Speeches

Madam President, dear colleagues, we are facing a dangerous partnership between two authoritarian regimes that threaten global stability. By supplying weapons, as well as deploying thousands of soldiers to help Russia's war in Ukraine, North Korea is strengthening its military capacities. Increased bilateral, financial and technical support will also boost its nuclear weapons programme. Meanwhile, the people of North Korea are suffering terribly. While its leaders focus on war and weapons, millions in the country are struggling with hunger and oppression. North Korea was a potential threat for global security for years. Now it is becoming a reality. As defenders of democracy, we must act. We need a better sanction framework with real accountability and visions.

Madam President, Prime Minister, in just three months, your presidency has revealed your true vision for Europe. You began by hijacking the presidency for a grandstanding trip to Moscow, pretending to seek peace while playing into the hands of Russian propaganda. Here we are, 66 days later, and Mr Putin still continues to bombard and occupy Ukrainian territory. You then push through doubtful visa policies for Russian citizens – bypassing essential security measures – at a time when Europe faces an escalating threat of Russian sabotage and espionage. Now your close collaborators are even revising historical memory in Central Europe. A country that, like mine, saw Russian tanks rolling through the streets, now suggests that defending freedom is a mistake. This is profoundly disappointing given Hungary's history of resisting oppression. Today I heard no real vision on competitiveness or security. You always say you are a man of action, yet all you gave us is a list of meetings your presidency will organise. Is this your way to make Europe great again? The young, pro-Western and reform-minded politician you once were would be ashamed to see what you have become today.

Madam President, dear colleagues, today my thoughts are with all the mayors of our cities and towns who are now facing these catastrophe. Floods have damaged roads, flooded homes and destroyed essential infrastructure. In Hanušovice, Opava and Jeseník, and in the cities in Poland, Romania, in Austria and Hungary, people desperately need help. A quick operational response is not enough. People need the assurance that they will have the financial support to rebuild their communities and homes. The Member States will, of course offer the help, but the help must also come from the EU. Unfortunately, this help doesn't come quickly enough, mainly due to administrative procedures. The current system is too complex. How can we justify to citizens that they have to wait for months before the European Solidarity Fund releases the necessary resources? They need concrete help, now. Europe must prove that solidarity is more than just a word. Millions of desperate people are counting on the action, on real help. I urge the European Commission to streamline and expedite the process of releasing the funds. People in crisis cannot afford to wait. Any delay undermines the trust of our citizens, not just in the state institutions, but in the European Union itself.