Speeches

Madam President, this week, on Wednesday the 15th, marks one year since the shipwreck of the fishing vessel Villa de Pitanxo. This is one of the biggest losses in European fisheries in the last 40 years. It is a tragedy that continues to move us all. From the plenary session of the European Parliament, I would like to reiterate my sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the 21 victims. I also pay tribute to their perseverance and commitment in the search for justice. This Parliament, through the Committee on Petitions in the autumn and the Committee on Fisheries this week, has supported the necessary descent to the wreck of the Villa de Pitanxo, an operation of vital importance to better understand the reasons for the shipwreck, to try to recover the bodies of the deceased and also to advance in the criminal investigation. A few days ago the Government of Spain finally began the procedures to inspect the sunken vessel. Let's hope it goes down to the wreck as soon as possible. Addressing the demands of the family is a matter of legality, but also of humanity.

Madam President, we must continue to help Ukraine at this crucial time, including by increasing the shipment of arms. On the other hand, we should get virtually the entire international community to join in condemning Russian aggression. There are still many countries that, incomprehensibly, abstain or adopt very unreasonable positions of neutrality. The condemnation should not, moreover, be merely declaratory, but should be accompanied by the adoption of some of the sanctions that Western countries and the United States have imposed. likeminded We've launched. At the very least, we should ensure that these third countries do not help Russia circumvent sanctions. By the way, the High Representative was in South Africa last week. From your blog, yesterday I found out what you told them. South Africa's attitude towards Russian aggression is being unacceptable. I hope that Mr Borrell has been persuasive and that the South African authorities will at least initiate a change in their position. On the other hand, we must all be very vigilant to ensure that the sanctions imposed in our countries are complied with. The United Kingdom, for example, has managed to double the number of officials working in the relevant Treasury agency. I hope that the European Union and the Member States will also strengthen these administrations.

Madam President, we have just ended the year 2022, which the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture. But I'm afraid artisanal fishing doesn't have much to celebrate. To the crises of the Brexit and COVID added to the war against Ukraine, with its impact on inflation and fuel prices. In my opinion, the report we are debating today contains an accurate diagnosis of the problems facing small-scale fishing in Europe, which is so important and so numerous. I congratulate the rapporteur, Mr Pimenta Lopes, for addressing issues such as the safety and habitability of ships, the necessary revision of the definition of the small-scale coastal fleet or the unfair abolition of subsidised diesel. I also welcome the fact that the report insists - again thanks to an amendment tabled by the People's Group - that fishermen's guilds, which are so important in Spain, obtain legal recognition and opt for financial assistance on an equal footing with producer organisations. I hope that the European Commission will incorporate our proposals into its evaluation report on the Common Fisheries Policy. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to conclude with a reference to Ribeira, an important fishing village in my autonomous community of Galicia. I recently visited her with the Conselleira do Mar. There we could see again the strength of its auction and the importance that the fishing sector has for the whole region. The mayor of Ribeira, Manuel Ruiz, usually says that without fishing we are nothing. And indeed, the European Union and the rest of the public administrations must make a firm commitment to artisanal fishing as a substantial backbone of coastal communities dependent on fishing.

Madam President, Commissioner, I fully agree with you on the importance of Latin America for the Union. Did you refer to the Mexico and Chile agreements? We have to finalize its processing. We can't waste any more time. I hope that the greater commitment of the Lula Government to the fight against climate change will favour the Agreement with Mercosur. I hope that the protectionist concerns of some European countries will not continue to hamper it. It is also true that many Latin American countries have to make an effort to respect human rights, democratic freedoms, the rule of law, legal certainty and social progress. We cannot forget the human rights situation in the region, particularly in Cuba, Nicaragua or Venezuela. How are we going to achieve greater respect for human rights in these countries? In conclusion, I would like to have a word of condemnation of what happened in Brazil at the beginning of January. The constitutional order must prevail in this great country, a strategic partner of the Union, as is Mexico. I also welcome the fact that Brazil has announced its return to CELAC.

Mr President, first of all, I congratulate the rapporteurs on their reports. We are, of course, facing a very complex geopolitical scenario. Russia's aggression against Ukraine has brought the war back to European soil. We should continue our assistance to Ukraine and do more to ensure that most countries in the international community not only contain the aggression, but also join the sanctions on Russia, especially those close to us. I am thinking of the Balkans, Latin America or North Africa. The war has also highlighted the need for transatlantic cooperation. The rapporteur, Mr McAllister, is quite right when he says that there should be regular annual summits with the United States. The latest was in June 2021, with the declaration ‘Towards a renewed transatlantic partnership’ and the launch, for example, of the Trade and Technology Council. We need another summit this year to deepen relations, solve problems - for example, the so-called Anti-Inflation Law - and achieve greater coordination in foreign policy through the creation of the transatlantic political council called for by this Parliament. In terms of defence policy, we also have the Strategic Compass, but the scenario has changed radically with the Russian war and we should update it.

Madam President, tomorrow's European Union-ASEAN summit in Brussels demonstrates the high level of its relations, which are now 45 years old. ASEAN has been a strategic partner of the European Union since 2020, as has already been said. The historical, political and economic links between these two areas of integration are very important. In this multipolar world, so complex and conflictive, it is very positive for the European Union to have a partner like ASEAN in an area as dynamic as the Indo-Pacific. Together we must also contribute to the end of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, a very serious violation of the basic principles of international coexistence. I would now like to refer to a country as important as the Philippines, the founder of ASEAN and with such deep historical relations with Spain, my country. The Philippines is a strong ally of the West that has voted with us, with the countries of the European Union, at the United Nations condemning Russian aggression. Now, with President Marcos in the Philippines, a new political stage is opening up in this country in which I am confident that the rule of law and respect for human rights will advance. I have the hope, the firm hope, that the murder in 2020 of the young Spanish Diego Bello, Galician like me, will not go unpunished and that the arrest warrants decreed in March of this year by the judicial authority against the three police officers suspected of murder will soon be executed. This crime, which has moved Spanish public opinion, must be punished. Criminal proceedings should not continue to be blocked. Philippine law enforcement has to act. Diego Bello's parents deserve justice.

Mr President, culture is a very important element of the European Union's foreign policy. I welcome the fact that the resolution we will be voting on tomorrow recognises the role of the Council of Europe's programme of cultural routes, which has great potential in strengthening our relations with the rest of the continent and also with our neighbourhood. I particularly welcome the fact that the resolution calls on the European Commission, building on the success of the free Interrail initiative for DiscoverEU young people, to consider the creation of an action under the Erasmus+ programme for young Europeans to obtain a travel pass to visit and discover the roads of Santiago and other European cultural routes. As Chair of the Intergroup on European Cultural Heritage, Camino de Santiago and Other Cultural Routes, I would also like the Commission and the Member States to continue the work of identifying and mapping these itineraries, including in digital format. En particular, y termino, deberían señalizarse las rutas a Santiago que recorren todo el continente europeo utilizando los símbolos sugeridos por el Consejo de Europa, como la concha amarilla.

Mr President, the recovery of wolf populations in Europe causes major environmental and agricultural challenges, both in wildlife and, above all, in the cattle of livestock farmers, who are suffering significant damage. There is a need for an immediate response from both national and European authorities. The conservation status of the wolf already justifies a review of its level of protection. In addition, both the European Commission and the governments of the Member States must support those regions where coexistence between wolves and livestock farmers is increasingly difficult. In my country, in Spain, the main regions affected are Galicia, Castilla y León, Asturias and Cantabria. Unfortunately, the Spanish Government, far from contributing to the solution, has banned the extraction of the wolf indiscriminately throughout the territory. The Government of Spain must rectify and allow an active management of the wolf. In addition, it would be intolerable and incomprehensible if a region like Galicia, the second Spanish region that hosts more wolves, were left out of the fund of 20 million euros to mitigate the damage of the wolf.

Madam President, China is a great power which, both by its size and by its political, economic and demographic weight, we cannot ignore. It is clear that we need to count on China to face global challenges. We have to coexist with China. A relationship where there will be cooperation, but also competition and rivalry. Speaking of cooperation, China, a permanent member of the Security Council, must openly distance itself from Moscow and actively contribute to the end of Russian aggression. There are no ambiguities or neutralitys. Or they shouldn't fit. But I want to refer today to the technology sector: I am concerned about exchanges of advanced technologies. The Union must be vigilant, especially with those susceptible to military use. We have seen how recently, on 7 October, the Biden Government (the High Representative just referred to this) adopted restrictive measures on the export of advanced semiconductors to China. Are you going to talk about these restrictions, Mr Borrell, in the framework of the meeting of the Trade and Technology Council on 5 December? From what I can see, he's sending in some of his collaborators next week. You do well. It seems to me to be a very important topic, very topical and I think, of course, that you have to follow it with great interest. The issue of semiconductors is key. We can't be dependent, but we have to be careful about exports, which is where Washington is. They will have to update relations with China, also taking into account their attitude towards Moscow.

Well, I think that in the European Union we are having feeding problems. Here we have it, as you know very well, for example, with the problem of cereals or sunflower. The war in Ukraine has triggered an increase in food prices, further disrupting or disrupting food supply chains, not just energy. Here, the problem that is going to occur is that there will be less fish caught by the European fleets and, therefore, prices will also rise. It is a problem because, in fact, this contributes to breaking down, or reducing, the consumption of a protein, in addition, very healthy. We will have to import more from other non-European countries where fishing, in addition, is not as sustainable or close to those sustainability criteria, etc., of the European fleet. That is why I do believe that there may be, or will be, a problem of food security in Europe, when we talk so much about strategic security, about strategic autonomy. I think that is why the measure is very inopportune.

Madam President, the shortcomings of the veto on bottom fishing that we are debating today are well known to all. I am referring to the indiscriminate use of scientific data, the absence of a socio-economic impact assessment, the lack of sufficient consultation or the totally unjustified refusal to distinguish between trawling and longlines, contrary to what, for example, ICES says. Basically, the Commission has worked with a fat brush and not with a fine brush. This Parliament, this Chamber, two weeks ago censored the Commission's behaviour by means of an amendment tabled by my group, the EPP. The Commission has also received unanimous criticism from the Parliament of Galicia, the first fishing region in Europe, and from the four Member States concerned (Spain, Portugal, Ireland and France). The first news about the impact of this veto is worrying: in Galicia, catches of the species concerned have fallen by up to 60% and turnover has decreased significantly. Before this trend can be confirmed, my group and I once again call on the Commission to suspend the application of the veto to bottom fishing and to review it as soon as possible. I would like to recall that on 15 September, the same day that the regulation we are debating today was adopted, this Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the Commission to refrain from proposing more rules that would jeopardise our food safety. Commissioner, we cannot continue to legislate in the food sector as if nothing were happening. Therein lies the war in Ukraine and its terrible consequences – multiple consequences, too. At an exceptional moment, with the price of the shopping basket skyrocketing, it is not understood that the Commission is limiting the fishing of fish caught by the European fleet. There are vulnerable ecosystems, certainly, but our food security, our fishermen and their families are also vulnerable. Because of its legal, scientific, procedural and, of course, also shortfalls in terms of opportunity - let us think about the tragic circumstances that Europe is experiencing today and the economic and social situation - for all these reasons, I insist: the most sensible thing is the suspension of the measure. (The speaker agreed to respond to an intervention under the "blue card" procedure.)

Mr President, in the face of this new escalation, I would like to stress here today the importance of the European Union communicating its position effectively. The majority of the 141 countries that condemned the Russian aggression in the United Nations General Assembly in March must be maintained and that condemnation must also be translated into action. In fact, very few third countries still apply our sanctions and I am also concerned about the change in the direction of the vote of Brazil and Gabon in the recent vote in the Security Council (both abstained). Lavrov developed a broad diplomatic agenda also in Africa in these months. The president of the African Union recently called in Moscow for the lifting of European sanctions. A few days ago we saw Putin in Samarkand with the top leaders of India and China. Putin is not yet fully isolated. We need to step up our diplomatic offensive, in which the President of the European Council, for example, must be more involved. Ladies and gentlemen, this is no time for ambiguities or equidistances. This is a conflict between Russia and the international community. It is not a mere war between Europeans. Its scope is much greater. And the rest of the world, Commissioner, Vice-President, should be aware and act accordingly.

Madam President, I would like to focus my speech this afternoon on paragraph 87 of the resolution we are debating today. I refer to the inclusion, at the proposal of Panama, of all sharks of the tintorera or quenlla family in Appendix II of the CITES Convention, in order to hinder their commercialization. This issue has been very controversial in my country, Spain, and in my region, Galicia, where the inclusion of shortfin mako in CITES has already caused significant disruption to a sector of the fleet. I would like to recall that scientific advice does not advise the inclusion of the species of tintorera in Appendix II of CITES. Recent assessments suggest that tintorera stocks are not being overfished and that they remain above maximum sustainable yield. In addition, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations itself has pointed out that this shark species is not threatened and that it does not need greater trade control. It also warns that the inclusion of dry cleaners in CITES may have a worldwide socio-economic impact that has not been taken into account. When making decisions in the field of fisheries, we must be guided by science and socio-economic impact, not just by an essentially environmentalist vision. The European fisheries sector has been having a hard time for three years. The impact of cuts on waters and catches or quotas in UK waters after the Brexit, the COVID-19 epidemic, the severe impact of the very high fuel prices, which are essential for fishing, and now the ban on bottom fishing in 87 areas of the Atlantic Ocean. Difficulty in the marketing of dry cleaners would be another blow to a sector of the fleet. I would like the European Union not to continue to give the impression that it cares more about the welfare of fish than about the welfare and prosperity of fishermen.

Madam President, as we know, aquaculture has grown dramatically in other parts of the world in recent years, while European production is stagnating. Aquaculture in the European Union accounts for less than 2% of world production. Poor European production means that EU states have to import seafood, which does not always have our quality standards. As the report we are discussing today recalls, the European Union imports more than 70% of the seafood it consumes. An unacceptable balance in a continent so turned to the sea. And there are people in this house, in this Parliament, who are still determined to see these imports increase. I would like to congratulate the rapporteur, Clara Aguilera, on a report that correctly identifies the main problems and challenges facing European aquaculture, proposes solutions to address them, and rightly supports innovation and the cultivation of new species in aquaculture. The report also underlines the need for Member States to ensure legal certainty for investments in the sector. And I finish: as a Galician Member, I am particularly pleased that the report highlights the protected designation of origin ‘mejillón de Galicia’ as an example of quality.

Madam President, the oceans play an essential role in our well-being. Threats such as pollution or illegal fishing require concerted action by all States. I regret that the last round of negotiations on a high seas protection treaty was concluded without agreement. The sea is a great source of wealth and employment, as we well know in Spain and Galicia, the first fishing region in Europe. Ocean governance is not understood without sustainable fisheries management, both from an environmental, economic and social point of view and also from a food security point of view. That is why it is so disappointing that the European Commission recently adopted an implementing act banning bottom fishing in 87 areas of the Atlantic, without sufficient consultation and data. A measure that seriously affects four countries, especially Spain. Commissioner, rectifying is wise. Once again, I call on the European Commission to suspend the application of the veto to bottom fishing and review this hasty decision. The latest scientific advice and a comprehensive socio-economic impact assessment are needed.

Madam President, I would like to begin by congratulating the honourable Member López-Istúriz on his comprehensive report. The Southern Neighbourhood is strategic for the EU: Russia's war in Ukraine is very serious, but the European Union cannot forget what is happening in the southern neighbourhood, whose complex situation also affects us. That is why, as stated in this recommendation, we must first ensure that the so-called 'new Agenda for the Mediterranean' benefits from adequate funding, Commissioner. There is also a need to continue promoting trade relations and economic exchange with these countries and to make progress in negotiating free trade agreements or modernising existing ones to cover issues such as services, investment and sustainable development; however, these countries also have to do their part and respect and comply with existing agreements: I do not find it acceptable that a country such as Algeria has blocked trade relations with Spain, in breach of the Association Agreement with the EU: the Union must not look the other way, nor has the full normalisation of Morocco's relations with Spain been achieved. The European Union, in order to ensure its credibility as an effective global player, should also demonstrate its ability to influence our neighbourhood; I have to regret that the pronouncement of these countries regarding Russia's war has been quite disappointing: They have followed a line, I was going to say of indifference, of ambiguity, far from the clear condemnations we would like from these neighbouring countries.

Mr President, Commissioner, unfortunately one more year we have to regret the many forest fires that have ravaged Europe during the summer. For Spain, for Portugal, for other southern countries, this is a terrible threat that is aggravated by climate change. Fire does not understand borders and therefore it is necessary to increase coordination and work at European level. The capacities of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism should be strengthened and the purchase of more air assets should be financed: I welcome, Commissioner, what I have heard about air assets. My region, Galicia, prides itself on having one of the best fire-fighting services in the whole Union. Galician fire prevention and firefighting professionals have obtained great recognition for their work, both in Spain and in countries such as Portugal. The law of integral fight against forest fires of Galicia will consolidate this path of excellence in the defense of the forest. It is very important, Commissioner, that the comprehensive fire-fighting centre in the Orensian municipality of Toén, in Galicia, should become a veritable international forestry campus. This centre will undoubtedly be a training reference for firefighters across Europe and should therefore receive strong support from the European Commission and European funding as well.

Mr President, multilateralism and respect for international law are basic principles of the European Union's external action. Globalization and major challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, etc., require multilateral responses, not unilateral responses or impositions by major powers. Unfortunately, other actors favour unilateralism, the use of force and spheres of influence. We need to strengthen multilateralism and we need to strengthen the United Nations and the rule of law. The entire international community must actively reject Russian aggression. A line of indifference or neutrality is not possible in the face of the tragedy that is taking place in Ukraine. Russian aggression means dynamite the entire international order. It is not a mere conflict at the European regional level. A common response from all is needed against Russia's unacceptable, criminal and anachronistic behaviour. In such a complex, interdependent and polarised world, we need to move forward to make the European Union a global and effective actor. I also support the possibility for the Union to occupy a permanent seat on the Security Council in the context of a future consensual reform of this body.

Mr President, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has opened up a new geopolitical scenario. We are in a more complex security environment, where multipolarity could give way to increasing bipolarity in a context of rivalry and antagonism. In this context, the European Union must be an effective international actor, capable of defending its interests and values. We need a strong and determined foreign and security policy, including a defence policy. This key message is contained in the recommendation we are debating today. I congratulate the rapporteurs. Firstly, I believe that it is necessary to achieve the objectives set out in the Strategic Compass and to ensure close coordination between the European Union and NATO. Our Strategic Compass and the strategic concept that NATO will adopt at the next summit in Madrid must be well aligned. I would also like to highlight the following points in the resolution. The High Representative needs to deploy a diplomatic offensive in all states that abstained or voted against the UN resolutions on aggression against Ukraine. We must do pedagogy, get a response of unanimous condemnation from the international community. We also need greater international support for our sanctions against Russia. I found it very worrying that this weekend the president of the African Union called from Moscow for the lifting of sanctions on Russia. Finally, we insist on the establishment of a Council of Defence Ministers of the Union that meets on an institutionalised and regular basis. In the current situation, more than ever there is a need for permanent political dialogue to coordinate on foreign and defence policy with the United States. Had this dialogue existed, many of the disparities between intelligence analyses and assessments of these analyses in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine could have been avoided.

Mr President, I begin by congratulating Mr McAllister on his comprehensive report. The Indo-Pacific is a huge, densely inhabited region that occupies a central economic and political place in today's world. The European Union cannot be alien to what is happening in the Indo-Pacific, given our ties to this part of the world, whose stability, prosperity, security and connectivity have an impact on us. We are seeing how the Biden government is betting on relaunching its presence in the region through the so-called "Indo-Pacific economic framework", as is China, which these days is also trying to increase its influence through new initiatives in the Pacific islands. In the Indo-Pacific there are a number of like-minded countries that are very important to the European Union. I am thinking, for example, of South Korea, Australia or Japan, with which we have important economic and political ties. The region also includes countries such as China and India. At a time when all attention is focused on the war in Ukraine, I cannot but express my disappointment at the attitude of China and India and their abstention from the United Nations resolutions on Russian aggression. Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a very serious violation of the basic principles of international law. Countries such as China, a permanent member of the Security Council, a global power, or India cannot be indifferent: In this war, there can be no neutrality. As a Member of the Committee on Fisheries, I would like to stress that the Union needs to strengthen its cooperation with coastal countries in order to reduce illegal fishing and overfishing in the Indo-Pacific region.

Madam President, the situation in the Sahel is very worrying. It suffers from severe structural imbalances, as quoted by the Commissioner: political instability and democratic setbacks in recent months, precarious economic situation in a context of food crisis, vast territories lacking the most basic state structures, rise of diverse terrorist groups, explosive population growth... In recent times, only Mauritania has emerged unscathed from deep disruptions in government that have shaken the Sahel countries with the return of military juntas. In this regard, the situation in Mali is of great concern. I understand that under the current circumstances, including the Russian presence and the Wagner Group, some of our security and defence activities have had to be suspended. But the reassessment of our presence in Mali has to be accompanied by pragmatism and flexibility. We cannot totally abandon this key country and create a vacuum that would be filled by other actors, such as Russia. In addition, it is important to continue to assist the G5 Sahel group and to continue to coordinate with ECOWAS. The expansion of instability and jihadism to the south and west, affecting the countries of the Gulf of Guinea, is very worrying. In its waters, in addition, many illicit trafficking and also piracy intersect. The latter, fortunately, is declining thanks to the coordinated maritime presence of the European Union and its deterrent effect. We must continue to pay attention with a holistic approach to the countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea, which must become more involved in the fight against piracy. In that regard, there is a need for greater involvement by Nigeria, a key country in the area. I also welcome the appointment of a European Union Senior Coordinator for Maritime Safety in the Gulf of Guinea. Africa is a very relevant neighbouring continent for the Union. Yesterday, in this very Chamber, Prime Minister Draghi told us that the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis are bringing the strategic axis of the European Union to the south, to Africa. Within this vast continent, the Sahel and the countries of the Gulf of Guinea are very important countries and very close to the European Union. We can't abandon them.

Madam President, High Representative, the recent Summit with China took place at a special moment, critical for the international order due to Putin's aggression against Ukraine. China, a major global power, a permanent member of the Security Council, should actively contribute to the end of aggression and the restoration of peace. China has a capacity for dialogue with Putin and should influence a change of course. The Russian aggression against Ukraine is a very serious violation of international law, which affects everyone, harms everyone. China's unlimited cooperation with Russia two months ago can in no way mean providing weapons to Moscow or helping it evade sanctions. I welcome the clear passing of that message to the Chinese President at the Summit. This is no time for indifference or neutrality for the international community, let alone for a power like China, which must be aware of the negative impact this unjust war has on international stability and on the economy and prosperity of all. China's biggest trading partners are Europe and the United States. We are also the biggest investors. We have to be attentive to the behavior of the Chinese authorities at this critical hour. The United Nations Resolution of the General Assembly of March 1 is a clear expression of the rejection that the vast majority of the international community has expressed regarding the war unleashed by Putin. Only four countries supported Russia. China must contribute to peace. You can't stay out of it. It has to behave as a great power that contributes to the restoration of legality and not as a passive actor and, of course, not as the accomplice of an aggressor.

Madam President, thank you very much to the Commissioner, Mr Sinkevičius. Fishing has always been at the heart of the UK's relations with the rest of Europe. It was one of the key issues in the 2016 referendum on the and, in addition, access to waters and fisheries resources was revealed as the last stumbling block in the negotiations on the agreement with the European Union. Subsequently, the granting of licences and the fixing of fishing opportunities have unfortunately been fraught with problems. The United Kingdom and the European Union must henceforth strengthen their cooperation in order to avoid deepening this fisheries divorce. It's bad for both parties. Let us honour the agreement in good faith, in a constructive spirit. Let's not look for artificial divisions. As stated in the resolution that we will be voting on tomorrow, the dynamics of divergences in technical measures, which may hinder European fishing or lead to disguised restrictions, are worrying. I would like to congratulate the rapporteur, my friend Manuel Pizarro, for incorporating into his excellent report, which we are debating today, numerous recommendations to the Commission and the Member States, many of them put forward by my group, the EPP Group. I am particularly concerned about the uncertainty scenario that opens from 2026, when the so-called "adaptation period" ends. The European Union must ensure that the fisheries sector has a horizon of stability before it without further cuts. If this were not the case, fishing would be a major source of contention affecting the rest of the agreement. First of all, trade. I don't want anyone to be called a hoax. This Parliament will not allow fishing to be a bargaining chip in our relations, neither with the United Kingdom nor with any other country.

Madam President, our fisheries sector is currently facing a dramatic situation: fuel and logistics prices are skyrocketing and are preventing the fleet from going out to fish. The European Union must urgently adopt ambitious solutions to mitigate the economic impact on fisheries and aquaculture of the tragic war in Ukraine. The threshold for State aid, known as 'aid' de minimisIt should be increased to EUR 500 000 per vessel and the financing of the new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund should be mobilised as a matter of urgency to compensate operators. In addition, my group, the People's Party, has tabled an amendment to the motion for a resolution that we will vote on tomorrow to call for legislative reform so that this Fund can also provide emergency aid in times of crisis. On the other hand, in the face of a scenario of widespread stoppages, we should increase the year-on-year flexibility of fishing quotas to 25%. In any case, solutions should not come exclusively from Brussels. The governments of the Member States also have a responsibility to support the sea-industry chain at this very critical time.

Madam President, Mexico is experiencing a very worrying situation. The number of journalists killed is very high; Last one, last Friday. Moreover, the killings of journalists and human rights defenders also occur in a climate of impunity, as those responsible are rarely arrested and brought to justice. Let us add the very numerous cases of violence against women and the many crimes related to drug trafficking. Mexico suffers an average of ninety murders a day. The country is experiencing a real tsunami of violence and every week a journalist is being killed. There is a clear deterioration of the rule of law in Mexico. The populist government focuses on the personalist leadership of its president and not on the effective functioning of its institutions, especially those responsible for security and justice. There is no security for people, nor is there legal certainty for companies. This shortcoming is suffered, for example, by foreign investments in the electricity sector, including European companies. To govern is, above all, to guarantee the life, rights and freedoms of citizens, including, of course, those of journalists, who are indispensable professionals in a democracy. It is also a priority to seek and ensure the well-being and prosperity of citizens. However, in Mexico, the march of the economy is being very disappointing. There has not been the expected rebound in economic growth following the COVID crisis. The good governance of a country is not to deliver daily speeches that seek to polarize and regular indictment of sectors and institutions. Nor is governing stubborn in unearthing the distant colonial past or inventing external enemies with a spirit of confrontation. Mexico is a great country, an indispensable partner for the European Union in Latin America. It was the first state on the continent with which the European Union signed an Economic Partnership and Political Coordination Agreement. Twenty-five years ago, it was 1997. And since 2009 it is one of the so-called strategic partners of the European Union. Well, in this decade we should make a new leap in our relationship and launch as soon as possible the new Agreement concluded in 2020, which modernizes and expands the 97. It would provide a strong impetus for our economic and trade relations and also for political cooperation.