Speeches

As the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches, it will not hurt to remember that on the day of Putin's attack, many feared that Kiev and the whole of Ukraine would fall within three days. Russia's aggressors failed to defeat Ukraine after three years. The myth of the all-powerful and invincible Russian army has fallen. Thanks to the will of Ukrainians for national freedom, thanks to the unprecedented help of many states that are on their side, including my home country of the Czech Republic. It's logical that we're all tired of the war effort. The victims of the Ukrainian people are enormous. But let us not allow Munich 1938 to repeat itself, and Ukraine to be forced into a disadvantageous peace. Let us seek a ceasefire, but not behind the backs of the Ukrainians. Let's not accept any ceasefire lines as permanent boundaries. And most importantly, do not lift the sanctions, because Russia will not cease to be aggressive even after the cessation of the fighting. In my country, we know our own business.

Madam President, Commissioner, the Draghi report correctly named where we slept and offered a solution. Unfortunately, even the good one has not always come to the right end, and somewhere we are still waiting for what and when it will come. For example, simplifying legislation, one of the Commission's flagships. Something's been strangled, something's been fixed, but it's still a hell of a lot. We need you to take the machete and the jungle of European laws and cut through unnecessary duties properly and not let what doesn't belong there grow back in it. The single market is fundamental and it is depressing to see that the Commission and the Member States still do not have the courage to make full use of it. The data shows that we grew the most at a time when we were unmercifully breaking down obstacles. Let's finally go back to the future, one that allows free enterprise and trade, innovation and a sensible approach to energy and climate protection. This is the only way to be not only successful, but also respected.

Madam President, Commissioner, not only I am eagerly awaiting the proposal for the 28th regime, but mainly our business - start-ups and innovative companies. Although I think that it should be open to all companies that want to use it, whether they are small or large, whatever their field of activity. And it should also be easy to switch companies from national mode to 28th mode and back again. This must also not be the case, as usual, with national specificities. The EU-28 must be operational and truly uniform across the EU, regardless of the country of registration. Therefore, in this case – as a conservative atypically – I prefer a regulation, not a directive. The digitalisation of all steps of registration and functioning could also advance the general standard for doing business in all Member States. What I am not sure about is tax harmonisation. They should remain in national competence. Commissioner, you know what to do, so don't mess it up.

Mr President, Commissioner, we are building a roof again without laying the foundations. We want to use sustainable aviation and marine fuels on a large scale, but the infrastructure for their production and distribution remains on paper. So mandatory fuel shares in a situation where there is not enough capacity or reasonable alternatives will have negative impacts. Tickets will become more expensive, transport will become more expensive, logistics will become more expensive, and everyone will feel it on their wallets. Not to mention that the competitiveness of European airlines will be further reduced and their global competitors will only laugh. A meaningful climate policy does not mean subsidising, but creating the right conditions. If we fail to do so, there will be chaos and an outflow of traffic outside the EU.

Mr President, the Russian aggression in Ukraine has been going on for 1,337 days. That is why it seems absolutely incredible to me that some countries have so far done nothing at all to withdraw from Russian energy sources and thus indirectly finance the war against our friend. On the contrary, I am proud that the government of my country, the Czech Republic, has cut itself off from Russian gas and oil. What should we do now? Approve REPowerEU as soon as possible. Second, seal all holes for illegal imports, including the shadow fleet. Thirdly and most importantly, mentally accept that even after the – hopefully – early end of the conflict, Russia will not cease to be a threat to us. Translated into plain language: The withdrawal from Russian sources must be definitive and permanent.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, for three and a half years now, Ukraine has been valiantly resisting a Russian invasion aimed at destroying its sovereignty, freedom and democracy and making it an obedient Putin satellite. Unfortunately, the experience so far shows that Putin does not want real peace. Let us, of course, give the negotiations initiated by Donald Trump a chance, but the first thing Russia should do is stop fighting immediately. We stand firmly behind Ukraine, so the terms of any peace agreement must be acceptable mainly to Ukraine itself. In Ukraine, there is a struggle not only for what Ukraine will have, but for how far Russia will go. If we abandon it and leave it to the aggressor, it's only a matter of time before Russian tanks cross NATO's borders. Russia has always been a force, not a force. appeasement. That is why we need a strong military not only in Ukraine, but also in Europe within NATO.

Mr President, Commissioner, enlargement is not only our internal problem, but it also has a geopolitical dimension. We are currently talking about Ukraine, Moldova, but the Western Balkans have been in the waiting room for quite some time. If we now get caught up in endless debates about what we should do and change internally in the EU, we will miss what is essential. Let us recall the years of debate on the European Constitution, on the Treaty of Lisbon. We've been running for about six years. Meanwhile, countries that are interested in joining may lose that interest. At the same time, the European Union may collapse from within, because if we put too much pressure on federalization, some states will want to get out, as happened in the case of Great Britain. And I think that's a scenario none of us want.

Mr President, Commissioner, the automotive sector is at a crossroads, we all know that. On the issue of fines, we managed to pull the emergency brake, but that is not enough. For more than a year we have been calling for a thorough review of the entire automotive legislation. I hope you realize how important this is. You can't just talk to the car industry, but you also have to listen to what it tells you. First of all, just throw a senseless ban on the production of cars with internal combustion engines in the trash. Second, adjust not only the emission target for 2035, but also for 2030. Third, open the door to technological neutrality, hybrids, synthetic fuels and advanced biofuels. Fourthly, kick-start the real development of hydrogen in the EU so that it can also be used effectively in transport. Fifth, and most importantly, ask people what they really want. Give them the freedom to buy a car without ruining it. Commissioner, take your blinders off your eyes. Start working for the benefit of our citizens, for the benefit of our industry.

Madam President, Commissioner, the single market is the most valuable thing we have in the European Union, but we must also take good care of it. In the meantime, we treat him as a child, punishing him in good faith that we will raise him. That's wrong, and it shows how it's getting back at us. Four freedoms are self-evident mantras, but they don't really work. With the digital internal market in particular, we meant well and it turned out as always. We need to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, we need to break down barriers, we need to break down unnecessary obligations and regulations. And there's no need to always invent a bike. We're inspired by how they do it elsewhere. If we want the Single Market to really work, let's work on it together without unnecessary talk and, most importantly, right now!

Mr President, Commissioner, six months ago you all called on Draghi here, but since then, unfortunately, competitiveness has become an empty concept. The Commission must take steps that will lead to real help for business, including lowering energy prices, and not those that tighten the screws further. Climate target 2040 will not help us, on the contrary, I say it openly. Of course, when it comes to clean technologies, they have huge potential, but if we don't change course, it will be a lost opportunity. Our companies know best what to do and how to do it. They can bring innovation. But they need an environment where sticks are not thrown under their feet. We have much more to cut through the thicket of regulations and unnecessary obligations. Otherwise, there will be no clean tech industry in Europe. Or it will come, and then it will run away, and a place Clean Deal We will have Chinese Deal. And I really don't want that.

Mr President, Commissioner, six months ago you all called on Draghi here, but since then, unfortunately, competitiveness has become an empty concept. The Commission must take steps that will lead to real help for business, including lowering energy prices, and not those that tighten the screws further. Climate target 2040 will not help us, on the contrary, I say it openly. Of course, when it comes to clean technologies, they have huge potential, but if we don't change course, it will be a lost opportunity. Our companies know best what to do and how to do it. They can bring innovation. But they need an environment where sticks are not thrown under their feet. We have much more to cut through the thicket of regulations and unnecessary obligations. Otherwise, there will be no clean tech industry in Europe. Or it will come, and then it will run away, and a place Clean Deal We will have Chinese Deal. And I really don't want that.

Mr President, Commissioner, in the last 5 years only energy resources have been discussed in the European Union. We talked about which is clean, which is dirty, how long it will be here with us, but too much bet on one card, on renewables and, most importantly, we forgot that we also need robust, secure and interconnected networks that will help prevent blackout. I would like to thank the rapporteur, my colleague Anna Stürgkh, for her excellent moderation of the work on the compromise, which we will be voting on tomorrow. Commissioner, if the Commission comes up with concrete proposals for electricity grids already this year, you will find a number of things in the report that you should take into account. I will mention two points that I consider crucial. First, technological neutrality. While connecting smaller renewables is a major challenge, we must ensure a technology-neutral approach to electricity generation. We just can't do without it. Second, the money. The modernisation and construction of electricity networks will require massive public and private investment, so it is essential that we increase support from the energy part of the CEF programme, mainly for cross-border interconnections. We have been talking about a big debate on the new Multiannual Financial Framework, so I hope you, as the Commission, have made sufficient remarks.

Mr President, Commissioner, I may surprise you, but I am glad that the Commission has finally come up with a plan to end energy imports from Russia, and I believe that legislation will follow soon. But there is one big BUT, and I mean diversification. This is a necessary condition for all of our next steps. When it comes to natural gas, I am mainly talking about diversification through LNG or alternative pipelines. As for oil, I am proud that my home country, the Czech Republic, has recently completely cut off Russian oil supplies thanks to the TAL-PLUS project. However, it can be more difficult with nuclear fuel. My country is one of those countries that still has old Soviet reactors. That is why we must work together to be completely independent in nuclear energy in the near future, because if we as the European Union want to decarbonise, at least there is still agreement on this, we will not be able to do it without nuclear energy.

Mr President, Commissioner, the gas crisis caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine has made it clear that we need to secure sufficient supplies before the heating season so that we do not freeze in the winter. At the same time, we also need gas at a reasonable price. It is therefore a good thing that we have broken down the intermediate targets for filling trays. This will give Member States sufficient security of supply, sufficient flexibility in terms of time and percentages, especially if market conditions are not favourable. I am convinced that the wider use of joint purchases through the instrument could further reduce prices AggregateEU. The good news for the upcoming negotiations with the Council is that our positions are not too distant. I therefore congratulate the rapporteur and thank all my colleagues for their excellent cooperation.

Mr President, dear colleagues, the targeted amendment to Regulation (EU) 2019/631, published on 1 April, introduces urgently needed compliance flexibility for manufacturers of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles for the next few years. It allows manufacturers to average fleet CO2 emissions over a longer period rather than annually. In light of the relevance of the amendment and the need to provide immediate solutions to the needs of the European automotive sector, the ECR Group calls for the application of the urgent procedure under Rule 170(6), and the swift adoption and implementation of the proposal.

Mr President, Commissioner, I think I'm going to say something that you wouldn't expect from a conservative, but I'm going to say it: Europe cannot afford to slow down, because at a time of economic uncertainty and security threats, a strong transport infrastructure is not only key to prosperity, but also to defence and geopolitical position. High-speed rail, as a key element of the trans-European transport network, strengthens Europe's mobility, trade and defence. The Czech Republic lies in the heart of Europe and it is true that without a strong Central European node, the entire transport network remains incomplete. What do we need? Of course, money, faster construction and less bureaucracy. We must also be able to use the CEF effectively in the next programming period, because any delay means higher costs. That is why I repeat again: it does not slow down, but we invest in a strong, modern, safe transport network. This is a necessary condition not only for our competitiveness, but also for our security.

Madam President, Commissioner, steel is a strategic raw material, we do not need to remember that here. It is necessary not only for the green transition, but also for the completion of the defence capabilities that we urgently need. The European steel industry must therefore not remain stuck in a corner. I will mention two elements that I consider important in the action plan. The first thing – scrap. A valuable raw material that we export senselessly and massively outside the European Union. The Commission rightly attaches importance to it, but it plans to come up with the most effective actions later. I do not understand why, Commissioner, you should take these steps immediately. The second case – the ETS boulder. I see some positive measures, but I don't know if the CBAM will work at all. We need certainty at least here. Therefore, Commissioner, once again, guide the price of allowances into a reasonable corridor, because if they are in a reasonable corridor, then not only will we lower the price of electricity, but we will also incentivise steelmakers to actually decarbonise.

Madam colleague, if you know, the Czech Government is working on other matters concerning Green DealSpeaking of the automotive industry. As far as the ETS is concerned, we are developing initiatives that will lead at least to the postponement of ETS2 by a year or two. As for the other things I've been talking about here, I'm in contact with people who have something to say in the Council, they listen to me and it's a bit of a longer run. But don't worry, we're working on it.

Mr President, I may start out surprisingly positively. I appreciate three things about the action plan we're discussing here today. Firstly, to strengthen networks; secondly, to speed up permitting processes; and thirdly, to include the core. But this is all a long run, and we need to look for faster ways to lower energy prices. And the Commission must stop alibiistically giving up the most effective weapons in its hands. I am referring to the EU ETS. The price of allowances flies up and down, while it would be enough to exclude traffickers from trading and thanks to the reserve keep the price below a reasonable ceiling. This is also linked to the fact that the Commission must stop shifting the financial burden to the Member States. If it regulates, it must also give money. Member States are facing tight budgets and the currently discussed need to increase defence spending. Well and last but not least – nuclear energy must be on an equal footing with other low-carbon sources. We need to change the taxonomy.

Madam President, Commissioner, I am glad that you are devoting a special action plan to the automotive industry. There are a number of good steps for the future, such as the emphasis on autonomous driving or battery production in Europe. On the key issue of fines, however, you came to the industry to help only half the gas. Give him five years, as required by ACEA, which aggregates the attitudes of all European automakers. Then there is the revision of the CO legislation.2 from the cars. If you start working today, you can send us not only a report but also a legislative proposal by the end of the year. Goal 2035 is critical and makes absolutely no sense. We need technology neutrality and affordable cars that people will want to buy. And you've completely forgotten about trucks. We also need a review this year.

Madam President, I am sorry, but the Clean Industry Agreement shows that the Commission is still on the old tracks that lead to the "open-air museum" destination. Yes, the document also contains some positive measures, but it does not address the real causes of the crisis in European industry, making it difficult to increase its competitiveness. Perhaps because the Commission insists on a commitment to reduce CO2 emissions2 90% by 2040, without knowing what the situation will look like in 2030. I therefore call on the Commission to address, as a matter of priority, the problem called the ETS. ETS1 must be more predictable and ETS2 must be postponed for at least two years. But what we need the most is cheap energy for our companies. We will see what concrete legislative proposals will look like, but so far I see the Clean Industrial Deal as a much missed opportunity.