Speeches

Mr President, at its core, this debate is about the fact that large parts of this House do not believe in climate change or change at all. During the election campaign, one of your Swedish ECR colleagues had the opportunity to explain why we shouldn't worry about climate change. He explained – and listen carefully now – that we should not worry, because if we hadn't had climate change, we would still have dinosaurs. And even if it's cute when older men worry about dinosaurs, it is fundamentally a serious issue, because we cannot allow the far right's fear of dinosaurs to threaten the green transition of European industry and ultimately our competitiveness. Because in the end, the EU's 2035 target is not a threat to the car industry, it is an opportunity. We should focus on helping the car industry. We forced the rollout of sorting stations to make sure that we have world‑class European battery production. We have social leasing schemes so ordinary people also can demand European‑made electric cars. This is the way to defend the auto industry.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner. Recently, the number of serious GPS disturbances has increased exponentially. Whether it is about ambulance helicopters on Gotland or the Commission President's plan. One hundred and twenty-three thousand flights have been disrupted by signals in the Baltic Sea region alone during the first four months of the year. This isn't aimless. It is a clear part of Russian hybrid warfare aimed at Europe, and any disruption brings us closer to a serious accident. The EU must take this very seriously and put in place concerted measures to counter these attacks. We need to strengthen our technical capabilities. We need to impose tougher sanctions on the actors behind this and cut off their access to our satellite and navigation services. It's about our safety. It is about our freedom. The Commission can expect broad support from Parliament with the measures we need to take together in Europe.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, please. Fraud and labour exploitation in Europe's workplaces are on the rise. We are seeing growing problems with infiltration into welfare systems and public services. New procurement rules are an opportunity to reverse this trend, but then we need an offensive proposal that makes a difference in reality. Every year in Europe, we procure goods and services equivalent to 14% of our GDP. Not a penny should go to criminals. Some demands are crucial for my political family. Firstly, we must make social requirements mandatory. Secondly, we must limit subcontracting chains in all risk sectors, and we must give the Member States the tools to control and exclude cheaters. It is about defending workers and protecting taxpayers' money. If we don't do it offensively enough, then we can skip the whole process. It has to be right now that we're changing the rules.

Madam President, thank you very much. That's unreasonable! This is how I, and many Swedes with me, feel about the EU's proposal to force the scrapping of cars that people repair, restore or rebuild. That is why I am proud that the European Parliament has put its foot down today. There will be no scrapping obligation for Swedish vintage cars and repair items and no stop for the hobby market with car parts. Now we are one step closer, but the negotiations will be tough. Listen to this: In order to save repair objects from scrapping, Member States in the Council consider that 1) a restoration plan should be drawn up proving that they have the financial resources and technical competence, and 2) it should be approved by an independent vehicle expert, and then submitted and approved by the authorities. All this for a car that you already own. This is not a way to treat adults. Europe can do better.

Madam President, thank you very much. We naturally welcome the fact that the Council has finally agreed on a position on air passenger rights. Unfortunately, however, the Council's position is unacceptable. Extending the time required for compensation from 3 to 4 hours' delay is not acceptable to Parliament. For many passengers, this means that the right to compensation is completely lost. At a time when today's big buzzwords seem to be simplification: Why not take the obvious step and introduce automatic payment in case of delays? It is unreasonable that travellers today should be forced to fill in forms and wait for months for money they are already entitled to. And why should families with children still have to pay extra to sit with their children on the flight? It should be a matter of course that parents can sit with their children free of charge. We in Parliament will enter the negotiations to ensure stronger protection for Europe's travellers.

Mr President, thank you very much. Public transport is essential for people to live, work and live sustainably across Europe. But it will require long-term investment and secure conditions for all those who drive our buses and trains. Around Europe today, we see a shortage of workers at the same time as working conditions are under pressure, many times because of EU rules, for example when traffic is forced to be procured and working conditions become a little, a little worse with each procurement round. At the same time, the EU's climate goals are at stake. The transport sector is responsible for about a quarter of the EU's emissions, and without more investment in public transport, it will be difficult to change. That is why I would like to ask the Commissioner: What are you planning – firstly in the next long-term budget and secondly in future legislation to support public transport and everyone working there? Europe needs a well-functioning, fair and sustainable transport system. So now we need clear answers and action in the coming years.

Madam President, I would like to thank you for your Commissioner. First of all: We need a coherent European transport policy. This requires joint programme funding. In addition, with today's security situation and increased demands for military mobility, we need to strengthen the infrastructure's share of the EU budget. The security situation also makes it necessary for us to give priority to East-West connections. Take Sweden as an example. In the European transport network, there is only one east-west connection between Stockholm and Luleå. This gap needs to be addressed if we are serious about military mobility. Finally, as a Social Democrat, I would also like to emphasise that infrastructure also requires workers, and we have shortages in most sectors. At the same time, transport workers are six times more likely to die at work, their wages and conditions are squeezed. This doesn't hold up. Because without good working conditions, no workers and without workers, no transport.

Mr President, I would like to thank you. When Europe's workers are doing well, Europe is doing well. And the basis for this is trade union organisation, and ultimately the right to stop their work and go on strike to sign collective agreements. For it is through this struggle that wage increases, days of leave, pension provisions, reductions in working hours have been won and are still being won. But around Europe, the right to strike is under attack. Europe is the continent where trade union rights have deteriorated fastest in the last decade. This is shameful and it is a betrayal of the workers of Europe in these times of crisis. It must be absolutely clear that trade union rights are a fundamental part of our democracy. The EU conditionality mechanism must therefore also apply to violations of trade union rights and the right to strike. Countries that attack trade unions will no longer be able to receive funding from the EU budget.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, please. "Over 10% unemployed" – this headline met the Swedes who hit the news the other month. Behind every new warning: a person and entire towns forced to ask themselves the question, ‘what happens now’? The latest news came this morning that the Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt is going bankrupt. It is worrying that the notices now being given are being given in sectors that are absolutely central to Europe's industrial future, not least in car and battery manufacturing. How we deal with this will be crucial for the future competitiveness of our continent. If we are to do this, we must create more resilient labour markets, with strong unions, with secure workers, where companies have the opportunity to be at the forefront and overwinter in a slump without losing staff and important skills. Without skilled workers, there will be no new industries in Europe.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, please. The only way to secure jobs in the automotive industry is to lead technology development. This will require know-how and production throughout the value chain, not least when it comes to batteries. We also need to increase European demand for electric vehicles, and I therefore look forward to an ambitious proposal on green corporate fleets as soon as possible. Much of the debate today is about the automotive industry, but I would also like to underline the importance of creating the conditions for the European companies that are currently leading the development of electric buses and trucks. Then we need increased ambitions for charging infrastructure, adapted rules for weights and dimensions that allow us to continue to lead the development. Finally, if we create flexibility in the 2025 targets, we must ensure that it does not penalise those companies that already meet the targets by margin, who have made the investments, such as Volvo, and that they are now not penalised when we create flexibility. Because it is only by leading the transition that we can save 14 million jobs in Europe.

Mr President, I would like to thank you. "The stress makes me think about changing jobs." This is how half of the Swedish Healthcare Association's members experience their everyday life. You're not alone. Nurses and doctors all over Europe testify to a similar frustration, how a bad work environment pushes them away from the profession they love. There are things that the EU can and should do. Firstly, the Commission must present legislation to improve the psychosocial working environment. We need new rules to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Promises of stricter requirements to prevent harassment and violence from patients and users must be honoured. Last but not least, we need to strengthen the protection of healthcare professionals against carcinogens and harmful substances at work. No one who cares for a cancer patient or cleans our hospitals should have to suffer from the same disease themselves.

Mr President, thank you very much. A few months ago, here in the European Parliament, we discussed the threat posed by the Russian shadow fleet. Today we stand here again and talk about damage to important infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. We're discussing damaged submarine cables, but these aren't the only attacks we see. We see that GPS interference has also become increasingly common. Today, they extend over Gotland, Finland and the Baltic countries and affect air traffic throughout the region. This is no coincidence. This is what hybrid warfare looks like in practice, and it is clear that our sanctions are not enough. It will require tougher action against Putin's shadow fleet. Security must be a higher priority in transport policy at all, not just linked to sanctions. In the case of the EU port strategy, the development of the TEN-E and TEN-T projects, the safety aspect must take precedence in the design of the infrastructure. But to begin with: Let's put an end to Putin's shadow fleet.

Madam President, thank you very much. Don't go out! That's what the warnings were all over Sweden when the ice hatch pulled in. I then thought of all those who move outdoors in their work, and for whom that advice was therefore impossible to follow. Among other things, all members of the union Kommunal: cleaners, childminders, those working in home care or as personal assistants. I would like to remind you of their rights. For the EU, there are also clear requirements for Swedish employers. First, your boss should have a plan to avoid slipping. Secondly, the manager must do what he can to combat the risk of slipping. It will be ploughed, it will be sent, it will be salted. Last but not least, this is not enough, you are entitled to work shoes with non-slip soles, and it is the employer who must pay. To all members of the community: Keep standing up for your right to work shoes.

Madam President, I would like to thank you for your Of the 43 million people with disabilities of working age in the EU, only half have a job to go to. Their unemployment rate is twice as high as that of others in the European labour market. And to get to work in order to be able to participate in society, you also need to be able to get there physically – freedom of movement is crucial. It must be possible to take the bus where you live, the train to the other side of the country and the flight out into Europe. Unfortunately, people with disabilities still face major obstacles when travelling. The EU has an important role to play here. The disability card was an important first step, but more is needed. EU Member States, transport companies, need to step up their efforts to increase accessibility throughout the transport sector. Today, requirements and accessibility vary between modes of transport and between Member States. It's got to stop. It is crucial for the individual's freedom of movement, but also for their ability to work and participate fully in society.

Mr President, I would like to thank you. Unpaid wages, workplace accidents hidden away and people forced to sleep in rotten caravans or run-down barns. The situation for many people working in agriculture and forestry is pure hell. The figures speak for themselves. More than 150,000 workplace accidents each year. With over 500 dead on our continent. Last year, we put a whole new principle on paper. If you do not respect the fundamental rights of your employees, you will be liable for repayment if you have received EU money. Now we need to make sure that this starts to show up in real life, so that it really feels like it's for those who take advantage of their employees. But we're not supposed to think this is enough. The European trade union EFFAT describes a sector where employees are often treated as single-use goods. In particular, it warns against abuses by private employment agencies, temporary work agencies and loopholes in labour immigration rules. It also warns that the authorities are not getting the resources they need to carry out inspections. And similar warnings come from trade unions on the ground, whether it is about berry picking and afforestation in my home country Sweden, or olive and tomato cultivation in southern Europe. I therefore hope that the Commission and the Commissioner together can take the initiative for a minimum number of inspectors throughout Europe, so that we can have improved working conditions in forestry and agriculture and in all European sectors.

Mr President, I would like to thank you. Sundbyberg in December 2023 – five dead after a construction elevator fell from the eighth floor. Five out of a total of 62 people lost their lives at work in Sweden last year. Five out of thousands of people in Europe. Behind every figure is a whole life: a family member, a friend, a colleague who did not come home after work. And the Commissioner! It rumbles in Europe's workplaces of sadness for those who have passed away, but also an anger that it may happen again and again and again. That responsibility is hidden deep down in long chains by subcontractors. That when people die, no one knows who has died and who was the employer. This has got to stop.

Mr President, I would like to thank you. Every week, more than 100 companies join Sweden's collective bargaining model. But despite the fact that it's been over a year since the strike began, Tesla is still not one of them. And to Elon Musk, I'd like to say: That's enough, that's enough now. This doesn't hold up. Tesla's actions are unceremonious, anti-European and disrespectful of the order that has prevailed on the Swedish labour market since 1938. But it's also stupid. Collective agreements not only ensure wage increases for employees, but also contribute to the stability and innovativeness of European companies. And to all of you employees who are now on strike, I would like to say the following: Hold on and hold on. You are fighting not only for your own rights but also for your comrades in Sweden and throughout Europe. Because no company, regardless of its owner, should be able to come here and trample on our traditions, our trade unions and our collective bargaining models. End of point. Colleagues! But the threat doesn't just come from foreign billionaires. It also comes from Member States within our own Union. Just as we are freezing EU money today for countries that violate the rule of law, we must also start to act against those Member States that violate people's fundamental right to unionisation. EU rules that we adopt can never, ever restrict people's fundamental right to unionise and strike for their wages and working conditions.

Mr President, I would like to thank you. First of all, I would like to thank Commissioner Tzitzikostas very much for his promise to develop a strategy for sustainable tourism. Europe is, and must continue to be, the leading destination for sustainable tourism. But then it is also important to remember that sustainability is also about good working conditions. I am also pleased that the Commissioner has therefore also mentioned this in his speech. For trade unions all over the world today sheds light on a global pattern that also exists in Europe of exploitation, low wages and precarious jobs that are unfortunately a daily reality for many in the sector. This is unacceptable. If we are to create a sustainable tourism sector, we must improve working conditions and deal with the uncertainty that comes with short-term seasonal employment. This will be crucial for people to choose to work in the sector, but also for those who are already there to stay. I therefore hope that the Commission will involve the trade unions in the sector when it comes to drawing up its new strategy.

Mr President, I would like to thank you. Black week, Black Friday and Christmas shopping; We are now entering Europe's biggest shopping month. In view of this, I would like to highlight two crushing reports that the trade union Handels has released on the work situation of its members. Not only do three out of ten store employees in Sweden receive a salary below the poverty line, more and more people also feel a growing concern about threats, violence or other crimes in the workplace. No one should have to wear it to work. Member States must ensure that their legislation on health and safety at work makes it clear that workplaces must also be free from threats and violence and clarifies the employer's responsibility when the violence comes from a third party, in this case the customer. Countries that do not act sufficiently, such as my home country Sweden, must be backed up by the EU system. Doing nothing can never, ever be an option.

Mr President, I would like to thank you. Trade unions and collective bargaining are building Europe strongly. They secure wage increases, pension payments and decent working conditions for Europe's workers. Collective bargaining is also a way for companies to ensure that competition takes place with innovations, new ideas and smart ways of working, not on the basis of who can squeeze wages the lowest. Collective agreements also support all those workers whose workplaces are changing or closing down, whether it is an industrial worker who wants to retrain as a security guard or a cleaner who wants to become a welder. This provides strength and security for workers, but it is also crucial for all those companies that today are screaming for skilled labour. If we are to truly increase Europe's competitiveness, we must therefore also support all those trade unions and employers who want to negotiate collective agreements and together take responsibility for the transformation and skills development of Europe's workforce.

Madam President, I would like to thank you for your The European steel industry faces two parallel challenges. In the short term, we have to deal with fierce competition and declining demand. But it is also about surviving in the long term, continuing the investments that will create the steel workers' jobs of the future. Today, Europe has a head start in the ongoing technology shift. Today, we are leading the development of the green steel of the future. But we can't blow it. We must never lose sight of the horizon. Here, politics has a responsibility to secure good investment horizons, to mobilise capital for European industrial ventures, to ensure the security of all employees in the transition and to deal with the new trade policy realities we face today. Because that's one thing for sure – you can't go back into the future. If anything, it would be a betrayal of Europe's steel workers.

Mr President, I would like to thank you. I am pleased with the commitment shown during the debate. Finally, I would like to emphasise that our work in the aviation sector does not end here. As many have noted, we still have a lot to do to ensure a fair and sustainable aviation sector in Europe. Smooth cross-border transport is important but must never come at the expense of workers' rights. I therefore hope that during this mandate we can also address other important issues affecting the sector. A revision of the EU Air Services Regulation is high on the agenda. Firstly, we need to strengthen the rules on so-called wet leasing, where airlines lease aircraft with crew. Wet leasing It can of course be used to respond to unforeseen events, but not to compete with wages and working conditions. Developments – where, on the surface, serious airlines create subsidiaries with the sole purpose of pushing back the working conditions of their staff – are not worthy and must come to an end. Secondly, we need clearer definitions of the staff's home base. We have seen how companies today take advantage of differences in national legislation to drive down wage costs. This too must come to an end. That said, the Single European Sky remains to be implemented. It will require continued hard work from the European Commission in monitoring the rules that we are now getting in place, to ensure that it really is a step forward and not a blow in the air. I hope everyone is here to vote in favour of the proposal tomorrow.

Madam President, I would like to thank you for your Every year, around one billion journeys are made by air within the EU. Over time, aviation has become an increasingly important part of our everyday lives and our economy. For a country like Sweden, well-functioning air traffic is crucial. We have great distances and are sparsely populated. Aviation connects our country, our continent and connects us to the outside world. However, the sector faces major challenges. In 2023, almost three out of ten flights were delayed by more than 15 minutes. The average delay per flight in Europe is around 18 minutes. At the same time, aviation globally accounts for about 2 to 3% of our total CO2 emissions. Today, Europe's airspace resembles a big puzzle where each country has its own piece, and unfortunately not all pieces fit together. This leads to detours, waiting times and unnecessary costs. Single European Sky will solve parts of this puzzle. After more than a decade of negotiations, we have finally reached an agreement. The legislation is about making aviation safer, more punctual and more climate-friendly. It benefits travellers, it will benefit the industry and it will benefit the climate. And it is an important step towards modernising Europe's airspace. I would like to thank everyone who worked on this proposal. Special thanks to former rapporteurs Bogusław Liberadzki and Marian-Jean Marinescu, who worked tirelessly on this during the previous mandate. And then a thank you to Mr Gieseke, my co-rapporteur this time. It shows what we can achieve if we work together across party lines in this house. But let me be clear: Single European Sky is not a revolution – it is an evolution. It is a compromise that takes us in the right direction. We will see improvements and efficiency and coordination. But even though the changes may not have been as big as we had imagined, it does include important steps forward. For example, we are strengthening monitoring at EU level, which will be crucial to ensure compliance with our European rules. These changes provide us with a good platform on which to build towards a coherent, efficient and sustainable European airspace. It is estimated that the Single European Sky can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by up to 10% per flight. This is an important step and part of the solution to also make aviation more sustainable. However, we must continue to work on several fronts. We will need to ensure a market for sustainable aviation fuels. We will need to continue to work on increased efficiency in fuel consumption in aviation. We will also ensure that the fantastic innovations that are underway, not least to electrify regional aviation, can have a practical turnover in our European aviation market. I look forward to a good debate today and a good decision later this week. And I am hopeful that the result will be a better European airspace.