Speeches

Mr President, Mr Vice-President of the Commission, barriers within the European Union's single market are equivalent to tariffs of 45% for manufacturing and 110% for services. The numbers are revealing and remind us in which direction we need to move. That is why I am pleased that the resolution we have in our hands makes specific reference to geographical and territorial constraints, which reduce the purchasing power of European citizens and affect small and medium-sized enterprises. It is an issue that many colleagues have pointed out, calling for measures. It is unacceptable that, in a single market, some multinational companies take advantage of their position in order to charge extremely different prices for the same products, depending on the size of the market and to the detriment of consumers. In view of the Single Market Strategy, we are waiting for the legislative proposal to put an end to these practices. Secondly, even more ambitious measures are needed to simplify the rules and reduce the administrative burden faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. Cutting red tape by 35% is an absolute necessity. Thirdly, despite the fact that the Union has the most robust consumer protection framework, only 28% are well aware of their rights. And finally, we need to strengthen the implementation of the digital legislative framework with coordinated controls by the relevant services and better cooperation between them, to ensure that the legislation is implemented in practice.

Madam President, Commissioner, the scarcity and poor quality of water resources affects 20% of European territory and 30% of the population, while only 37% of surface water on our continent is in good or very good condition. The water problem is even bigger for Mediterranean countries, such as Greece. Water resilience requires a holistic approach and concrete solutions. Europe-wide water networks need modernisation to ensure water supply for citizens, agricultural production, industry. Unfortunately, there is very little available €13 billion from cohesion funds for water management in 2021-2027. The next multiannual budget needs to include sufficient resources to modernise these infrastructures. Secondly, we need to make better use of innovation and technology to prevent and address leaks. Thirdly, we need concrete actions to assess the severity of pollution risks, droughts, measure impacts and prevent future risks. Finally, we need to give more support to farmers, in recognition of their significant efforts to improve water quality, alongside their daily efforts to provide us with quality agricultural products. Water is not just a natural resource. It is a foundation for public health, agricultural production and life itself. It is imperative, therefore, to formulate a strategy that does not stay in words, but invests in prevention, innovation, resilience.

Mr President, first of all, I would like to thank my colleagues for their vote. According to Rule 60(4), I request the referral back for interinstitutional negotiations.

Madam President, with the third legislative text of the 'one substance, one assessment' package, we are taking an essential complementary regulatory step towards improving the safety of chemicals, protecting the environment and strengthening the competitiveness of European industry. This proposal is a milestone to ensure harmonised and science-based assessments, as well as effective cooperation between European agencies dealing with chemicals. One of the key points of this regulation is harmonisation in the management and evaluation of chemicals between different European organisations. By simplifying procedures and eliminating unnecessary duplication, we can increase efficiency, enhance predictability and reduce administrative burden. This will not only benefit the citizens of the European Union by ensuring higher security standards, but will also help businesses by providing greater clarity and stability in administrative procedures. However, in the process of redefining responsibilities, we must ensure that no single organisation, such as ECHA, is burdened with additional excessive responsibilities. The redistribution of responsibilities between the different agencies should be balanced, taking into account the specificity and individual tasks assigned to them. This will maintain scientific excellence while preventing delays in evaluations and decision-making. Under this proposal, we agreed that in case of significant scientific divergences in opinions, especially when a national authority is involved, there must be a structured cooperation mechanism. European agencies and national authorities should be obliged to cooperate either by resolving their disputes or by publishing a joint document clarifying scientific uncertainties. Transparency must be at the heart of this process, ensuring that all relevant scientific discussions are public and accessible. In cases where discrepancies are identified and additional information is required, it is crucial to define a clear procedure and realistic time frames for providing the necessary data. Ladies and gentlemen, this regulation is an important step towards a more coherent, effective, predictable and science-based chemicals policy in the European Union. It enhances cooperation between relevant organisations, ensures a fair distribution of their competences, and promotes transparency and public trust in the decision-making process. I urge you to support this regulation, too, to further strengthen our regulatory framework for the safety of chemicals, to protect public health and the environment, and to provide businesses with a clearer and more predictable regulatory environment.

Madam President, tomorrow we are voting, ladies and gentlemen, for a crucial directive that will significantly strengthen the role of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in ensuring the safe management of chemicals in the European Union. The redefinition of scientific and technical responsibilities is a step towards greater efficiency, transparency and scientific validity in chemical assessments and management to match our ambition for a safer and more competitive Europe. I believe that you share my view that ECHA needs a basic operating regulation to ensure its suitability and ability to deliver on the European Union’s objectives of safe management of chemicals, public health and environmental protection, while supporting the competitiveness of industry. A clear legal framework will allow the Agency to smoothly and effectively integrate its new and expanded competences. However, we must recognise the significant impact that this reform will have on the functioning of ECHA. Its responsibilities will need to be restructured so that it can manage the increased workload without compromising the quality, accuracy and timely completion of the evaluations of the Scientific Committees it supervises. The success of this initiative depends on careful planning and adequate resources. That is why, in the compromise proposal we have agreed, we are extending the transitional adjustment period to 18 months instead of the 12 months originally envisaged in the Commission's proposal. This adaptation is particularly important as no financial and human resources are yet available for ECHA’s additional responsibilities, until the adoption and entry into force of the legal text. A longer transition period will allow the Agency to gradually adapt, avoid turbulence and maintain high-quality assessments. In addition, the Commission should regularly monitor ECHA’s workload and resources. Given the additional responsibilities conferred on it through this proposal, it is necessary for the Commission to assess the needs of the Agency and, where necessary, propose legislative measures to adapt its resources and improve the governance of its scientific committees, ensuring its effective functioning. Dear colleagues, this proposal, after very intensive consultation, has received broad support from the political groups, represents a well-balanced and sustainable solution for the future, and provides a clear framework for ECHA's expanded role in the regulatory framework for chemicals in the EU. By improving the decision-making process, strengthening the regulatory framework and implementing adequate transitional measures, we safeguard public health, protect citizens and the environment, and at the same time support the competitiveness of European industry. I therefore call on you to support this proposal as part of the 'one substance, one assessment' package.

Madam President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, the 'one substance, one assessment' approach, comprising three legislative reports, is not just a technical reform; it is a fundamental shift in how we assess chemical safety. This approach ensures faster and more effective protection for our citizens and the environment, while supporting industry innovation and competitiveness. It constitutes a significant step towards a stronger, more transparent and more efficient chemicals policy in the EU. These three pieces of legislation will ensure that the relevant regulatory actions will be faster, simpler and more transparent. They will increase the predictability to stakeholders while safeguarding the protection of intellectual property rights. At the same time, they will ensure that citizens and the environment are better protected from hazardous chemicals. We have worked hard to strike the right balance, simplifying procedures, reducing administrative burdens and streamlining assessments while maintaining scientific rigour. This common data platform will serve as a one-stop shop for chemical data from various sources, enhancing transparency and accessibility as well as reducing duplication. We have ensured that the platform streamlines independent scientific work and academic research while centralising hazard information. Additionally, we promote the reuse of existing data to reduce costs, minimise administrative burdens and limit reliance on animal testing. At the same time, we must guarantee the protection of intellectual property rights and commercially sensitive data. Aiming for maximum transparency, we must also adhere to the principle of 'as open as possible, as closed as necessary', ensuring that companies can continue investing in research and innovation without the risk of unfair competition. The regulatory framework must not impose unnecessary burden on businesses, particularly SMEs, nor expose proprietary data in ways that could undermine European industry. Let me be clear, the common data platform is a major step forward in assessing chemical safety and reinforcing consumer protection. It will centralise scientific information, benefiting both public health and industry. We also support the harmonisation of chemical assessments across different agencies. This package strengthens cooperation, increases efficiency, enhances predictability and eliminates costly duplications, benefiting both EU citizens and businesses. Of course, challenges remain. And that is why we continue to refine the text in the context of the very collaboration with the political groups, the European Commission and the Council. Dear colleagues, by adopting these measures, we will strengthen protection for citizens and the environment while maintaining Europe's leadership in innovation and sustainability. I am confident that, with our collective commitment, we can achieve this ambitious, necessary goal. I strongly urge you to vote in favour of this report so that we can deliver a stronger, smarter and more sustainable EU chemicals policy.

Sir, sir, sir, sir. Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, consumers are faced with an increasingly complex environment. According to the Commission, territorial supply constraints cost 14 billion a year. That is why, together with other colleagues from different political groups and different countries, we have sent a letter to the Commission to stress that it is unthinkable for companies to exploit their dominant position on the market and sell the same products at different prices, depending on the size of the market, to the detriment of consumers. The Commission must take immediate and decisive action to eliminate them through the strengthening of competition law and new tools to tackle them. Colleagues, consumers are also facing the challenges of e-commerce. Unfair commercial practices found in the fine print of websites, but also hundreds of thousands of imported packages that enter our homes daily with clothes, toys, cosmetics that do not meet European health and safety standards. We must ensure the enforcement of European legislation and close any legislative gaps. Strengthen cooperation between competent authorities and supervisory mechanisms and, finally, invest even more in informing consumers about their rights and how to assert them. Thank you very much.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we are appalled and appalled by the persecution and murder of Christians and other ethnic and religious groups around the world in Syria. But it is not enough to watch. It is time for Europe to show its determination and make clear to the new Syrian regime that there will be consequences. The murders must stop and the culprits must be punished. Christians have been in Syria for thousands of years, and today, in 2025, they are in danger of extinction. It's something that we can't watch apathetically under any circumstances.

Mr President, we all recognise that we are living in a new geopolitical and economic environment. We are also discussing the big challenges. At the same time, however, we should also look at opportunities. Europe has always gone through difficulties. This is an opportunity for common policies. To answer the questions of the citizens. Because, as long as the pro-European forces do not give these answers, we give way to extreme voices, which want a return to the past. We need to look first of all at the issue of security and defence. European citizens need to feel safe. They must feel that there are common European borders, which are protected. There must be a shared commitment to defence and at the same time they must feel that policies implemented at European level ensure a better future for them and their children. Times do not wait and it is time to act decisively now.

I don't know what you're suggesting. Can anyone say anything? His opinion's different. He can freely express his opinion whenever he wants. But can it spread any evidence without there being any control whatsoever as to whether it is accurate or not? How can you tell if you're watching a platform? So it is one thing to have an opinion and freedom of expression that is respected and is a European acquis and a European norm, and it is another thing for everyone to be able to misinform in any way they want, influencing public opinion.

Madam President, Commissioner, platforms and social media have ceased to be a mere means of communication, as we believed at the beginning of the twenty-first century. They have acquired a role and power that goes as far as trying to interfere and manipulate the democratic processes of states. In some cases, global economic actors, taking advantage of their role, claim the role of opinion multiplier in many countries, with a model based on personal data and algorithms that try to keep users stuck in their application and determine behaviors, especially in children. This power, however, entails responsibilities and obligations. In particular, large platforms should give more for algorithms, effectively counter disinformation and the instrumentalisation of algorithms by third states, and not abolish fact checking. That is why the effective implementation of the Digital Services Act is a big gamble to ensure that platforms and how they operate are compatible with European rules and values.

Madam President, developments in the United States make a change of policy an absolute necessity for Europe. We can no longer do business as usual. We are in a time of great change and Europe needs to re-establish its place in the new world that is shaping up. In the defence sector we need a genuine defence union with a common understanding and harmonisation of individual national policies. The security of Europe and its borders is primarily our concern. In the economic field, especially when tariffs are imposed, the problems we face will become even greater and joint decisions are needed to strengthen European economies with immediate action, to safeguard Europe's growth perspective and to strengthen the growth and competitiveness of industry and to boost the income of our citizens. It is time for courage and determination, as circumstances dictate.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Greece has been and remains a staunch supporter of the European perspective of the Western Balkans, a process that began in Thessaloniki in 2003. But obviously the European perspective is linked to a number of conditions, such as respect for the Copenhagen criteria, common values, respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights. See for example what is happening in Albania, which despises the human and property rights of the Greek ethnic minority. Our colleague Freddie Beleris was convicted precisely for defending these rights. These issues are also mentioned in the Council decisions, as is the need for North Macedonia to respect bilateral treaties. The treaties are international, legally binding instruments for the parties involved. Candidate countries should foster cooperative relations with their European neighbours, align in a European direction in their foreign policy and not identify with third parties and authoritarian leaders. Enlargement must go ahead, but the candidate countries must also show their commitment to this path.

Mr President, at a time when geopolitical challenges are increasing, Europe must act more decisively. We have developments in Syria, where we have to show that there is a unified policy in Europe and that we are moving with initiatives that we are taking. We do not need third parties or mediators. We must move towards ensuring Syria's territorial integrity and follow political processes that are inclusive and inclusive of all sides. There is also a need to protect minorities, especially the Christian community and cultural heritage. And, at the same time, we should do everything we can to facilitate refugees who want to return to Syria and at the same time avoid refugee waves to Europe.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Europe has for centuries been at the forefront of innovation. Not anymore. And we don't lack people or talent. There are talented people everywhere. Recently we had a very important conference in Thessaloniki, where very good ideas were heard. But we have a problem. We have a hard time turning good ideas into action, into a product. And to do that, we need to change a lot. A new institutional framework is needed that unleashes forces and does not stifle innovative ideas, as is currently the case. Easier access to financial tools is needed so that an idea can become a product. We need better infrastructure. We need to give the right to a second chance to a project that fails, by reforming the bankruptcy framework. We have to do all this now. We don't have time. The needs are here and we need to act now.

Madam President, energy prices are one of the biggest problems facing Europe's citizens and businesses today. When talking to people, a large part of their income goes to energy prices; And when you talk to businesses, they see an increased cost and they keep telling you that they can't compete with the rest, who have cheaper energy prices in other countries. There is an interconnectivity problem. We see countries that have cheaper energy prices, precisely because their systems are interconnected, and others that have much more expensive prices, and we see overnight increases of 50% in wholesale, which are not justified by any factor whatsoever. We need to act and act now. Investing in networks and calculating energy prices differently. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sent a letter to the Commission. A delegation of the European Commission came to Athens. It's time to act and act now.

Mr President, when you talk to a small and medium-sized businessman, one of the first things he tells you is: Do something with bureaucracy! The bureaucratic and regulatory burden that we have to deal with on a daily basis is enormous. Between 2018 and 2022, 5,422 pages of legislation and 850 new obligations for European businesses were added. The production of settings is so fast that it is difficult for a company to monitor it. It is a legislative labyrinth with many overlapping provisions. Significant resources that could go into growth are spent in order for a business to be able to respond to the labyrinth of regulations it is called upon to manage. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, this burden is even greater. We must finish with words and act immediately. We need a bold reduction in administrative burdens. The Commission is committed to reducing red tape and annual reporting obligations by 25%. It's not enough, it's not enough. We need to go even further, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Only in this way will we make business life easier, our continent more competitive and the income of our...

Mr President, the self-declaration of the pseudo-state in Northern Cyprus has been an open challenge to international legitimacy. The continuation of its existence is an open wound in the body of Europe. Europe cannot and must not get used to this barbaric illegality that has been going on for decades now on its own territory, on the territory of one of its Member States. European solidarity with Cyprus must be absolute, complete, continuous and active until it is vindicated. Europe must stop turning a blind eye. The illegal separatist entity that has declared itself a state and audaciously asks for its recognition by the international community has no self-existent status. It is a disguise of the occupation regime that has been imposed in the northern part of Cyprus and bases its existence on the Turkish invasion and occupation troops. Our refusal to accept the faits accomplis of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus sends a message to those who seek revisionism and border change today. Ladies and gentlemen, occupying European territory is a challenge for our Union itself, for Europe itself, and must be treated as such. The European Union must exert all its influence to reach a solution on the basis of UN resolutions. The occupation and partition of Cyprus must end.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, European citizens often feel unprotected from unfair practices, but also from the way in which many transactions are carried out, particularly in the new digital environment. In e-commerce many times consumers do not feel in full control of their transactions due to the complex rules and clauses included in the notorious fine print. In many cases there are hidden fees, while the design of many digital services adds to children and leads to additional fees through video games. At the same time, every year, consumers in the European Union buy, without their knowledge, products that do not meet European quality and safety standards. Another important issue is that large multinational companies take advantage of their dominant market position to impose geographical supply constraints, imposing unnecessarily high prices. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sent a letter to the Commission and I believe that he should address the issue. Strict adherence to the rules and, where necessary, further tightening of legislation and cooperation between authorities is necessary for European consumers to feel protected.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we all understand the consequences of a possible extension of the war, the dramatic consequences. The solution in the region is absolutely clear that it cannot be military. It can only be politics. Here too, the European Union can play a more decisive role. We recently saw, in the motion for a resolution at the United Nations, 13 Member States of the European Union voting in favour, 12 abstaining and 2 voting against. We must have a unified strategy for the Middle East. It is a crucial issue both for the European Union and for peace in the world. We need a solution that guarantees Israel the right to exist safely and, at the same time, leads to the creation of a Palestinian state on the basis of UN resolutions. At the same time, we must help Lebanon to stabilise the situation there, because there will also be multiple repercussions. One and a half million people are displaced. Many of them will go to Europe. The European Union must therefore act more decisively.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately the phenomena of the climate crisis, the extreme phenomena that we have been experiencing in recent years, are no exception. It will be the new normal. In my country they have been expressed both in the form of large fires and in the form of floods and action is needed on three levels. The first level concerns prevention, how we prepare to deal with such phenomena that will appear more and more often. The second level is what we do when a phenomenon breaks out, in civil protection. Here, too, we need better cooperation at European level in order to deal with such phenomena, because no single state can deal with them. The third has to do with how we stand by people when they have been devastated by such phenomena. And here we need to increase the resources of the Solidarity Fund. The citizens of Europe need to see us beside them when faced with such phenomena. We are pioneers as Europe in the green transition. In order to cope with the phenomena that will occur in the meantime, we need to increase speed. Obviously we cannot eradicate these extreme phenomena. But we can help people cope with their consequences.

Mr President, our societies and citizens are constantly facing the consequences of the climate crisis. In recent days, these consequences have taken the form of extreme events, with floods in Eastern and Central Europe and fires in Portugal – events that are increasingly affecting my home country, Greece, with the most typical being the floods in Thessaly last year. We must not wait for a catastrophe to come to face a situation that is the new reality. And these are not statistics and figures; These are changes that affect our daily lives. Extreme events are one form of the consequences of the climate crisis. We see the phenomenon of water scarcity and the great impact on agricultural production, as our farmers are constantly faced with unusual weather conditions. Millions of people live in conditions of great uncertainty. We need to hear their voice. While times have changed, I'm afraid we're going by the standards of other times. Alongside the implementation of the Green Deal, it is a matter of immediate survival to deal with the effects of the climate crisis. The resources at our disposal are not sufficient. We also need to speed up assistance procedures, cut red tape and strengthen our coordination. It is impossible for each country to address problems of this magnitude and intensity on its own. People are waiting to see Europe next to them in conditions of extreme crisis. So we have to adapt to the times that have changed. Conditions have changed; We need to change, too.