What Victor spoke about.

10

Mar

2025

Speeches RO

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Madam President, dear colleagues, Romania reached a historic milestone 18 years after accession: €100 billion in non-reimbursable European funds. The amount represents concrete investments in better paid hospitals, schools, infrastructure and jobs. But this result was not guaranteed. It took work to ensure that Romania receives and uses these financial resources. In recent years, through my work in the European Parliament, I have saved billions of euros of unused funds, amending European regulations to phase out European projects. We have helped to simplify the rules for accessing European programmes and we have amended the budget of the European Union so that these resources can reach our region. But these funds are not just figures on paper. We need to look ahead: we need better, more efficient absorption, more flexibility and a strategy for the future. 100 billion euros is a success, but also a responsibility. Extremism seeks to destroy this opportunity for Romania. I will continue to fight for every euro to be used where it is most needed by Romanians and Europeans.

10

Mar

2025

Speeches RO

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Establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova (debate)

Madam Vice-President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the growth plan for the Republic of Moldova represents a significant investment of the European Union in its economic and social development, but above all a signal of trust in the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. The €1.9 billion is not just a solidarity check, but a strong commitment to modernisation, stability and European integration. These funds must produce visible results for citizens. I have proposed key amendments that have been adopted and that will directly contribute to the success of this plan, and I thank the rapporteurs: - supporting rural areas and policies for children, European funds that go where they are most needed, - the involvement of the diaspora in the implementation of the measures – millions of Moldovans live and work in other European countries and will thus play a key role in the development of the country, - strategic investments in interconnections with Romania, especially in the energy area. Moreover, for the efficient use of these funds we proposed and will open right now, an office of the European Parliament in Chisinau was approved, an initiative that I had as Vice-President of the European Parliament, responsible for the relationship with the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova has an open door in Europe. Europe supports the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova has a historic opportunity that it cannot miss. You have the full support of the European Parliament.

10

Mar

2025

Speeches RO

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Cutting red tape and simplifying business in the EU: the first Omnibus proposals (debate)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, simplification of the rules is necessary. I repeated this here, in plenary, several times, when the Commission kept introducing new rules. But we must not create new inequalities or penalise entrepreneurs who have already met European standards. In the Omnibus proposal we see useful measures, such as cutting red tape for SMEs or facilitating public procurement for European companies, but we also see major risks. If we suddenly remove reports for many companies, what do we do with companies that have already invested in these standards? If we change the rules from one year to the next, what guarantee does Europe offer to investors? Who was wrong: The Commission in the previous mandate or the one in the current mandate? Who bears the costs? We need a balanced transition that supports SMEs. Europe must be a model of predictability, not rules that come and go overnight. Yes, we are simplifying, but not introducing new solutions that risk affecting our economy. We need to preserve social values and at the same time we need to help companies grow. At the same time, I have to say: we must not take a step backwards in terms of responsibility.

13

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (RC-B10-0102/2025, B10-0102/2025, B10-0105/2025, B10-0109/2025, B10-0125/2025, B10-0127/2025, B10-0129/2025, B10-0133/2025) (vote)

The next vote is on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (see minutes, item 6.5).

13

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (RC-B10-0106/2025, B10-0106/2025, B10-0107/2025, B10-0108/2025, B10-0112/2025, B10-0114/2025, B10-0116/2025, B10-0118/2025) (vote)

The next vote is on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (see minutes, item 6.4).

13

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (RC-B10-0101/2025, B10-0101/2025, B10-0104/2025, B10-0111/2025, B10-0113/2025, B10-0117/2025, B10-0120/2025, B10-0122/2025, B10-0123/2025) (vote)

The next vote is on the continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (see minutes, item 6.3).

13

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (RC-B10-0126/2025, B10-0126/2025, B10-0128/2025, B10-0130/2025, B10-0131/2025, B10-0132/2025, B10-0134/2025, B10-0135/2025) (vote)

The next vote is on the repression by the Ortega‑Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (see minutes, item 6.2).

13

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (RC-B10-0100/2025, B10-0100/2025, B10-0103/2025, B10-0110/2025, B10-0115/2025, B10-0119/2025, B10-0121/2025, B10-0124/2025) (vote)

Is there any opposition to the oral amendment? Yes. So the oral amendment cannot be taken, based on the opposition of the Members. The resolution is adopted (see minutes, item 6.1).

13

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (RC-B10-0100/2025, B10-0100/2025, B10-0103/2025, B10-0110/2025, B10-0115/2025, B10-0119/2025, B10-0121/2025, B10-0124/2025) (vote)

We move to the joint motion for a resolution tabled by six groups on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Turkey.

13

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Voting time

This being said, based on the recommendations of the services we will move directly to the vote.

13

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Resumption of the sitting

Colleagues, I think we have to resume the discussion on this topic. There was another request for a point of order but, of course, being on the same topic, I think we have to not transform this into a new debate. The last intervention on a point of order is on another topic.

13

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Resumption of the sitting

We will continue, dear colleagues. I would like to inform the House that I have received requests for points of order. Let us respect the timing.

13

Feb

2025

Speeches RO

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Threats to EU sovereignty through strategic dependencies in communication infrastructure (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the security of Europe's digital infrastructure is a national security priority. The European Union cannot afford to be vulnerable or dependent. Today, we must ask ourselves whether we are truly prepared to protect our digital sovereignty. Almost 70% of equipment essential for European telecommunications networks comes from outside the Union, and many Member States continue to use technologies developed by companies considered a security risk. We're exposed to major threats. Romania was one of the states that decided to limit access to their telecommunications infrastructure. Member States can and must act to protect themselves, but it is not enough for only a few countries to take action. I call on the European Commission to propose a European fund for the security of digital infrastructure, a common regulatory framework for access to networks, massive investments in European alternatives. If we do not act now, we will pay a much higher price in the future.

12

Feb

2025

Speeches RO

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Approval of the minutes of the sitting

The minutes of this sitting will be submitted to Parliament for approval at the beginning of the afternoon tomorrow.

12

Feb

2025

Speeches RO

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Agenda of the next sitting

The next meeting will take place tomorrow, Thursday 13 February 2025, at 9 a.m. The agenda has been published and is available on the European Parliament's website.

12

Feb

2025

Speeches EN

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Silent crisis: the mental health of Europe’s youth (debate)

Thank you, Commissioner, for the statement. The debate is closed. I will make the last comments in Romanian.

12

Feb

2025

Speeches RO

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Competitiveness Compass (debate)

Madam Vice-President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Europe can no longer afford to stand still. The European Competitiveness Compass must not be just a beautifully drafted document. We need a real action plan that brings investment, support for education and skills training, support for SMEs and concrete solutions for innovation and reducing economic disparities. All Member States must have equal access to resources. According to the European Court of Auditors, Eastern European countries received only 7.2 % of the total funding allocated under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. For example, Romania, which is one of the fastest growing economies in the EU, attracted only 0.46% of the total funds available under this programme. We need to correct this imbalance. If we want a strong Europe, we must invest smartly and make sure that no country is left behind. Europe's competitiveness is built together through courageous decisions and concrete actions.

11

Feb

2025

Speeches RO

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The need to address urgent labour shortages and ensure quality jobs in the health care sector (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the shortage of medical staff is a critical issue. There are currently 1.2 million doctors and nurses missing across Europe. The situation has worsened due to the pandemic and the ageing of the population. Romania is one of the most affected states, although we train an important number of professionals in the field. More than 15,000 doctors and more than 50,000 nurses have left the country in recent years. The exodus has affected the quality of health services, increased waiting times and led to a shortage of services essential for the health of the population. We need a programme for returning home and one that facilitates mobility to disadvantaged areas. In rural areas, about 400 localities in Romania do not have access to a family doctor, and hospitals face a major shortage of specialists in critical areas such as anesthesia and intensive care. I am not currently satisfied with the reaction that the European Commission has had so far, but I am convinced that together with the new European Commissioner we will find the best solutions, because we must act at European level to create decent working conditions for medical staff and ensure that we cope with this shortage of medical resources.

10

Feb

2025

Speeches RO

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Mr President, let us buy locally, let us support producers and farmers - that is what I was saying a few years ago, also here in the European Parliament. Meanwhile, we promoted a petition approved by the European Parliament, questioned the committee, amended the legislation, obtained additional European funds for Romanian farmers and producers, and improved the rights of supermarket workers and those working for online platforms. The extremists in Romania were silent then and were shopping in luxury stores. They still don't come up with any viable solution, copying and climbing on a European trend that they don't even understand. Beyond the noise of sovereign Eurosugatives, we have a responsibility to focus on solutions: fewer intermediaries, access for small producers to supermarkets, no shelf fees, support for local brands, less bureaucracy and higher subsidies for farmers. Only through common measures at European level can we support small farmers. Let us not approach this subject with populism! Let's focus on real solutions for people!

22

Jan

2025

Speeches RO

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Failure of the negotiations in Busan for a UN plastic treaty and the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution at international and Union level (debate)

The next item is the Commission statement, "The failure of the Busan negotiations on a UN Plastics Treaty and the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution at international and Union level" (2025/2508(RSP)). So, as I said, we move to the next debate, and I announced the name of the debate, at the same time politely asking Commissioner Brunner to take the floor on behalf of the Commission, if you are ready, Commissioner? He's always ready!

22

Jan

2025

Speeches EN

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Addressing EU demographic challenges: towards the implementation of the 2023 Demography Toolbox (debate)

Thank you, Commissioner, for going beyond the bullet points – we tend to appreciate that here. The debate is closed.

22

Jan

2025

Speeches EN

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Addressing EU demographic challenges: towards the implementation of the 2023 Demography Toolbox (debate)

The Rules are clear. Of course, where colleagues appeal to those respective Rules, as I said earlier, we take note of the considerations and the requests made. We will address the issue to the Bureau, and the Bureau will make a decision on this request. If there are similar requests on other speeches, anyone can do it. But, of course, please refer to the Rules. And in this case, the Rules are clear. Let's try, of course, to respect the Rules of this House, all of us.

22

Jan

2025

Speeches EN

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Addressing EU demographic challenges: towards the implementation of the 2023 Demography Toolbox (debate)

Another point of order from Ms García Hermida-Van Der Walle.

22

Jan

2025

Speeches EN

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Addressing EU demographic challenges: towards the implementation of the 2023 Demography Toolbox (debate)

Thank you for raising the issue. According to the Rules, I will inform the Bureau about your request. A decision will be made according to the Rules of Procedure and we will inform you of the decision that was made by the Bureau.

22

Jan

2025

Speeches EN

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Addressing EU demographic challenges: towards the implementation of the 2023 Demography Toolbox (debate)

The services also instructed me to come back to the point of order. I just want to mention that we are not allowed to have questions addressed to the first round of political group speakers, but to come to the point of order, Ms García Hermida-Van Der Walle, please, you have to mention, according to the Rules, of course, the Rule that you refer to.