Speeches

What is happening at the European Union's border with Belarus today is the launch of hybrid warfare. This situation is undoubtedly provoking a crisis and exploiting migrants for political purposes. The external border of the European Union must be protected, including against hybrid attacks perpetrated by Belarus. I also call on my fellow Members to take firm action to realise the goals we have spoken about in our discussions. I strongly support the proposal to finance the construction of a fence on the border with Belarus. It is only through clear action that we can guarantee the security of the Member States against the challenges of Belarus. In particular, given the increased number of COVID-19 infections, this situation needs to be addressed urgently with a united and strong response from Brussels.

(In response to Paolo Inselvini holding up a picture at the end of his speech) Colleague, you are not allowed, to according the rules, to show any pictures, so please take that into account in future.

The next item is the debate on the report by Julien Sanchez, on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control, on the protection of the European Union’s financial interests and the fight against fraud: 2024 report (2025/2238(INI)) (A10-0080/2026).

Colleagues, Communication: Non-attached Members have notified the Chair of decisions on changes to appointments to committees and delegations. These decisions will be included in the minutes of today's sitting and will enter into force on the date of this announcement.

Just for the record, Cristian Terheş is in the Chamber, and he was in the Chamber for the whole debate. The debate is closed. The vote will take place tomorrow.

Mr Sieper, you are asking for the floor, but you already had the blue card and I will follow Christel Schaldemose's approach: one blue card per speaker, and not for those who already had a blue card on this item on the agenda. Thank you for your understanding.

Colleagues, before I hand over to the next speaker, we have finished six rounds, so I have two rounds left. There are no more blue cards approved, so as to give more time for catch-the-eye even if, I think, we will not be able to take everybody who is registered for catch-the-eye.

The next item is the debate on the Council and Commission statements on cutting red tape for a competitive clean energy transition: there is an urgent need for shorter and simpler permitting procedures (2026/2635(RSP)).

Thank you, colleague. I fully follow the Rules because it's inside the Hemicycle, says the Rules, not outside the Hemicycle. Thank you very much. We continue. I just got the consultations from our experts, and I follow their suggestions according to the Rules.

The next item is the joint debate on the accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters. - Oral question to the Commission by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, on the accession of Montenegro to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (O-000002/2026 - B10-0005/26) (2025/3047(RSP)); - the oral question to the Commission by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs, on the accession of the Republic of Albania to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters (O-000001/2026 - B10-0004/26) (2025/3048(RSP)).

Colleagues, The Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance has notified the President of its decision on the change of appointment to the committee. This decision will be included in the minutes of the sitting and will enter into force on the date of this announcement. Committee on Budgetary Control: Rasmus Nordqvist replaced Damian Boeselager.