Speeches

Commissioner, accession to the European Union must be deserving of real reforms, respect for human rights and fulfilment of the commitments made. Expanding at all costs without institutional and political readiness will bring even more instability, uncertainty and financial problems. It is unacceptable for the European Union to act under political pressure, and even more unacceptable for enlargement to be used as a tool for geopolitical purposes. It is high time to stop irresponsible policies and put solving the problems and interests of citizens first. I strongly oppose attempts to centralise power, abolish the right of veto and weaken national sovereignty. The future of Europe cannot be dictated by bureaucracy. There should be no compromise with rules, values and democracy.

Madam President, Commissioner, passenger protection must remain our primary objective. Arguments for a four-hour threshold probably exist, but should not be approached lightly and to the detriment of passengers. We should also not lose sight of the bigger picture. Refunds are often delayed by airlines by days and weeks, despite clear legal obligations. Passengers do not always receive adequate information about their rights, and ticket pricing is a maze of hidden charges and unclear conditions. Imposing deadlines for complaints limits passenger rights. It is necessary to clearly state what the basic ticket price includes, especially with regard to hand luggage, and offering vouchers instead of monetary compensation is unfair. Regulation should be not just an operational compromise, but a real improvement for the millions of Europeans who travel not for luxury and pleasure, but for their work and their families. We must not miss the opportunity to deliver for the benefit of citizens.

Madam President, eighty years after the end of the Second World War, we must remember the most valuable lesson that our continent has learned. Peace is the greatest achievement. Europe has paid a heavy price and has twice been turned into a battlefield of world conflicts in which millions have died. The European Union was built on the foundations of dialogue and peace. But today, eight decades after the victory over Nazism, we see the mistakes of the past repeated, and our continent is once again an arena of war. The lessons of history must be learned, and the mistakes of the past must not be repeated. The European continent needs a stable peace, and it will come not through confrontation, but through responsible, sensible policy. The power of the European Union is to find and propose solutions. The future of Europe can be free and peaceful if we join hands and look together for answers to the challenges. Let us remain true to the promise made in 1945. Never again war on European soil.

Mr President, Commissioner, when we talk about Kosovo, we must clearly and firmly uphold the principles of democracy and equality of all national communities. It is deeply disturbing that the petition of nearly 500 citizens who historically identify themselves as Bulgarians has not yet been considered by the Kosovo Assembly. This silence undermines the credibility of Kosovo's commitment to minority rights. Unfortunately, still a huge part of the Bulgarians in Kosovo are listed as gorans in the Constitution, and they are an ethnographic group, an integral part of the Bulgarian people, not a separate ethnicity. I cannot support the report's requirement for a fixed quota of 50% for women and men on electoral lists. The legislation already provides for a threshold of at least 30 percent for each gender. Representation must be fair, but it must stem from the free will of citizens and the quality of candidates, and not primarily from gender. I also remain concerned by the pressure on Pristina to adopt regulations that run counter to public attitudes. We should not use the report as a social engineering tool. Every society has the right to develop its legislation according to its traditions and legal principles. We acknowledge Kosovo's progress in certain areas of transport connectivity. However, work must continue and good results must also be achieved in rail transport. Good transport links are a prerequisite for the economic development of the whole region.

Mr President, Armenia is the first Christian country in the world and an integral part of European civilization. The Armenian people, although fragmented, continue to preserve their kin, their roots, their language and their memory, something from which all Europeans must take example and inspiration. Armenians remain Armenians, no matter where they live. Today's debate celebrates a tragic page in human history that should not be repeated. 110 years ago we, the Bulgarians, opened our homes and hearts to the Armenian refugees seeking salvation and their contribution to the economic and cultural development of our country is huge. Even today, Armenia has preserved its identity and its faith, although it faces enormous challenges. It is our duty to learn from the past and build a future in which humanity triumphs over genocide.

Mr President, the trans-European transport network plays a key role in strengthening our economies and bringing our cultures together. We should not abandon its strategic development. This is where the European Union needs a unified approach. Fragmentation of transport system development plans, especially in the name of militaristic goals, will leave strategic projects unfinished. This will increase disparities in Europe, harming less developed regions. The strategic development of the transport network should prioritise the rapid and convenient movement of passengers and cargo, rather than troops and military equipment. The European Union is a project of peace and that is its strength. We need continued investment, better management and modernisation of our transport systems. We need to dedicate significant resources here. Investment in transport must lead to a peaceful and prosperous Europe. Misplaced priorities will make it even more difficult to strengthen this key sector.

Madam President, the vision of European foreign policy presented in the 2024 report is flawed. It is outdated, unbalanced and unrelated to the interests of the citizens of the European Union. The report takes us back to the times of the Cold War, when, ignoring the complex geopolitical dynamics of the modern world, the obsession with Russia and China fuelled an unnecessary escalation, shifting focus and resources away from vital issues such as economic stability and energy security. It demands unrestricted military support for Ukraine, a country outside the European Union and outside NATO, while ignoring the burden on European taxpayers. Worse still, the report pushes the European Union into the role of a global policeman, calling for intervention in regions such as the Pacific. We reject this approach. The European Union must give priority to pragmatic cooperation rather than polarisation. The Union must defend diplomacy, not escalation and endless war. The European Union was created as a peace project. It's time for his foreign policy to reflect that.

Mr President, affordable energy means cheap energy, and the cheapest and most reliable sources today are nuclear and coal energy. Instead of rejecting them under the pressure of ideological dogmas, we should see them as key to the stability of our energy system. We support progress and environmental protection, but this does not mean that we should lightly abandon working and affordable technologies, especially in such uncertain times. Our industries need predictable energy, and citizens need bills they can afford. Affordable energy also means a secure supply of resources. Refusal of energy sources due to the imposition of sanctions means more expensive and therefore less affordable energy. To ensure affordability and economic stability, we need all possible energy sources. Any reckless curtailment of these opportunities leads to higher prices, weaker industry and impoverishment of European citizens.

Mr President, cutting off Russian energy supplies is not a strategic decision. This is a flawed and, as proven, ineffective measure that exposes citizens to high prices and leads to economic uncertainty and even deindustrialisation. If we want stability, we need to use all available resources, from natural gas to nuclear power and coal. A number of countries are already feeling the consequences of the wrong and inefficient energy policy of the European Union, which has led to record electricity prices and hampers economic development. While we are punishing our economies, third countries have willingly accepted the resources that we have given up. We have to be pragmatic. The European Union should not follow lightly policies that weaken its competitiveness and lead to impoverishment. In order to have economic stability, we need a lucrative energy supply. And for this to happen, it is high time for European diplomacy to wake up. It is time to choose a responsible path that solves the continent's problems, not piling them up.

Madam President, wasting EUR 800 billion, of which EUR 150 billion in new loans, will burden Member States with unbearable debt. The leadership of the European Union, which has already failed spectacularly in a number of cases such as the green deal, illegal migration, war in Europe and economic recession, now expects us to trust it with our security. Leaders who now talk about independence from the United States have long been the first Euro-Atlantic novices. Yes, defending Europe is crucial, but the responsibility for defence must remain in the hands of sovereign nations. We should not loosen the excessive deficit procedure or use cohesion funds to buy weapons. The European economy is already in crisis. The European Union must seek cooperation with its neighbours and with all global powers, secure access to cheap resources and build strategic partnerships. The easiest way to save this huge money, and also to ensure security, is by using diplomacy and restoring normal relations with Russia. If the U.S. can do it, why can't the European Union?

Madam President, Commissioner, the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur provides opportunities for European industry, as we have heard from you, but it can have disastrous consequences for the agricultural sector and European farmers should not pay the price of this agreement. There is a lack of transparency on the ratification process of the agreement, as well as on the safeguards envisaged by the European Commission. A fund of one billion euros was mentioned, without it being clear either where its funding would come from or whether it would be sufficient. It is also not clear whether this potential fund will be set up in advance or only in the event of market disturbances. Compensatory measures will not protect our agriculture. They often lack clear definitions, do not reach the real harmed, and by the time they enter into force, the damage will already be done. Furthermore, proving, I quote, the ‘serious harm’ caused to producers by the agreement is a complex and bureaucratic process. Let us not betray European farmers this time.

Madam President, the decision of the US administration to withdraw the country from the WHO and the Paris Agreement and to stop USAID is an example of clearly asserting sovereignty and national interest over ineffective and costly international commitments. The World Health Organization failed in its response to the Covid 19 pandemic and burdened Member States with unfair financial obligations. Bulgaria alone has wasted around €75 million on unused vaccines. Meanwhile, the livelihoods of millions of Europeans have been severely damaged by the draconian measures imposed. The Paris Agreement is another example of a policy that weakens the European economy. It imposes unrealistic regulations on us as the countries of Asia and Africa continue to expand their energy capacity. In our quest to make the world cleaner, we have made Europe poorer. Sovereign states should not participate in an organization or agreements that work against their national interests. Let us not turn a blind eye to environmental problems, but re-evaluate the European Union's blind support for failed global policies. It is time to put our citizens first.

Madam President, cryptocurrencies offer an alternative to traditional monetary systems regulated by central banks. Over the past decade, projects like Bitcoin have demonstrated their potential to change the global financial landscape through the principles of decentralization and anonymity. Today, Bitcoin boasts a market capitalization of more than $2 trillion, evidence of its undeniable impact and resilience. Therefore, when looking at regulatory frameworks, we need to act with extreme caution. Any regulation must be drafted in consultation with the crypto community and industry experts. Above all, these regulations should preserve the basic principles that make cryptocurrencies so successful, namely decentralization and anonymity. Shaking these foundations risks not only stifling innovation, but also, in general, undermining trust in crypto technology and even rendering it meaningless. Money is created by people and should serve them. Let's keep the crypto world free!

Madam President, Commissioner, the world is changing and this is a good time for Europe to take a more dignified place on the world stage, as it historically deserves. The election of Donald Trump is a chance for the European Union to improve its partnership with the United States, not as a subordinate, but as an equal partner that defends the interests of its sovereign member states. Such a partnership can only flourish if it is based on equality in relations. Unfortunately, however, with a leadership like the present, the European Union shows that it does not respect itself. How do we get others to respect us? The United States looks at global challenges from its own perspective. They're overseas. We, in Europe, are facing a brutal war. Our security interests may be different. It is our responsibility to formulate and protect them. But tell me this: President Trump is a strong leader. If he wanted to talk to a strong leader of the European Union, who would he be? For almost three years now, the European Union has been unable to propose any diplomatic solution to end the war on its own continent. We only have to hope that someone overseas will do it for us, and in the meantime, citizens' trust in the European Union is eroding by the day. In the coming years, we must restore our dignity and strike a balance in our relations with the United States. Let us prioritize reason, achieve stable peace, and work for the well-being of both citizens and industries. A Europe of sovereign nations stands by these principles and will uphold them to the end.

Member of the Commission. - Madam President, improving animal welfare standards needs to be worked on, but in order to have a positive effect, these improvements need to be tailored to the economic realities of the agricultural sector. Manufacturers in Europe need support through clear and concrete instruments, not more regulatory challenges. We need to avoid additional burdens, especially with regard to small and family businesses. We also have a serious problem with lower animal welfare standards outside the European Union. We do not want to achieve the opposite effect by closing European production and replacing it with imports from more inhumane ones from third countries, do we? How the European Commission will ensure reciprocity, against the backdrop of trade agreements like the one with Mercosur, is a question without a clear answer. I recall that, through the Strategic Dialogue, the European Commission is committed to simplifying policies and rules and to legislative proposals based on scientific evidence and robust impact assessments. At the moment, this is not the case. Our aim must be to raise animal welfare standards, but without creating undue pressure.

Madam President, for almost two years, we have been witnessing death and destruction caused by a fratricidal war in Ukraine. The war brought suffering to the peoples of Europe, but at the same time shed light on the impotence of European diplomacy and its inability to offer a peaceful solution. The most important goal should be peace. Accusations of lies, misinformation or historical falsification by one side or the other will not help. On the contrary, they cause damage. People will continue to die and whole generations will be destroyed, regardless of the resolutions we adopt here. The European Union must act as a force for peace. Instead of stoking division and debating the role of disinformation in times of war, we must work tirelessly to find a diplomatic solution. It is the biggest conflict in Europe since the Second World War and carries enormous risks and unpredictable consequences for everyone. Let us concentrate on reconciliation, not on instigation, and give Europe a chance for peace.

Member of the Commission. - Mr President, the European Union is facing a serious challenge. Overbureaucracy hampers innovation and competitiveness. Small businesses, the backbone of our economy, are mired in unnecessary regulation. At the same time, real problems such as illegal migration, ill-considered green policies, excessive regulations on our farmers, which are lacking in their competitors from third countries, lead to economic instability. The European Union seems to be more focused on centralisation than on promoting the strengths of its members. Turning the European Union into a federation in which decisions are taken by unelected bureaucrats under external influence undermines democracy, destroys citizens' trust in the Union. But we believe there is a way forward. It moves away from the over-centralized superstate and leads to an alliance of sovereign nations where citizens' voices are heard and respected. Only then can we preserve Europe and give it the future it deserves.

Madam President, UN General Assembly Resolution 27/58 recognises the Government of the People's Republic of China as China's sole legal representative to the UN. It is an essential instrument in international law. The One China policy is a long-standing position of the European Union and we should not give it up. Tensions in the region are not in the interest of the European Union because the Taiwan Strait is key to international trade and global supply chains in key sectors such as semiconductors. Unilateral and provocative actions could trigger a humanitarian and political crisis. The conduct of the European Union must be based on international law. Let's focus on diplomacy and avoid militarization. I call on all political forces to work together to prevent another potential conflict and to focus on a peaceful diplomatic solution to the crisis in the Taiwan Strait.

Mr President, Commissioner, honourable citizens of the European Union, freedom of movement is one of the fundamental achievements of the Union and an asset for us and for the economies of our countries. The Schengen area is indeed a tool in this direction. However, the European Union must be concerned not only with freedom of movement, but also with the security of its citizens. Today, the Schengen area is in a serious crisis and does not meet the needs precisely in terms of security. It does not respond to the geopolitical realities and risks we all face. The Schengen agreement needs to be reformed to ensure the security of member states and zero illegal migration. This means, first of all, strengthening the Union's external borders and financially supporting the Member States charged with their protection, because there are no secure internal borders without secure external ones. The European Union must, of course, ensure that these funds are properly spent. The approach to security and migration must be completely rethought if we really want safety and stability. The time for a comprehensive, coordinated reform is now.

Madam President, in Gaza and the West Bank, the situation is reaching the level of genocide. Civilian casualties among the Palestinian population now exceed 41,000, and more than half of them are women and children. According to the latest UN figures, an average of 130 civilians die every day in Gaza and the West Bank, 10 times more than in Ukraine. The European Union is built on the foundations of peace. The bloodshed in Gaza has reached critical proportions, but the European institutions remain disturbingly passive in the face of this enormous human tragedy. We strongly condemn all forms of violence. The European Union’s response to the war in Ukraine, while fruitless, was swift and decisive. There is almost no response to the tragedy in Gaza. How long will we continue to maintain double standards? We demand more than words, we demand a unified and consistent approach to all military conflicts around the world, and above all, we demand peace.