Speeches

Madam President, I'm sorry. Dear people of Europe! I am speaking to you now for the first time in Polish, because I have a message for Putin. We are Europe. We have a better army. We have a stronger economy. We have a larger population. We have a vision. The whole of Europe is with Poland today. Poland is Europe.

Thank you, Mr. Colleague, for accepting the blue card. In my view, you have explained relatively well why what is being demanded here is not a restriction of the sovereignty of the Member States, but an exclusion of that sovereignty of the Member States. Could you explain again for me and perhaps for the citizens of the European Union why the arguments of the self-proclaimed patriots make no sense?

Madam Vice-President, in accordance with the last sentence of Rule 178(10), I would also like to have the opportunity, please, to react to the answer that Mr Mazurek will give me. Mr Mazurek, you talked about the not so democratically elected people in this room. So I was just wondering, as the Members of this Parliament are directly democratically elected and the Commission is indirectly, through this Parliament, democratically elected, how much time have you spent in your life studying the institutions of the European Union?

Madam President, dear people of Europe! This reform may sound technical, but I can tell you that it is practically highly relevant. As part of my legal traineeship, I dealt with several cases involving travel cancellations, repayments and insolvency problems. I can tell you from experience: The current system is failing in the crisis. That is why I very much welcome this proposal. It strengthens consumer rights, closes digital loopholes and finally secures advance payments better without crushing companies. Particularly important: Travellers will have a clear right to a refund within 14 days. Vouchers may only be issued with explicit consent and must be covered by insolvency protection. I also support Parliament's request to extend the deadline for repayment to six months in the event of insolvency and to lay down clear penalties for infringements. This reform is a smart, balanced update. It strengthens confidence in the European travel market.

Mr Vice-President, in accordance with Rule 178(10), I would also like to react to the answer that Ms Walsh will give. Thank you, colleague, for accepting this blue card. My question goes like this: we know that China watches really closely what we are doing, and they will also watch when we impose legislation that while it brings our continent forward, it also is hard for our farmers sometimes – do you think that in this climate where we ask a lot from our farmers, they do this intentionally at this very precise moment to hurt us?

Mr President, Mr Vice-President, this is our situation that we have to deal with. This House has said it already, no one is happy. And I don't think that we can change anything with that now. But we have to learn something for the future, while we now have to stand together implementing this. I think the very first lesson is how to deal with bullies ‑ not to give in to them. And if I may suggest this for the next time that we find ourselves in a situation like this, Mr Commissioner, we should impose countermeasures already while negotiating this deal. And the second lesson that we take is that we are not seen as weak in that sense. The European Commission should make more effort to actually communicate the efforts that have been made with the public to convince them that this was not just the best that we could get, but actually something good for Europe. Thank you very much for your work and thank you very much for your cooperation.

Mr President, I am referring to Rule 10(4), which prohibits hate speech. Mr Bausemer spoke about the people's fears and concerns about migration. He spoke about the problems related to migration. However, he is unable to express this without calling the people associated with it antisocial. This is scientifically proven to be a language that the National Socialists, i.e. the ideological model of his colleague Bausemer and his comrades, have already used. Representatives of the European Union are also being dragged into the dirt here, and this is not only indecent, but also contrary to the rules of our Rules of Procedure. So it would be very desirable if in the future you manage to clarify your political point without insulting other people unnecessarily. I hope that the Bureau will take the appropriate measures.

Madam President, dear colleagues, dear people of Europe, pursuant to Rule 10(3) of our Rules of Procedure, I would like to raise a point of order concerning the behaviour of our colleague Ms Iovanovici Șoșoacă during the address of the honourable Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova. This House has already shown its dismay through its vocal reaction in the Chamber, but such behaviour deserves a formal objection. While our President was ensuring the dignified departure of our guests, Ms Șoșoacă shouted that Moldova is part of Romania. To make such a pseudo-historic, imperialistic claim in the presence of a head of state of a sovereign European nation, formally recognised as such by all UN member states, especially Romania, is inappropriate behaviour that is unworthy of this Chamber. Moldova deserves our respect. Moldova is not Romania. Moldova is Europe, just like Romania.

Mr. Jungbluth, can you stop now, please? Really! Madam President, dear people of Europe, I would like to thank the Commissioners working closely in my field, especially Commissioner Šefčovič, Commissioner Kos and Commissioner Lahbib, for their constructive and professional cooperation. Madam President of the Commission von der Leyen, exactly one year ago I had the pleasure of speaking to you for the first time, and I told you at the time that I did not elect you because of a grassroots democratic process, but I hope you would teach me better. A year later, my verdict is divided. On a technical level, you convinced me. I have approved almost all the legislative proposals initiated by the Commission, but I would also like to encourage you to improve further at the level of political outreach. They need to be more transparent, make deals that don't leave Europe weak, clearly identify crimes against humanity no matter where they take place, and make a stronger presence on social media. ...

Madam President, dear people of Europe, let me begin by thanking the Commissioners who work closely on the file ... Madam President, can we repeat my time?

Mr President, dear people of Europe! It does not surprise me at all that the colleague of the AfD admires a strong leader. What surprises me a bit more is that the MEP who is under criminal investigation for being smeared by the Russians – presumably – is now denouncing the corruption here. What does not surprise me at all is that he has something against opposition, because he allows himself to be lubricated by a regime that also does not allow opposition. Mr President, dear disciples, the Serbian students show a strong commitment against one-man rule. And let me say this directly to President Vučić: the joy that you take in watching the police beat down peaceful students, it will not last – because the Serbian people will hold you accountable, if not now, then at the ballot box. This is a fight for a pluralist, democratic future, fought by the youth. So it's not a question of if you lose this fight, but only when.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the green transition will only succeed if it's just. We cannot reach climate neutrality by 2050 by sacrificing the livelihoods of miners in Sicily, young workers in Asturias or entire communities in Western Macedonia. Cohesion policy is not just a funding tool. It's Europe's promise that no region and no citizen will be left behind. This report reminds us that the transition must be territory-based, socially inclusive and economically resilient. That means reskilling, local investment and active social policies, not just CO2 targets. It also means that cohesion must work hand in hand with instruments like the Just Transition Fund, the European Social Fund+ and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, with less bureaucracy, more flexibility and real local ownership. Let's be clear: this is not just about climate, it's about democracy, solidarity and the future of Europe's regions. Because if the Green Deal is our destination, cohesion is the road that gets us there.

Mr President, dear peoples of Europe: With helmet, courage and heart, you fight without condition. When the forest cries and burns, there they are, firm, without boasting. Climate change does not expect or ask for borders or flags. But you do respond united, by dear peoples big and small. They do not fight with words or falsehoods, but with water, courage and nets. Against fires, storms, heat, you fight for our honor. Therefore, today I raise my voice with respect: Thank you for every discreet step. You are heroes without medals, the force that never fails.

Madam President, the House! Long before this war, which has plagued the peoples of Israelis and Palestinians for so many decades, entered the latest round, there were a number of lawsuits and demonstrations within Israel's rule of law. These were directed against the corruption of Benjamin Netanyahu. Fortunately for Benjamin Netanyahu, he was then able to wage a war that distracted his people and the world public from this apparent corruption. This war, triggered by Hamas' terrible crime on October 7, which gave Israel the right to self-defense under international law, has since been waged in blatant disregard of international law. Together with his far-right ministers, he is pursuing a policy that is unworthy of Israel and will secure Israel's hatred and anger of the Arab peoples for generations to come. Benjamin Netanyahu and his government are internal enemies of Israel that we should oppose.

Thank you, Ms Bentele, for accepting my question. I have been following your position on this situation quite closely, and I also saw that you visited the German‑Israeli summer festival in Berlin just a few days ago. I take that your support for Israel stems from the right of Israel to exist, which is enshrined in our German national ideals, and I'm just wondering, in your opinion, does this also include the necessity to protect Israel from its internal enemies, and not only its external enemies?

I agree with everything you said. However, I would have liked you to have answered my specific question a little more clearly. Nevertheless, I think we can continue to fight together for Ukraine's support.

Madam President, in accordance with our Rules of Procedure, I would also like to be able to respond to Mrs Strack-Zimmermann's reply. Mrs Strack-Zimmermann, you talked about the fact that we are no longer allowed to do national solo trips, and you talked about the fact that we have to go home and kick our governments' asses. There is a concept that so far only drives a European government, namely that its citizens are allowed to fight in the Ukrainian army. Only Poland can do that. Would you agree with me when I say that we should allow this throughout Europe in order to enable those citizens of our nations who want to fight for freedom to do so?

Mr President, dear people of Europe, every time this Parliament takes a step toward progress, we hear the same tired chorus: 'Brussels bureaucracy'. This time it is about circularity and vehicle designs, a reform that makes total sense if you are serious about sustainability, consumer rights or even basic industrial logic. Because yes, setting common standards across 27 countries isn't simple. But you know what's worse? Having 27 different standards. We do not need 27 answers to the question on how to recycle a car. What we need is European solutions for European industry, one that makes it easier to reuse parts, recover critical materials and reduce waste, no matter where your vehicle is made or where it breaks down. So to those shouting 'bureaucracy' I say: show me one good law – just one – that brought instant results, zero effort and universal applause. I will wait.

Mr President, dear people of Europe! At the age of 20, a friend and I opened a steakhouse. The business went well until a change of ownership of our supplier for T-bone steaks and whisky. Suddenly this supplier demanded renegotiations of current contracts, threatened us with delivery stops and price increases, and at the same time we learned that the new owner had cheated business partners several times, previous companies had regularly gone bankrupt, he discriminated against employees and regularly became insulting. I was shocked, but my partner insisted on negotiating in good faith. The conversations dragged on, the tone became rougher and at some point we were also threatened and insulted. And what was the result of these conversations? This story is, of course, fictional. But I feel the same way about the current EU-US trade talks. I welcome Commissioner Šefčovič's will to negotiate in good faith. But I would like us to talk more about what we are doing with regard to our trade with the US if we do not get another extension on 1.8. Commissioner, the people of Europe need your confidence, but also your foresight.

Mr President, dear people of Europe! At the age of 20, a friend and I opened a steakhouse. The business went well until a change of ownership of our supplier for T-bone steaks and whisky. Suddenly this supplier demanded renegotiations of current contracts, threatened us with delivery stops and price increases, and at the same time we learned that the new owner had cheated business partners several times, previous companies had regularly gone bankrupt, he discriminated against employees and regularly became insulting. I was shocked, but my partner insisted on negotiating in good faith. The conversations dragged on, the tone became rougher and at some point we were also threatened and insulted. And what was the result of these conversations? This story is, of course, fictional. But I feel the same way about the current EU-US trade talks. I welcome Commissioner Šefčovič's will to negotiate in good faith. But I would like us to talk more about what we are doing with regard to our trade with the US if we do not get another extension on 1.8. Commissioner, the people of Europe need your confidence, but also your foresight.

I think you have raised a good point with the table. In fact, we are not alone in this. Of course, we still have to ask ourselves the question, to what extent does this hit us hard and to what extent does it hit the other states and blocs hard? The absolute numbers may be different or the same. The effect can be different. I think the solution is that we in the EU really put ourselves at the forefront of a new international trade law, that we try to take the place that the US previously had in the international trade structure and thus become the number one in world trade.

I think you have raised a good point with the table. In fact, we are not alone in this. Of course, we still have to ask ourselves the question, to what extent does this hit us hard and to what extent does it hit the other states and blocs hard? The absolute numbers may be different or the same. The effect can be different. I think the solution is that we in the EU really put ourselves at the forefront of a new international trade law, that we try to take the place that the US previously had in the international trade structure and thus become the number one in world trade.

Thank you, Mr. President. In accordance with the last sentence of Rule 178(10), I would also like to be able to react to the reply that the colleague gives me. Thank you, Mr. Colleague, for accepting the blue card. I can only agree with you in the need for stability. You have raised one point – I have also raised one point: It was also supported that we are now strengthening our trade agreements with the rest of the world. I'm wondering, and that's my question to you: How can we ensure that the other countries, the other trading blocs in the world, do not take advantage of this situation, that we urgently need new partners now, because the US is unreliable for us, and use it in the negotiations against us? What can we do?

Thank you, Mr. President. In accordance with the last sentence of Rule 178(10), I would also like to be able to react to the reply that the colleague gives me. Thank you, Mr. Colleague, for accepting the blue card. I can only agree with you in the need for stability. You have raised one point – I have also raised one point: It was also supported that we are now strengthening our trade agreements with the rest of the world. I'm wondering, and that's my question to you: How can we ensure that the other countries, the other trading blocs in the world, do not take advantage of this situation, that we urgently need new partners now, because the US is unreliable for us, and use it in the negotiations against us? What can we do?

Madam President, once again, in this debate about LGBTQ+ rights, it's because of Rule 10(4) of Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament prohibiting hate speech. Saying that a man who wears lip gloss on his face is a perversion is hate speech, dear colleagues. It's not allowed. You can, of course, have another opinion about if you think it's pretty or not, but it's not perverse. Let people be who they are. This is what is enshrined in our Rules of Procedure. Madam President, as so often before, I ask the Bureau to take care of this. We have seen this in all debates since I entered this Parliament – in all debates when it came to LGBTQ+ issues, we have seen hate speech like this. I'm sick of this. I know a big part of the plenary is sick of this and it needs to stop now.