Speeches

Madam President, Commissioner, we have two reports before us today that are very clear: If Europe wants to protect itself, it is not enough to spend more. The events in the world show us that we need a genuine European Defence Union, not 27 fragmented national systems, not fragmented efforts, but we need to act as one. But we also have to say b): The money of all of us for common defense must not become an ATM for oligarchs, for friends of ministers or for the elect. Let the examples, for example from Slovakia, from Central Europe, be a raised finger for you. Let's see if European taxpayers' money ends up in the arms business. Because if we want citizens to trust these massive investments in defence, every single euro must remain protected from corruption and abuse, without which the Defence Union will be neither strong nor credible.

Mr President, the report we have negotiated shall represent the EU's position on gender equality globally, at the UN in New York. And do you know what resonates there these days? Why we must be loud and clear about women's rights? The Epstein files. They expose how rich and powerful men – often with traditional values – abused girls from across the world, and how their position, influence and money continue to protect them. The connections reach into Europe, including the highest political and diplomatic circles. And still they wait for justice. For years, women and girls have spoken out about sexual abuse, and no one listened. That is the reality of justice for women: their voices are not enough until messages and photos prove it. And sometimes, not even then. On the world stage, the EU must be the voice of victims. We must believe them, not shield abusers. Only then will Europe truly stand for justice – for women and for all.

Mr President, we have a big strategy ahead of us to prepare the Union for an era of drone threats, and I do not need to reassure you today that we support such a strategy and that we need it to be ambitious. And especially at a time when we are talking about a break-up or a shaking of transatlantic security at its foundations. Obviously, we have a different problem. For example, we in Slovakia have a government where the Minister of Defence refuses to mention the Russian threat at all when discussing drones and is therefore clearly not the only one. It would be ideal if he could secure his defense against drones as a business with friends. Ideally, the European Union should not get involved in this at all. That's why I have a different message for you. I want to assure our European partners that neither Slovakia is Fico nor Hungary is Orbán. When such governments are over, we will be ready to join European defence, to build the drone wall and all the defence we need. We have amazing companies of fantastic experts, so don't get mad at countries like Slovakia, because Slovaks don't want to be a black hole in Europe, let alone a hole in European defence.

Mr President, dear colleagues, abortion is healthcare. Women are dying because they were denied it even when they wanted to continue their pregnancy – you know it? Abortion needs to be available because rape survivors must have the right to decide over their own bodies. If today some countries are still failing to provide this, Europe must step in – I am very much convinced about that. I saw the resistance first-hand during our negotiations on the Victims' Rights Directive. Simply acknowledging that abortion may be part of healthcare for victims of rape was fiercely contested. But because we in the European Parliament stood firm, we will make history. For the first time ever, EU legislation will recognise abortion as healthcare for rape victims. This is a symbolic breakthrough, but we need more than symbols. It's not enough. And more than 1.2 million citizens are asking to make this reality. Supporting 'My voice, my choice' is next steps and we have to make it real.

Mr President, in the coming year, the budget of the European Union will be EUR 192.8 billion. The European Parliament has not backed down and has won more than has been proposed by both the Commission and the Member States. And we managed to raise 372 million euros more. And this money will go to areas that really improve people's lives across Europe: research, transport, energy, health, environment and defence. Both Erasmus students and farmers will receive more. It is therefore not a budget that saves on citizens, although there could have been more. I appeal to the national governments: Don't miss this opportunity. It will be up to you to use this money fairly and for those who need it most. And my fellow Members: See how the pro-European majority can find compromises, how we can achieve results. And I believe that with this set-up, we will also go into negotiating the multiannual financial framework.

Madam President, we have been talking about supporting the European defence industry for years, but we are still not ambitious enough. We are not fast enough because we obviously do not listen to warnings about how Russia is preparing for Europe. And even EDIP comes in just five minutes twelve. Even the height of EDEIP is far from sufficient. Because we still clearly don't see that together we can build defenses much cheaper. But he's here. We have here the first ever genuine European defence industrial programme. And yes, he's special. It is exceptional because it increases joint production, helps kick-start the economy and create new jobs, and boosts our common defence. We will prioritise this European and, crucially today, we will also strengthen cooperation with Ukrainian industry. EDIP is not ideal, but it has the potential to move us towards true EU strategic autonomy.

Madam President, 'gender equality is supposedly ideology', 'we have had enough of equality for a long time', 'feminism is destroying the workplace and society': this is what we are hearing recently, especially from the far right and from populists. These words are designed to provoke fear and to provoke resistance. But the reality is actually completely different, and we've heard it: 1 in 3 women has experienced psychological or sexual violence in their life. Women's health issues take much longer to diagnose, and in some countries we keep on hearing that women cannot decide on their own bodies. On 17 November, this Monday, we mark the day from which women are practically going to work for free compared to men, because we still have 12 % of a pay gap. This is clearly not an ideology; these are facts. Let's not be fooled by these traditional values and ideas, because gender equality is not a threat – it is the foundation of a healthy society and just democracy.

Thank you for that, Damian, it is not an easy question! What we are trying to do in Renew is to find precisely the right balance, because we cannot have prosperous regions and prosperous people if we do not have prosperous agricultural policies in Europe. So I understand that it's a difficult thing to do for us, but we cannot just go on with some pushes, neither if it's from agricultural conglomerates. But on the other hand, let's try to focus on the regions that are really falling behind. We still need to keep them inside and ensure that all the people are served.

Mr President, colleagues, Commissioner, when I became a Renew coordinator for the budget about a year ago, I knew one thing: we do not have the climate for major treaty changes, but we certainly can shape Europe through the next MFF. We have this huge opportunity. However, today, seeing what's ahead of us, I fear that we've lost that ambition – ambition for the EU to be more than a mere conduit for national interests and for contributions. In Renew Europe – and you've heard it – we remain constructive, but honestly a bit concerned because regions remain sidelined even after the changes, and too much power over common money is handed back to national governments. Because Europe must live in every single corner around the continent – in the east of Slovakia, in the north‑west of Bulgaria, in the south of Italy, and Renew will make sure that we will keep this in our mind, in the budget, for a stronger, fairer budget that serves people, that empowers regions and that delivers for Europe's future.

Madam President, yes, gender-based violence costs lives and it must be addressed. As a co-rapporteur of the Victims Rights Directive, I am doing everything I can to stand up for victims of violence. But what also must be addressed are politicians who are fuelling violence against women. Far right: don't fool the people, because are you really talking about protecting women? I see that in 2025, we keep on hearing that the far right is perpetuating women's suffering. You criminalise women's control of their own bodies. You defund women's health programmes. You are the one that frames feminism as anti-male or anti-family. In my country, Slovakia, and actually across Europe, women's rights are under siege by these forces. This is violence, the political violence that silences, that destroys freedoms, that even kills. And this must end once and for all.

Mr President, Vladimir Putin has no right to be in Ukraine, and he has certainly no business to be in Budapest. He is a war criminal. Period. He belongs before an international tribunal, colleagues. Those that are already trembling with excitement roll out the red carpet for him, right? Many of you, Mr Orbán, Mr Fico, they are not defending peace. Because – let me speak also for millions from central Europe – Fico's and Orbán's courting to Putin do not represent us. And to those that are calling us warmongers, are you serious? Putin refuses to stop bombing civilians – last night, a kindergarten. He demands that territory be handed over on his terms and then he puts words into the mouth of his apologists, daring to say that Zelenskyy, that EU, that us – that we are against the peace. Are you kidding me? Wake up. The only place Vladimir Putin belongs is The Hague.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, the 2026 budget is not just about figures – I hope we know it. It's about Europe's future. It's about the promises that we make to our citizens. We, in Renew Europe, fought very hard to secure hundreds of millions more for research, for innovation, for health and for defence. These are investments that protect and empower Europeans. But I turn to Member States, to the Council, because I cannot comprehend how Member States can keep on proposing cuts to Erasmus+, the EU's most successful and most beloved programme. Erasmus+ is not just a budget line, it is the promise of opportunity. It is the bridge that is connecting young people across borders. Instead of cutting it, we should be expanding it. We should be bold to make grants easier, more accessible. Renew Europe and I will fight fiercely for this, because every euro in this budget must serve people and above all, our young generation.

Vice-President of the European Commission, Europe is finally doing in defence what it should have done for years. It cuts red tape, connects industry and plans joint investments. But if some states either slow down or refuse this cooperation, it puts us all at risk. While setting the right direction in its programme, the Commission lacks tools, enforcement mechanisms, control of funds and protection against politicisation and corruption. If we want European defence not to be just a nice plan, it also needs a clear system of accountability. He will show us who is investing in defense, who is arming against it, who is holding it back, but also who is trading with friends. Brussels must not just stand by when some governments are bypassing the rules, because it is about our common security. Indeed, those who bend over in their meetings with Putin today have only two options: either remain part of European defence or become dependent on the enemy of democracy. None of us should allow that.

Mr President, Commissioner. Attempts for gender equality in Europe are once again slowing down, thanks to colleagues on the right. Women are denied health care, including access to abortion. Thanks to you, open misogynism is thriving on the Internet and attacks on sexual and other minorities are increasing. That is why this declaration of equality is so important. Some countries, and apparently colleagues, need to remind themselves that equality is not just a phrase. Slovakia was also mentioned. Thus, in Slovakia, the current government has pushed through an amendment to the Constitution that threatens democracy, our international obligations, but mainly attacks the principles of equality and justice, all for cheap political points. Do you think this is democracy? Is this something normal? It is our duty to protect all citizens of the European Union. But if we fail again, we will lose not only equality, but also freedom and democracy. And you'll all really feel it. We'll all feel it.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Commissioner, I want to talk about the size of the MFF today, because the annual EU budget is roughly as large as the budget of the country holding currently the presidency, Denmark, with 6 million people. But Europeans ‑ half a billion people ‑ demand much more, we've heard it: prosperous regions; investments in infrastructure, security, climate action, media, support for civil society and much more. But how? How can we fund all this if we shy away from discussing alternative resources? The Commissioner said it. We see memes comparing the US and China to leaders of a new space age, while the EU is dealing with bottle lids ‑ we've heard that today. But, dear citizens, it's about the amount of competences and precisely resources that our governments, national governments are granting to the European Union. And I see the MFF as a great opportunity to change it. We may not be able to change the Treaties right now, but we certainly can shape the European Union with money, and Europeans are expecting nothing less from us.

on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Madam President, honourable High Representative and colleagues. The news from Gaza is terrifying. Humanitarian aid blocked, hospitals bombed, more than half a million people facing famine. In recent days, dozens of people have been killed while waiting for food and water. We are calling for peace, but how many Palestinians will actually live to see it? How many people still have to die in order for us, as a Union, to realise that we can use the levers that are now available to us? No one questions Israel's right to defend itself, but what we are watching today is no longer self-defense. Recognitions and declarations are no longer sufficient. We must be really stronger if we respect the values on which the European Union was founded. We must insist on the suspension of the Union's association agreement with Israel, because with this action we can save lives. That's our minimum. It's not about politics, ideology, or religion. It is about human dignity, and today in Gaza it lies in the dust beneath the rubble.

Madam President, High Representative, colleagues, even in Europe, peace has its price tag. Neglecting this reality has left us with a critical defence capabilities gap. The upcoming NATO summit is therefore a critical juncture. It is no longer about if, but precisely how fast we can increase defence expenditures to a sufficient level. It's not our thirst for militarisation, colleagues, Mr Fico, Mr Orbán. It's because of Putin. Intelligence agencies across Europe have been warning us that Russia plans to test NATO and the EU in just a few years, if you didn't hear. My country, Slovakia, remembers it very well. This coming Saturday marks 34 years since the last train carrying Soviet troops left Czechoslovakia – the true end of the occupation. To me, this is a clear reminder that freedom is not a given, that our democracy needs to be defended. We know exactly what is at stake when Russia threatens us with a new war. So, what should we do? The European Union, through the activation of the escape clause, has provided Member States with the exceptional ability to raise defence expenditures. Member states will also have the opportunity to borrow cheaply through the SAFE instrument. But let us also make sure that this money, these investments, do not end up in the hands of some defence oligarchs, and that we will be paying for things that our armies and our security actually need. Let's act very strategically. It's for future generations. We need to think across the Union about how to actually build that powerful European pillar within NATO to protect our citizens, because doing this together is cheaper, it unites us, and ultimately it makes us stronger.

Mr President, let me be a bit personal today. I fell in love with Türkiye about 20 years ago, and I believe many of you might have had the same experience discovering a country while travelling and instantly falling in love with its people, culture, its soul. But since that first visit, my heart has been breaking down again and again every time a Turkish friend calls me and tells me they are leaving the country, that the situation is becoming dire, that they are losing hope, because – and let's be clear – you cannot imprison your main political opponent and still call yourself a democracy. But unfortunately, this isn't just about Türkiye, right? Across Europe, authoritarians are learning from each other, from Ankara to Budapest to Bratislava. Condemning such actions is not enough, dear European Union. We need to act upon our values, our principles. Every time we meet our Turkish counterparts, we need to ask about Osman, about Figen, about Selahattin, about Ekrem. Every time we talk to them. And we need to stand with those who are fighting for freedom, in Türkiye or across the European Union.

Dear Commissioner. The next Multiannual Financial Framework must not be merely an excel exercise. It must be a strategic response to the challenges we face. This includes supporting the most vulnerable regions, including at the border with the war in Ukraine. They are not a periphery – they are Europe’s strategic space. Because without a strong eastern Slovakia, even western France will not be strong. Without a safe southern Italy, even northern Germany will not prosper. If we don't invest in common security through Eurobonds, Putin will swallow us up in the next step as a dessert served by Trump. Our security must be a priority, but let us not forget that Europe's security is not only about defence, but also about young people's talent. Investments in their education, including through the Erasmus programme, will really come back to us. Only as an innovative, competitive and military-strong EU will we survive the pressure from China, the chaos from America and the aggression from Russia. Our report is not about numbers, Mr Commissioner, it is about the future, so we hope that you will present a stronger, bigger and more pro-European budget in July.

Madam President, the Russians are armored, as if nothing should exist the day after tomorrow. If we don't stop Putin together, he'll go on. The deputy defense minister told me these words on my way to Kiev on Saturday. And, you know, I am really shocked that colleagues in this plenary, too, are still living under the illusion that we are not concerned. The two reports we are discussing here today state that peace is the only way, the only viable way, to restore Ukrainian sovereignty. But you who are calling for a fast peace without guarantees and you are still following the instructions to Moscow, so finally go to Kiev! Ukrainians have already had fast-fermented Russian peace on the table many times. And where did that lead them? You're not calling for real peace, you're calling for surrender. Such a peace would only be the pause that Putin needs to prepare for the next attack, and this time directly to the European Union. I would also like to thank you, Mrs Kallas, for your equally vocal support for Ukraine, your standing behind it and your criticism, despite the fact that you call Russia by its real name: the aggressor.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, just last night, I returned from Kyiv, where I witnessed first-hand the looming threat that Russia poses to all of Europe. And believe me, we cannot afford to ignore the growing risks of further aggression further. It is crucial that we make security a top priority in our 2026 budget guidelines and negotiate it resolutely with Member States. I want to thank the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs for placing defence at the forefront of next year's budget, because the war on our doorstep is real. And the only way to safeguard Europe's future is through collective defence and unwavering support for Ukraine. Strengthening our military capabilities, investing in defence technologies and showing solidarity with Ukraine are all essential. Their fight is our fight. And by securing Ukraine, we protect the entire European Union. Now, more than ever, we must ensure our resources are focused on defending peace and strengthening Europe.

on behalf of the PPE-DE Group. - (DE) Mr President, colleagues, let us acknowledge this and say it out loud. We have a war in Europe that we have not experienced since the 1940s, and under the pressure of a new geopolitical situation, there is a real risk that it will end in the loss of Ukraine. But the war can also move deeper into Europe, and that's exactly what Putin is doing. Defeat Ukraine, gain time to rearm and destabilise us with disinformation in the meantime. Whom do we sacrifice? Baltics, Poland, my Slovakia? We are not decades old, we may have months to create a common defence that will deter Russia, but that is precisely what deterrence is about. About assertiveness and our unity. This is what the White Paper should be about. Yes, it will cost us something, but it will certainly be the price of prevention and sustainable peace lower than the price of war. And so that the increased costs do not fall on those closest to us, we have the tools to do so in the European Union and in the Member States. So yesterday was too late. We have to insure ourselves, and investing in common security is our insurance. Europe must defend itself.