Speeches

Madam President. Dear Commissioner. Colleagues and colleagues. Of course, I support the circular economy. I am aware that we throw away too many small and large appliances and thus increase the amount of waste. Despite our positive plans and the great goals we have with this proposal, I am rather skeptical. There is a large number of different appliances, different types and different brands on the market. Although technologies are progressing, I wonder if we can really provide spare parts for all these machines, models and types. The second question is whether we will have enough skilled workers for such repairs. Time will tell whether our goals are achievable or just wishful thinking. Awareness is welcome. I know people who physically fix a lot of things themselves, but unfortunately they are becoming more and more rare.

Mr President. Dear Commissioner, colleagues. Countries with transit traffic are particularly exposed to excessive emissions and greenhouse gases. This is changing our climate as well as our environment. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, life, our homes and nature as a whole are at risk. I therefore welcome the provisional agreement on the Euro 7 rules. This is a step closer to decarbonising the transport sector and achieving climate objectives. Traffic cannot be stopped, but we must do everything in our power to reduce the damage caused by emissions. We are counting on the development of new technologies not only in the field of exhaust gases, but also in the field of reducing emissions from brakes and tyres. With these measures, we are promoting innovation and sustainable technological solutions in the automotive industry, as well as counting on improvements in internal combustion engines.

Mr. President! Dear Commissioner, dear colleagues! The best thing a man has is a naked life. Who has the right to take another's life just because he thinks differently, because he has a different religion, or because he has a different race? Not me, not you, not the Pope, not Putin, who killed Navalny. He even denies his mother the right to bury her son as she would like. It's sad, outrageous! Autocrats connect with each other for as long as it benefits them in the fight against democracy, and then often strike each other. Unfortunately, even in the European Union, autocrats, corruption, arbitrariness and blackmail are hiding under the cover of national interests. The European Union must remain an ombudsman and an example that appeals to and attracts others.

Madam President, honourable Commissioner, colleagues! The free movement of people within the European Union has increased the need to introduce a single driving licence. I welcome the simplification of administrative procedures, which will make life easier for our citizens. I also support increasing the weight of vehicles that can be driven with the B category of driving licence. Driving licence is extremely important for maintaining quality of life and mobility in older years of life and also in case of moving to another country or in case of disability. Of course, we should not neglect the aspect of safety for both drivers and other road users. Due to the many changes in the way of life and the rapid development of means of transport, new skills are needed, so training young drivers, as well as checking medical fitness in case of specific medical conditions or certain diseases, is very important.

Mr. President! Hello there. I still remember the words of my teacher of Latin and history in high school, who said, who said one saying: ‘Whoever the gods hate, they have made him a teacher’. This is a Latin or Greek proverb, I do not know exactly, but it did not prevent me from becoming a teacher myself, and I have been happy to practice this profession for twenty years, like many of my colleagues. But today's teachers have a lot of new challenges. They need new skills for new professions. And here I see the role of the European Union – helping with educational programmes for teachers. Then there is an increasing educational problem, which my colleagues have already listed, also due to the influence of social media. As legislators, we can do a lot. So, our society will only thrive if we have well-educated teachers, satisfied and committed to our profession. And the Latin proverb says: ‘Knowledge is power’.

Madam President! Hate speech and disinformation are spreading through the veins of our digital platforms. This poses a serious threat that lies prevail over the truth, which in turn threatens our democratic society. The Digital Services Act is not just a legislative act. It is proof of our shared determination to fight the wave of online hate and lies. Social platforms, modern public markets, have a huge responsibility in this battle. On their interfaces, discourse is formed, opinions are formed and, unfortunately, uncontrollably spreads harmful speech. These platforms must take responsibility. We must urge them to become watchful guardians of truth and dignity and to take their share of responsibility. We do not advocate by law the restriction of freedom of speech, which is the foundation of our democracy. Instead, we advocate responsible speech. Freedom of expression cannot be used as a pretext for hatred. It cannot be a disguise under which disinformation or the authors of anonymous lies hide. A healthy and constructive discourse must be our goal.

Madam President! Dear Commissioner! Man, where are you going, where are you falling when it comes to humanity and values, which are the cornerstones of our democracy, humanity and solidarity? Where is this civilization going? Hate speech and hate crimes constitute a direct attack on human dignity and the integrity of society. This also undermines the fundamental values of the European Union, in particular with the rise of extremism and the widespread influence of social media. Is it even possible and likely that some people in democratic societies beat an elderly helpless person, even recording themselves and collecting likes on social networks? The unacceptable normalisation of intolerance and discrimination requires effective action by legislators, the authorities and society as a whole.

Mr. President! I'm going to speak English, so please take your headphones. I'm asking you what you think of Orban's son-in-law's investments. For example, Forbes Serbia reports: Orban's son-in-law's ambitious business: In Belgrade, he bought five business parks, eleven office buildings. The value of this investment is about 275 million euros. So I ask you, what do you think, where does this wealth of Orban's son-in-law come from, and why do these investments take place elsewhere, and not in Hungary?

Dear President, Commissioner, colleagues! The Green Deal is our strategy to reduce the adverse impacts on the environment, on climate change and also on the ozone layer, which protects the soil from harmful radiation. Chemicals that reduce the ozone layer can be reduced in various areas of our lives and activities. The good news is that the state of the ozone layer can be improved with good measures. Many of the measures we have taken under the Green Deal are good, effective and also meaningful. However, we encounter problems when our citizens are in no way able to explain the usefulness of certain measures that make our lives more difficult and also more expensive. Such measures include restricting or even prohibiting the burning of wood or biomass. In a country with 60% forest cover, this is the most suitable and economically sustainable solution for many. Of course, with the use of newer combustion plants with fewer emissions. The same applies to heat pumps. We must, however, take particular care with regard to measures relating to farming and food production. Healthy and locally grown food is the best solution to reduce emissions. Our actions will be feasible and effective if they are also meaningful and balanced.

Dear President-in-Office, Commissioner! Solving problems with violence is in no way justifiable and unacceptable. Women are most often exposed to violence as physically weaker, not only in societies where women have to submit fully to men, but also, unfortunately, in our democratic societies. Violence is an expression of weakness and the inability to solve problems in a respectful and appropriate way. A father who strikes the mother of his children must ask himself what kind of wound and suffering he has caused his children. This blow can mark them for life, unfortunately negative. My most beautiful memory of my father and mother is that I was able to see and admire their mutual respect and care for each other in old age. And this is also the most beautiful journey for children that parents can give their children. Awareness-raising, warning and legislation can help improve the situation in society.

Madam President, honourable Commissioner, colleagues! Own resources in the European Union, or in its budget, will be increasingly important and necessary. The rapporteurs said that egoism is on the rise in the Member States. I fear that this selfishness will continue to increase, especially in the face of various crises. With the envisaged enlargements of the European Union, we will have even more net beneficiaries. Candidates and potential candidates are less developed countries that expect funding from the European budget or funds. Although all the members of the European Union have many advantages when it comes to enlargement, citizens, the taxpayers of the net contributors, will be increasingly vocal. That is why we urgently need stable own resources, while, of course, taxing those who make large profits at the expense of European taxpayers and who have so far been taxed too little or almost nothing.

Mr President, honourable Commissioner, colleagues! I always support fair and honest cooperation. It is clear that the European Union needs new partners, unfortunately we are not self-sufficient in the supply of critical raw materials. At the same time, we should not blindly trust or follow larger and stronger partners. Once upon a time, we were too dependent on our energy partners. We cannot repeat the same mistake. I also support agreements with other countries that have scarce raw materials at their disposal. Governments can change, but not always for the better. Together with democratic countries, we must always strive for peace and humanity in politics and also in all conflicts.

Mr. President! In Europe, we still have enough water, often too much. However, we do not know how to use and manage it well and effectively. If you had to carry it for a few kilometers on foot in plastic bottles, on your head, with your hands, then you would treat it differently. A water protection and water efficiency strategy is urgently needed. That is why I support the Blue Deal. When dealing with flooding problems, we also need to think about the possibility of drought. We still use too much drinking water for sanitation purposes. We are spoiled in Europe and are not yet sufficiently aware of how poorly water is managed. Water affects life, affects population, competitiveness and the well-being of citizens. Water can also determine peace and war.

Madam President, honourable Commissioner! The Internet is useful, attractive, but at the same time very dangerous for children and adolescents. Education for proper use of the Internet should start in kindergarten and especially with parents, who are also already the digital generation. Unfortunately, many children, already babies, are deprived of gentle views, kind words and affection from parents who are too busy with phones on walks and too little with children. To attract the attention and admiration of their peers, young people also expose themselves to dangers and even film themselves. Operators of different platforms also have to take responsibility for content online, which requires appropriate legislation. That is our responsibility.

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues. Without water there is no life, and without healthy drinking water there is no quality of life. The modern way of life puts an excessive burden on nature and pollutes water. I therefore support the proposed directive. Increasingly, however, natural disasters remind us that man will have to conform to nature and take greater account of its laws. We need to find lasting solutions to droughts and floods, while protecting drinking water sources. Slovenia experienced the biggest natural disaster in August. In a few days of rain, the idyllic green landscape turned into a dirty mass of mud. Wild rivers carried away the homes and work of many generations. Thank you to the European Union for your help and also to the Member States.

Dear President-in-Office, Commissioner, colleagues. Fear is also one of the risk factors for the failure of the green transition. Fear of the unknown. The fear that Europe is isolated in its green efforts in the world. The fear that Europe will become uncompetitive and reduce the well-being of our people. Fear of losing votes. Zaradi tega strahu pride do neustreznega izvajanja politik, do odpora nekaterih industrij, kmetov ali držav članic. People think that these measures are invented by Brussels bureaucrats who do not know real life. To face these fears, it is important to listen to people, hear their concerns, seek reasonable solutions, and explain the reasons and advantages. We need the courage, cooperation and vision that the founding fathers of the European Union had. We now need to overcome fears and join forces to deliver on the green transition. Time will tell if these fears are justified. Are our actions real and effective? Not today's vote.

Dear Chair, Colleagues! The rapporteurs say that they have worked well together, and I am really pleased about that. This gives us hope. We are reducing emissions in various areas: industry, road, maritime and air transport. We invest heavily in development and new technologies. All of this must have positive effects. I also agree with those who say that they support small farms, because they contribute to increasing the self-sufficiency of the population and are also able to adapt to a greater extent, but also cause fewer emissions. Reasonable measures are needed in all sectors, which are also financially supported and help industry, transport and agriculture alike. Only by working together will we succeed.

Mr President. Dear Commissioner, colleagues. Politicians of all colours from all countries are in great temptation to come to power or remain in power even with the help of illicit means. However, the hearings in the Pegasus Committee showed that democratically elected governments in the democratic countries of the European Union acted completely undemocratic by illegally tapping their citizens. There were also tensions and accusations between parliamentarians from different countries, from different parties from the same country, during the treatment of individual countries. All this shows that we need a European legislative framework and European oversight of Member States in respect of democratic values and respect for human rights.

Mr. President! If someone shames us on the road and calls us and we have witnesses, we go to court and sue him, he'll have to pay the fine. If someone scolds us and embarrasses us online, nothing happens to them. But we know how this can make someone suffer even by committing suicide. We also know how sensitive adolescents are, how they are all disturbed in the age of growing up, how they would change everything on themselves, and how it only has to be terrible when they see their freaked out, distorted pictures and embarrassment from their peers. Adolescents also care most about what their peers think about them, not their parents or adults. Therefore, Mrs. Fox, you persevered because of your love for your daughter and because of your pain, and you succeeded. Unfortunately, your daughter had to die so that we too could move and act.

Mr. President! Do we really want to increase our self-sufficiency in home-grown food? Do we really want to implement the Farm to Fork Strategy? If that's what we want, then let's help farmers grow healthy food more easily. If we want to have young farmers as well, who are our future, then we must enable them to live a decent life from their work. Farmers have a lot of work in the field, meadow, forest or barn. Why do they have to work as bureaucrats? Will imported food from other parts of the world really be healthier and more suitable for our citizens? What about letting go? How can a farmer grow enough food for his livestock if he is not allowed to mow his meadows when it is time to do so? Farmers need sensible and encouraging solutions to produce healthy food, not European bureaucratic hurdles.

Mr President. Dear President-in-Office, Commissioner, colleagues. The Stability and Growth Pact is necessary if we are to maintain confidence in our common currency, trust between countries and also trust in the institutions and policies of the European Union. Greater flexibility is needed in times of crisis. This should not go on forever, otherwise the problems will only increase. It is also not fair for some countries to overspend and others to cover their debts. Responsible politicians also think of future generations, so they direct money to the right projects for growth and stability, while limiting expenditure on fast-gathering political points. Congratulations to all on Europe Day, which should preserve peace, stability, cooperation and also mutual trust.

Mr President. Crimes against children are the worst and most serious crimes, and they happen under the guise of goodwill. Putin's regime is committing the most serious crimes against Ukrainians, as well as lying and deceiving its own people. The punishment for this must come. If this is not the case today, it must happen tomorrow. And tomorrow it will surely happen. I sympathise with the Ukrainians, with the mothers and fathers of the children taken away. My support goes also to all those Russian dissidents who are rebelling against Putin's regime and fighting for the truth at the cost of their lives. Russia's vast natural wealth is used by Putin's regime for its own needs, for large quantities of deadly weapons, and for the luxurious lives of its supporters. What about the Russian people? I also want the Russian people to become liberated and part of the family of European nations.

Mr President-in-Office, Commissioner, colleagues! It is nice that you, Commissioner, are attending meetings with young people to attend them in schools. I do this myself often, and I know that young people are very positive about Europe, that they want to come to intern our institutions, that they are interested in the European Union. Of course, this is very easy if they want to study in other countries of the European Union, if they do not already have a family. However, I would like to know if you would advise young families, i.e. young people who started a family early and also want to supplement their knowledge abroad, which, of course, is associated with high costs, with the interruption of work, with moving abroad. Which program is most suitable for such cases, i.e. for young families?

Dear Chairman! Dear colleagues and colleagues! Forests are our lungs, so how we treat them is very important. And I agree that we should not import crops from countries where forests are being over-deforested and mistreated, because we are harming our planet and ultimately ourselves. However, it often happens that regulations are such that they also harm our farmers, and that is why I often hear with us, in my country, that organic farming will no longer be possible at all, because everything will be banned: such grazing, fertilizing, mowing grass only in July and the like. So those who are making these proposals seem to have no experience in farming. However, I agree that we should not allow this excessive contraction and buy products from these countries that are detrimental to our agriculture and also to our economy.

Mr President, thank you for the floor. Equal pay for equal work should be taken for granted. We should not discuss this at all, because it is clear that if we do the same work, the pay must be the same. However, this is more questionable when it comes to making work of equal value between men and women equally remunerated. Unfortunately, there are a number of professions that are not paid equally, for example, many women work as cleaners and similar jobs, which are under-respected and therefore create a huge gap between women's pay and men's pay. And this is also known in old age, when women have smaller pensions, when there are many more women widows, because they live longer than men. This is where the biggest problem arises. Any fair work must also be fairly remunerated and must be sufficient for life.