Speeches

Dear President! Dear High Council. The Western Balkans are once again high on the European Union's agenda. The fresh wind of enlargement policy has brought about a number of positive decisions by the European institutions, and it is right to do so. It also proves that Europe is serious with the new financial instrument for the region that we need. Tomorrow! And I very much welcome this instrument. Socialists and Democrats, led by the rapporteur, have played a key role in making full respect for the rule of law and the implementation of reforms a precondition for disbursements. We have made it a plan to promote democracy, human rights and gender equality in the region. However, I regret that, despite the insistence of the European Parliament and the Member States, the Commission has not agreed to the implementation of the common foreign and security policy. It is a delusion that countries such as Serbia, which today are comfortably and strategically navigating between several global players, will so sincerely defend European interests. Uncoordinated action in the field of foreign policy undermines the credibility of the Union as well as its strategic interests. Without harmonised sanctions, there is no money. That is why I am calling on all the institutions to rethink this aspect. Thank you very much.

Dear President. Dear Commissioner, Honourable High Assembly. The Commission and the renewed Team Europe have agreed on a joint declaration with Egypt. This agreement with Egypt is problematic in several respects. Firstly, because it is again just a kind of public statement and because it is not an international agreement with the EU. Total contempt for the European Parliament and, last but not least, its budgetary function has clearly become a permanent feature of the Commission. Secondly, that agreement is potentially controversial, since it clearly has no legal force, nor does it contain any safeguards with regard to respect for human rights. It is impossible to get rid of the feeling that the Union is once again unconditionally financing the autocrat. Egypt is certainly a country of great strategic importance, including for Europe. However, the Commission must put an end to such practices. We are aware of the challenges facing Egypt. And it is right that Europe also helps its partners. But we must ask ourselves whether Europe is part of the solution or part of the problem. And at whose expense he enters into such agreements and who he may harm. Without adequate safeguards, it would be unacceptable for Europe to contribute in any way to the denial of human rights and the oppression of democracy and the rule of law. Thank you very much.

Dear President! Dear High Council! The war in Gaza has been going on for more than seven months. The number of casualties has already exceeded 34,000. Last weekend alone 139 people were killed in airstrikes. Refugee camps are also targeted. The Israeli army withdrew from the south of Gaza, but still the area of attack from the air. Western countries continue to deliver weapons to Israel. Violence is also increasing in the West Bank. Israel's provocations continue across borders. All calls for a sustainable ceasefire, however, remain unanswered. The Security Council resolution is not respected, not even the courts in The Hague. Israel continues to violate international law. The report of the UNRWA inquiry showed that Israel has never provided evidence of serious allegations. Never. These, in turn, led to the freezing of funds for its operation. All this and more is happening in the eyes of the world. The world only watches helplessly and does not act. Enough is enough. We demand a ceasefire and the release of hostages. We demand the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. We demand the cessation of arms deliveries and we demand the cessation of provocations.

Mr President, dear colleagues, this vote is an important one, and this is not a political issue, but a technical one. This is a continuation of the visa liberalisation which was adopted for Serbia already in 2009, for Kosovo since the beginning of this year. This decision is about making people’s lives better. In fact, it’s about 18 000 Serbian residents of Kosovo who are holders of the special passports. Since the beginning of this year, they remain the only category of citizens in the Western Balkans who do not enjoy visa liberalisation for the European Union. I believe there is no justification for that, political or other. This is also an issue that the EU created in 2009, and it is on us to fix it, dear colleagues. This is at its core a question of equal treatment or discrimination, and we should be against any form of discrimination. We must not allow that these citizens pay the price for the failures of their own politicians. The Council has already adopted the decision. The EEAS and the Commission strongly support it too. So, as your rapporteur, I ask for your support.

Madam President, I’m the rapporteur of this dossier. I would like just to suggest not to postpone, because in the future, there will be no new elements to do so. We are talking about 80 000 people who were discriminated since the beginning of this year. We are talking about the Serbs from Kosovo and the decision – it’s fully technical; it’s not political. If we’re going to postpone this decision, we are creating a political issue.

Madam President, honourable and honourable, thank you very much for this debate. This shows very clearly the state of the European Union today and also gives an outline of the dangers that Europe could face if we fail to adopt this package today. We are all aware that the whole package – the solution before us is not perfect, but it is a compromise. There is no alternative to this package. If it is rejected today, Europe will be plunged into great uncertainty. This would give the wind mainly to populist forces. The adoption of the package is therefore a strategic necessity for the European Union and is our shared responsibility. Immediately thereafter, we will have to focus on implementation. Undoubtedly, there will also be certain challenges and difficulties, and we will have to address you in real time. There is no other way, my friend. This is what European citizens expect from us. In conclusion, once again, a call to all colleagues: Support the package! It's not ideal, but there's no alternative. Thank you, all colleagues, for your support and cooperation. Good luck, Europe!

Mr. President! Europe is at a turning point. Migration and asylum policy is one of the most divisive topics for our citizens and for politics in general, and often also a means of manipulation, blackmail and excuses. We have felt the consequences everywhere, including in the Schengen area. The reform of the whole area of migration was urgent. In the long run, the survival of the Union as such also depends on it. So after eight years of blockades and several attempts, we succeeded. Later, we will vote on the entire package of reformed migration and asylum legislation. With them, Europe is entering a new era. What we have on the table is not the perfect solution, it is a compromise. But reform is a strategic necessity, which we in the European Parliament accept with a heavy dumpling in our throats. We do not run away from our responsibility. This is what European citizens in particular expect from us. I myself was rapporteur for the recast of the Qualifications Regulation. The bulk of the text was already agreed in 2018, but Europe and the world were different at the time. I am convinced that such a text could no longer be adopted at this time and in the situation in the EU. Therefore, the proposed Qualifications Regulation was part of the first failed asylum policy reform in 2016. The Regulation will replace the existing Qualifications Directive and lays down, in one place, standards for the conditions for obtaining international protection in the Union – whether refugee status or subsidiary protection status – and, on the other hand, the rights of beneficiaries in the event of a positive decision. This Regulation is therefore a key puzzle of the future European asylum system and will ensure equal treatment of applications across Europe. This will have an impact on the destimulation after ‘asylum shopping’ and thus indirectly on the phenomenon of secondary migration. To date, the application of the directive has been highly arbitrary between countries. They had to implement the directive into national law and implement it. However, there have been major changes and discrepancies. There are cases where, for example, an applicant for international protection from Afghanistan had virtually no chance of a positive decision in one Member State and almost a 100% chance in another. Let us hope, therefore, that such stories will be a thing of the past and that Europe will really live in this area as well. Let me now focus on the main points of content. One of the main achievements of the qualification regulation is certainly the uniform minimum length of the residence permit. This will be valid for a minimum of 3 years for refugee status and a minimum of 1 year for subsidiary protection status, followed by a minimum of 2 years when renewed. The status check will not be automatic and mandatory. The beneficiary is entitled to the status as long as there is a need to protect it. I am particularly proud of this success. We have also succeeded in broadening the definition of family for the purposes of the regulation. The novelty of the Regulation is the assessment of the availability of internal protection. Thanks to this house, we have greatly limited the use of this principle. This will only be mandatory in cases where the prosecution of the institution is not carried out by the State. Refugees will also benefit from more protection thanks to the faster issuance of residence permits. These must also be free. Under the new rule, the period of residence, which counts as the period for obtaining a permanent residence permit, will be counted from the time the application or application is submitted, and not, as has been the case up to now, only half the time between the submission of the application and the granting of protection. In some cases, the processing of applications may take more than a year, so this change is more than important, it is extremely important. Beneficiaries will also be treated on an equal footing with nationals of the host country as regards rights such as social security, health care, access to work and, of course, education. Unaccompanied minors, a particularly vulnerable category, will now also benefit from more protection and safeguards. Here too, I am proud of the success of the European Parliament. Dear colleagues, in the hope of a favourable solution, I would like to thank you for your cooperation and attention.

Madam President. Our health is our greatest wealth. Too often we don't realize it, or it only really irritates us when it's too late. Therefore, physical and mental health should not be taken for granted. Human health is affected by almost everything around us: progress, climate change, industrial food production. In addition, Europe, like most of the Western world, is facing a rapidly ageing population. But we try to escape such effects every day by making progress in education and by making people aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, by developing technologies or by making extensive research more accessible to enable faster or more accurate diagnosis, on the one hand, and more effective and advanced treatments, on the other. These are achievements that need to be recognised, but which also pose important and desirable social, economic and health challenges. Life expectancy and therefore the need for health care is increasing faster than years of life spent in good health. None of us can escape this natural phenomenon. Promoting the well-being of older people and long-term care must therefore be one of our central priorities. We are also committed to social democrats all over Europe. It is expected that ageing and all kinds of change will be our greatest challenges in the future. We need to start addressing this today.

Mr President. In Gaza, people continue to die and starve. Hundreds of thousands of people face chronic food and humanitarian shortages every day, especially children and women. Israel is also committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza through starvation. Enough of the beauty. The people of Gaza do not need our kind words. Above all, they need our actions. We demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the opening of an unhindered corridor for the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid. And we demand action from all countries and from the United Nations Security Council. Inaction against Israel legitimises war crimes in Gaza. We need radical changes in the attitude towards the aggressor. It is high time, honoured, that this House of European Democracy unanimously and unequivocally demands an immediate and lasting ceasefire. Enough is enough.

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.