Speeches

Mr President, thank you very much. (beginning of speech outside the microphone) ...becomes a key security link. The new budget after 2028 is a unique opportunity. We focused on military mobility. Why is that? This is because it is a security issue. Military mobility will increase tenfold. We have €18 billion secured for military mobility under the new Connecting Europe Facility. But on the map of the European Union, we have also identified key corridors for military mobility. Three of them will pass through Poland. We have also identified 500 critical infrastructure points that require investment and modernization: bridges, roads, tunnels, railways. With these funds of the new budget of the European Union, we will make these modernisations. It is a key budget that responds to the challenge of the modern world and safeguards Europe's interests.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Mr. Director-General, thank you very much. It was 2024. One of the first decisions of Donald Tusk's government was to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Because governments of honest people, unlike kleptocrats, are not afraid of independent bodies looking at their hands. Lack of control makes me laugh. For the PiS government, the time of the pandemic is a jump on the money. They changed the rules, because you can see less in the cloudy water. In their greed, they did not even give up funds for the purchase of generators for Ukraine, which the Commission transferred to the then Government Agency for Strategic Reserves. The OLAF investigation confirmed our findings: overpricing, nepotism, embezzlement estimated at EUR 91 million. Some of the perpetrators are already sitting and sleeping, but this mafia did not act without the consent of the most important people in the PiS state. Péter Magyar follows the example of Donald Tusk's government and joins the European Public Prosecutor's Office. We have a new opening in the agency and, Mr. Director General, we are counting on agency. We count on active communication with the citizens of the European Union. Mr. Commissioner, Mr. Director, you can count on us.

Mr President, transatlantic relations continue to thrive. Our ambition is to expand economic cooperation. Every day, USD 4.5 billion worth of goods and services are traded between the EU and the US. It is the basis for extensive cross-border investment and supports millions of jobs. 2025 was a turbulent year for transatlantic relations and economy. Despite this, we achieved a record trade turnover. The Turnberry deal averted a full‑blown trade war. With today's vote, let's give it a chance. Europe and the US remain by far each other's most important source of overseas affiliate income. Transatlantic commerce works. And this dense web of deep connections remains a strength. Poland is leading by example. Our security cooperation translates into economic partnerships, in particular in the defence and energy sectors. But Europe has to negotiate firmly, and a stronger Europe is a stronger US ally.

Dear Mr President, First of all, we cannot remain silent in a situation where a Member State, Hungary, and in fact the Orbán government, is blocking aid to warring Ukraine. This 90 billion is very much needed and a way must be found for Ukraine to receive the funds that will be needed for its defence and functioning. Yesterday drones fell in Lviv, destroying monuments listed on the UNESCO world list. These are the churches from the 18th century – the church of St. John the Baptist. Andrew and the Bernardines. 80 km from the border with the Republic of Poland. Today, another scandalous decision by the Orbán government to stop the possibility of gas flow to the country. We must make decisions in full awareness that Putin's Trojan horse is in Europe and that it is the corrupt Orbán government.

Madam President, I'm sorry. It's a year of acceleration. We have a plan to build defensive readiness. We have joint flagship projects. We have funding from SAFE to quickly fill gaps where our defence capabilities are insufficient. Poland has set an example and nothing will stop it, because there is no room for smuggling, because there is no room for bullshit and there is no room for false alternatives. Because every day counts for European and Polish security. We are facing another task. The military Schengen is concrete, because the increasingly stronger, better armed army can not have delays in movement. The new law will remove all barriers and obstacles, because time matters for military mobility. But it's also infrastructure: roads, bridges, railways, ports and airports. They must be on full alert at the moment of danger. These are strategic transport corridors. We need to keep these full capacities under the pressure of the crisis. We need to build a logistical flow of European security.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Cooperation between the European Union and Canada is a strategic investment in security. The signing of the Security and Defence Partnership during the Polish Presidency was a first important step to strengthen it. But the next step I want to talk about is the agreement on Canada's participation in the SAFE instrument, it is also an opportunity for our arms industries, which are looking to strengthen their defence priorities, but also partners for joint projects, so as to buy common products. Poland offers such good products in this area. It is also important that the European Union, Canada and Ukraine cooperate, which has achieved perfection in the development of effective and low-cost drone and anti-drone technologies. This is confirmed by Ukraine's efforts to share its knowledge in the fight against Iranian Shahed drones. Commissioner, we support this cooperation very strongly and we keep our fingers crossed for it.

Madam President, I'm sorry. The single market is one of the greatest achievements of European integration, but the truth is that this achievement is still incomplete. What is the most important thing for Poland today and what is the most important thing for Europe? Today, the single market must be a safety shield. It is about a real strengthening of defence and deterrence capabilities, but there is also a need for a comprehensive review by the European Union institutions, but also by national governments, of the understanding of the common defence market and the approach to its formulation. I want to make it very clear that, in the short term, the priority must be to fill the gaps in the military capacity of the Member States as soon as possible. Poland is doing its job here. This work is also the SAFE instrument and the EUR 44 billion we have raised under this programme. We will build the defence market of the European Union, we will build the Polish military potential.

Madam President, the US – we are concerned. Yes, we are concerned in this House of democracy. I would like to start by expressing my and the EPP's solidarity with the victims of the violence and their families. But let me also concentrate in this debate on our common relations. The transatlantic ties have been the backbone of global politics for the past decades, and as such have ensured stability, growth and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. I regret that the EU-US political relations are currently undergoing their most difficult period, and are being tested more severely than at any time since the Second World War. The outcome of this crisis will determine whether what unites us proves to be stronger and more enduring than what is beginning to divide us. In this House, we are trying to map the most constructive scenarios for bilateral relations in an environment where the EU is increasingly confronted with challenges one would not expect from the EU's most trusted and important ally. Currently, the bilateral relations are characterised by a high degree of unpredictability, attempts to undermine the rules-based international order, challenges to sovereignty and territorial integrity, and redefinition of the strategic approach to Russia. We need trust between the partners and this distrust I can observe – also as a standing rapporteur on the US – has influence on the perception of the United States across EU societies. Dear colleagues, it's time to reflect. It's time to be united on this issue.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, this report on EU partnerships provides strategic partnership recommendations, setting a path to enhanced and expanded cooperation between the EU and key bilateral partners, allowing the EU to respond effectively to current and future security threats and to strengthen its role as a global strategic actor. Never in the history of the EU have we faced greater challenges and greater uncertainty in this volatile security environment. We need to reply with strength. We need defence partnerships to build spheres of common interest against spheres of influence and imperial actions. As we face Russian imperialism, the EU has no greater and no more important partner than Ukraine. Ukraine has not only been defending the EU, but has also built an innovative military force in Europe. This report underlines that it is in the EU's fundamental interest to deepen our partnerships with Ukraine, including in the defence industry. Support for Ukraine is the bedrock of EU defence. The report calls for closer EU-NATO cooperation. It remains the cornerstone of European defence. But the EU must take greater responsibility for its own defence. The strategic reorientation of the US means that we need to invest more and close critical capability gaps, deepening cooperation with other NATO countries like Canada and especially our European NATO allies, the UK and Norway. The report also calls for accelerated EU enlargement. There is only one factual amendment I present, concerning India, reflecting the signing of the strategic partnerships on the emergence of the EU-India summit.

Madam President, I'm sorry. The subject we are discussing is not a theoretical matter for us. For Poland, this is a real issue regarding our preparation. On the night of 9-10 September last year, Poland experienced a massive intrusion of drones into our airspace. I want to make it very clear that unmanned capabilities are used in various tasks and are crucial for our armed forces today. This report rightly highlights the development of unmanned and drone capabilities. And these actions, which we are talking about, obviously require strategic partnerships, both between Member States and key partners. But what the European Union offers are funds, they are also loan funds. That is why we, as Poland, intend to use the full handful of the SAFE instrument and under this instrument we will also have projects on anti-drone systems. So very much for this initiative, Madam President, thank you.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Madam High Representative! The High Parliament! Above all, the upcoming EU-India Summit is a moment of strategic importance, not only in terms of trade, but above all in terms of geo-politics. It was in these days, Commissioner, that Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski ended his visit to India. Poland is also actively participating in this dialogue. I want to make it very clear that I fully agree with your words that the European Union, Europe must actively shape its partnerships, diversify relations, strengthen our resilience in a world of growing tensions and economic pressures. India is an exceptional partner. It is a market with huge growth potential, a future global development center. It is also a country with a different commercial philosophy and its own sensitivities. So this negotiated free trade agreement will not be a copy of other agreements. It must be recalibrated, that is, ambitious where possible, and realistic where the differences are greatest. Progress in these negotiations is very clear. But I also want to be very clear about this: human rights, democracy must remain essential elements of our relations.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Europe cannot afford weakness, weakness towards our enemies, but also weakness towards our allies. And we must stand firmly on the side of international law, on the side of territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. 2025 has been a very difficult year for human rights in the world, but everything seems to indicate that this year will be the same, just as difficult, and we must stand firm on our values. Authoritarianism is on the rise, and the space for freedom is shrinking dramatically. In Iran, the regime brutally suppresses peaceful protests and threatens protesters with the death penalty. In Venezuela, the Maduro regime has stripped citizens of their right to democratic choice. We must focus not only on business, on oil, but also on the values of free and democratic elections that must take place in this country. There are great challenges on the side of the European Union. We have to meet them. The High Commissioner, the High Representative, as the European Parliament, will support this.

Mr President, thank you very much. It was a very important year. 2025 is presented in these two important reports, but I would like to highlight a few important points. Firstly, the Strategic Partnerships for Security and Defence. This is also a success for the Polish Presidency and cooperation with the High Representative and the Commissioner. Specific agreements. Canada and the UK as well. We are also developing this one with Canada under the SAFE instrument. The second area is, of course, the military Schengen regulatory area. This work begins in the European Parliament. We are pleased that this regulation goes to two committees: the Committee on Security and Defence, as well as the Committee on Transport and Tourism. And the third, very important thing is strength. Europe must build its strength. Donald Tusk said today: "Europe cannot afford to be weak either to its enemies or to its allies".

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The High Representative! First of all, we are dealing with new facts. The first was the US operation on Nicolas Maduro on January 3. That's good news. On the other hand, what worries us, what we want to talk about in this House, is primarily the US cooperation with the regime and the marginalization of the opposition, which discourages the prospect of restoring democratic order in Venezuela. I want to make it very clear that it is important to emphasise, and we want to emphasise here, that elections were held in 2024. This election was won by Edmundo Gonzalez, who is the only legitimate representative of the authorities who has a democratic mandate.

Mr President, thank you very much. Our common task is to strive for a world where rules apply. The world of fists is the past. A world in which the big ones can illegally seek the territory of smaller countries. I want to say very clearly: The European Union has been, is and will continue to be a partner for the United States. But this partnership must be based on principles, international law and dialogue. I want to say very clearly: The threat of new tariffs on the European Union does not serve transatlantic relations. I also want to make it very clear that diplomacy is needed and peace is needed. I urge you to reduce tensions. At the same time, respecting the demand to increase the security of the Arctic. But it can be done in a non-confrontational way. And the most important thing: The threat is from Russia. We need to help Ukraine. We need to focus on what is really important, existential for Poland, for Europeans.

Mr President, thank you very much. The High House! First of all, I would like to start with my highest respect, which I would like to express to the civil society of Georgia, which has been fighting for its freedom and its European future for more than a year, every day, every night. And this is the dream of a real Georgia, which we must support in this house of democracy. I would like to say very clearly that what we have seen in recent days, in recent weeks, those plans that were made public in mid-November, changes in the electoral law, de facto deprive Georgians living abroad of the possibility to participate in the general elections. This is an attack – an attack on the active rights of citizens of the Georgian state. I want to make it very clear that we, as Poland, are also very critical of the situation in Georgia. We have made a decision – made by Minister Sikorski – to pause, suspend development programmes in Georgia that include public institutions. But at the same time, we have determination and we want to increase cooperation with non-governmental organizations, social partners. We need to support free media in Georgia. We must support those who want a democratic Georgia in European and Euro-Atlantic structures, which is equally important.

Madam President, I'm sorry. The High House! Europe should be grateful. Yes, Europe should be grateful, because after the publication of the US security strategy, we know where we stand. It was written in black and white. The primary objective is to build the strength of the European Union in each scenario. The most important thing at the moment is the construction of the European pillar of NATO, but we also need to be prepared for even stronger, even more efficient support for Ukraine. That is why the declaration of the President of the European Commission is very important. We must use the frozen assets of Russia's central bank to work for Ukraine and for European security. This is a moral obligation that needs to be fulfilled. We are also responsible for the defence industry, which should be more integrated, more coherent, and skillfully use all the funds that we have launched this year. We must defend the European sky, we must defend the European institutions, we must defend European society and build its constant resilience. But I want to be very clear: expectations are increasing. Prime Minister Tusk declares this and the leaders of the eastern flank of the European Union also declare it. We need SAFE in the new, second edition, because the needs are gigantic, and we want to respond constructively to them.

Dear President, Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The case is high-profile. Very serious negotiations are underway in Berlin. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also participates. The NATO Secretary General has left no illusions. We no longer have the comfort of a long-term perspective. We have to act here and now. That is why what we are preparing and presenting in this report is so important, because the risk of a full-scale war is very high. First of all, this report shows this possibility to transfer funds under the Recovery and Resilience Fund. Poland is a good example here, it has taken advantage of these opportunities. We have launched a special fund dedicated to the modernisation of the Polish army, but also to dual-use projects and infrastructure. But what is most important are the needs. These are infrastructure gaps that we can bury together, using the resources we have at our disposal in this and in the future financial perspective.

Mr President, thank you very much. The High House! COP30 in Belém is an important forum where we could – including Poland – express our views on the need to combine climate objectives with consumer protection and energy security. The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union presented two objectives: competitiveness and security. And it is very important that, as we move away from fossil fuels, which are systemic in nature, we first focus on what is most important. We must immediately, as the European Union, move away from Russian fossil fuel imports by the end of 2027 at the latest. Poland is uniquely aware of this. The ORLEN Group consistently increases the energy security of Poland and the region. Since March 2025, all refineries have been supplied with crude oil from outside Russia. At the end of June, the company completed its last contract for the supply of raw material from the East. We're doing our thing. We appeal to other countries – Hungary, Slovakia – go our way, the Polish way.