapprochement, starting with a new chapter in the talks between Pristina and Belgrade. Good luck!

Mr President. We like to apologise for the critical situation in Serbia with stabilization, but there has been no stability in the country for a long time. We are witnessing the systematic erosion of the rule of law, the suppression of protests and, of course, of the media. Since last November, the streets of Belgrade and other cities have been filled every week by crowds of people – students, teachers, farmers and, of course, workers and parents. All of us together demand democracy, truth and, of course, those changes that we all expect. Protesters warn of violations of freedoms, corruption and environmental degradation, as well as institutional and financial opacity. Today, Serbian students are literally flowing to Brussels to convey to Europe – and especially to decision-makers – the message that the Serbian authorities are systematically and deliberately moving away from European, our values. They run because they care about the future of their own country. But the run against the rule of law of free elections and reforms cannot run alone. This is primarily a task of Serbian politics. It is time for the European Commission to make it clear that membership is not an ATM from which it can be withdrawn without conditions. I would like Serbian politicians, however, to return to the established, especially European tracks and show, this time, that they are serious about the good of their citizens.

Mr President. The European Union is facing challenges that require courageous and solidarity-based answers and decisions. When designing the next multi-annual budget, we must therefore put people first and foremost at the heart of our policies. We Social Democrats are committed to a budget that promotes social justice, sustainable development and equality. Enough with the duplicity and blackmail and indulgence of populists such as Viktor Orban. That is why we support an increase in funding for cohesion, the European Social Fund Plus and programmes that strengthen the rule of law and democratic values. We are also strongly calling for an increase in the child guarantee, which is strongly rejected by the right of this house. On the other hand, it is imperative that the EU develops its own sources of financing that are fair and sustainable. That is why we are proposing to introduce taxes on digital giants, financial transactions and carbon emissions, thus relieving citizens and ensuring stable finances. Our goal is a Europe that protects its citizens, reduces inequality and invests in our common future. We therefore call for an ambitious budget that reflects our values and the needs of all Europeans.

Madam President, dear colleagues, we are about to vote for the estimates for the 2026 budget of the Parliament. The text in front of you was approved in the Budget Committee and confirms the agreement reached in conciliation. It is very important that this agreement and the resolution are secured. The basis for the next year's budget ensures a well-functioning parliament with a focus on its core business. The basis for the next budget – we also make sure that this house is equipped for new challenges, such as better cybersecurity and smart use of artificial intelligence. We also welcome the attempt of this House for simplification and ensuring tangible cost reductions. The budget makes sure that Parliament can meet all of its obligations, yet limiting the overall increase of non-core expenses to less than 2 %. I call on new colleagues to vote in favour of my report, including on the key elements of it, namely amendment 4 on the ethics body. This House must show we are serious when it comes to fighting corruption, dear colleagues. We also ask you to vote in favour of paragraph 33, with a call to establish real equality and to find solutions for our colleagues who are on long-term leave, for example, maternity and paternity for mothers and fathers of this house. So, finally, I call on all colleagues to vote in favour of amendment 2, on APAs' participation in official missions under certain conditions. And finally, I want to thank you all the colleagues, all the shadows, for good and constructive work on this dossier, so thank you for all the support.

Madam President! The debates in the European Parliament on the Hungarian Government and its destructive, anti-European action are taking place one after the other. The arbitrary attitude of Orban and his warriors persistently violates European values of international law and oppresses the right of his own nation. I therefore condemn in the strongest possible terms the ban on the Pride Parade in Hungary. This is a completely unacceptable law, which is also extremely undemocratic. The Hungarian LGBTQI community has been under attack for many years. The law thus adds further fuel to the fire of hatred and poses a direct threat to communities and civil society organisations. So, respectfully, how long are we going to be talking about the Hungarian government and just sitting Orban on the dock before the concrete sanctions? Let us not forget, even if domesticated among foreign autocrats, Orban remains a black sheep in the EU for a reason. I therefore appeal to the other leaders for an immediate freeze of European funds for Hungary and for the deprivation of the right to vote in the Council. So, let me tell the Hungarian people that we are with you – here and on the streets of Budapest.

Madam President! Dear High Representative! Following the collapse of the ceasefire on 18 March, the Gaza Strip is once again witnessing an upsurge in war and war crimes on the part of Israel. Meanwhile, the number of civilian casualties has surpassed another sad milestone of 50,000, including 17,000 children. Only yesterday, 15 rescuers were murdered in a horrific attack by the Israeli army to help the victims of the earlier attack. So far, 280 UNRWA associates have been killed. However, there are still calls for its abolition. What will the EU do tomorrow when Orban hosts war criminal Netanyahu in Hungary? I would like to remind you that we asked Mongolia to arrest Putin. When will we really start applying the same standards that Europe is supposed to defend in Ukraine? When will we end the EU-Israel Association Agreement? The vice-president of the European Commission, Von der Leyen, and you, the honourable High Representative, have yet to hear the condemnation of the war crimes committed by Israel. So, we are asking for a ceasefire and for the EU to stand firm in defence of international law and humanity. The Holocaust is not an excuse for genocide.

Mr President. Dear friends from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves the full attention of the international community and especially of the European Union, which to this day has invested a lot of energy and political capital in the country and its European integration, as well as my country, the Republic of Slovenia. But the fact is that Milorad Dodik is pursuing separatist threats. However, his actions pose a serious threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as to its European future. We can effectively counteract the exacerbation of destabilisation and security risks. The pain of Bosnia and Herzegovina is not foreign to Europe. History offers many solutions. The European Union must thus become and be a constructive partner that actively seeks to establish a dialogue with all three nations in the country and to soften the destructive and strong Kremlin influence on the Dodik Republika Srpska. Aware of what is at stake and the moral duty of both the Union and the political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is to re-establish internal reconciliation, thus opening the way to a consensus on the European path and reform agenda. Ultimately, this is also a prerequisite for the establishment of the foreseen financial envelope for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Therefore, honourable Commissioner, colleagues, the Union must remain at the centre of political developments and go one step further. The solution for Bosnia is full EU membership, not just in Dayton. I would like to say to my dear friends in Bosnia and Herzegovina that it is high time for political maturity and constructivism. Only together can we move the borders of the European Union and maintain peace and stability. Good luck.

Madam President! Dear High Selection! The loud echo of the demands of Serbian students must become the echo of the European Union. What we are witnessing today in Serbia is not only a reflection of individual tragedies, but a dignified and peaceful protest by thousands against the over a decade-long dismantling of democratic institutions, the rule of law, the trampling of the fundamental rights of one's own nation and, of course, nationalism. It should not be neglected that this is a historical mobilization of young people since the fall of the Milosevic regime. Therefore, it is necessary to respect that the authorities provide a safe space for the gathering. Any form of intimidation, politically motivated violence against demonstrators, including deportations of foreign nationals, is condemned. Above all, it is imperative that the rulers listen to the criticisms and demands of the people of the street. To date, they haven't. Serbia has been put to a serious test. Changes are inevitable, but a solution lies in a transitional technical government that will enable democratic elections to be held. We, dear students, citizens, dear friends from Serbia, hear you and stand by your side. Good luck!

Madam President! Yesterday, on Trump's oath, we witnessed something completely new. He put the owners of the biggest tech giants in the front row, making it clear who will have an impact on his agenda and to whom he will primarily serve. It's not human, it's not nature, it's capital, it's oligarchs. Today we already know that the emergence of social networks a few decades ago represented a turning point for democracy, for capitalism, for the whole of humanity. Together with the development of smart technology, technology companies have expanded completely during this time. In their hands, they have enabled the concentration of incredible capital, and thus of incredible influence. Annulment of elections in Romania, involvement in elections in Germany, interference in the UK and Italy is no longer a hybrid war, the same as that of Russia. In recent years, we have established high standards in Europe to protect the digital environment. The move by Musk and the like tests all legal boundaries, as well as our core values – the values of the European Union. So we must demand decisive action from the European Commission against all possible self-restraints and unlimited influence. It is also time to seriously consider establishing rules and concentrating power also in the digital world. If we do not do so, it is time to seriously consider a collective withdrawal from the platforms. Thank you and good luck, European Union.

Mr President, dear colleagues, after fifteen months of bloodshed, at last Palestine and Gaza will be able to catch their breath. Hope has been restored also for the families of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were detained without charges. I sincerely welcome the ceasefire, and I hope it will lead to a peaceful coexistence and to the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, the peace agreement will never erase the war crimes and the more than 47 000 victims. The agreement will never erase the hypocrisy of a paralysed West, which, to this day, has not universally condemned acts of genocide. Even more shocking is that just last week, two more EU Member States said they will defy the arrest warrant for Netanyahu. The ICC was not established only for Rwanda or for the Western Balkans or for Putin, but for all war crimes and for all war criminals. History teaches us that the victim can become the perpetrator, so full respect of the courts is essential. I call for urgent increase of humanitarian aid to Gaza, restoring full operations to UNWRA and the start of post-war reconstruction.

Madam President. Tomorrow, European leaders meet for the first time under President Costa. They face a challenging agenda and many challenges. This year has started and also ends with two difficult conflicts before the European Union. The European economy is already showing signs of cooling. The increase in the cost of living continues to be felt by our citizens. We shouldn't forget who's coming to the White House. Progress in the field of policy enlargement this week is a rare bright spot in the current situation, as well as the enlargement of Schengen to Romania and Bulgaria, which, of course, I very much welcome. But we are able and obliged to do more, respected, if we are united. And we see this disparity in Europe at every step, for example, by speaking more strongly against the genocide in Gaza or by continuing to tolerate the blackmailing of the association process with the bilateral issues of some countries. It is only by working together, and therefore only by working together and sharing a common vision, that we can ensure that Europe remains a place of peace, freedom and prosperity. Let this be our common goal, honored. Good luck!

Mr President! Dear High Council! We are facing a flood of disinformation, which poses a growing threat to democracy and, in particular, to electoral processes. This was also the case with the 2016 Brexit referendum. And although today's discussion focuses mainly on the TikTok network, it is no less, but perhaps even more problematic, Musk's X-platform, which, under the guise of freedom of speech and without proper fact-checking mechanisms, has become a breeding ground for manipulation and fake news. Dear, new technology and social networks enable faster and more targeted dissemination of misinformation. Manipulation of citizens has never been so simple and its impact catastrophic. The recent elections in Romania are a striking example of foreign interference in the electoral process via TikTok, which even led the Constitutional Court to annul the presidential elections. This case shows that we have clearly not yet succeeded in fully protecting our citizens and our democracy. Full compliance with Europe's landmark rules on digital services is therefore crucial, respected. I therefore also welcome today's decision by the Commission on the formal TikTok verification procedure. Too often we see platforms taking too slow or no action at all. By doing so, they directly influence people's decisions, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Dear colleagues, our democratic process is too valuable to be left to the mercy of misleading information and irresponsibility. Therefore, it is necessary to take appropriate action.

Mr President, dear colleagues, in the light of the daily war crimes committed in Gaza and Lebanon, the ICC arrest warrants are a grim consolation for tens of thousands of victims. I welcome the ICC's decision and call on all states to respect it and to defend international law and institutions. Let us be clear: protecting international law and ensuring accountability for all, regardless of nationality or position, is imperative. The ICC must fulfil its mandate to uphold justice and prevent future violations. This applies equally to Putin and Netanyahu – both facing war crimes charges. What's even more striking than the double standards often applied, including in the EU institutions, toward Israel, is the silence of President von der Leyen. Silence is complicity. In 2012, the European Union received a prize for its contribution to post-war peace in Europe. The question is: does it still deserve it? The actions of its leaders speak for themselves. Not in my name! Ceasefire now! Sanctions now! Peace now!