Speeches

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the oral question to the Commission on the increase in energy prices and market manipulation in the gas market by Cristian-Silviu Buşoi, on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (O-000007/2022 – B9-0007/22) (2022/2552(RSP)).

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! We seem to have succeeded in dealing with the refugees from Ukraine, but in recent years we have unfortunately failed to agree and put into practice a common attitude and a solidarity approach towards refugees. For the first time in the history of the European Union, we have activated the Mass Influx Directive to help refugees unbureaucratically and purposefully, from care to work permits. The real test is yet to come. But all this shows us what is possible if there is the political will to act together in solidarity, quickly, decisively. But there is still a lot to do. Refugees and migration remain high on our agenda. Not only because of the war – because of increasing violence, because of increased conflict readiness, because of climate change, because of coronavirus, because of labour shortages, not only in the care sector. We must therefore maintain this political will – for a new start on a common asylum and migration policy, including a fair distribution key, for an independent energy union and a social union, for a common foreign, security, defence and development policy. But let me finish by saying: In truth, there is no alternative to ending the war, to living in peace and freedom.

Madam Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen! The report and these statements clearly show that we feel that we know that we are seeing how serious, how dangerous and how sensitive the situation is, and that we are aware of our responsibilities.

The next item was the debate on the report by Sandra Kalniete, on behalf of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (2020/2268(INI)) (A9-0022/2022).

Mr Colleague, you know that the relevant bodies, both the Bureau of Parliament and the Conference of Presidents, have this item on the agenda. You know that the current rules run until the 13th and that yesterday in the Bureau we discussed the way forward, which will undoubtedly lead to further opening up. We will proceed step by step and make the necessary decisions. We are also very much willing to talk to the House Medical Service and the Legal Service, but also to all the political groups, about how we are going to proceed here. Last night, too, an in-depth discussion took place in Parliament's Bureau.

I am now announcing the results of today's first round of voting. (The President read the results of the first voting session1.) _______________ 1 See the minutes.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! With today's ruling, the European Court of Justice, as the highest judicial authority, has clearly given its sanctus on the new EU rule of law mechanism. All complaints were clearly, clearly and unequivocally dismissed. This is an important step forward and good news for the European Union as a community of law and values, for the European Parliament as a promoter and initiator of the rule of law mechanism together with the Commission. Anyone who shakes the foundations of the European Union must expect consequences, including financial consequences. The ruling confirms that the EU can impose severe financial sanctions and stop disbursement of funds in the event of violations of the rule of law. Anyone who speaks of a political judgment here, like Poland and Hungary, has not understood the essence of the European Union. The European Court of Justice has confirmed what is actually the basis for any accession procedure to become a member of a community of law and values. The EU rule of law mechanism must now be launched by the Commission without delay. No one can hide behind anyone else. Unanimity has also fallen, and a democratic majority is enough.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen! I address myself to the citizens of Europe. Our position in the European Parliament is clear: We are the political project to overcome the violent division of Europe and the Cold War. Putin wants to turn back the wheel of history. We defend our rights and values internally and the sovereignty of our neighbors. Putin is hurting, blackmailing, ignoring and ready for war. Our weapons instruments are diplomacy, sanctions, support for Ukraine, independence, sovereignty and unity, a common foreign, security and defence policy. We condemn the intention to recognize Luhansk and Donetsk because it amounts to a division of Ukraine. Our sanctions are fixed: Nord Stream 2 must be stopped, physical assets frozen, the exclusion from payment transactions ensured and no deliveries of high technology carried out. But otherwise, we must not move on to the agenda. Crimea is occupied and Navalny is in prison.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the report by Brando Benifei, on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, on the implementation of Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the safety of toys (Toy Directive) (2021/2040(INI)) (A9-0349/2021).

Before proceeding with the debate, I shall now open today's second voting session. We shall vote on the files indicated on the agenda. The voting session will be open from 8 p.m. to 9.15 p.m. The known voting procedure is used. All votes shall be taken by roll call. I declare the second voting session open. The results of the second voting session will be announced tomorrow at 9 a.m.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the report by Katalin Cseh, on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, on a recommendation from the European Parliament to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on corruption and human rights (2021/2066(INI)) (A9-0012/2022). I remind Members that all debates at this part-session do not accept spontaneous interventions or blue cards. In addition, as in the previous part-sessions, access from Parliament's liaison offices in the Member States is foreseen. I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that interventions in the Chamber will continue to take place from the central lectern. I would therefore ask you to keep an eye on the list of speakers and to go to the lectern shortly before the start of your speaking time.

Madame La Présidente, Commissioner, Madam President, ladies and gentlemen! I would like to draw your attention to four points in particular. I can remember very well when the train arrived at Vienna's Westbahnhof at midnight more than 20 years ago and we were able to receive the euro. For all of us, it was a political project for the unification and integration of Europe, the strengthening of growth, stability and prosperity. It became the second strongest currency in the world. I remember very well when, ten years earlier, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl said in the German Bundestag: With the euro, European integration is irreversible, because if you give yourself a common currency, you have to develop the European Union into a political union. What does that tell us? The euro is not finished. Like any other currency, the euro needs a common economic, budgetary, fiscal, investment, social and employment policy. Monetary policy alone cannot achieve this, only political will. And Jacques Delors said in this House 30 years ago that we need determination, solidarity, and sometimes a little daring. Let's finally do what we have known for 30 years that the euro needs: a common deep budget, economic and monetary union, a banking and capital markets union.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on six motions for resolutions on the situation in Kazakhstan (2022/2505(RSP))1. _______________ 1 See the minutes.

Mr Fabio Massimo Castaldoab concluded the discussions of the spokespersons on behalf of the political groups. Mr Colleague, I would like to thank you very much for the many years of excellent cooperation in the Bureau and for your work and wish you all the best. (Applause)