Speeches

High Chamber, we live in a time when the full-scale war in Ukraine remains a challenge. Transatlantic relations also remain a challenge and in this context, the Commission and the summit participants will discuss with China. I want to make it very clear that this approach of the European Union towards China should be assertive, because there are several aspects that I want to draw attention to. Firstly, support for the war in Ukraine. And we have to talk about it directly. This war could not have continued had it not been for the support of countries that provide either Iranian drones every day or the components through which this war is conducted and the war economy of the Russian Federation is also supported. We need to talk about unfair commercial practices. And we also need to speak directly about reducing dependencies and strategic autonomy. We need sovereignty. We ask that this approach be taken into account. There is no Business as usual For three years there has been support for war, which is also genocide.

Mr President, Madam Commissioner, Poland is a strong advocate of the EU enlargement policy. The cost of enlargement is lower than the cost of non enlargement and it's in the EU geopolitical interest. Let me concentrate on two crucial challenges: the Western Balkans and Ukraine. The Western Balkans governments must keep up reform momentum to move forward on the European path. We support further strengthening relations with Western Balkans countries in all areas of common interests, in particular security, by building resilience against hostile influence from within and third actors. We contribute to the security of the EU itself. We welcome the Commission's positive signal on Ukraine's progress. Talks on key reforms should start as soon as possible. Orbán's veto is political, not substantive. One country cannot blackmail the rest of us, forcing its unjustified and politically motivated stance. Our determined and clear stance regarding Ukraine is needed. Its efforts to fulfil the Commission's requirements matter more than attempts to achieve artificial EU unanimity. A broader Union means a stronger Europe, and enlargement is our strategic answer to threats.

Dear President, Dear Commissioner, This discussion is very important because we need to focus on modernising our electricity grids. This is very important for our economy and very important for our security. Only a modern infrastructure can ensure the stability of the system, its resilience and effective cross-border connections. This year's power failure in Spain, caused by overload and outdated infrastructure, left tens of millions of people without electricity. This was a warning sign for Europe. More than 30% of the network in the European Union is now over 40 years old, which effectively limits the possibilities of home energy development and local self-sufficiency. The role of the institutions of the European Union is to support. The role of the European Union is to secure funds for the modernisation of distribution networks. This is also expected by my country, Poland. We expect the European Commission to respond to the challenges of the Grid Package. A secure Europe also means energy security.

Madam President, I'm sorry. We have turned words into deeds. The Polish Presidency has set the tone and direction. By building European defence, we are strengthening NATO's European pillar. By spending nearly 5% of GDP on defence, Poland is setting an example. We are going to the NATO summit with a raised head and a clear goal: reaffirm the cohesion of the alliance, allied commitments, transatlantic ties, the adoption of a strategy towards Russia as a permanent threat (a country of terrorists responsible for crimes) and the consistent support of Ukraine. The European Union is stronger than ever with the 2030 preparedness strategy, with the East shield as the pillar of EU defence, with 150 billion euros for armaments, with the Defence Omnibus simplification package to accelerate investments in the armaments industry. Safe Poland in Europe. We continue our service.

Mr President, Madam Vice-President, the escalating situation between Israel and Iran is a serious threat that demands quick action. We must pursue a clear and firm path towards a negotiated resolution to this conflict. The EU and its Member States must stand united in their message: Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, and Israel has a right to protect the citizens. The EU has a crucial role to play in mediating this crisis, and we should actively offer our support. Collaboration with the US is essential. It is imperative that all parties abide by international law. A lasting solution must be grounded in legal principles, and the EU has a critical responsibility to uphold an international order based on legitimate claims and just solutions. We cannot lose sight of a dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank. We demand that humanitarian aid can flow freely. Terrorists must release all hostages. Hamas has no place in any future governance structure in Gaza. Finally, protecting the security of European citizens is non-negotiable and should be our top priority.

Madam President, I'm sorry. The Ukrainian armed forces are fighting for Ukraine's future in Europe, but the Ukrainian armed forces are also fighting for Ukraine's presence in Western alliances that will guarantee sustainable peace and development in the future. This path to NATO is in line with the Washington Summit declarations and should remain irreversible. The Commission, as well as the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, supported the new arms and defence industrial development programmes and sought to include Ukraine in them. Ukraine has a unique experience resulting from the ongoing and full-scale war. It has developed new technologies, developed the defence industry, in particular the production of drones, which can also be useful for our industrial sector. The key will be the NATO summit in The Hague, which must be made very clear. The NATO summit in The Hague, which is also taking place in geopolitical circumstances, because this Russian aggression is not happening in a vacuum. Iran is behind Moscow and North Korea is behind it. Iran delivers drones, Korea delivers missiles – they are evil accomplices. That is why the NATO summit in The Hague should firstly emphasise our collective readiness to defend ourselves, but also adopt a new NATO strategy for Russia, which poses a strategic threat to our security.

Mr President, thank you very much. The High House! We are talking about the absolutely most important issue, the question is whether Member States have the right to spy on their citizens without justification? Do Member States, including governments, have the right to use spyware for political purposes? The answer from this House is unequivocal and must be so. They have no right. Therefore, it is necessary to settle all scandals that concern how the governments of the member states, including the former Polish government, which was the government of the Law and Justice party, used this software against politicians, against prosecutors, against lawyers in order to influence decisions and have information. These are software like Pegasus to be used against terrorists from Hamas, from Hezbollah, not against their own democratic opposition. These issues need to be clarified and this role of the European institutions in this process is crucial.

Madam President, the EU must stop limiting itself to calls for a ceasefire. What matters is what comes after. And let me be clear: any future of Gaza that includes Hamas is a future of endless war. Leaving Hamas in place would mean accepting another 7 October. The EU cannot just watch while the US sets the agenda. We have diplomatic weight, financial leverage and strategic interest. We should lead in shaping a post-Hamas Gaza with proposals for temporary civil governance, border control, accountable aid delivery. We also need to face the facts on the ground. Hamas has turned hospitals and UN sites into military assets. We must link humanitarian aid to clear security guarantees. We all want peace and a future for Gaza, but that future cannot be built on terror. It must be built on international cooperation, real demilitarisation and a new political path that the EU must help lead.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Dear Commissioner, First of all, I would like to thank you, as coordinator for children's rights, for the work you do for Ukrainian children. And it is very good that during this evening we are discussing the issue of deportation, we are talking about the fact that Ukrainian children are being kidnapped – because we, ladies and gentlemen, are dealing with a crime against humanity. And this is an example of the fact that Russia is not only bombing Ukraine, but above all stealing its future. Thousands of Ukrainian children are deported from the occupied territories, taken away from their parents, and then subjected to brutal Russification, indoctrination. They often end up in military schools, where they are trained to fight against their own people. This is part of Putin's criminal policy. This violates international conventions: the Geneva Convention, the Convention on Human Rights. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Putin's arrest. Thank you very much for this initiative and we, as the European People's Party, fully support this.

Dear President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Commissioner! Mr. Secretary of State! You have to say it straight: Ukraine is the defender of Europe and Ukraine will have the support of the European Union, because you never abandon your allies. I want to be very clear about how the Polish Presidency influences support for Ukraine. This support is also based on the fact that we are consistently weakening Putin's war economy. This decision to publish a road map, a total reduction in fuel imports from Russia to the European Union is our joint success. But sanctions were also a success – the 16th package, which was announced during the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We do it consistently. We invest in these relations because we believe that Ukraine is our partner and future member. Because we also believe that we are not interested in raw materials, but in economic and technological cooperation. And here Ukraine also has gigantic achievements in this area of arms policy and new technologies, which we also want to benefit from.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Six months ago, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was in Belgrade. He spoke clearly about the European perspective as an offer for Serbian society. The visit resulted in the absence of President Vučić at the BRICS summit in Kazan. We have a Putin parade ahead of us and another decision that needs to be made – a decision on where and with whom to celebrate the end of World War II. To be in Moscow or to be in Kiev? To be with an aggressor or to be with a victim of assault? But this is not the only choice that must be made by the rulers of Serbia, but more broadly by the Serbian society. It's about strategic choice and values that it's time to stand up for. Democracy or authoritarianism? Free Media or Propaganda? Rule of law or nepotism? Dependence on a war criminal or partnership with Europe? A secure future or a life of constant fear? We must try to get Serbia out of Putin's clutches and existing dependencies. It is necessary to repeat the words of Donald Tusk, they are still relevant, but today we want to speak to the young Serbian society: (the Member speaks a non-official language).

Madam President, I'm sorry. Madam Vice-President, I'm sorry. Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a member state, NATO and the European Union. Denmark is also our reliable partner and ally, which is why we should ensure this cooperation and support the integrity protected by international law. Greenland's coalition government remains united against undue external pressure. It is the Greenlanders who have the right to decide about themselves and the extent of their autonomy without outside interference. Greenland will be at the centre of increasing competition in the Arctic. We must actively support our allies and not lead to destabilisation in the region, because this can benefit our enemies from the axis of evil. The security of Northern Europe is important, especially in the energy dimension and the protection of critical infrastructure. The European Union needs to strengthen cooperation with its allies in the European Arctic, but also with Canada, in the Baltic Sea region, particularly in terms of defence and resilience.

Mr President, Commissioner, Minister, colleagues, nowadays the world is getting increasingly less predictable. In my country, Poland, people are asking what happens next? Should we be afraid of Russian aggression? Are Europe's relations with the US on a crisis course? Will Europe be able to quickly boost its defence capabilities? The future of transatlantic relations depends on our current actions. This is exactly why we, as Europeans, are taking more responsibility for our security. To build defence potential requires a strong economy. The imposition of tariffs by the US on EU exports do not help. We see no justification for this. Mutual imposition of tariffs on our economies is not our shared interest. My statement as a standing rapporteur for the US is crystal clear: transatlantic cooperation is beneficial for both sides of the Atlantic. Whether we talk about security or economy, no other economies in the world are integrated in such an advanced way. The EU and the US are the largest trade and investment partners. Together, we represent 30 % of global trade in goods and services. Therefore, the trade wars will not benefit either side. That is why we cannot stop engaging in building strong dialogue. But let me be clear here: the imposition of tariffs will not only hurt Europeans, American businesses will be affected too.

Mr President, Vice-President, dear Commissioner, the Lukashenka regime is tightening its grip. The threats from the Investigative Committee are yet another sign that no one is safe. Journalists, activists and ordinary citizens are being hunted down, imprisoned and silenced. This is state terror in action. But let's be clear: this is not just a human rights crisis; it's a security crisis, and it is not just about Belarus. A dictatorship in Minsk is a security threat to all of Europe. Belarus is no longer a sovereign state. It has been transformed into a military extension of Russia. It has become a large part for Russia aggression and a hub for hybrid warfare against Europe. Lukashenka has handed over his country to Kremlin. The people of Belarus are still resisting. We must match their courage. They are not giving up, and neither should we. Finally, let us not forget about Andrzej Poczobut. His unjust imprisonment is a message to us all. If we fail to defend those fighting for freedom, we are undermining our own.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Donald Tusk directly addressed Donald Trump with these words: Cooperation is always better than confrontation. All the time we hope that these words will find understanding on the other side of the Atlantic. We want to say very clearly, we are absolutely aware that our relations, our transatlantic relations, are at a turn and these pillars, which are on the one hand security, on the other hand economic cooperation, are very threatened and can also hit the European economy, which is building its defence potential. Commissioner, there is a second point: There is hope. This hope is the work that the European institutions, particularly you, the Commission, are also undertaking in the area of the future Security and Defence Pact with the United Kingdom. We would like the European Union-UK Summit to be a concrete, joint success and a strengthening of our defence alliance with our European partner.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The Polish Presidency promotes security, including investment security. The Union that the Commissioner has presented, these solutions, these priorities, above all, give security to invest, to invest from savings, often from savings that come from the achievements and work of a lifetime. Therefore, supervision of the capital market is also very important. It will also allow for less risk, but on the other hand it will allow funds to be invested in the most needed sectors. And such a sector, which I see, is innovation, but also a very important sector, which the Polish Presidency draws attention to, are defence issues. These are also potentially large inflows for pension funds. They will also translate into higher pensions for Europeans.

Dear Mr President, First of all, congratulations to Andrzej Halicki for this report on the budget guidelines for 2026. I will have questions for both Andrzej Halicki and our Commissioner Piotr Serafin. In particular: What role do we see in these guidelines for the protection of the external borders of the European Union? I believe that the review of cohesion policy also makes it possible to redefine the priorities and funding that are needed in border regions. We are living in very turbulent times and today also Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk appealed directly to Donald Trump, saying that cooperation is always better than competition. Today we also have new facts that also concern the largest conscription in history, since the full-scale war, in Russia. These are all challenges and this 2026 budget must meet these challenges.

Mr President, thank you very much. Dear Commissioner, Dear Vice-President, The timing of this debate is crucial and, in fact, everything has been said about the content of this resolution, this motion for a resolution, but let me share a few observations. Since the loss of control over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian authorities have begun to change the course of foreign policy, and we are happy here to bring Armenia closer to the European Union. If we want to strengthen Armenia's integration process with the West, we should definitely strengthen economic ties. The European Union should also strive to increase activity and visibility in Armenia. The extension of the European Union civilian mission in Armenia for another two years is an example of our commitment. This strengthens the Union's position as a mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan. And the goal of all of us should be lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Alarming reports of torture, unlawful detention, ill-treatment cannot go unnoticed. This situation is a test for European values. We must stand firm in upholding fundamental European values: human rights, human dignity and the rule of law.

Mr President, thank you very much. Today we adopted a landmark resolution for the future of European defence policy. It is not only the recognition of the East Shield as a leading project for the security of Europe. In our resolution there is a clear declaration that frozen Russian assets, state assets must be immediately used for the defence of Ukraine. This is no time for half-measures. Enough talk, it's time to act, because it's also about the credibility of Europe as an ally. The money of the terrorist state must be transferred to Ukraine. 300 billion euros could change the outcome of this war. The aggressor must bear responsibility for his destructive actions. International law allows for countermeasures. The Union must make use of all legal possibilities. We call for the immediate transfer of Russian capital to Ukraine. With these measures, Ukraine is undermining Russia's ability to wage war and deterring future aggression. The European Union must act decisively and delay only dares the Kremlin. Justice requires that it is the aggressor, not the European taxpayers, who bear the costs of defending Ukraine.

Madam President, I'm sorry. We're talking about something absolutely important, and we're actually talking about one thing: Humans are at the heart of the European economy. This is how we are different from other countries. We are different from countries that are authoritarian, because the most important thing is that everyone has their rights, including workers' rights. But we also want to talk about a competitive economy. We want to talk about new solutions related to simplification, which are very necessary so that European companies can compete, also compete with other countries. What is very important in this case? Social dialogue is needed. And I also ask the European Commission to always, in every situation we face – this social dialogue is: on the one hand, the trade unions, the workers and, on the other hand, the employers, so that we always reach compromises. This is how we try to do it in Poland. I believe that these are the most important solutions and especially now, when we are also redirecting our attention to the defence industry. These must also be the actions that we take in dialogue with this environment.

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, we are witnessing a deeply concerning deterioration of the situation in Gaza following the non-extension of the ceasefire. The humanitarian toll is tragic, and our thoughts remain with all innocent civilians caught in this devastating conflict. On 7 October 2023, Hamas, supported by other armed groups from the Gaza Strip, carried out a coordinated terrorist attack on Israel. Over 3 000 rockets were fired from Gaza and up to 3 000 terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory. Around 1 200 people were killed and approximately 250 others were kidnapped. In response, Israel officially declared that it was a state of war, launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip, and after about two weeks began ground operations. The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on 19 January, following extensive diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. It marked a significant de‑escalation after 15 months of conflict, with both parties committing to halt hostilities and engage in negotiations. High humanitarian costs in Gaza are unacceptable. We recognise the right of states to defend themselves, but at the same time Europe has a great role to play in promoting stability. We stand for peace, security and for the right of all people to live without fear.

Mr President, thank you very much. Let's have no illusions. There has been a paradigm shift across the ocean, although we do not like it very much and, quite frankly, we are angry. We've never needed unity and a plan so badly before. We've never been on our own so much before. We have been dependent on others for too long. The time for stowaways in defense spending is over. What we face as Europe is a security deficit. What should unite us is responsibility. There is a need to redefine transatlantic relations and alliances, the sustainability of which, but also mutual commitments, have never been called into question before. Ukraine's departure by an ally and guarantor of its integrity must start a discussion about the risks and consequences of leaving Europe. Russia has started an arms race. Europe must respond to this. The declaration of unwavering support for Ukraine must be expressed in concrete terms. It takes courageous action for Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defence. The White Paper is a road map that we must stick to consistently, courageously and generously. We need to arm Europe. We need to secure our borders. They must be like a shield. We need to fill our warehouses and we need to use that time. Europe: Stay the course.

Madam President, I'm sorry. The High House! The topic of deregulation returns like a boomerang, also on the occasion of this discussion about the omnibus package. But the most important issue, which is also a summary of this debate, is the question of changing thinking, changing the thinking of the European institutions, countries, but also officials. It is necessary to deregulate the idea that the entrepreneur is the enemy. That's the most important thing. We must end bad legislation, which is based on the dominance of state institutions over citizens. This leads to excessive regulation. But on the occasion of the discussion on this particular package, I want to say very clearly: A secure Europe needs a competitive economy. And the omnibus package is an important step, because entrepreneurs need further simplification of regulations. We need to increase the competitiveness of European Union enterprises also in the area of defence industry.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The high house! This debate is needed. She confirms that the European Union is closely following the recent decisions of the US administration. We try to understand our allies and their motivations. We do not always share the positions taken, but we sincerely hope that in a dialogue based on mutual trust and understanding, we will convince our allies to return to joint projects. Because we have common global goals: security, prosperity, climate and democracy. We want more democracy and less authoritarianism. The next few weeks and months will be a test. We will start this dialogue shortly at the Munich Security Conference. I am glad that we are going through this period during the Polish Presidency. This is a good time to clarify and set common priorities. Poland has always understood America well, and America has repeatedly defended Polish and European interests – because that is what the community is all about. Prosperity is not built on trade wars. As the Polish Prime Minister said in response to Trump’s tariffs, “We are not panicking, but preparing well. The Union should respond in a balanced way." It is worth listening to Donald Tusk. But as a partner, we also have expectations. It is predictability, dialogue, common understanding and the defence of common values. There is no room for compromise. As the former President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I know that it is democracies, not autocracies, that build communities based on principles and values. The EU and the US are also the largest trade and investment partnership. Together, we represent almost 30% of global trade in goods and services and 43% of global GDP. We are ready for this cooperation and we ask for a strategic partnership, but also dialogue and trust, because this is the only way to achieve strategic goals.