Speeches

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, 'violence against women is one of the most shameful violations of human rights': With these words by Kofi Annan, I call the attention of the European Parliament, because today we are called to reflect on a scourge that crosses our society, which has no borders and makes no distinction between class, ethnicity or age. It is a deep wound that marks not only the victims but also us as a community. Every year thousands of women in Europe and around the world suffer physical, psychological and economic abuse. Yet, too often silence and fear fuel this cycle of violence. That is why we must ensure that national laws are stronger, that rights are protected and that every woman, in every corner of Europe, is safe. The fight against violence against women must be a top priority and not just a one-day theme but a daily battle. Enough with the list of the number of victims: It is our duty now, and not tomorrow, to build a society in which violence no longer finds space.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, as we know, the European steel industry is at a crucial junction due to global economic crises, regulatory changes and environmental pressures. With reference to Italy, steel is a fundamental pillar of our economy, with a production of 22 million tons, 25,000 direct jobs and 300,000 indirect jobs. One of the keys to tackling the steel crisis is efficient scrap management, of which Italy recycles only 60%. Investing in innovative recycling technologies and promoting collection policies can create a virtuous cycle for industry, as well as investing in research and development of low-carbon technologies and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises with tax incentives and funding, starting with an increase in the Research Fund for Coal and Steel and the promotion of public-private partnerships. We must understand that, in order to deal with the crisis, we must implement an integrated strategy to promote competitiveness and sustainability, because the European steel industry has the potential to become and return to leadership.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, dental tourism in non-EU countries is a growing phenomenon that raises major public health concerns. In recent years many European patients, in particular Italians, have turned to destinations such as Albania and Turkey for dental treatments at competitive prices. However, an investigation of the British Dental Association 70% of patients who sought treatment abroad experienced serious adverse events, such as infections and abscesses or chewing difficulties, which compromised not only their health, but also the duration of prostheses and implants, thus nullifying the initial economic advantage. Health standards in these countries often lack strict regulation. This is why it is necessary to promote information campaigns that provide citizens with clear and reliable data on the risks and benefits of dental care abroad. Informing patients about the health regulations of the destination countries, the training of medical personnel, the quality standards of the facilities is crucial to allow informed choices. For this reason, it is imperative that the European Parliament considers these issues and promotes initiatives to ensure the safety and quality of dental care. On the contrary, it is a matter of ensuring that each patient makes informed, safe choices that are supported by appropriate regulations. Only in this way will we be able to guarantee and protect the health of citizens and maintain trust in the health system.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, World Mental Health Day makes us reflect on the importance of psychological well-being, especially for young people. About one in six Europeans faces a mental health problem every year, with disorders such as anxiety and depression affecting more than 25% of the population. The pandemic exacerbated the situation by increasing depressive and anxious symptoms by 20%. Recalling Rita Levi-Montalcini's "Praise for Imperfection", we have and must develop a comprehensive strategy for mental health in the European Union, with integrated policies that guarantee access to adequate services, educational support and awareness-raising campaigns. Investing in mental health is crucial for a prosperous and resilient future. We must act together to ensure that every European citizen receives the necessary support. It's time to make a difference.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Europe must remain a leader in health and technology, protecting the well-being of our citizens. But current industry regulations are complex and limit innovation. In her mission letter of 20 September to the Commissioner-designate for Health, President von der Leyen clearly identified as one of the priorities of her mandate the need to ensure both the availability of medical devices and the strengthening of the competitiveness of the medical technology sector. The College of Commissioners should make it a primary objective to cut red tape for businesses to ensure that EU rules are fit for purpose. The European Commission is asked to speed up the regulatory review process of the medical devices sector, otherwise our global competitiveness is at risk. This review will not only benefit innovation, but above all it will facilitate access to prevention and treatment for the European citizens whom, I am sure, we all want to guarantee.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, today we are dealing with a crucial issue: drought and extreme weather events, which pose a growing threat to our communities and European agriculture. In the context of climate change, these challenges cannot be ignored. Agricultural regions – I am thinking in particular of those in southern Italy, which is at the heart of our economy – are suffering devastating impacts. Water scarcity compromises crops and reduces productivity, putting food security at risk. Farmers – who are the guardians of our land, not the enemies – face ever higher costs and unprecedented uncertainties. It is our duty to act. We need investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure and adaptation strategies that ensure the protection of our land and farmers. It is essential that the European Union coordinates activities between Member States, creating an early warning system and an emergency fund to support affected communities. Together we can turn this crisis into an opportunity to build a stronger and more sustainable Europe. Our actions today determine the future actions of our generations.