What Victor spoke about.

16

Jun

2025

Speeches RO

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Mr President, dear colleagues, in recent weeks, Romania has again faced severe flooding: evacuated people, destroyed homes, broken roads, affected lives. Among the areas hit is the Praid Salt Mine, a natural monument and an important economic objective. There, the floods caused huge damage. A saline unique in Europe, used for medical purposes, risks collapsing. I asked the European Commission for emergency help and my appeal was heard. Within a few days, European experts arrived in Romania. This is the result of a concrete step, which we have started right here in the European Parliament, but we need more. In the negotiations for the Union budget, I managed to obtain additional funding for civil protection and natural disasters. I now call for these proceeds to be used for reconstruction as well. European solidarity must mean even more action, concrete help and support for people. The Praid Salt Mine and the affected communities deserve this.

22

May

2025

Speeches EN

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Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 (debate)

The debate is closed. The sitting is suspended until 11:00, when we have the votes scheduled.

22

May

2025

Speeches RO

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Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 (debate)

The next item is Mr Falcă’s report ‘Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions during 2023’ (A10-0063/2025).

22

May

2025

Speeches EN

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Choose Europe for Science (debate)

Thank you, Commissioner Zaharieva, for your statement and your involvement. The debate is closed.

21

May

2025

Speeches RO

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Mr. President, dear colleagues, the Romanians sent a clear signal in the presidential elections that they want our country to remain in the European Union and that they reject the extremist discourse. They showed the whole of Europe their attachment to democracy. I unequivocally supported the vote for the continuation of the pro-European path, when perhaps others no longer believed that we could save ourselves. Today, however, we have to get back on our feet. We have to rebuild the social climate, to reunite Romania and to extend a hand to those who protested through their vote. At the same time, the European Union must do more for the people, and European leaders must stop flirting with populists. The fight against extremism is just beginning. We have to deal directly with the most difficult topics and show that it can be better. The national political system, as well as the European one, must reform, change its attitude towards people and especially listen to them. It is up to us that Sunday was not just a stage victory, but the beginning of a road to reconciliation.

21

May

2025

Speeches RO

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Improving mental health at work (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, mental health at work can no longer be treated as a secondary issue. Half of European workers face psychosocial risks, ranging from overwork and insecurity to lack of support in the face of work-related stress, and the effects at work are felt directly: exhaustion, anxiety, decreased productivity, but especially people who feel invisible and alone. That is why I support the establishment of a European platform for occupational health that supports the exchange of good practices, provides concrete support to SMEs and transforms mental health policies into accessible and enforceable measures. We need coordinated strategies, dedicated funding and better integration between health, work and social inclusion policies. As the European Parliament's chief negotiator for the EU budget, we have already secured tens of millions of extra euros for mental health. This is the Europe I believe in: a Europe that protects people, including at work. Mental health is a right, a priority, but also a shared responsibility.

7

May

2025

Speeches EN

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EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, when we speak about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, we must look beyond military assistance support. We must look into the eyes of those who are suffering the most: the children. Children who have lost their homes, their schools, their sense of safety. Children who go to sleep with fear instead of lullabies. One in five has lost a family member or a friend. More than 5 million have been displaced and worse, thousands have been stolen, taken from their families, from their country, from their identity. This is not just a war. It is a trauma that risks shaping a lost generation. A real peace must mean more than the silence of weapons. It must mean the healing of wounds. It means giving children back their hope, their rights, their future. We, as Europeans, cannot close our eyes. I am proud of how my country, Romania, has stood by Ukraine with open arms, offering children a chance to dream again. This is what solidarity looks like. This is what humanity demands. Let us build peace not just in agreement, but with compassion. Because protecting children, bringing them home, giving them back their childhood, it is not only a moral duty, it is the foundation of truly lasting peace.

6

May

2025

Speeches RO

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A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the future long-term European budget is not just an accounting exercise – it is the moment when we decide what kind of Europe we want. I stand for a Union that protects, invests and leaves no one behind. That is why we have come up with concrete proposals to this proposal of the European Parliament. We are asking for more money for education, so that young people have a future. We want health to be a real priority, so that we have funds for prevention, mental health and access to essential treatments. We want more investment in research, technology, artificial intelligence and training for Europeans. We defend cohesion policy, we support farmers, but also rural areas, very important to mention this, we ask for simpler rules for access to European funds and, last but not least, we want more transparency: a public system to monitor the spending of European money. These proposals are the clear signal that Parliament wants a budget anchored in the real needs of citizens. The answer must come now and we must not forget about the social dimension of Europe and not forget about vulnerable children and families.

2

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (debate)

(Reacting to the speaker holding up a sign on a sheet of paper) As always, I have to remind everyone that you are not allowed, of course, to show any kind of signs in these premises.

2

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (debate)

The next item is the debate on the Council and Commission statements on recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (2025/2631(RSP)).

2

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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European oceans pact (debate)

The debate is closed.

2

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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European oceans pact (debate)

I want to inform all of you about the rules regarding pictures and signs, and the fact that they are not allowed in this room, as you already know.

1

Apr

2025

Speeches RO

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Improving the implementation of cohesion policy through the mid-term review to achieve a robust cohesion policy post 2027 (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, cohesion policy is one of the most powerful European instruments. It is a concrete expression of solidarity between the Member States and the regions of the Union. Without it, Europe would split in two, between the developed regions and the regions left behind. With this mid-term review, we have the chance to correct the current shortcomings, accelerate implementation and demonstrate the real impact of European funds. But more than that, we must defend this policy. There are voices calling into question the future of cohesion after 2027 and here, Commissioner, you have to say very clearly NO to these changes. We cannot allow a policy vital to European fairness to be underfunded or marginalised. Cohesion is not a fad, it is the guarantee of a united, balanced and prosperous Europe. It is our responsibility to make it effective now and to keep it strong in the future.

1

Apr

2025

Speeches RO

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EU Preparedness Union Strategy (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, when fires, floods or medical crises occur, examples of European solidarity are appreciated by everyone. These situations show that a crisis-ready Union is a necessity. We need concrete, measurable and fair action for all Member States. A few years ago we came up with an initiative that was adopted by the European Parliament on the creation of joint European medical teams and a shared infrastructure for rapid crisis interventions. At the same time, we have secured an increase in the EU budget for civil protection as negotiator of the European legislature. Unfortunately, the European Commission has not implemented these measures requested by the European Parliament. Now we come back to the same conclusions, but lost time must be recovered. Future crises can hit us at any time, anywhere in the Union. To prepare is not to induce panic, but to be responsible and well informed. Citizens want solutions, and we are here to offer them, clearly and unambiguously.

13

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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European Schools Alliance: potential to achieve the European education area by driving innovation, enhancing mobility and championing inclusivity (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, education is a foundation of a united, competitive and inclusive Europe. To shape the future, we must invest in education, skills, knowledge, values and mobility. The European Schools Alliance has the potential to become a game changer in achieving the European Education Area, bringing together innovation, mobility and inclusivity to create a truly borderless learning experience. As Vice-President of the European Parliament and a strong advocate for education, I work alongside colleagues in the EPP Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills to push for ambitious and transformative policies supported by adequate funding. One of our key demands is to allocate at least 20 % of the next multiannual financial framework to education and skills. If we want Europe to remain a global leader, we must treat education as a strategic investment, not just another policy or a cost. We need a new European framework for education and skills – a comprehensive plan that ensures every child and young person, regardless of their background, has access to quality education, modern learning environments and future-proof skills. This can and must be Europe's vision of the future. This means also fostering greater synergies between them and avoiding fragmentation. At the heart of this vision is a need for a real Erasmus 2.0. It should be not just a mobility programme, but a pillar for quality education and training across Europe. We must move towards a common curriculum, share learning objectives and truly European diplomas that are recognised across borders. Our students should not only gain knowledge in different European countries, but also learn about what it means to be together in Europe, strengthening their sense of belonging and shared responsibility. The European Schools Alliance can be a driving force behind these ambitions. By fostering collaboration between schools, educators and policymakers, we can create a system that transcends national borders, ensures fair access to opportunities and equips the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. The time to act is now. The European Education Area must be more than just a concept; it must become a reality. If we speak more and more about defence, we should also speak more and more about education and working together. Investing in education means investing in a better future for our citizens.

13

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Action Plan for Affordable Energy (debate)

The debate is closed. We will restart at 12.00, with the vote.

13

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Action Plan for Affordable Energy (debate)

I want to remind all speakers about the language that they are using. There are specific rules on this and we all have to comply with those respecting politeness.

13

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Action Plan for Affordable Energy (debate)

The next item is the debate on the Commission statement on the Action Plan for Affordable Energy (2025/2599(RSP)).

13

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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A Vision for Agriculture and Food (debate)

Thank you, Commissioner Hansen. The debate is closed.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Accelerating the phase-out of Russian gas and other Russian energy commodities in the EU (debate)

The next item is the debate on the Commission statement on accelerating the phase-out of Russian gas and other Russian energy commodities in the EU (2025/2571(RSP)).

12

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Frozen Russian assets (debate)

The debate is closed.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Frozen Russian assets (debate)

Please also take into consideration that interpretation is needed for your speeches. So if you speak too fast, it will be complicated for the interpretation.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Frozen Russian assets (debate)

The next item is the debate on the Council and Commission statements on frozen Russian assets (20025/2570(RSP)).

12

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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Adoption of the proposal for a Parenthood Regulation (debate)

The debate is closed.

12

Mar

2025

Speeches RO

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Union of Skills: striving for more and better opportunities to study, train or work in the EU and to bring our talents back home (debate)

Madam Vice-President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, 80 million adults in the European Union do not have basic digital skills. 20% of young Europeans risk entering the labour market without adequate skills and 40% of employers say they cannot find a skilled workforce. The figures show that we need to act now. The Union of Skills can be an important step for the future. However, education and skills must truly become strategic priorities, and for this we need to ensure that this initiative has a real impact on citizens and does not just remain a paper strategy. That is why, together with my colleagues in the European Parliament's intergroup on the future of education and skills, we call for 20% of the next Multiannual Financial Framework to be allocated to education and training. If we want a competitive and fair Europe, we must first invest in people. Moreover, we propose a right to training, a European plan for education and skills, an effective Erasmus 2.0, the removal of time and cost barriers that prevent adults from improving their skills. The Union of Skills must be more than a strategy and a concrete commitment for the future of Europe.