What Sebastian spoke about.

1

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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Targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security (debate)

Madam President, the Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation that is 95 % Christian, has become a slaughterhouse for Christians. Let us not forget that Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world. Now, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, our fellow Christians are being abducted, butchered and driven from their homes by bloodthirsty jihadists. People were massacred in a church due to their faith, people were executed for refusing to convert to Islam. Churches have been bombed. Christian villages are being abandoned. Where is the outrage? Where is the action? Europe must not stay silent. We share a long Christian heritage. We must protect it against jihadism that is a threat both globally and in our home continent.

1

Apr

2025

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Dramatic situation in Gaza and the need for an immediate return to the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement (debate)

Madam President, why is it that even after over 500 days, the war against Hamas is still raging in Gaza? It is because Hamas has not laid down its weapons and released all of the remaining hostages. There is one thing we all have to understand about Hamas. Hamas is not fighting against for our two-state solution. They are fighting for the destruction of Israel. Whatever means necessary, whether it is killing civilians or hiding beneath hospitals. They will not rest until all the Israelis are expelled or murdered from the river to the sea. So we will not rest either. We will not rest until the whole world sees that the biggest obstacle to solving the conflict between Israelis and the Palestinians is the mere existence of the terrorist organisation called Hamas.

1

Apr

2025

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Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu (debate)

Madam President, Türkiye has become an authoritarian state. The arrest of Erdoğan's political rivals shows the step-by-step process of democratic destruction. It goes against our most fundamental European values. This is why I want to voice my support for the brave people of Türkiye, who have been protesting against authoritarianism in their country. They are ready to fight for democracy, despite all the restrictions, threats and violence from their ruler. It takes guts. We, as the defenders of fundamental rights and democratic values in this world, must extend our full support to the brave protesters. One protester wisely stated that during the history of humankind, the people who have stood up against oppression have always won eventually. I hope this victory comes sooner rather than later.

1

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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CFSP and CSDP (Article 36 TUE) (joint debate)

Madam President, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey, 36 % of Europeans named security and defence as the EU's top three priorities to focus on. This was the highest vote share amongst all the options given. The results are clear: the European people want their leaders to focus on providing safety first and foremost. Is this body acting accordingly? It is not. Have we seen a total overhaul of Europe's immigration policy? No, we haven't, even though past mistakes are now risking our security. Or have we been strong enough to push Russia away from Ukrainian soil? No, we haven't. Now it's time to do what the people are asking us to do: focus on solving security problems, not creating them by repeating our previous mistakes.

1

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025 (debate)

Madam President, I like how the tone of Europe is changing at the moment. Europe will not survive if we do not strengthen our security and competitiveness. I think most European leaders are starting to realise this. Good for Europe. But when I start to read how European leaders handle climate and energy policy, my positive feelings often disappear. While people are calling for lower living costs and less regulation, Europe is still hanging on to the unrealistic green ideology. Let's face it, our green goals from the past are not compatible with our current priorities. Overly strict green policies are the very reason European companies and households have been struggling. To my leftist and green colleagues, you had your time and it didn't work out. Now it's time to do things differently.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Common data platform on chemicals, establishing a monitoring and outlook framework for chemicals (short presentation)

Madam President, I stand here as a voice for citizens like those in Finland, who value their country's independence. These proposals – centralising chemical data collection, reassigning tasks to the EU level, and thus empowering the European Chemicals Agency over local actors – strip away control from Member States. Member States, with their unique industries and features, deserve to make their own decisions – not to follow a one-size-fits-all EU uniform that fits no one properly. We have seen enough to say that EU centralisation often ignores local needs, adds bureaucracy and takes power away from where it should be: close to the people. I urge you to protect national sovereignty and reject those measures that undermine Member States' rights to govern themselves.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Need to ensure democratic pluralism, strengthen integrity, transparency and anti-corruption policies in the EU (debate)

Madam President, corruption scandals are shaking this Parliament. A former MEP was convicted of misusing Parliament funds. Foreign governments like Qatar and Morocco, and companies like Huawei have paid bribes for favourable votes. Corruption and misuse of public funds must absolutely be condemned, regardless of political affiliation. Colleagues, let us not forget a major source that has enabled massive corruption from EU funds. That is the post-COVID Economic Recovery Fund. Last year, in one investigation alone, a fraud of over EUR 600 million was uncovered. The lesson should be clear for all of us who want to fight corruption. The recovery fund is a horrible model to base future policies on.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Situation of European academics and researchers in the US and the impact on academic freedom (debate)

Madam President, during the latest years we have witnessed a huge threat to academic freedom. When woke, DEI and critical race theory flooded the great intellectual institutions of the West, this body was silent as a crypt. Here are a few examples. Mandatory critical-race-theory training that sought to indoctrinate students into rejecting their unconscious thoughts and behaviours towards minority groups – where was the outrage? A bloated DEI bureaucracy demanding teachers to sign diversity statements in prestigious American universities like Harvard and MIT – where was the outrage? A study on the ineffectiveness of puberty blockers going unpublished because of politics – where was the outrage? Actually, you wanted this to continue, and now you are outraged when a lot of people are saying to all this, 'No, thank you.'

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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European Cultural Compass as a driving force for economic competitiveness and resilience (debate)

Madam President, Europe is losing itself. We were once the heart of courage, innovation and cultural pride. Now it feels there is only left the fear of being called intolerant. We have been too weak to stand for our own traditions and heritage for too long. Our neighbourhoods have become ghettos where European laws and values hold no ground anymore. Across our cities, we see clear signs of how our democracy, equality and freedom are drifting away and replaced by imported ideologies. We are talking about ideologies that neither integrate nor respect the European way of living. Tolerance should never mean that we have to abandon the things we cherish. This is not progress. This is surrender. If we don't stand for our own culture and values, who will?

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Savings and Investments Union (debate)

Madam President, the EU Commission's savings and investments union promises piles of gold, but it delivers chains of iron. We cannot escape the fact that this playbook sets the basis for more EU regulation, and more EU involvement in the lives of citizens. Educating people to invest is a good goal, but the devil lies in the details of this paper. The Commission is planning through this tool to push EU-wide pension regulation alongside financial regulation, while trying to channel people's savings into projects that the EU deems worthy, such as climate and green investments. We must bear in mind that the solutions for EU citizens' prosperity lie in the financial decisions of Member States, not in the gold-plated promises of the Commission.

31

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Guidelines for the 2026 budget - Section III (debate)

Mr President, the European Union is facing many challenges, both from outside and within our borders. If we want to provide a safe and competitive Europe for the next generation, we must change our priorities. Our economic competitors are celebrating massive investments into new technologies, while overregulation and high costs keep European companies in a chokehold. The numbers don't lie. Our economic growth has fallen behind. A lot must change. It is time to reconsider ideological green goals, and instead shift our full focus towards creating a mighty Europe that allows our businesses to thrive instead of transferring factories to China. We have to take these steps if we want to ensure our resilience in times of a crisis. And all of my colleagues: look around, the crisis is already here. Let's act accordingly.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Accelerating the phase-out of Russian gas and other Russian energy commodities in the EU (debate)

Mr President, every cent that we spend on Russian oil and natural gas results in the loss of Ukrainian lives. Last week, in a single night, Putin launched over 60 missiles and 200 drones towards Ukraine. These weapons are funded by Russia through the sale of natural resources. If we want to stop Putin's imperialistic regime, we must increase our efforts to completely end our reliance on Russian energy. The only appropriate amount of Russian oil and natural gas in Europe is zero. We have to invest in our energy infrastructure and close every loophole that allows importing of refined Russian oil to Europe through third countries, like India and Türkiye. It is our responsibility to do everything we can so that the brave people of Ukraine can live their lives in peace. Let's cut our reliance on Russia!

12

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Frozen Russian assets (debate)

Mr President, over EUR 200 billion in frozen Russian assets. Assets that could make a real difference on the battlefield. Assets that hold the power of life and death have been gathering dust in European bank vaults for a third year in a row. I ask: what are we waiting for? Last May, more than two years after the war began, Member States agreed to use the profits from these frozen assets for Ukraine's benefit. Even this decision took ages. The decision to use the frozen assets was postponed, waiting for potentially darker days. Now, if ever, is the moment. Europe's slowness is a real threat to our own security. If we truly want to show our support for Ukraine and defend our continent, Russia's frozen assets must be released for Ukraine's use. Tough times call for tough measures.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches FI

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Social and employment aspects of restructuring processes: the need to protect jobs and workers’ rights (debate)

Mr President, workers are a pillar of Europe's success. In many areas, however, the future of workers looks blurry. Massive mistakes made at EU level, for example in the form of a loose immigration policy and an arrogant climate policy, have not been free. Who will pay for these mistakes? Ultimately, a European worker. For example, the European Commission's Green Deal initiative acts as a handbrake for the emergence of new industries in Europe and as a gas for the escape of old industries from Europe. The result is fewer jobs. An effective defence of workers' rights would be to oppose this policy, which has been advocated by left-wing parties in Europe in recent years. However, it does not seem to interest trade unions that have become red-green. But I and many other right-wing conservatives are interested, and that is why I will defend European workers against the insanity of this Chamber.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches FI

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Union of Skills: striving for more and better opportunities to study, train or work in the EU and to bring our talents back home (debate)

Mr President, the skills strategy just presented by the Commission is right that educated citizens are the cornerstone of European competitiveness. People and their skills must be invested in. It is also important that skilled people trained with European taxpayers' money stay in Europe to build their own economies and societies. However, let's take a look at the title of the Commission communication. It speaks of a Union of Skills. This isn't a coincidence. This is a clear choice to try to promote an ever-increasing deepening of the EU and a fledgling towards the federal state. Ladies and gentlemen, it is not and should not be the EU that solves these issues in terms of skills, education, lifelong learning or jobs. Issues relating to education and employment policies are and should be the responsibility of the Member States. Decision-making must remain in national hands.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches FI

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Action Plan for the Automotive Industry (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, you are to be blamed. The European automotive industry has been pushed into crisis with a silly green policy, including overly strict emission regulations. For example, we will not be able to compete with the Chinese industry as long as the additional and over-stretched regulation slows down our investment and disciplines our companies. The automotive industry is a striking example of this. I support the European automotive industry, which is the backbone of our economy and our self-sufficiency: 7% of total EU GDP and jobs for more than 13 million people. Who's a fool who wants this kind of power to go smacking? We need to ensure that the transition to low-emission transport takes place within the limits of our carrying capacity – consumers, industry and society as a whole.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches FI

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European Semester (joint debate)

Mr President, putting the economy in order, cutting it, is not a nice job. When government spending is overexpanded, cutting it means that someone has to be taken away. This is what responsible governments should do. Balance the economy, because debt cannot be taken indefinitely or the bomb explodes into your hands. As our own debt spike begins to stall, many countries have begun to look towards Brussels. What if the indebtedness was managed through the EU and thus through other Member States? This is what I say absolutely no to. Recently, Spain's centre-left government was reportedly asking for a doubling of the EU budget, and that this should be done with the joint debt of the countries. It would be another EU disaster. It's not Brussels' job to take on debt. This is a clear game. Debt collection and control are the responsibility of each Member State.

11

Mar

2025

Speeches FI

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Presentation of the proposal on a new common approach on returns (debate)

Mr President, every year more than 300 000 foreigners who are illegally staying in the EU are ordered to leave. However, only about one-fifth of them can be returned to their countries of origin. The return system is a big joke. Europe is proud of the rule of law and its respect. That is fine, but what principle is it that does not allow the return of those who are illegally present in the country. Improving returns is also a security issue. Migrants, especially from countries in the Middle East and Africa, are clearly overrepresented in crime statistics. When will Europe wake up? Those who have received a negative decision and who have committed serious crimes must be returned without delay. Development aid must be made conditional on countries agreeing to receive their own citizens. Return centres must be located outside the EU. Ladies and gentlemen, let's make this a year of returns.

11

Mar

2025

Speeches FI

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Presentation of the proposal on Critical Medicines Act (CMA) (debate)

Mr President, access to medicines in crises is the lifeblood of the Member States. It has to be certain - hopefully not. The EU is currently pushing for better supply chains for medicines, but there is still work to be done. The beginning of the corona era revealed our weaknesses. The tools needed were in China and the Europeans in panic. The same must not happen again. As with many other things, European factories are the answer. A strong and independent pharmaceutical industry that does not drift east or west. Europe must not be a continent that always waits for help when it is in a bad place. If anything, it's a weakness. And remember, right now is the moment of action. If action is taken as the next crisis unfolds, then it will be too late.

11

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Roadmap for Women`s Rights (debate)

Mr President, one in three women report having experienced physical or sexual violence in the past 12 months. This should be a wake-up call. It begs the question: why have our streets become so unsafe for women? The Finnish police recently published statistics on sex crime rates by nationality. The results are revealing. Compared to Finnish nationals, the rates of sexual offences committed are six times higher for Somalis; ten times higher for Iraqis; 12 times higher for Afghans and Congolese; and as much as 15 times higher for Syrians. Absolutely shocking numbers. Colleagues, let us stand up for our daughters, sisters and wives. Let us make our streets safe again – let's protect our borders from the type of immigration that is harmful.

10

Mar

2025

Speeches FI

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European Social Fund Plus post-2027 (short presentation)

Mr President, 'many cakes are beautiful' is a Finnish proverb. The European Social Fund Plus is just such a cake. The stated aim of the fund is, among other things, to integrate foreign people into our labour market and to promote gender equality. But these can be decided better nationally, because the situation in each society is different. Through the EU, this effort costs taxpayers around EUR 20 billion per year. What have we accomplished with this kind of money? Has anyone outside this building even heard of the existence of such a fund? So when the current Multiannual Financial Framework comes to an end and I am asked what I think is the best possible future for this Social Fund, the answer is very simple: Money for defense.

10

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova (debate)

Madam President, this proposed investment package is a crucial step for Moldova's EU integration. However, Moldova still faces major challenges like poverty and inequality, requiring real development beyond financial figures. These are challenges we must not forget. Yet their greatest threat is Russia. The terrorist state does not only focus on Ukraine. No. They are trying their best to destabilise Moldova, an EU candidate country. This is why our job is to ensure that not a single cent of this facility benefits those who seek to undermine Moldova's sovereignty. While the facility is a positive step, the ultimate goal is to ensure long-term stability and prosperity in the region. Moldova's future lies in Europe, where democracy and security prevail.

10

Mar

2025

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Cutting red tape and simplifying business in the EU: the first Omnibus proposals (debate)

Madam President, companies are the backbone of the European economy. However, Brussels has been shutting off the engine of Europe by being the champion of overregulating. These new Omnibus proposals cut regulation and limit sustainability reporting to major corporations. A small step forward, but nowhere near enough. The real obstacle remains massive climate regulation compared to our competitors. Let's face it, too strict policies are killing our competitiveness and putting jobs at risk. What Europe needs is not endless directives from Brussels, but policies that will give Europe the chance to win. It is time to break the chains of too strict climate regulation, let businesses thrive and restore Europe to the top of the global economy.

12

Feb

2025

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Need for targeted support to EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine (debate)

Madam President, 1 300 km. Imagine that your country would guard the longest EU border against a country that is attacking in Europe. A border that is as long as it is from Tallinn to Vienna. That's what Finland is doing for the security of whole Europe, and with an economy of a population of just 5.5 million people. Let's face it: for Europe, Russia is the single biggest threat. The EU regions bordering Russia are on the front lines. This is not about cohesion. Keeping these regions inhabited and armed is crucial for our security. The border regions need to have infrastructure to ensure military mobility and border protection capabilities. I urge the Commission to create a special instrument to support these regions that are guarding the whole Europe for us.

12

Feb

2025

Speeches FI

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Competitiveness Compass (debate)

Mr President, what is the EU's competitiveness? Well, bad for it. Highly ambitious climate obligations and the EU regulatory tsunami have been driving Europe to the edge of the bog and beyond. The U.S. and China are spending, but what should Europe do in this situation? Well, the salons of this house have even pondered whether GDP, known as the most common measure of the economy, is no longer a viable measure. In this way, the paint poles will be shifted when it becomes clear that the green dreams did not bring the promised massive economic growth. The next solution is to stop looking at GDP figures. Is it time to go back to reality? Europe needs the vibrant traditional industry that has been our strength in the past, and that will also bring about the traditional economic growth that we will be able to cope with, for example, China.