What Michalis spoke about.

9

Jul

2026

EL Speech

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Feasibility of a 28th tax regime and its potential to support EU competitiveness (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, Europe's competitiveness does not depend solely on innovation. 27 different national authorities create high barriers, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Establishing a successful business with international growth potential requires a favourable and simple business environment. The 28th regime is the European response to the complexity of the single …

17

Jun

2026

EL Speech

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European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF): access to VAT information at Union level (A10-0159/2026 - Michalis Hadjipantela) (vote)

16

Jun

2026

EL Speech

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2025 Commission report on Türkiye (debate)

30

Apr

2026

EL Speech

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Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2027 – Section I – European Parliament (A10-0124/2026 - Michalis Hadjipantela) (vote)

Madam President, today's vote on the European Parliament's budget for 2027 is the culmination of a substantial and collective effort. I would like to warmly thank the European People's Party for the confidence it has shown in me. For a Member of the European Parliament coming from a small country such as Cyprus, it is a special honour to undertake such an important dossier. At the same time, I wou…

28

Apr

2026

EL Speech

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Interim report on the proposal for the multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034 (debate)

Mr President, firstly, I would like to congratulate and thank the rapporteurs of this excellent report, Mr Mureşan and Ms Tavares. Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, a report on the Multiannual Financial Framework explicitly recognises that legal landowners in occupied Cyprus have for decades been deprived of the fundamental right to property: a provocative and flagrant violat…

11

Mar

2026

EL Speech

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EUCO and situation in the Middle East (joint debate)

9

Feb

2026

EL Speech

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World Cancer Day (debate)

20

Jan

2026

EL Speech

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Presentation of the programme of activities of the Cyprus Presidency (continuation of debate)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr President of the Republic of Cyprus, taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a historic milestone for a small country, such as our country. We will support efforts to successfully conclude this presidency, demonstrating the skills and hard work of our proud people. The Republic of Cyprus took over the presidency in a highly unsta…

19

Jan

2026

EL Speech

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Framework for strengthening the availability and security of supply of critical medicinal products as well as the availability of, and accessibility of, medicinal products of common interest (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate the rapporteur on this dossier, Tomislav Sokol, on his excellent work. The Critical Medicines proposal is an essential response to a key problem: shortages and security of supply of critical medicines afflicting patients and health systems across Europe. For small Member States such as Cyprus, shortages cost even mor…

25

Nov

2025

EL Speech

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2026 budgetary procedure: joint text (debate)

Madam President, first of all I would like to thank my political group, the European People's Party, for the confidence in appointing me to the negotiating team. My participation in this process is both an honor and a responsibility. The European Union’s budget for 2026 demonstrates in practice our collective effort for a more united, resilient and fair Europe. After demanding negotiations, we hav…

12

Nov

2025

EL Speech

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Condemning the illegal unilateral declaration of the secessionist entity created by Türkiye in Cyprus and the continued Turkish military occupation (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, 51 years have passed since the barbaric Turkish invasion. The Republic of Cyprus does not need compassion or wishful thinking, but the immediate restoration of justice. We strongly condemn the illegal and unilateral proclamation of the occupation, separatism and the continued illegal military occupation by Turkey. The historical truth cannot be called into quest…

21

Oct

2025

EL Speech

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General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2026 – all sections (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the European Union is not just an economic and political union. It is a family of 27 states working together to ensure peace, prosperity and solidarity. In my capacity as shadow rapporteur for the 2026 budget, I consistently defend the need to ensure that European institutions have sufficient resources to do their work effectively for the benefi…

8

Oct

2025

EL Speech

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The role of simple tax rules and tax fragmentation in European competitiveness (debate)

Mr President, before I give you my final remarks in Greek, allow me to thank once more my colleagues, the shadow rapporteurs from all political parties and all of my colleagues for the nice words. I would like to let you know that your help was appreciated. I would like to thank the Commissioner as well for the nice words. Mr President, I have listened respectfully and attentively to all positions…

8

Oct

2025

EL Speech

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The role of simple tax rules and tax fragmentation in European competitiveness (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, as a Member of the European Parliament of a small but dynamic economy, Cyprus, I see every day small and medium-sized enterprises struggling with complex tax rules. The report we are presenting today shows the way to a simpler, fairer and more competitive Europe. As author of this report, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the political groups that partici…

11

Sep

2025

EL Speech

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Summer of heatwaves in the EU: addressing the causes and providing adequate housing and health policies to address record-breaking temperatures (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, housing is a fundamental social right. However, throughout Europe and especially in Cyprus, thousands of citizens are even struggling to secure a decent and affordable home. President Von Der Leyen’s announcement of affordable housing is a first positive step, but now actions are needed: making use of European financial instruments, mobilising the European Investment Ba…

10

Sep

2025

EL Speech

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Detention of EU citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus

Mr President, Commissioner, imagine being arrested in your own country by authorities that no one recognises while you are going to your father's house. This is an unthinkable reality on European soil in 2025. From July 19 until today, 5 Greek Cypriots have been held hostage because they dared to visit their own property in the occupied territories. Today, we were informed of the provisional relea…

9

Sep

2025

EL Speech

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Devastating wildfires in Southern Europe: the need to strengthen EU aid to restore the massive loss of forests and enhancing EU preparedness (debate)

Mr President, my country, Cyprus, is once again paying a very high price for climate change, as are other countries in the South, which are affected by extreme temperatures. Since the devastating fire that broke out last July in the mountainous Limassol, two people have died and more than 120 square kilometers of land, houses, properties and crops have become ashes. Commissioner, the European Unio…

9

Jul

2025

EL Speech

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Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the horrific terrorist attack on the Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus, which left dozens dead and wounded, demonstrates the tragic reality experienced by religious minorities in Syria. We strongly condemn any heinous act of violence targeting innocent believers in worship and express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. The presence of Chr…

9

Jul

2025

EL Speech

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Presentation of the Stockpiling Strategies - strengthening response capacities for a changing risk and threat landscape (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. For small Member States such as Cyprus, ensuring sufficient quantities of critical supplies, be it medical equipment medicines or other essential goods, is crucial. The geographical location of Cyprus and its own needs make European solidarity and joint planning essential preconditions for the effective management of future crises. Voluntary joint procurement, a…

9

Jul

2025

EL Speech

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EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season (debate)

Madam President, today's debate on the European Union's preparedness for forest fires and drought comes at a time when countries in the South, such as Cyprus, are suffering from catastrophic fires and prolonged periods of drought. Early detection, proper preparation and excellent cooperation between Member States and relevant services are needed to effectively address the challenges. We recognise …

9

Jul

2025

EL Speech

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EU-US trade negotiations (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, today's debate on the negotiations between the European Union and the United States comes at a crucial time for the future of the European economy. Our common market, the European Union's strongest weapon, is based on entrepreneurship and free trade with our partners around the world. It is precisely for this reason that I want to stress that an ec…

7

Jul

2025

EL Speech

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Financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2024 (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the success of the European Investment Bank is a cornerstone of Europe's economic growth and cohesion. The EIB has been instrumental in financing strategic projects, fostering innovation, infrastructure and sustainable development in all Member States. I would like to underline with great satisfaction the possibility of financing Cyprus in response…

7

May

2025

EL Speech

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The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, gas fields in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus are not just a national priority; This is a crucial opportunity for the whole of Europe. They can be instrumental in diversifying energy sources, enhancing security of energy supply, as well as facilitating the timely achievement of gas storage targets. What does this mean in practice? A Europe that …

6

May

2025

EL Speech

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2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye (debate)

Mr President, today, in the debate on Turkey's progress on its accession path, it is our duty to address Turkey's blatant disregard for international law and its European obligations. 51 years after the illegal invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, Turkey continues to ignore UN resolutions and its commitments to the European Union. For 51 years, thousands of refugees have been de…

6

May

2025

EL Speech

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A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, the Multiannual Financial Framework is the tool by which we turn the priorities of the European Union into actions. It is the means by which we ensure a Union that meets the needs of all European citizens, effectively addressing the economic, social and climate challenges of our time. As rapporteur and shadow rapporteur on opinions from the Committee on Public Health, t…