Speeches

Madam President. For many years, we have been drawing attention in this house to the difficult situation we are witnessing in Tunisia. The arbitrary president completely abducted the country and dismantled institutions, democracy, suppressed his critics, subjugated justice, and completely silenced civil society. In exchange for controlling migration, the European team led by Prime Minister Meloni offered Tunisia more than one billion euros, without conditions, without safeguards, without the involvement of any institution. Just before the new year, the Commission then triggered the disbursement of €150 million past and beyond. Again. Let me be very direct, honourable, we in the European Parliament have been constantly drawing attention to a controversial agreement that is not. It is a simple statement to the public. It is also entirely concerned with human rights and the rule of law. We request the cancellation of this statement. The money Tunisia needs, however, should not be handed over to the autocrat as a blank bill of exchange, but rather to strengthen civil society and democratic institutions with safeguards. We therefore demand accountability and respect for European values and our own rules.

Mr President. Tomorrow, with the vote on the European Media Freedom Act, the European Parliament is addressing one of the major milestones for media freedom, for democracy and, last but not least, for a healthy society. This is an important day for all of us, esteemed journalists, journalists, dear editors and editors. Without freedom, independence and pluralism of the media, there is no democracy. We can never say that too often. This act means more editorial independence, more transparency on media ownership and stricter rules on advertising funding. I welcome this historic step for the Union, because every European has the right to enjoy a variety of media content and to ensure free access to credible information, both in the print media and online, and this is crucial. Above all, the credibility and reliability of information and content is important ahead of elections, when many self-proclaimed media portals and newsletters spread lies and disinformation for discrediting political opponents.

Madam President! The enlargement of the Union is a geostrategic investment in the stability, security, peace, democracy and prosperity of all of us, I am sure of that. I welcome the joint efforts of the two rapporteurs, who have managed to ensure a strong and balanced text on the future of enlargement. There is certainly still a lot of work to be done, but above all the political will both from the candidate countries and, of course, from the Union itself, because there are no shortcuts and no finger-pointing when it comes to EU accession. The effectiveness of accession negotiations must always be based on the achievements of each candidate, the progress of reforms and the fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. But the Union must also do its part, including institutional and financial reform of the EU and its institutions. Before that, intermediate steps are needed, so I particularly welcome the fact that the text, also on my own initiative, calls for the inclusion of observers from candidate countries in the relevant bodies and institutions. Finally, a call: We are ahead of the month of March, so let the EU also open negotiations for Bosnia and Herzegovina before the European elections.

Mr President, Commissioner Lenarčič! Today's debate on the situation in Gaza will last a good hour, while around 15 people, including six children, will be killed in Gaza. At least 35 people will be injured this hour. About 40 Israeli bombs will fall on the already devastated territory of Gaza, and 12 buildings will be destroyed. This is a terrifying image of today's Gaza, every hour, every day, for 144 days. The Israeli government has been continuously violating international law for at least so many days, continuing the killing, making it difficult for starving civilians to access humanitarian aid. The genocidal nature of the military operation is increasingly in sight, and the decision of the Court of The Hague, which orders Israel to step up humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians and take measures to immediately prevent the killing of civilians, remains a dead letter. There's absolutely no time for procrastination or procrastination. We need an immediate and lasting end to the war and an adequate delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israel and the crucial continuation of EU funding to UNRWA. Now and now. Here I welcome the decision of my Republic of Slovenia from last week, which has already allocated funds to the Agency. I urge everyone else to do the same.

Madam President! Dear High Council! Today, we can no longer imagine life without modern technologies and smartphones. The world is already entering the second generation of children, whose lives are almost entirely digital from birth. They are marked by likes, countless mobile applications and social networks. The global companies that develop these modern tools are richer than most small countries in the world and largely dictate the agenda, create news, influence events. They also allow for the massive spread of falsehoods, manipulations, as well as traps for many abuses. Victims are often our youngest. As a result, these platforms bear a tremendous responsibility, even though they mostly run away from it – in greed for megalomaniac profits. Legislation is far behind this pace. And Europe has partially closed this gap. All resistance must now be directed to the implementation of the legislation. We demand the responsibility of the platforms. We need to protect children in particular. Hate speech and disinformation no longer have a place either online or in real life.

Madam President! Dear, today I am addressing you, the people of Serbia. I cannot imagine the future of the European Union without you and your country as a full member, but I am afraid that membership of the Union is not a genuine strategic choice of Serbia's state leadership. Finding a balance between the credibility of accession to the Union by opening chapters, on the one hand, and connecting Serbia with the intelligence structures of totalitarian states, on the other, is becoming almost frivolous, bizarre, ridiculous. The rhetoric of the political summit, political manipulation and gameplay, the evading of accountability and, last but not least, the numerous indications of irregularities during the electoral process in December are increasingly detaching the country from the European Union in value. The rhetoric of the political summit, manipulations – the latter are highlighted not only by international observers, but also by many NGOs and you, the voters of the Serbs. You, dear ones, deserve a healthy democracy, verified information and free media, a functioning rule of law and credible accession negotiations. Remember that there are many of us here, in the European Parliament, sincere interlocutors, because we are striving to make you a part of our family too. Good luck!

Madam President! It is very telling that every year we are still adopting a report on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union, even though the European Union is supposed to be based on the principle of respect for fundamental rights. But even in Europe, we are still witnessing an attack on journalists, the erosion of institutions and the erosion of the rule of law. We are also still witnessing a breach of European law, often without consequences. Such as the prolongation of internal border controls within the Union. Despite the ruling of the European Court of Justice, countries are still prolonging their controls. The Commission does not take action against them. How should non-compliance with the law be interpreted by European citizens? Are we all the same before the law? That is why, at this point, I strongly and clearly call for the immediate abolition of all internal border controls and for full compliance with European legislation. These are, however, fundamental values to which Europe has committed itself and is ready to defend them, at least in words, at all costs.

Dear President, Dear High Selection! There is no end to the conflict in Gaza. It gets more dehumanized every day. Nor can we see the end of the duplicity of the West. While, on the one hand, America is trying to prevent the conflict from spilling over into the wider region, Israel is attacking targets in Lebanon and Syria. The West has attacked positions in Yemen. Instead of the cause of the conflict, we only address its consequences. A landmark process has begun in The Hague. This has been rejected as unfounded in the US and in some European countries. Moreover, they continue to send weapons to Israel. Although these same countries have an obligation and duty under international law to prevent serious crimes. Instead of widening the gap between the West and the Arab world, we need a ceasefire and hostilities in Gaza and the region, and the release of hostages and the immediate start of peace negotiations. Both Israelis and Palestinians have a future in peace and independence. Or will he not?

Mr. President! The lack of affordable housing affects more than 80 million Europeans. Despite the construction of new housing, the crisis remains, as these are built primarily for the market, but not for people. This business misguided tactic is short-sighted and causes devastating consequences. As a result, the centres of European cities are increasingly becoming an investment opportunity for the rich rather than homes for their inhabitants. For a decent life, rent and housing costs should not exceed 30% of income. The dragon we are witnessing is now exacerbating the housing crisis, especially for young people. Today, many, including those with average wages, may face tremendous – respected – challenges in finding a suitable home. The social dimension of the European Union is and must remain a political priority for the Social Democrats as well. To solve this problem, we need to build public, non-profit housing. We need more student dormitories, affordable first-time housing for young people, stricter regulation of the housing market and investment-oriented renovation. It is time for social housing to become an investment priority for all of us.

Dear President-in-Office, Honourable High Council! Europe must stand clearly on the side of women and girls and become a safe space where there is no room for violence, no space for sexual exploitation and abuse. To achieve this, honourable one, we need a coherent European legal framework, which is currently the subject of negotiations between the institutions of the European Union. We have a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence on our table, on which we in the European Parliament have taken a clear and progressive position. This must be fully in line with the provisions of the Istanbul Convention and that the crime of rape is nothing more than a crime. It just means yes. Its definition must, however, be based on consent. We must prevent an attempt by some Member States, honoured, to keep the fight against violence uncoordinated at European level. Here I welcome all efforts by my country, Slovenia, as one of the countries with its ‘just yes is yes’ model enshrined in law. I urge the other Members to follow suit and provide adequate legal protection to all Europeans before the end of this mandate, of course.

Mr President, honourable High Council. Three decades ago, enlargement policy made a commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, economic development and prosperity. It was a promise of unity, of security, of progress for all those who are part of our European community. Twenty years ago, we also gave a commitment to the European perspective to the Western Balkans. Too often, however, we seem to have forgotten both promises. The Copenhagen criteria are being violated by the existing Member States. Enlargement policy has been in a stalemate for many years, making both commitments not only politically moral, but strategically necessary in the context of the heightened geopolitical situation in the neighbourhood. With all its problems, enlargement policy remains the greatest guarantee of peace, security and stability, but it brings with it a number of challenges and pitfalls that the European Union will have to tackle urgently before future enlargements. So, dear ones, Europe will never be complete and complete without the Western Balkans in its family. Dear Sir, we can do this! We have a moral obligation to live up to this commitment. Thank you very much.

Madam President. Dear Prime Minister, Honourable High Assembly, welcome to the European Parliament. Dear Prime Minister, a series of crises in recent years – from health, energy, financial and security – have had a profound impact on Europe and the world as a whole. Once again, resilience, on the one hand, and the credibility of the Union, of course, on the other, has proven to depend on the cooperation and solidarity of the Member States. The Union is as resilient as we are united. It is therefore unacceptable that, to date, Bulgaria and Romania are still not part of Schengen, despite having fulfilled the conditions more than a decade ago. It is unacceptable, honourable Prime Minister, that the political play of a few is holding back the European idea of many Europeans. We must put an end to this also in enlargement policy, which must take place on the basis of objective criteria and not on partial interests. The enlargement of the European Union is therefore the best strategic guarantee of peace in the long term, Honourable High Assembly! Therefore, honourable Prime Minister, we continue to expect from Bulgaria the pro-European stance that you are advocating and rightly expecting on the issue of Bulgaria's accession to Schengen.

Madam President! Dear High Council! Free and fair elections are a prerequisite for the health of any democracy. This is one of the foundations on which our European Union was founded. However, elections in illiberal and authoritarian systems can often be abused or simply a formality and sand in the eyes of the public and the system. The international community, including the European Union, can play a key role in verifying the integrity and legitimacy of elections. But the most important thing is the supervision of domestic institutions, which, of course, must be strong and independent. A prerequisite for fair elections is certainly a free media. Civil society and non-governmental organisations play a particularly important role and need to be properly empowered. All these actors must work together to establish mechanisms to protect electoral rights and freedoms from both domestic and other threats. Dear colleagues! Europe must support legitimate democratic processes and elections in its action around the world, but it must be careful that it is not patronising or even superior in its action. Relations, respected, with friends and partners must therefore be based on mutual respect, despite possible differences in attitudes and approaches. Congratulations to my colleague Nach on his excellent work.

Madam President. In the enlargement process, we must not forget the ten-year efforts of the Western Balkan countries. The tactics of the waiting room in the Western Balkans do not seem to work. Conditionalising the opening of negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina sends the wrong signal to the country and the region that war is a generator of enlargement policy for the Union. The Commission's decision on Bosnia is hypocritical, as it could wait until spring to start negotiations. This would bring reform momentum and prevent further stagnation. Normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is crucial for the process of approximation and stability in the region. In the case of North Macedonia, I call first and foremost on the opposition to take a constructive stance in adopting the relevant constitutional amendments. Dear High Selection, Commissioner! As enlargement policy is a two-way street, the Union needs to adopt internal reforms to prepare the Union for an enlarged European family. Nationalisms must not be allowed to quench the European momentum both within the Union and in its neighbourhood.

Madam President. The war in Gaza has been going on for over a month. The main victims are innocent civilians, especially women and children. This war is also the deadliest for humanitarian workers. In less than a month, more Palestinians have died as a result of the conflict in Gaza than all the victims in Srebrenica. The attack by Hamas on 7 October was a war crime and a reprehensible act, which I condemn. Israeli hostages must be released, but the retaliatory Israeli attacks on Gaza are becoming more violent every day. The International Criminal Court will have to rule on manifestly non-selective targeting of civilian objects and collective punishment, which could amount to ethnic cleansing or even a crime against humanity. What is more, many point out that the conduct of the operation and the public statements made by Israeli representatives indicate a genocidal nature. The international community must ask itself whether the Israeli Government continues to abide by international law. Therefore, dear friends, the international community must demand the cessation of fighting, the delivery of emergency aid and the opening of peace negotiations.

Madam President! Dear High Council! Our responsibility is clear: Peace must be our first word and action. As the consequences of conflicts reach every corner of the world, the European Union must become a stronger global actor with a policy based on international law, human rights and multilateralism. In the current geopolitical context, the Union needs to act faster, stronger and, above all, more united. The lack of uniformity of responses undermines our credibility, honourable! Last but not least, this is reflected in the issue of enlargement to the Western Balkans, which is crucial for our prosperity and security. I therefore support the introduction of qualified majority voting in all important areas of external action, including in the enlargement process. Conflicts that we observe should not be a reason for passivity. On the contrary. Europe must stand up for their resolute resolution. Let us not forget that the EU is a peace project. This is how we have to work in the world.

Madam President! Montenegro, which until recently was considered the leading country in the Western Balkans, in its accession to the European Union, is experiencing a deep political and institutional crisis. High political tensions and polarisation over the years are slowly but continuously weakening the Montenegrin engine that is driving the country on the path of progress on key reforms. In addition, it has to be acknowledged that the country has become a polygon for the indiscriminate expression of external interests and is fighting the influence of other countries in the region and beyond, which has further pushed Montenegro into stagnation in the implementation of key reforms. And that's unacceptable. Regardless of the current situation, I am optimistic. I am optimistic about the citizens of Montenegro, who are still very much in favour of membership of the European Union. Optimism gives me all 33 open chapters and, last but not least, a political turnaround in the summer elections. Now Montenegro needs a stable pro-European government and an EU-oriented majority as soon as possible. We in the European Union need a constructive partner to make progress together on the country's path towards the European Union.

Madam President! Dear Commissioner, Honourable Colleagues. Thanks for the encouraging words and all the comments. The debate has shown how important the topic we are talking about today. With the final step in the European Parliament, tomorrow with the vote, we are completing the project of digitalising European visas. Ministers in the Council will then have to vote on the agreement. Finally, let me address the issue of humanitarian visas, which has been mentioned several times today. This was certainly the hardest walnut in the negotiations. The European Parliament has repeatedly made it clear that the European Union should adopt a framework that provides a safe and legal way to access the European asylum system. We are aware that this step could save many lives in an instant. At present, there is a lack of political will in Europe. However, we in the European Parliament are overwhelmingly convinced that this is the direction in which European visa policy should move. Many tragic events in the Mediterranean are all too often a painful reminder of how smugglers, especially on the shoulders of human life, exploit the hardships of people in exchange for a greasy income. Because in times of great human hardship, we do not need more walls, but more solidarity, more humanity, more dignity and more tolerance, esteemed. So, the future of European visa policy is digital, greener, safer, more user-friendly and more harmonised. We have achieved a good result that European citizens can also be proud of. I believe that I can count on broad support in the vote tomorrow. Thank you to all actors. Dear Commissioner, thank you very much too. Good luck and goodbye!

Mr. President! Dear Commissioner, Honourable Presidency, Colleagues. Today is the end of a positive story. And in these difficult times for the world and for humanity, such stories are especially welcome. Since the Commission proposal, we have been able to negotiate an agreement with the Swedish Presidency in just over a year. Both in terms of content and speed, I think we've done a great job. Digitalisation represents a unique advance and is key to achieving the Union’s green transition. I therefore very much welcome the Commission's project to reform visa policy. In terms of digitalisation, Europe is lagging behind the rest of the world. With this agreement, the European Union is closing a huge gap with countries such as Australia or New Zealand, which have already fully digitalised their visas. The processing of visa applications in the EU is already partly digitalised. Schengen visa applications and decisions are already recorded electronically in the Visa Information System today, but two important steps still exist only in paper form. First, the application for a visa and, second, the visa sticker itself in the passport. The entire process will be digitalised: the individual will apply for a visa via a single online platform. The visa will then be issued to the applicant in a digital format, which he/she will be able to download on his/her smartphone. The new EU e-visa procedure will be much simpler and cheaper for the applicant. In most cases, only one visit to the consulate or visa centre will be required. The validity of the visa will no longer be linked to the validity of the passport. The applicant will be able to easily extend a valid visa in a new passport. This is an extremely important and welcome change, especially for frequent travellers holding longer visas. Digitalisation will also greatly reduce the risk of abuse, making the new procedure safer for Member States. The procedure for processing applications will also be much more harmonised between Member States. Today, honourable people, there is a great fragmentation of national practices in the management of the visa procedure, which has a negative impact on the functioning of the visa policy of the European Union as a whole. While Member States remain solely responsible for examining applications and taking decisions on visas, this gap will now be significantly reduced. The new single entry point also represents a new important building block of a common European identity vis-à-vis the rest of the world, and this is important, respected. Instead of applying for a Belgian or German or Slovenian visa, the institution will apply for an EU visa on the EU platform website. The new system will have both positive effects on the visibility and perception of the European Union in the world as a single geographical entity. Thanks to the European Parliament, we have also managed to incorporate into the new system an extremely important safeguard regarding digital and linguistic accessibility to the platform, including for people with disabilities. With a completely new article, we have also significantly strengthened the provisions regarding the protection of personal data. An important point of divergence between negotiators was the issue of collecting data on the applicant's IP address. As internet access is still severely restricted in some countries or areas, it was necessary to ensure that the alarmed IP address did not automatically lead to the exclusion of the visa application. In the negotiations, we have managed, honourably, to maintain the level of the visa fee, despite the great pressure to increase it, which we consider to be an important symbolic victory for travellers. A novelty of this project will also be the help of information technology, since the platform will include a function of chatbot. This project sets a unique digital frontier, which is also confirmed by the fact that for the first time in the European Parliament we will define the concept of the acquis in this regulation. chatbot. Digitalisation and the European e-visa therefore represent a bright future for EU visa policy. I look forward to today's debate. Thank you for your trust.

Mr President-in-Office! Dear friends, dear friends, dear friends! Egypt has been moving far away from democracy in recent years, and we must not turn a blind eye to the serious violations of human rights and the demolition of democratic standards by President al-Sisi. Instead of focusing on the difficult economic and social situation of the people and on rising inflation and public debt, the president prefers to deal with political opponents. Like many self-righteous people, the president wants to silence the media, subjugate the judiciary, eliminate political opponents and suppress all criticism. For the sake of ‘progress’, as he himself argued, or perhaps the consolidation of power, the President is ready to starve and intimidate his people. The trampling of many critical voices is an alarming sign of democratic backsliding in Egypt. Such a voice represents a prominent Egyptian fighter for media freedom, Housem Kasem, who was convicted without a fair trial. He was imprisoned and silenced due to critical thinking on the social network. The president thus got rid of the opposition candidate before the upcoming elections. Dear High Council! History repeats itself, as it did before the 2018 elections. Our voice must be the voice of those who have no opportunity to speak and the voice of those who fight for freedom and justice. So my message is clear: We call for the immediate release of Housem Kasem and other political opponents of the Al-Sisi regime who have been arbitrarily detained. Violations of human rights and democratic principles are unacceptable. The pluralism of political opinions, freedom of expression and the media are fundamental to a healthy democracy. He should return to Egypt as soon as possible.

Madam President, Honourable Commissioner Schmit, Honourable High Assembly! The European Union is facing a housing crisis. The gap between income and housing costs, not least the cost of living, has been widening for decades. This gap has been exacerbated by inflation, rising interest rates and rising demand. Data show that over the last decade, the average rent for a dwelling in the Union has increased by as much as 19 % and the purchase of a new dwelling by 50 %. Against the cruelty of capitalism and the market, people must be adequately protected by the state, rent regulation and containment, limiting the cost of credit, including, and crucially, a public system of building and renting non-profit housing. This is a taboo subject in many countries. In Slovenia, for example, after 30 years of political stagnation in this area, we are moving things in the right direction. Demand for social and accessible housing is growing sharply in the EU, including in Slovenia. Progressive housing policy must be given a strong European framework with a new mandate and the Union must ensure a structural approach to tackling this crisis. Dear Sir/Madam, We all in this Chamber have a great responsibility to make housing a basic human right and not a property.

Mr President, Honourable High Council! The number of migrants arriving on European soil is increasing again. We are also recording more border arrivals in my Slovenia. But the situation is serious, respected, in the Mediterranean, in Lampedusa, as well as in the Canary Islands. Just yesterday we marked the tenth anniversary of one of the greatest shipwrecks and tragedies of this kind on our soil. In front of the fortress of Europe, the Mediterranean became the largest mass grave of refugees. Thousands of people lose their lives in it every year. We know why. And we know what to do. We must adopt the reform of the asylum system. We must adopt a comprehensive reform based on solidarity, respect, justice. We have done our job in the European Parliament. However, a key building block of the system now needs to be supported by the Member States. We need to act now and now. Europe must not remain paralysed on the issue of migration, because on the shoulders of human lives, respected, only smugglers and the extreme right in Europe benefit. We urgently need to adopt the whole package before the European elections. We just can't afford another failed attempt.

Mr President, honourable high selection, honourable Commissioner Lenarčič. The fact is that relations between Serbia and Kosovo have been extremely tense for years. In the past, however, there have been some minor moves towards dialogue, still quite far from a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalisation of relations between the two countries. Nowadays, perhaps for the longest time ever. Events from less than ten days ago in Banjska have shaken the already fragile ties between the two countries. I strongly condemn any violence and call on all those responsible to conduct a thorough, credible and objective investigation. All involved must be properly convicted and take full responsibility for the inadmissible incident. All the efforts of the rulers must go in the direction that this never happens again. I call on President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti to return to the EU negotiating table, starting with the resumption of independent and free elections in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo. Retreats from it bring simply too many risks, and we must not and will not allow the EU to do so.

Mr President. The situation in Tunisia is still very difficult. We have been calling attention to the disintegration of democracy for many years. We also draw attention to the prosecution of journalists, critics, judges, trade unionists and civil society and, of course, we demand their release. People find themselves in a very difficult social and economic situation. Many people find it increasingly difficult to afford food due to high prices. But instead of addressing people's problems, President Saied continues to demolish democracy and institutions. The President's political project relates exclusively to the search for enemies. He blames the disastrous economic situation with hate speech on refugees, asylum seekers and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking their way to Europe via Tunisia. At the same time, it is totally unacceptable that the Union wants to financially reward and thus legitimise an increasingly autocratic regime. In this context, I call on the Tunisian authorities to respect their commitment to international law and human rights without delay. I call for the agreement between Tunisia and the Union to be frozen and for funding and support for the Tunisian security forces for border control to be suspended until the human rights criteria are met.

Mr President. It didn't hurt this summer either. The catastrophes in Europe followed each other. Climate change is already here and is taking its toll every day. Slovenia has been affected by terrible centuries of flooding. More than two-thirds of Slovenia's territory has been affected by the worst natural disaster to date. Six people lost their lives. The damage could reach €7 billion. On behalf of all Slovenians, I would like to thank you for the swift response of many EU countries. We have a lot of hope for the incredible solidarity shown by the citizens, so a big thank you goes above all to the volunteers on the ground. Last year we fought together with fires in the Karst. Last year, I addressed an initiative to the Commission on the establishment of an EU-wide mechanism for the management and restoration of burnt areas and the permanent installation of firefighting aircraft in Slovenia. Nature should not be underestimated, but the biggest challenges of rehabilitation and restoration are yet to come. Therefore, my appeal to all the institutions of the European Union: European funds will be key to reconstruction. So, let's support the reconstruction funding. Good luck!