Speeches

Mr President, I am calling for a European tax on online gambling and betting, to finance education. Today, the online gambling market is one of the fastest growing digital industries, generating dozens of billions of euro, yet a significant share of these profits escapes fair taxation. My proposal is simple and responsible: a European levy on the online gambling and betting industry, applied equally on top of the existing national turnover taxes, while fighting for a clear EU directive against illegal and unlicensed platforms. This could generate between EUR 2 to 4 billion every year, and could go up to almost EUR 28 billion for the entire EU long-term budget. The strongest argument in favour is that this industry fully benefits from the EU's single market, digital infrastructure and cross-border access, but operates under fragmented rules, unequal taxation and insufficient enforcement. A coordinated EU‑level tax would enable us to find a solution for the lack of EU resources by providing dedicated funding for education, skills prevention, addiction treatment or mental health.

Presidential elections in Honduras, non-recognition of the result by the incumbent administration and attacks on opposition members of the National Assembly.

Thank you, Commissioner. To wind up the debate, I have received seven motions for resolutions tabled in accordance with Rule 136(2). The debate is closed. The vote will take place tomorrow.

I have to mention that as chair of the plenary I also need to comply with the Rules of Procedure. Based on Title VII, Rule 178(10), I have also to maintain the balance of the different interventions, and this is also applicable to the blue cards. So no more blue cards for the ones that already intervened.

I have to explain to our colleague Mr Gražulis that because we have limited time I can only pick one question, and unfortunately the ones that have already asked questions will not have the possibility to come back. You already asked three questions. I am just trying to keep the time. Please understand. Mr López Aguilar, you have a blue card from Sabine Verheyen.

Sorry. We have to respect the timing. You went beyond the time available for the question. Everyone knows the rules, and everyone will respect the list when I'm chairing. Sorry for that. You can answer, but respect the time.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Europe has a clear problem. Our digital networks are not keeping up with our economic ambitions. We have fragmented rules, insufficient investment and large differences between Member States. The Digital Networks Act is intended to address these issues. It is not a technical regulation, it is a regulation about competitiveness, security and cohesion. We need high-capacity networks, fiber, 5G, preparation for 6G. Without them, there is no modern industry, no digital public services, no real innovation. The act proposes simpler and more predictable rules, stimulates investment, reduces fragmentation of the European market. But we must be clear, investments cannot come without responsibility. Networks must be safe, accessible and fair for citizens and SMEs. Digitalisation is not an end in itself, it is a tool for better jobs, more efficient public services and a stronger Europe. This act must deliver exactly that. A modern, secure and inclusive European digital infrastructure.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, many people are worried. I feel insecure, I feel tired, I feel like the world is changing too fast. We live in a tense period, with real risks, with economic pressures, with a lot of uncertainty. At the European Council, one thing was clear: Europe must provide stability, not declarations, but decisions. European security matters, jobs matter, purchasing power matters. To be strong and united on the outside, people's trust matters. This means that we need transparency and dialogue with citizens, including on difficult topics. For Romania, things are simple – we need a united Europe that protects, that anticipates, that leaves no one behind, that asserts itself, but also that is not dependent. In an uncertain world, Europe must be a point of support, and for that we also need empathy, so that people can truly support the difficult decisions that we have to make together.

Madam President, dear colleagues, let us be clear: the December European Council is about the direction of the European Union, about whether we are ready to act or whether we continue to react. The Union needs clear decisions to strengthen its own security, its strategic autonomy and its ability to protect its economic and political interests. We need clear security guarantees, especially for the eastern flank. In a context of intense geo-economic competition, Europe must reinforce its industrial base, its supply chains and its defence readiness through real investment, not just statements. The future EU budget is the central test. The next multiannual financial framework must be a budget for action, stronger support for competitiveness, for skills, infrastructure, security and cohesion. Without adequate resources, Europe's ambitions remain empty promises. This European Council must send a clear signal: the European Union knows what it wants, is ready to defend its future and delivers concrete benefits for its citizens.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the European Union. 1.7 million people die each year. We are talking about almost a third of all deaths in the EU. An important issue is inequality. Diseases of the circulatory system account for more than 50% of deaths in countries such as Romania, Bulgaria or Latvia, compared to around 20% in Denmark. This means that in today's Europe, the chances of surviving a heart attack still depend on the zip code. This situation also has a huge economic cost: €282 billion per year, equivalent to 11% of the European Union's total health expenditure. Prevention is not an expense, it is an investment. I welcome the adoption of the European Cardiovascular Health Plan. It is a necessary and expected step, but at the same time we need to ensure that this plan is implemented with common standards at EU level, interoperable data systems with equal access to diagnosis and innovation, but also adequate funding, especially for the most risky regions.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the third draft amending budget is not just a technical adjustment. It is a test of Europe's ability to react quickly, to correct course and to support citizens in a moment of pressure and uncertainty. DAB3 brings over EUR 2.5 billion in additional payments targeted where Europe needs strength the most: cohesion, social investment, border management and strategic security. The European Regional Development Fund receives a substantial reinforcement, the European Social Fund Plus gains new resources, and the Border Management and Visa Instrument is strengthened at a moment when instability and hybrid threats are increasing around our borders. This is what Europeans expect: a Union that invests, not one that hesitates; a Union that protects communities, supports vulnerable groups, and builds economic resilience in every region. This DAB proves once again that our budget must become more flexible and more responsive. Crises no longer wait – geopolitical shocks, technological transitions and social pressures require immediate budgetary action. This amending budget is a step in the right direction, but it also shows the limits of our current architecture. This is why the next multiannual financial framework must be stronger, more agile and centred on the real needs of Europeans, with a clear role for the European Parliament. Let us be very clear: this amending budget is not just about reallocating money. It is about reinforcing Europe's capacity to act. It is about providing stability where citizens feel vulnerable. It is about showing that even in difficult times, the Union delivers. Europe must continue to invest. Europe must continue to protect. Europe must continue to lead.

Madam President, the US proposal for a peace plan marks an important moment. Any initiative that can bring an end to Russia's brutal war must be examined seriously but should come with guarantees for Ukraine's sovereignty and Europe's security. Nevertheless, Russia sent drones again over Romanian territory. These incidents are a reminder of the challenges faced by frontline countries. The Black Sea has become a strategic target, and the EU and the US must provide, in any peace agreement, clear security guarantees for the eastern flank. We cannot afford ambiguity. At the same time, the Republic of Moldova and several EU countries face constant hybrid threats and attacks aimed at destabilising their democracies. Supporting our resilience must be a central element of any European engagement for a just and lasting peace. Europe, together with our US partner, must remain united and firm. Any peace plan must uphold international law, ensure real security guarantees and prevent dangerous concessions that would threaten the stability of our region. A responsible, shared and durable peace is the only path that protects our citizens and our common values.

Madam President, Vice-President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, InvestEU is one of Europe's most powerful tools to turn political priorities into real investments. Today's reform goes exactly in the direction citizens expect: more efficiency, more impact, less bureaucracy. With this agreement, the EU guarantee increases by EUR 2.9 billion, unlocking at least EUR 55 billion in new investments. This means more projects, more innovation and more opportunities across our Union. We also call for a better geographic distribution of funds. We simplify procedures for SMEs, reduce administrative reporting and make it easier for Member States and private partners to contribute. We save millions of euros in administrative costs – money that can go back into real projects, not paperwork. This reform strengthens key strategic priorities and I would say especially affordable and social housing, defence industry and military mobility, modern transport infrastructure, export credit facilities to support SMEs and investment in the energy and digital transitions. It also reinforces the advisory hub, the InvestEU portal and technical assistance. Most importantly, Parliament strengthened its oversight, ensuring transparency and proper use of the EU guarantee. InvestEU is Europe at its best, investing in people, in communities and in our long-term competitiveness.