Speeches

Mr President, Commissioner, respect for the rule of law is not just a legal process. It is the pillar on which citizens' trust in institutions, the protection of their rights and the proper functioning of Europe rest. Conscious of the responsibility and importance of the work entrusted to us, we managed, together with the other rapporteurs, to bring a balanced text to the vote. The report stresses that upholding the rule of law across the Union continues to require continued vigilance. On the other hand, however, it recognises the significant progress made on a number of issues. Considering the steps taken as positive, I mention, for example, the reforms that strengthen judicial independence at national level, as well as the measures taken by some Member States to decongest prisons and improve detention conditions. Perhaps some points are particularly critical of the functioning of the rule of law in Hungary, but recent developments with the change of governance I hope will give a new perspective on the level of cooperation for a clear European direction in the country. I think it is worth noting that the text proposes innovative ideas, such as the annual rule of law cycle. This should add value to Parliament's report and strengthen inter-institutional cooperation. Finally, I consider it particularly important that the text incorporates the enlargement dimension of Europe and calls on the accession countries to take ownership of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and highlights the need to respect the fundamental rights of national minorities. The correct application of the rule of law is not a theoretical exercise, it is a political responsibility.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, three years ago Greece experienced the tragedy of Tempi, an accident that shocked the whole country. 57 people, mostly young people, lost their lives. This caused deep sadness but also intense public debate about the efficiency of the state and the functioning of justice. Similar accidents are happening everywhere, with the recent one in Spain. Those who try to exploit the unspeakable pain of an entire society, hoping for micropolitical benefits, offend the memory of the victims. The only substantive debate must concern the completion of the necessary projects for railway safety and justice. Significant interventions have already been made to upgrade safety in the context of the European High-Speed Rail Plan. The procurement of 23 new trains is progressing, while critical infrastructure projects are being implemented without delays. By the end of the summer, the Athens-Thessaloniki axis will be fully operational with telecommand, signalling and automatic braking. At the same time, drivers are trained with modern simulators, and control procedures for security personnel are strengthened. At the same time, justice is proceeding, 36 defendants have been indicted and the trial begins on March 23. The completion of the works and the attribution of responsibilities are acts of respect in the memory of the 57 victims.

Mr President, Greece has recently been implementing an energy portfolio, giving priority to the development of the hydrocarbon sector. This is a plan that starts from the energy agreements signed in Athens, and today the Greek Energy Minister briefed the Council in detail. Greece will immediately proceed with the first exploratory drilling in the Ionian Sea and investigations south of Crete, something that has not happened for 40 years. The agreements between Greek and U.S. gas companies ensure unhindered access of U.S. gas to Ukraine and independence from Russian gas. The activation of the Vertical Corridor with Greece as its central axis serves an area of 100 million Europeans with a significant strategic, energy and commercial footprint. In order to have self-sufficiency and cheaper energy for European citizens, we must move immediately and without obsessions.

Mr President, I believe that the report before us is an important and balanced work that clearly reflects the role and mission of the Committee on Petitions. From the beginning of the process we sought consensus and worked in a spirit of cooperation to find common ground with all the political groups, and indeed all the political groups consented to the final text as tabled – with the Left, among other things, voting for it in the Commission. It is regrettable that some colleagues have once again found the opportunity for petty politics and expediency. Sensitivity to human life is nobody's monopoly. As you well know, accidents happen every day in all countries. I find it unacceptable that such a sensitive issue should be politically exploited. This case has taken the path of justice. Not only does any political interference not help justice and clarification of the case, but it complicates it. I would like to warmly thank the shadow rapporteurs for their constructive cooperation, as well as all the colleagues who tabled amendments and actively contributed to the process. Finally, I would like to stress that the role of the Committee on Petitions is not to divide, but to unite. Be an area of dialogue, democratic participation and trust between citizens and institutions.

Mr President, Commissioner, the annual report on the work of the Committee on Petitions, for which I have the honour of being rapporteur, is not just a stocktaking exercise. It is a mirror of the vibrant relationship of trust and democratic participation that unites European citizens with our Parliament. 2024 was a landmark year for our democracy. Hundreds of millions of Europeans went to the polls and elected the new European Parliament. At the same time, 1,518 citizens and residents of the Union exercised another fundamental right, the right to petition, an increase of almost 20% in just two years. Behind each number is a voice, a concern, a demand for justice. The petitions we received cover a wide range of topics, from the protection of fundamental rights and the environment to health, the rights of persons with disabilities and the rule of law. These voices remind us why the Committee on Petitions exists: to respond to citizens, detect breaches of European law, increase transparency and accountability, foster democratic participation and bring Europe closer to its people. However, our report shows that we still have a long way to go. For example, there is a clear need to better inform citizens about the competences of the Union and our Commission, and the overall number of petitions remains low in relation to the population of the European Union. This means that we need to step up our efforts so that citizens are aware not only of their rights, to submit petitions, but also of the power of this tool: Solve the issues that concern them. The answer lies in a communication that is more accessible and understandable, with simpler language and targeted actions, especially towards young people and those living in remote or island regions. The same applies to European citizens living outside the borders of the Union, particularly in the accession countries. It is important to know that they can send reports and feel Europe close to them. At the same time, the success of the process depends on enhanced cooperation between European institutions and national, regional and local authorities. Only through effective coordination can we effectively address citizens' concerns and ensure proper follow-up of petitions. Our Commission has been at the forefront of the petitions process for years. But we can improve it even more with a better and friendlier digital platform and by leveraging artificial intelligence for easier research and better access for all. Dear colleagues, petitions are not just documents. These are the stories and concerns of our citizens. These are the challenges that call for us to become better legislators and provide solutions that improve their daily lives. The report before us reflects this mission. I therefore call on you to vote for it – not as a formality, but as a clear commitment that we will continue to listen to citizens’ voices and defend their rights.

Madam President, Commissioner, the revision of the visa suspension mechanism gives Europe a stronger tool to protect itself from the instrumentalisation of human suffering and illegal immigration. It allows us to suspend visa waivers for third countries faster, when they do not respect the rules, when there are security risks or when migration flows increase significantly. However, we must be honest. The mechanism is useful, but it is obvious that it is not enough on its own. It must be accompanied by effective border protection and the immediate return of those who are not entitled to asylum. Without effective returns it is not possible to effectively manage the problem. Dear colleagues, there are no easy solutions. It takes a whole plan and consistency. Migration is not just a humanitarian challenge. It is primarily a matter of national sovereignty, security and social cohesion. Europe must protect its external borders, because without borders there is no European Union. Frontline countries, such as Greece, cannot shoulder a continent-wide burden alone. We need a policy that clearly distinguishes between the real refugee and the illegal immigrant, so that we do not become victims of smugglers. We must effectively support the local communities that bear the burden without having any responsibility. Solidarity does not mean tolerance for lawlessness. Humanity does not mean giving up security. Europe needs to stay welcoming but also strong.

Madam President, we need simpler funding and control procedures for beneficiaries. A citizen in the border region of Kastelorizo must have the same opportunities as a citizen in Brussels. This is the clear message that we must send in the report on the simplification of the Cohesion Funds, also following the European Commission's communications on the new budget post-2027. We need to give more support to the authorities in the islands and remote areas, which find it difficult to absorb European funds for objective reasons and without their own responsibility. Obstacles limiting this absorption need to be addressed. That is why the text we are voting on tomorrow stresses the need to strengthen the capacity of local and regional authorities through the creation of a permanent support network so that they can make effective use of the funds available. We also call for more support for project design and preparation to enhance competitiveness and leverage public and private sector resources. At the same time, aware of the liquidity problems, we call for an increase in pre-financing to implement cohesion projects, especially in rural, cross-border and island regions. Finally, ladies and gentlemen, we need more than ever an effective cohesion policy with simple and targeted funds that stand by the local and regional authority, by the business, by the citizen.

Mr President, an alarming incident has recently occurred in the Thracian Sea. There, Greek fishermen were subjected to numerous ramming attempts and even shots by Turkish fishing boats. This is not just an unacceptable act of intimidation against ordinary sea workers. This is an open and dangerous challenge to security and legitimacy at Europe's maritime borders. The presence of Greek fishermen in the Aegean Sea is not just a professional activity, it is an act of daily defense of our national sovereignty, it is the foundation of life and cohesion for our border regions. As Europe, therefore, especially since Turkey does not seem willing to fight such phenomena, we must in practice show everyone that our Europe is not an unprotected state. The maritime borders of Greece are the eastern borders of the European Union and these borders are neither threatened nor contested.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, protecting Christian populations in Syria is not just a humanitarian task. It is a question of geopolitical stability, cultural identity and European values. The European Union must clearly stand with the Christians of the East, who have been an integral part of the culture of the region for centuries and are now threatened with extinction. The European Union must act on four fronts. First, international recognition of the targeted violence they have suffered and the inclusion of protection clauses in any negotiations on post-war Syria is needed. Secondly, the European Union's humanitarian and development aid must be directed in terms of supporting those who respect freedoms, customs and tradition. Third, safe zones and monitoring mechanisms are needed for endangered communities in Homs, Aleppo, Malula and elsewhere. And finally, to ensure the right of return of displaced persons and support for the diaspora. The European Union must integrate the protection of Christian populations in Syria as a firm political choice. He must not remain a spectator in the annihilation of Christianity.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, protecting Christian populations in Syria is not just a humanitarian task. It is a question of geopolitical stability, cultural identity and European values. The European Union must clearly stand with the Christians of the East, who have been an integral part of the culture of the region for centuries and are now threatened with extinction. The European Union must act on four fronts. First, international recognition of the targeted violence they have suffered and the inclusion of protection clauses in any negotiations on post-war Syria is needed. Secondly, the European Union's humanitarian and development aid must be directed in terms of supporting those who respect freedoms, customs and tradition. Third, safe zones and monitoring mechanisms are needed for endangered communities in Homs, Aleppo, Malula and elsewhere. And finally, to ensure the right of return of displaced persons and support for the diaspora. The European Union must integrate the protection of Christian populations in Syria as a firm political choice. He must not remain a spectator in the annihilation of Christianity.

Madam President, Commissioner, the report we are debating today is beautifying, rather than presenting the real situation in Albania. I would like to highlight the following points. The population census was questioned as to the method and results of 8 out of 9 recognised national minorities. The much-discussed judicial reform has failed due to the continuous interventionism of the Albanian government. A few hours ago, the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr Gonzato, denounced another intervention by the Albanian Prime Minister. In the latest elections, OSCE and European Union observer reports point to political pressure on voters, media manipulation, interference by organised crime in the electoral process and suspicious sources of funding. In Albania only 50% of the properties have been returned to the legal beneficiaries, while in the municipalities of the Greek national minority only 20%. The self-determination law remains intentionally unenforceable. Finally, according to the Governor of the Bank of Albania, 4 billion euros are circulating outside the banking system in a country with a GDP of only 27 billion. If we continue to ignore this reality, we are reinforcing Euroscepticism. And this is the last thing Albania and Europe need.

Madam President, first of all I would like to congratulate Commissioner Kadis on the European Ocean Plan. Today's debate takes place just one week after the 3rd relevant UN Conference. There, Greece's prime minister pledged to protect the marine environment. First, by ratifying the Agreement on Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Secondly, with the creation of two new national marine parks in the Ionian and Southern Cyclades, which aim to increase marine protected areas before 2030 – which was our country’s initial obligation. In addition, a strict ban on trawlers will enter into force in these areas. The 30×30 commitment, the protection of our oceans and the safety of the seas is not just an ambitious idea but works and deeds. After all, this is illustrated by the fact that European fishermen themselves embrace initiatives that protect fish stocks and help increase catches. Greece is leading the way for a sustainable future.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome the Commission's initiative on the European Ocean Pact. Strengthening our policies in this area is key, not only from an environmental point of view, but also from an economic and demographic point of view. As stated in the Council conclusions of 20 March, maintaining healthy and sustainable seas is vital for islands and coastal areas, since a large part of the local economy, whether through fisheries or tourism, relies on the sea. But we must be very careful that this pact does not create new restrictions and obstacles for the permanent inhabitants of our island regions. This would condemn them to economic decline. We owe it to future generations to invest in a competitive blue economy, as well as in boosting research, innovation and investment in the maritime sector, thereby breathing life into Europe's islands and coastal regions.

Mr President, the islands of the Cyclades are affected by yet another intense natural phenomenon. The seismic activity has led to the proper mobilization of the state apparatus by the Greek government. At the same time, however, there is a greater need than ever to strengthen European prevention tools. Local and regional authorities need financial support to finance studies and projects to better prepare Europe's island and remote regions to deal with extreme natural conditions. I call on the Commission and all colleagues, in planning the new programming period, to strengthen and simplify the Solidarity Fund so that the affected areas can be immediately compensated. Provision must also be made to support the local economy, which also receives the shocks of such phenomena. Only in this way will we be able to discuss our operational readiness and look to the future with confidence.

Mr President, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights makes it clear that everyone has the right to dignity and justice. But what dignity, what justice is there for those whose fate remains unknown? I want to focus on two states, Cyprus, where fifty years after the Turkish invasion, thousands of families are looking for their relatives, and Albania, where about 6,000 people who were lost during the communist atrocity are still missing. The same phenomenon has been observed in other countries. We therefore have a moral and political responsibility to help redress this injustice. The European Parliament in 2015 took the first step by adopting a resolution on mass graves of missing persons in the village of Ornithi, in the occupied part of Cyprus. It's time to do it again. Because behind every missing person there is a family, a story and endless pain. Behind every truth that does not come to light are our own responsibilities.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, financing physical border protection infrastructure is a proven solution. In my country the most effective means of preventing illegal crossings is the Evros fence. Firstly, because it shields the borders of Greece and the Union. Second, because it protected Greece and Europe from Turkey's attempt to instrumentalize migration. Thirdly, it pushes migrants to the legal pathways of entry and protects the rights of all those who face the pressures of migration on a daily basis. These are the European citizens of Evros. They are the ones who carry much more weight over time than all of us. It's more important than ever to show them that they're not alone. The debate on immigration is always ideologically charged, because it has to do with the protection of individual rights and freedoms, not only of immigrants but also of the citizens of our Union. In the previous parliamentary term we did not allow the obsessions of some to erode the policies of border guarding. We have to do the same now. The continuation of funding is one of the actions that clarifies Europe's determination towards the new era.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the European Union-Western Balkans Summit is a good opportunity to discuss the speed and conditions under which this necessary enlargement will proceed. First of all, it must not be done with Cold War logic, that is, we must not extend a hand of friendship to states, just so that they do not succumb to pressure from countries such as Russia. If the quality of democracy and political stability has not reached a satisfactory level, these countries may, as Member States, re-emerge syndromes and pathologies of their history. It is also imperative that we do not make concessions on rule of law issues. The imprisonment of opposition leaders in Albania on the eve of elections is indicative of how the instrumentalisation of justice can turn a democratic regime into an authoritarian regime. The disregard of these conditions for political expediency is perceived by some of the public opinion of these countries as support for specific governments and creates anti-European reflexes. This is something that must be avoided.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I took the floor to speak on the burning issue of immigration. This is obviously not the first time it has been heard in this room. However, this is perhaps the first time that Europe has faced so many uncertainties at the same time. I am sure we all agree that the fall of Assad's authoritarian regime must be combined with a smooth transition of power that will ensure the territorial integrity of the country and respect for the ethnic and religious communities there. In this context, Europe needs to prepare on two levels. Creating conditions that, on the one hand, prevent new migratory flows and, on the other hand, enhance the voluntary return to Syria. I represent one of the countries that immediately suspended the examination of asylum claims by Syrians and we hope that in the future Europe will also have a quicker reflex. Europe has proved that it has rules. Let us prove that they are there to be respected and it is in the interest of its peoples.

Madam President, in the run-up to the election of the new European Ombudsman, it is very important that we agree on the safeguards that should govern his action. Firstly, not to make concessions on issues of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, even when these concern states on the path to accession. There are no discounts on these issues. In my own adventure, unfortunately, this sensitivity never appeared. Secondly, it must not succumb to pressure based on unchecked rights and must not be instrumentalised in the name of civil society. Especially when it comes to immigration, that's what happened. It can't happen again. So far what we are seeing has been a targeting of specific Member States under legal pretexts and without substantive elements. As an institution, therefore, the European Ombudsman must act on the basis of his mandate, impartially and independently. As a guarantor of the legitimacy and credibility of our Union.

Mr President, today I would like to refer to artificial intelligence models. I realise that Europe is becoming less competitive and is ready to lose a key element of innovation in artificial intelligence, especially in open models. Open-source AI models have the potential to increase productivity, spur scientific research and add hundreds of billions of euros to the European economy. Open models ensure access and freedom in many areas, such as medicine, education, public administration and new businesses, giving access to tools that they could not build or buy. Without these advances, the development of artificial intelligence will happen elsewhere, depriving Europeans of the technological advances enjoyed by the US, China and India. To avoid this, we need quick and clear decisions that allow the use of European data for the benefit of European citizens. Our Union must be at the forefront of ideas but also of innovation.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, local government is the most direct channel of communication we have with European societies. After all, it is our cities and regions that are called upon to align themselves with the policies that we and they are implementing. But local government is also one of the main pillars of the temporary transition in our effort to achieve the goal of zero emissions by 2050, a transition that is just, sustainable and visible in the everyday life of the citizen. Therefore, we must support it with all our strength and with all available resources. Today we have set the bar high for our climate ambitions and we must pass it without injuring the productive and business fabric of our countries. At the same time, however, we as Europe must "put our hand in our pockets" and modernise local government infrastructure where needed. It is also important to achieve the working autonomy of communities, especially island and remote areas, and their full digital transformation. We must not forget that our debt is not to the institutions, but to the European citizens. They must be the ultimate beneficiaries of our policies. So we'll plan with them for them.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to share with you a beautiful initiative in Greece and specifically in Fourna, Evritania, a Greek village where the Municipality, the Region and the Church work together harmoniously, offering a better life to members of young families with the aim of persuading them to settle in their homeland. I want to tell you that it is precisely these small victories that we must look for in the face of the demographic crisis; That is to say, the battles that are being fought individually, so that the European countryside is not "quenched". Let's also look at the big picture. Immediate resumption of the European periphery is necessary. We will achieve this by building on successful policies and a proper restructuring of the European budget. Europe should not return to the different speeds at which the demographic problem spreads across the 27 Member States, but should finance actions with the same intensity and provide substantial incentives. In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, we must ensure that our regions and islands do not feel isolated. Each dot on the European map that we link to another, is automatically a great conquest towards our common goal: Let's breathe life back into our continent.