Speeches

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.