Speeches

Mr President, in accordance with our Rules of Procedure, I would also like to be able to react to the reply that my colleague will give me. Thank you, Mr. Colleague, for accepting the blue card this time. I listened very carefully to you and you said that we need to deepen our relations with India. What interests me: Do you see that as well as I do, that we must do this above all in order to have a balance with the expansion of power that the Chinese state is currently exercising in this region, but also for us as the European Union – especially in your capacity as head of delegation?

Mr President, dear people of Europe, women and girls in Afghanistan, when we have a debate about the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, what usually happens is the following: everyone in the room feels sad, compassionate, maybe even a little pity. A few minutes later, the feeling is gone, forgotten. We continue with the next debate. The reason why that is the case is that we do not take it as seriously as we should. But let me be the last one to remind you of one thing: the suffering of the female part of the Afghan population is not something that should just make us feel sad for one debate. It is something that should make us so angry that we cannot resist the urge to provide actual, practical support to the female population of Afghanistan, especially now after the recent earthquakes. We need to help the most vulnerable part of the population – women and girls. We stand, as the European Union, for freedom and democracy. Those values do not stop at European borders. International efforts to improve the quality of life are the core of humanitarian aid. And that is exactly why I, the Party of Progress – and I am happy that also this Chamber – call for action.

Mr President, dear people of Europe! There is right-wing extremist anti-Semitism, there is left-wing extremist anti-Semitism, there is migrant anti-Semitism, there is anti-Semitism in jokes and when it is meant seriously. And every time he's wrong, and every time we have to fight it. But you know, what really makes me laugh is that especially the colleagues from the AfD, who are leaving the debate at an early stage, present themselves as fighters against anti-Semitism. I would like to remind the whole House, and you in particular – still hear me – of the judgment of the Higher Regional Court of Hamburg of 2022 with reference 7 U 97/21. According to this ruling, the Thuringian state chairman and Thuringian parliamentary group chairman of the AfD, Björn Höcke, can be called a fascist because of his National Socialist statements. So if you are fighting anti-Semitism, if you are a bourgeois, a conservative and not a far-right fascist party with National Socialist tendencies, why does this man hold a leading position with you?

Madam President, dear people of Europe! Our farmers are under pressure – not because they would have failed, but because the world has changed. Climate protection, geopolitical tensions, trade agreements - all this demands a lot from them. And that is why it is important that we reduce bureaucratic burdens. Whoever secures Europe's food must not get stuck in the form jungle. Because this pressure leads to frustration and sometimes to a dangerous reflex of turning to extremists and populists. In this situation, however, terms such as Veggie chicks Fighting is absurd. No one confuses it with meat. It's somewhere else in the supermarket, it looks different, and it's aimed at a different group of customers. And with what I pour into my coffee in the morning, no one has to explain to me that it is cow's milk and not mother's milk. Let's leave the cultural struggles to the extremists. We, the democratic and pro-European forces, must take care of the essentials: a strong, united Europe, where people still like to get on a tractor at four in the morning.

Madam President, dear people of Europe, dear Mr Frieden, what is Europe? To answer that question, we do not have to look far – just on the screen where the title of our debate includes the name of our honourable guest, Frieden. Frieden, the German word for peace. For centuries, the people of Europe fought each other – from empires to kingdoms, from crowns to nations – until the first half of the 20th century, when humanity saw its darkest crimes committed by my own people. After that, for the first time, Europeans came together not to conquer, but to unite. While we have still seen conflict from the Balkans to Cyprus, there has been no war engulfing all of Europe since. Today, peace again is under threat on Europe's borders, but the idea of peace beats strong in our hearts, in our minds and in this House. Europe is Frieden. Frieden with the past, Frieden with the present and Frieden as a promise to the future.

Thank you, colleague, for accepting the blue card. I listened very closely to what you said and I would like your personal opinion: do you think that we can, in fact, solve our demographic crisis without migration, given the quota that I think what you would then call 'true Europeans' reproduce on?

Mr President, dear people of Europe, sport is Europe's public good. It teaches merit, openness and solidarity – the values that our Union stands for. But those words mean little if a player cannot say three other simple words: 'I am gay'. Until today, not one active male player in Germany's top football leagues has come out. A statistical miracle – or rather, a symptom of fear – when about 3 % of Germans identify as homosexual. The fear of jokes and of losing sponsors remains. The European sport model stands for fairness, inclusion and respect. There is no place in it for harassment or discrimination, and that is why I support this report. From grassroots to the professional level, it must show that everyone – regardless of gender, sexuality or background – has the rights to play and to be themselves. Our task is to defend that model, to make sport safe and equitable, and to ensure that solidarity means standing together. Let Europe's pitches be fields of equality.

Mr President, dear people of Europe, today we face a decisive challenge. Europe must become stronger, simpler and more competitive if we want to safeguard our freedom, prosperity and way of life. The single market is our greatest asset. Yet, red tape and fragmentation hold us back. The reports by Draghi, Letta and Niinistö make one thing clear: we must cut bureaucracy, harmonise rules and ensure enforcement across all Member States. Above all, we must empower our SMEs, start-ups and big industry – the backbone of our economy – by giving them digital tools, access to capital and a level playing field. In a world marked by geopolitical uncertainty, only a united and resilient Europe, driven by innovation and progress, can secure democracy, social justice and progress.

Mr President, dear people of Europe, the European University alliances represent one of the most hopeful projects for our future. They show what it means to build a continent not just through trade or treaties, but through shared knowledge, cooperation and opportunity. By connecting universities across borders these alliances help students and researchers to learn from one another, work together on major challenges, and develop common degrees that reflect a truly European education. They make it easier to move, to study, to collaborate regardless of where someone comes from. What matters most is that these alliances include voices from all regions, from big cities and from rural areas alike, and that students themselves are part of shaping them. That is what makes this initiative so powerful. It is inclusive, democratic and forward looking. But ambition alone is not enough. If these alliances are to succeed they need strong public support, clear legal frameworks and stable long-term funding. They must be given the tools to connect education with research, innovation and the needs of society. Most of all, they must remain grounded in the values Europe stands for: openness, fairness, academic freedom and cooperation. These alliances are not just building stronger universities, they are about building a stronger Europe.

Mr President, dear people of Europe, this directive is a real gain for consumers. It ensures that their rights are safeguarded, especially in situations where trust is essential. At the same time, small businesses are not disproportionately burdened – because fair competition requires fair conditions, also for the smaller ones. For consumers, this means less bureaucracy. The complaint mechanism is clear, simple and accessible. This matters, in particular, when it comes to vacation planning, and I think we all know that. Vacation planning should bring joy and not additional stress. And let us not forget the Thomas Cook case, which showed us how vulnerable travellers can be in a case of bankruptcy, stranded at the other end of the world. This directive directly addresses that gap. We are creating security where it has been missing.

Mr President, dear colleagues, dear people of Europe, one of our colleagues indicated his wish that debates like this take place earlier in the day, when more people are present and more colleagues are present. I could not agree more, because debates like this – where it is about human things like sickness, like the 'big forgetting' – show us that, apart from all political division and apart from all the fights that happen in this House, in the end all of us have one thing in common: we are all humans. We are all endangered by sickness, by mental illness. We are all endangered by losing family and friends. We are all endangered by the sadness that follows out of this. So, I am happy always to see when this House really, through all its political parties and groups, stands together to fight for those people who need us the most. Therefore, I strongly support the idea that Europe steps up in this regard.

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.