Speeches

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!

Mr. President! We live in a world where women build our society, but at the same time die in their homes. Every day 140 women die as a result of violence. Femicide happens every 10 minutes. Statistics are an alarming reminder that we have failed as a society. Violence against women is a violation of fundamental human rights and requires our collective responsibility. That is why we need a redefinition of sexual violence based on the model of "just yes means yes" at the level of the entire European Union. Slovenia is an example of good practice. Gender-based violence must be classified as an EU crime under Article 83 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Five Member States of the European Union have not yet ratified the Istanbul Declaration. I therefore call on Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania and Slovakia to put themselves on the side of protecting women. Let's start by creating a society that will not tolerate any form of violence. To quote Kofi Annan: Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful violation of human rights and perhaps the most widespread. It knows no geographical, cultural or income boundaries. As long as it exists, we cannot claim to be progressing towards unity, development and peace.

Madam President! Dear High Council! The effects of climate change are worsening every year and more than fifty different conflicts are taking place around the world. They testify above all to the dark side of human nature. We would be naive in the belief that we do not feel all the consequences both on the moral, human level and, of course, on the tangible ones. Strengthening a common European strategy on civil and defence preparedness is therefore essential. The ability to anticipate, prevent, manage and rapidly respond to all types of threats is crucial for our security. But today, more than ever, we need above all a peace strategy, a strategy to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, to put an immediate end to the horrific genocide in Gaza and the attacks on innocent civilians in Lebanon and the entire Middle East region, and to provide them with urgent humanitarian assistance and a perspective – to live at home, in their own country. Ensure a peaceful future for all generations, for all our children.

Madam President! It is not the policy of Pedro Sanchez or that of Spain that is the problem, but the ineffective and integrated migration policy of the European Union, which is not yet operational. Today, migration is driven by complex causes and crisis hotspots around the world, and our problem is not returns. But on the contrary, our biggest problem is that Europe continues to fund authoritarians in North Africa who are brutally oppressing their own citizens. As well as that Europe supports coastguards, who at the same time play the role of human smugglers. And also that Europe continues to send weapons to crisis hotspots as well as to Israel. How can Europe pretend so short-sightedly that our policies and actions have no consequences? Of course they have them. After eight years, we approved the Pact on Migration and Asylum before the elections this year. Although not ideal, it offers answers to the challenges of migration. Now we need to focus on the implementation of the adopted package, as well as on integration, effective treatment and, of course, on reception. But not on the likes of measures and words that will not really have an effect, as well as immigration to Albania. And by doing so, we will only accelerate and amplify the flow across the Western Balkans and, of course, accelerate its route to the north.

Madam President, dear colleagues, let us be very clear: the EU has strict rules in place which control and oversee the financing of the budget. Those rules were even reinforced last year with clear provisions and excluding any financing of terrorism. Today's debate that was put forward has nothing to do with terrorism, but is simply placed in the hands of the Netanyahu Government's agenda and their systematic attacks on UNRWA – the organisation which is a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees – with only one goal: that is the dehumanisation of Palestinian people and ethnic cleansing. The proposal for this debate is deeply rooted in racism, and it's based on levels of racism and extremism which we have not seen since World War Two. The attack on UNRWA and the United Nations is an attack on humanity and an attack on common values, international law and institutions. I strongly reject those attempts and this narrative. Let us remain human and on the right side of the history. Good luck.

Madam President, dear colleagues, what we are seeing in the Middle East is horror. We know how complex the region is, and tensions are running high for decades. Since the brutal Hamas attack a year ago, the whole Middle East has been drawn into this nightmare. Too many innocent people are dying every day since. Israel bombed seven different countries in the last week. International law and institutions are breaking down in front of our eyes. Europe and US must stop sending Israel arms! Our weapons are killing innocent people, more than a million people have already fled Lebanon, and the world leaders are saying nothing. There are no calls for peace, and we need a ceasefire on all fronts now. If only Israel accepts peace, hostages will be free. The wars can end. Otherwise, we must impose strong sanctions against Israel, suspend the Association Agreement, ban trade with the settlements and sanction extremists on all sides, including the Israeli Government. We demand action now. The agony must end.

Dear President! The world seems to have been put to a serious test. We are facing one of the darkest periods since the end of the Second World War. The conflict in the Middle East is escalating sharply, especially as those most in need of peace are the ones who reject it the most. The situation also remains serious in Ukraine and in more than fifty hotspots around the world. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly evident that not all lives are equal, as well as that the foundations of international cooperation, which we laid together after the Second World War, are seriously threatened. Increasingly, we are also faced with increasingly severe natural disasters. Our thoughts are with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina these days. So, honourable ones, we need a strong and united European response to crises and global conflicts and decisive action by the leaders of the European Union. With everything we have, we must stand up for peace and dialogue. Let us not succumb to the demonization of all those who set up a mirror for us. We must stand firm in the defence of international institutions and international law, in the defence of humanity.

Mr President. Dear High Council! In today's daily news, it's hard to avoid the black scenarios that women face in one way or another. Psychological violence, physical violence, extortion, sexual abuse, femicide. A staggering statistic that hasn't improved at all from year to year. What's more, the media landscape is overwhelmed by shocking and hard-to-understand stories of grave, years of abuse. Dear Sir/Madam, All the alarms are ringing. The situation of the society in which we live, where there is widespread fear among women of physical and sexual assault in everyday situations, where one in three women in Europe is the victim of physical or sexual violence, where every year more than two thousand women lose their lives because of violent partners – such a situation, respected – is intolerable and intolerable. We urgently need to step up the fight to eradicate gender-based violence. I expect concrete proposals from the new Commission and an active effort, including the inclusion of a definition of consent-based rape in EU law, in all Member States – there are no excuses – only yes, it means yes. Thank you very much.

Mr President. Dear High Council. The Schengen area is increasingly becoming a historical memory as one of Europe's greatest achievements. Although we adopted the Migration Pact and the reform of the Schengen rules just before the elections, Europe remains in a crunch. External crises, including the deepening conflict in the Middle East, are driving migration flows in Europe. Closing borders is not a magical and easy solution. People, even after nine years of surveillance, are still coming. The answer is to work more resolutely for peace and to find solutions to end conflicts around the world. Dear Sir/Madam, As one of the many millions of Europeans who live and come from the border areas of the Member States, it is precisely the sense of borderlessness with neighbouring countries that Schengen brings that gives us the sense of the European Union. The fact that the domestic Nova Gorica in Slovenia and the neighbouring Gorizia in Italy will host together next year and light up the first borderless European project Capital of Culture in history is the biggest message of cooperation and respect between the countries of the European Union. An event that, at its core, represents the Union's power to promote international cooperation and the dismantling of borders. That is also why I am opposed to all controls in Schengen. I can't imagine an event with border controls. Thank you very much.

Mr President! My 60 seconds of speech today go to women in Afghanistan, women who have been deprived of every second of speech, all freedom, the right to education and employment. They are practically erased from public life, but their silent screams for help are very loud. It is our moral duty to do everything in our power to end their nightmare as soon as possible. The Union must take on the role of instigator of the establishment of an independent investigation within the United Nations and the Criminal Court into the serious human rights violations in Afghanistan. We also need to step up all types of humanitarian aid for Afghan girls and women. We must resolutely counter sexual apartheid and condemn it as a crime against humanity, and restore women and girls to their voices and their basic rights. The key voice of Europe in Afghanistan will be the European Ambassador and a woman from my country, Slovenia, Veronika Bošković-Pohar. Allow me to wish all the best to both the Afghan women and, of course, the European Union from this city.

Mr President! Dear Commissioner Lenarčič! Last year, devastating floods hit Europe, including my country, Slovenia. It was one of the worst natural disasters we can remember. Europe's rapid action has also been crucial in these difficult times. I therefore welcome the rapid mobilisation of the European Solidarity Fund, which, among other things, has allocated EUR 428 million to the Republic of Slovenia. In doing so, I also call, as one of the negotiators in the European Parliament, for more resources to be allocated to solidarity in the future, for aid to be distributed more quickly, and for countries to be given more opportunities to make demands and map the damage. We also need to invest more in protective equipment and rescue systems. My thoughts are at this moment, especially with all those affected by this flood. My sincere condolences to all the families of the victims. In these difficult times, European solidarity and assistance to others fills us with hope. It is therefore imperative that we do the same to the countries affected today. Finally, thanks go to Commissioner Lenarčič for everything he has done to protect and save Europeans.

Madam President! Dear High Council! We are on the brink of a year-long war in Gaza. Israel is also committing genocide through the supply of Western weapons there. More than 41,000 people have been brutally killed, most of them children and women. Day after day, Israel continues to attack targets that enjoy special protection. These are schools, refugee centers, United Nations offices. No consequences. No responsibility for war crimes committed. It is terrifying and shameful, honourable, to see the obvious and conscious inaction of the United States and Europe. Occasional statements of regret are irrelevant. The EU must take action against those responsible for war crimes, first and foremost against representatives of the Israeli Government. Yesterday, at my initiative, 76 MEPs sent a letter to Borrell expressing their strong support for extending the EU sanctions also to the current ministers of the Israeli government. We must not stop talking about the atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank. We continue to demand a ceasefire and accountability for all crimes. It is our moral and human duty.

Dear President! The last five years have not been easy. The mandate was marked by crises, war on European soil, COVID, as well as natural disasters. The European Commission reacted quickly. You have also responded to the historic floods in Slovenia, for which I thank you on behalf of the citizens. We won't forget that. On the other hand, you failed the rule of law test. I am also talking here about Schengen, which you never mention in your speeches. Illegal internal border controls have been in place for almost nine years. Despite the judgment of the European Court of Justice, you have never acted. So, will the European Union enforce its own rules? When are you going to take action, my dear? It will also be your ignorance of international law and humanity when it comes to Gaza. The people of Gaza are still starving. Israel continues to attack refugee centres, schools, buildings, the United Nations, the Red Cross. Thirty-nine thousand Palestinians have been killed. This is genocide, my dear. Are you going to impose sanctions on Israel? What would happen if your children were in Gaza? You mentioned financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority. How, then, will you ensure that it is sufficient, sustainable and politically unconditional?

Mr. President! Today's debate comes at a crucial moment, symbolically, also at the last sitting of this European Parliament. Because the actions of individual political groups and the events of recent times are alarming, because they are too reminiscent of those from the recent history, after which the alarms were ringing in silence. Many of us felt terrible consequences on our own skin, on the skin of our own nation. Europe is built on our wounds, on the wounds and sorrows of the past. It is therefore necessary to recognise the rise of far-right politicians across Europe, the tolerance of extremist fascist movements and impulses, the spread of widespread intolerance and the denial of dictatorships, the relativisation of history, all of which shout for action. My work in the European Parliament constantly conveys the message and values of anti-fascism to the institutions through various events and exhibitions. Honourable, anti-fascism is not to be claimed, but it is not to be claimed by nationalism or any other circumstance. It is a force that has sprung up across the European space among people who only wanted to live in peace and freedom, living in the values that have built this common European Union. Therefore, a deep tribute to all those who have won our freedom and enabled us to be united in this Union by the once divided spirits of the past. Dear colleagues, it is up to us to recognise all this, to take action and to put an end to it.