What Michał spoke about.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches PL

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Frozen Russian assets (debate)

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.

12

Mar

2025

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Social and employment aspects of restructuring processes: the need to protect jobs and workers’ rights (debate)

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.

11

Mar

2025

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Deteriorating situation in Gaza following the non-extension of the ceasefire (debate)

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.

11

Mar

2025

Speeches PL

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White paper on the future of European defence (debate)

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.

10

Mar

2025

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Cutting red tape and simplifying business in the EU: the first Omnibus proposals (debate)

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.

12

Feb

2025

Speeches PL

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US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organisation and the suspension of US development and humanitarian aid (debate)

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.

11

Feb

2025

Speeches PL

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Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Mr. Minister, I'm sorry. It is high time to say here in this House that the European Union cannot only be a payer, but above all it must be an active player who creates solutions for security, but also for security in the Middle East. This situation in the Middle East is the most difficult in many years. The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 brought chaos, led to bloodshed, but we are also waiting all the time for the release of all the hostages of the terrorists. I want to make it very clear that we must pursue an active policy. It is also a policy that supports democratic processes, civil society, but also responds to humanitarian crises. The Gaza Strip is currently in such a crisis. And a very important thing - when Americans withdraw their development aid, humanitarian aid, we have to take responsibility. It is also our responsibility, ours, our generation to the world and to these people.

11

Feb

2025

Speeches PL

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Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Mr. Minister, I'm sorry. Three years of war and three years of unwavering support from European allies. Our goal is for Ukraine to win, for Ukraine to recover and be a strong European country. Ukraine strengthens Europe, makes it stronger, safer and will be economically more powerful. Three things I want to talk about. Firstly, it is a common migration strategy and the imminent demographic crisis in Ukraine. At least 7.5 million citizens have left Ukraine in these three years. In order for Ukraine to develop further, these people must return to Ukraine. The demographic crisis is huge. The average age has increased sharply. The second is support for veterans. Commissioner, this is a very important matter. When this war is over, there will be 2 million veterans. You also need to help them financially, socially, psychologically. They'll be treating trauma for years. And the third issue is support in political dialogue. When Ukraine is...

11

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Preparedness for a new trade era: multilateral cooperation or tariffs (debate)

Madam President, this debate is very timely because substantially the US President raised tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. In Europe, the steel industry accounts for 300 000 jobs and indirectly for up to 2.53 million. In my country, Poland, 18 000 people work directly on steel. The United States is our key strategic partner. We share common values, strong economic ties, and a commitment to global stability. We must remain focused on the fundamental goal: supporting a fellow democracy in its defence against an aggressive autocratic regime. Its failure would be a strategic defeat for us all. Allies should not be burdened by excessive tariffs. Let me quote Ronald Reagan, who said these words in the times of fight between the free world and the evil empire: 'Our peaceful trading partners are not our enemies. They are our allies. We should beware of the demagogues who are ready to declare a trade war against our friends – weakening our economy, our national security, and the entire free world.' Let's focus on common enemies instead of seeking enemies among the allies. The US and the EU must stay the course.

21

Jan

2025

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Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (debate)

Mr President, Mr Commissioner, dear colleagues, the worsening political situation in Georgia demands our immediate attention. Just one month ago, I visited Tbilisi with a cross-party delegation of seven MEPs and I have to tell you very openly that the last Georgian election was stolen, and the only legitimate representative of Georgia is President Zourabichvili. The European Parliament has reaffirmed its support for the Georgian people, but what we need now are actions. First of all, Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream officials must be sanctioned, including asset freezing. We need action. We just have to stop talking. I strongly condemn violence against the people and threats against the President. I ask the Commission, I ask the Council: do your job. You have to be with the Georgian people. Georgia is a candidate country. We need them.

21

Jan

2025

Speeches PL

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Need for actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Dear Commissioner, Mr. Secretary of State! The High House! Unfortunately, the Belarusian regime is an authoritarian dictatorship, a state where the death penalty is carried out and the Belarusian people are held hostage in the hands of the usurper Lukashenka. Currently, according to the ‘Viasna’ association, 1,254 political prisoners are being held in prisons. Many of them are participants in the 2020 protests following the fraudulent presidential elections. But among these prisoners is also Andrzej Poczobut. Andrzej Poczobut, about whom the Polish delegation will always talk, remind, was imprisoned for fictitious charges and is still being held. He's Polish, he's Belarusian. The European Union upholds values and must uphold them - this is a fundamental task. We want to say one more thing clearly. No one in this room, no one in Europe, the Polish Presidency will recognise the so-called presidential elections that Lukashenko and his regime are organising this weekend. Lukashenko's regime is also a collaborator of Putin. Let's remember that. It's a live Belarus!

21

Jan

2025

Speeches PL

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Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration (debate)

Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Mr. Secretary of State! America has chosen, and we have to do our part. I want to make it very clear that Europe is entering a new era of relations with the US, and we heard many plans during President Trump's inauguration. It is known that this cooperation will be difficult, but it creates an opportunity if we as Europe remain united. The issue of security is the most important for Europe, and the defence of Ukraine is the most important for Europe's security. Peace in Ukraine is a priority for all, for Europe as well as for the United States. Russia doesn't want it. It is Russia that continues its criminal, brutal aggression. Peace in Ukraine will only be real if Ukraine is independent and sovereign, with real security guarantees. But there will also be peace when these decisions are made by Ukraine itself. I want to make it very clear that we must also do our work in Europe. First and foremost, the European Defence Union must become a reality. You should stop using words, use the so-called "soft talc" and move on to the real power that the European Union can create. Europe's security has never depended so much on us. And this is also the chance of the Polish Presidency. The aim of the Polish Presidency, this question is also addressed to Minister Szłapka, is to maintain the unity of Europe, to maintain unity for security, and we treat security primarily as an investment. What must be our relationship with the new administration in America? Pragmatic and partnered. But the issue of security must be at the heart of our common attention.

20

Jan

2025

Speeches PL

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Ceasefire in Gaza - the urgent need to release the hostages, to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to pave the way for a two-state solution (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Hostage-taking is an indisputable war crime that we cannot tolerate either in the European Parliament or in the world, and anyone who commits these acts must be held accountable and judged fairly. This is fundamental, both morally and legally. This ceasefire that is taking place is very important. And this is also the success of American diplomacy, which should be continued and protected. From the very beginning, I was part of a very narrow group of national parliamentarians who, despite the pressure and difficulties, were involved in the release of the hostages. A month after the Hamas terrorist attack, I was in Israel, I was in Kibbutz Kfar Azza as President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and I called for the release of the hostages. Among the hostages who were murdered was Polish citizen Alex Dancyg, born in Warsaw. But in this group of 33 hostages, who are to be released in the coming days, there is another Polish citizen Oded Lifshitz. I hope this release will happen. I want to emphasize a very important thing. The European Union must also play an increasingly important role in resolving international conflicts and building global peace. It is our responsibility, it is our values that require us to defend life, freedom and human dignity.

18

Dec

2024

Answers PL

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Need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity (debate)

Commissioner, I would like to assure you that the new Minister of Justice, Attorney General Adam Bodnar, has decided that the National Prosecutor's Office will revert to all cases dismissed for political reasons. The fact that today I had to say that the former Deputy Minister of Justice would be prosecuted with a red notice from Interpol is a disgrace to that government. We stopped the theft. Poland will never be a country like Hungary, where power makes itself an oligarch, where politicians make money from their public service. Never again!

18

Dec

2024

Speeches PL

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Need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I would like to thank you. The European Union is at the forefront of international organisations when it comes to developing and implementing anti-corruption solutions. And although the Union's action in this area could be better coordinated and more effective, it cannot be said that the Union ignores this problem. The European Union directive is an important step towards a unified anti-corruption policy. The aim of the directive is to harmonise standards for the prevention and prevention of corruption, including preventive measures. There is a commitment to carry out regular assessments to identify sectors of public life that are particularly vulnerable to corruption, as well as plans to respond to these risks. In all these areas, Poland has a lot to do. What has happened over the past 8 years under the Law and Justice Party is a denial of any standards of integrity and honesty in public life. An absolutely reprehensible period was the time of the pandemic, purchases that were made in violation of the law and economy. I want to say very clearly that Polish law is strict, but in recent years the party prosecutor's office has not applied it effectively, because such cases, where their names appeared, were dismissed, protracted and did not reach the judicial stage. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Polish prosecutor's office has today requested a red notice from Interpol against the former deputy minister of justice, PiS deputy Marcin Romanowski, who was sentenced to three months' pre-trial detention. We will prosecute such people everywhere in order to bring them to justice.

17

Dec

2024

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Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)

Madam President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I would like to thank you. The high house! This war has been going on for 1,028 days. But the lie trying to justify the aggression and subsequent crimes of a terrorist country like the Putin regime began much earlier. It started with falsifying history, a lying narrative about defending the Russian-speaking population, and ended with a special military operation, another big lie. Putin's full-scale war brought death, rape, terror, mass abduction of Ukrainian children, bombing of schools, hospitals and old people's homes. Absurd narratives have been created about the threat to Russian security posed by NATO enlargement. Appears whataboutism, It aims to diminish Russian war crimes by showing that others are waging wars as well. For years, my country, Poland and the Baltic States have been portrayed as enemies of Russia. The government in Kiev has been represented in the same way for years. We cannot ignore these signals. We must counter Russian propaganda, fight troll farms on social media, but above all, we must debunk the Russian false narrative.

17

Dec

2024

Speeches PL

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Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I would like to thank you. The Digital Services Act (DSA) was intended to be a European safeguard against online disinformation. Recent events have confirmed that this regulation is not enough. The elections in Romania are a foretaste of what other member states, including my homeland, Poland, may face in next year's presidential elections, soon and on a much larger scale. Social resilience is one of the key challenges for the new Commission, but also for the Polish Presidency. No country, no social media, no money pumped into the Chinese platform can influence the democratic electoral process with impunity. The system does not protect our society from lies and disinformation. It is our shared responsibility to learn from this bitter Romanian lesson. We should think about what to do with entities that do not control the flow of information and interfere so strongly in our daily choices. I would like to point out that it is very important what tools disinformation uses. This is deepfake, this is manipulated data, this is misappropriated information. They fall into people's mistrust and ignorance. They have a powerful influence on attitudes and elections. We need to make sure that these social media provide information that is true and respond to false information and lies.

16

Dec

2024

Speeches PL

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Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023 (debate)

Madam President, thank you very much. Ombudswoman, please! This is a very important debate on the 2023 report, but I want to take this opportunity to highlight the role of the European Ombudsman in defending our common values of transparency, impartiality and the rule of law. I would also like to point out that there is a need for greater visibility for this office. In the future, we will elect a new spokesperson or a new spokesperson at this session of Parliament. I would like to say that cooperation with non-governmental organisations plays a very important role. Every citizen has the right to make a complaint. But I want to draw attention to the need to cooperate with non-governmental organizations dealing with the interests of the elderly, the interests of people with dependency, disability, in the crisis of homelessness. An important new role for the Ombudsman should also be to draw attention to migration and asylum issues.

27

Nov

2024

Speeches PL

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The increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran

Mr President, thank you very much. Representatives of the Commission! I would like to hear one message from this room today, which is a paraphrase of the fight for the rights of Polish women: You will never walk alone. You will always have your allies in this Parliament, in the European Parliament. The high house! For too long, the Iranian regime has used violence to silence the voices of women demanding dignity, freedom and equality. The murder of Mahsa Amini was not an isolated incident. It was the result of a regime that sees women's autonomy as a threat. Since then, countless women have been beaten, detained and executed for exercising their basic rights. These repressions do not take place in a vacuum. The authorities in Tehran act as part of the axis of evil, forming alliances with other authoritarian regimes that undermine the global order and stability. The links between Iran, Russia and Korea should worry us all.

27

Nov

2024

Speeches PL

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Recent legislation targeting LGBTQI persons and the need for protecting the rule of law and a discrimination-free Union (debate)

Dear President, Commissioner, Colleagues, In 2020, during the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, Marian Turski said: “Never be indifferent when any minority is discriminated against.” And I have the impression that he also addressed these words to representatives of some political circles in this Chamber. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am concerned about the legislative changes taking place in Bulgaria or Hungary. Populists, nationalists, and people of ill will exploit affection for non-heteronormative people and objectify minorities for political purposes. Our task, the task of this and future Commission, is also to uphold human dignity, to uphold human rights. I want to say very clearly: Such actions violate the obligations under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the Treaties. And attacking one group opens the door to further violations against other groups. Failure to respond at EU level risks setting a dangerous precedent. I would like to talk about Poland, about my country. For 8 years, the situation of non-heteronormative people was dramatic. The government used scorn on these people, treating it as politics, as government policy, through hatred and division. I want to make it very clear that there are good changes that I want to talk about. Yesterday, the Council of Ministers of Prime Minister Donald Tusk adopted provisions that hate speech against people on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity will be prosecuted ex officio. There are good changes.

27

Nov

2024

Speeches PL

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Presentation by the President-elect of the Commission of the College of Commissioners and its programme (debate)

Dear Madam President, Madam President of the Commission, This is a very important moment for Europe's security. And it is a crucial and historic moment that we are appointing a Commissioner for Defence. Today, Prime Minister Tusk is in Sweden for a meeting of the prime ministers of the Nordic and Baltic countries. He talks about security, because we are preparing for the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. What is important, Madam President, is, above all, the renewal of the dialogue between the European Union and NATO, as you are already doing. We have to be strong. We have to be together. And this is a strategic partnership of key value. But also the challenge that will be the challenge of the Polish Presidency is to renew and formalize the dialogue with the United Kingdom, our key NATO partner in Europe in the area of security and defence. What are the plans in this regard? And can your cabinet confirm the direction I have been talking about today?

13

Nov

2024

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EU-US relations in light of the outcome of the US presidential elections (debate)

Madam President, Vice-President Borrell, dear colleagues, as the new standing rapporteur on the United States for the Foreign Affairs Committee, and in the light of the outcome of the American election, I think there are a few things we need to keep in mind. First, we must maintain our strategic partnership with the United States. NATO is a key guarantor and Article 5 cannot be questioned by anyone. This is what the NATO Alliance is all about. But we must remember, especially in this House of democracy, we are the EU. We are a political union and we cannot be divided. We must demand to be respected in this transatlantic relationship. This is what a true relationship should look like. The first test of this should be Ukraine and our shared commitment to supporting it until victory is achieved. We must finish the job before 20 January. No more red lines for Ukraine using Western weapons. And both the United States and European countries must speed up the delivery of weapons that Ukraine desperately needs. We are ready to stand the course. We are ready to cooperate with the new elected US officials.

23

Oct

2024

Speeches PL

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Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security (debate)

Madam President, thank you very much. Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland decided to liquidate the consulate of the Russian Federation in Poznań due to the facts revealed by the Polish services related to the arson that is taking place in Poland and behind which Putin's regime is behind. But we also want to talk about actions that we can take in the collective interest at the level of the European Union. We need to build resilient societies, we need to build resilient states and a resilient community. A very important element that I also want to talk about is building resilience in our neighbours. This is also a guarantee of our safety. I would like to ask the Commissioner, do you also see a role for the European institutions in this area (for all of us at the moment, Moldova is an example of building such resilience and an important point of reference)?

22

Oct

2024

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State sponsored terrorism by the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of the recent attacks in Europe (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, Iran is a leading state sponsor of terrorism, providing financial, logistical and military support to militant groups. It allocates USD 700 million annually to train a fund the regime's various proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas. They conduct terrorist activities across Europe and the Middle East. The Iranian regime also supplies drones and missiles to Russia for its terror war against Ukraine and trains Russian soldiers on occupied Ukrainian territory. There has been recently an increase in Iran-linked threats, a rise of Iranian intelligence activities in Europe. We need to urgently address state-sponsored terrorism by Iran to protect European citizens. We need to advocate for sanctions targeting Iranian officials and entities implicated in terrorism. We need to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group.

22

Oct

2024

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Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. The High House! For 970 days, Ukraine has been fighting not only for its own freedom, for its own sovereignty, for its territorial integrity, but also for our security – the security of the 27 Member States. Today, the European Parliament decides whether to accept the proposal of the G7 leaders. Absolutely, yes. The need to use this macro-financial assistance. It is also necessary for Ukraine to be able to benefit from those funds that have been frozen. But the following question arises: Is that enough? In my opinion, it is not only necessary to freeze, not only to take over, but simply to hand over to Ukraine. These funds have to work. Not tomorrow, not the day after tomorrow, but today, so that Ukraine can win this war. Winter is approaching, which will be a very dangerous time for Ukraine due to attacks on critical and energy infrastructure – Ukraine may be deprived of electricity. This help is needed, it is temporary. Let's give the green light, but let's work on more courageous decisions in the future.