Speeches

Mr President, thank you, President Hoyer, for coming here and giving us the benefit of your experience and expertise. I must ask you one question. In the last mandate, the Juncker Fund was key and the EIB played a big part in that –in turning around the European economy, creating jobs, improving the quality of life. Then I was a rapporteur for its successor, InvestEU, but I haven’t heard much about InvestEU, which seemed to be full of promise and was the way of the future. So I would like to ask you your opinion of InvestEU, what it has achieved in this mandate and what it can achieve into the future, particularly over the next year or two. Because it was a wonderful scheme succeeding the Juncker Fund, but we’re not hearing enough about it.

A Uachtaráin, heavy-duty transport is the backbone of trade and commerce in Europe: 73% of all freight transported by land in the EU is carried by trucks. Alongside rail freight, trucks deliver goods safely across Europe. These extensive and integrated supply chains keep our supermarket shelves stocked. However, the sector causes negative impacts on the environment. Heavy-duty transport is responsible for nearly one third of the EU’s road transport CO2 emissions, primarily driven by growth in economic activity. The sheer volume of transport activity has impacted our greenhouse gas emissions, and demands on all types of transport are expected to increase. This is a natural progression as economies develop. The greening transport package proposes measures to rethink the allocation of rail track capacity and the methodology for counting the emissions of a transport job. In recent years, cleaner road vehicles and fuels have become more and more available, and I’m aware of big efforts being made by many heavy-duty transport manufacturers to use technology to reduce emissions. I think we should work with the industry and establish a fundamental shift towards sustainability in the way goods and people move around.

, Commissioner Kadri, I welcome this debate and call on the Commission to bring forward a European strategy on hostage diplomacy. Hostage diplomacy – the calculated detention of foreign citizens by state actors in an attempt to gain leverage over another country – is worryingly becoming more and more frequent, as Commissioner Kadri Simson pointed out. Notably, hostage diplomacy appears to have become a tool of foreign policy for certain states, notably Iran. Individual liberty and our freedom of movement are things that we take for granted until the moment they are gone from us. We can only imagine the fear and hopelessness that citizens who are detained unlawfully as hostages must feel. Hostages are often placed in prison, in poor conditions, under fabricated charges and even under the threat of execution. We think also of the pain and suffering that their loved ones would feel back home. The use of individuals as pawns in geopolitical games is wrong. It is a violation of human rights and must be thoroughly condemned. What is more, the nations that perpetrate these heinous acts rely on the fact that Western politicians will cave in to their demands due to the pressure of family members and civil society groups calling for the hostages release. This is a cruel attempt to use our much-valued democratic freedoms against us. In January, we call for the release of Belgian national, Olivier Vandecasteele, a humanitarian worker taken hostage by Iran. He was released in May, thankfully. The same month, Bernard Phelan, an Irishman originally from County Tipperary, was also released after six and a half months of unlawful detention in an Iranian prison. I would like to commend the hard work of the Irish consular services and their European counterparts in securing the release of these two hostages, as well as the liberation of other victims of hostage diplomacy. In recent years, collaboration through our diplomatic networks bilaterally and multilaterally, as well as economic and political measures, for example, on sanctions, is key towards developing a European approach to hostage diplomacy. Together we are stronger. We should use our combined diplomatic weight and knowledge to protect our citizens from harm and try and put an end to hostage diplomacy.

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, last year, Europe grappled with the effects of the hottest summer on record. We witnessed droughts across the EU, resulting in the second-lowest river flow and the second-largest wildfire burn area on record for Europe. And this year might even be worse. The unfortunate reality we are facing is that there will be hotter and drier summers to come, and water scarcity and drought will become more frequent. It is therefore imperative that the EU is equipped with strong policies in place to prevent and to mitigate the effects of water stress conditions. I’m calling on the Commission for increased action in safeguarding Europe’s water resources. Existing legislation should be monitored regularly to ensure that appropriate revisions are made. Europe’s water policy must be effective and respond swiftly to the most up-to-date scientific knowledge. Water reuse policies offer sustainable solutions to alleviate water scarcity. Instead of relying solely on freshwater supplies, we can maximize the use of treated waste water, thereby reducing the pressure on natural water sources. By reusing water for non-drinkable purposes, we can conserve freshwater resources and ensure their availability for essential needs, such as drinking, sanitation and hygiene. By treating and reusing waste water, we can alleviate water scarcity, enhance water retention and promote responsible water management practices. Also, at Member State level – especially in my own country, Ireland – there are far too many leaking and burst pipes. It is imperative that this is properly addressed as a matter of urgency. Leaking water is water wasted, and we cannot afford to waste any more water.

A Uachtaráin, the Sustainable Development Goals provide a roadmap for global development encompassing a broad range of interconnected issues, from poverty eradication to climate action, from gender equality to responsible consumption and production. The most effective way to deliver on the SDGs is by ensuring that the goals are fully embedded in planned activity of each government department in each Member State. Major challenges exist in this respect. Interlinkages between the goals mean that progress in one area can have repercussions on another. This therefore requires the holistic and integrated approach to implementation. As the EU presents its first voluntary review this year, the EU must stand up and show real leadership in the implementation of the SDGs to deliver the 2030 Agenda. The details of such leadership will require additional debate, particularly when we speak of the portfolios of the next College of Commissioners, but more importantly, we should ensure that an adequate monitoring system is in place, backed up by the resources needed to keep us on track to meet our targets.

A Uachtaráin, the EU needs to focus now on swift action to improve the business environment for European companies. Global competition for investments, employment, growth and technological innovation is decided by framework conditions, not by subsidies only. The reality is that energy prices in Europe will remain higher than for our main competitors. At a time when global competition for investment is fierce, it is imperative that we take decisive action to ensure Europe remains a preferred destination for both domestic and foreign investments. We need to focus on enhancing the ease of doing business across the continent. By creating a business friendly environment, we can attract investment and encourage entrepreneurship, thus driving economic growth. Reducing red tape is pivotal. Recently, President von der Leyen said that she is committed to reducing red tape by 25 %. This is laudable and necessary, but if she succeeds in doing so, she will be a better miracle worker than our Lord. In addition, we must invest in infrastructure development, investments in transportation networks, digital connectivity, energy grids and research facilities. This will not only attract domestic and foreign investment, but will also create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Creating a sustainable business environment creates a sustainable Europe. The answer is in our hands if we have the wit and the will to do so.

Madam President, I was pleased also to vote in favour of this report. Turning the existing European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction into a fully fledged agency will further strengthen its role. Threats to the EU’s public health and security must be tackled efficiently and effectively. The challenge posed by illegal drugs cannot be underestimated, and I therefore welcome all measures that will enhance the EU’s response to the drugs phenomenon. This expansion will be an important tool at both EU and global level in combating illegal drugs. I support the rapporteurs emphasis on international cooperation and engagement with third countries and bodies. Ultimately, this expansion overall is an opportunity for the EU to progress on this issue in a comprehensive manner, and I welcome it, as I believe from anecdotal evidence that the drugs culture, unfortunately, is getting worse and threatening a lot of stability in our society.

Madam President, I was pleased to vote for this regulation as part of the evidence legislative package. The text establishes comprehensive and mandatory EU-wide regulations in relation to using services to produce or preserve electronic evidence in cross-border situations. The regulation clearly defines the European production orders and European preservation orders, including conditions for their issuing, which I very much welcome. And I also voted in favour of the text on electronic evidence in criminal proceedings, which is part of the EU package as well. I would like to commend the text for addressing the issues arising from the storage of data by service providers outside the EU, and I support it.

Madam President, I was pleased to support this regulation as part of the e-evidence legislative package. The text establishes comprehensive and mandatory EU-wide regulations in relation to using services to produce or preserve electronic evidence in cross-border situations. The regulation clearly defines the European production orders and European preservation orders, including conditions for their issuing, which I very much welcome. Additionally, the regulation also includes a procedure to address conflicts of law. So for all those reasons, I am very pleased to welcome the e-evidence package and I supported it in voting.

Madam President, I agree completely with the theme of this debate – quality traineeships in the EU – and they must be accompanied, as so many speakers have said, with quality remuneration, as we do, in fairness, in the EU institutions. I have had the pleasure of having many, many trainees over my time here in the European Parliament, and I must say they were excellent. Indeed, some of them went on to good jobs and a few romantic relationships built up which have stood the test of time. And, indeed, I now find that when I have vacancies for interns in my office, I am inundated with requests. I am not sure if it’s because of my reputed Cupid powers or because of the quality of the work in my office! But what we do in the European Union, as Members have pointed out, must be replicated right across the EU. All young people undertaking traineeships should be properly remunerated and they will pay back in spades.

A Uachtaráin, wait till I’m finished and then get strict! One of the ironic advantages, if you want to call it that – or benefits – from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine is that Europe acted decisively and in unity, and this has impressed citizens and brought them closer to us. As a result there are far more people now saying that they are interested in the European elections next year and intend to vote than was the case five years ago. I am pleased that in all likelihood, my own country, Ireland, will have an extra seat, reflecting the growth in population under the degressive proportionality clause where we have 300 000 extra people as opposed to the last election. I do not agree, however, with transnational lists. We do not want a two—tier Chamber. We do not want MEPs supposedly elected by everybody, but answerable to nobody. And we do not want ‘House of Lords MEPs’ and ‘House of Commons MEPs’.

Madam President, Bangladesh is the second largest apparel exporter in the world. The sector accounts for about 82% of the country’s total export revenue and most workers in the ready—made garment sector are young women, as you said, from rural backgrounds. Ten years ago, the deadliest accident in the history of the modern garment industry –and one of the worst industrial accidents ever – took place in Rana Plaza in Bangladesh, leaving 1 100 people dead and at least 2 500 grievously injured. This was not the first tragedy of its kind and, sadly, not the last. Others have happened since. Rana Plaza and the other industrial accidents suffered by Bangladesh brought home the urgent need to establish a culture of workplace safety in the country’s garment industry and beyond. Much has improved in the last ten years, however more needs to be done to ensure that clear standards, guidelines and accident reporting protocols are understood and implemented at all levels. Compliance with core labour standards and national legislation must be improved, including coverage of compensation, contracts, gender inclusivity and working time. Better access to social protection for workers across Bangladesh in all economic sectors is crucial. Further strengthening of the capacity of the safety committees, labour inspectorate and trade unions will be integral to this. Labour rights must be respected in order to foster an environment where trade unions can operate freely and without harassment, where improved social dialogue between the government, employers and trade unions takes place. It is imperative that we build upon the lessons learned and progress made in the ready—made garment industry to enhance industrial safety in other priority sectors to avoid such a tragedy repeating itself in the future. Occupational safety and health must be a priority.

Commissioner Valdis, I must say, as a child, one of the great memories I have is my mother sending me on missions to neighbouring farms to get hatching hens, and getting a hatching hen and then watching the eggs hatch. And the absolute delight of seeing little chickens coming out of the hatched eggs and all cared for under the mother hen’s wings and growing into adulthood. This is being denied by this horrible, barbaric practice where 300 million day-old male chicks are killed every year in the EU and 6.5 billion worldwide. And millions of female ducks are killed in the production of foie gras, as it’s called, a notoriously brutal part of the animal source food industry. Selective breeding of egg-laying hens has increased egg productivity. However, the selection has also meant that male chicks no longer develop enough muscle to be used for meat. And although they are sentient creatures, as Sirpa pointed out, these young animals are therefore considered worthless. Their deaths often caused immense suffering, including via maceration, electrocution and asphyxiation. This almost secretive practice of gassing and grinding chicks and ducklings must be prohibited under EU law, as the practice causes substantial suffering and also goes against Article 13 of the TFEU, which recognises animals as sentient beings. The EU must follow the positive steps taken by France, Germany, Austria and Italy in banning the cruel practice of killing chicks and ducklings. Our goal should be to obtain a total ban on the killing of chicks and ducklings in Europe. And this is in line with what the Commission found out when they did a public consultation. Of the 60 000 who responded, 94% said they want this practice to end and 82% said farm animals generally should be better protected. Also, of course, there is now a technology available, which means that this practice is not necessary. In in-vitro, sexing can determine the sex of an egg prior to hatching. So this grinding and gassing has to stop. As Sirpa said, it’s an ethical issue, but I want to see young people, like myself many years ago, being able to joyfully watch young eggs being hatched, little chickens coming out and growing to maturity.

A Uachtaráin, the High Seas Treaty is a successful example of multilateral cooperation. We have now established a legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity. The importance of sound ocean governance cannot be overstated, mitigating the impacts of climate change. Our oceans provide us with invaluable ecological, economic and social benefits. While it is important to recognise and celebrate the progress of the agreement, there is still much work to be done before it can be implemented effectively. To this end, it is imperative that the next steps are closely monitored. All nations have a part to play. There must also be adequate financial instruments in place and proper regulations for the establishment and management of marine protected areas and support for our fishers, who depend on the sea for their livelihoods, while at the same time ensuring that we have sustainable fishing.

– the Lukashenko regime continues to blatantly violate and abuse human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus, as the authorities continue to crack down on political activists. A campaign of violence and repression has been intentionally directed at those who were, or were perceived to be, opposing the government or had expressed critical views. Two weeks ago, it was reported that Viktar Babaryka, a politician who ran against dictator Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential election, was hospitalised with a punctured lung and signs of physical abuse. The following evening, he had disappeared completely. Babaryka is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence for politically motivated charges. He was detained in 2020 as part of the ongoing crackdown on those who oppose Lukashenko’s rotten regime. Babaryka was considered one of Lukashenko’s main political opponents during the president’s election campaign in 2020. Those close to him are unaware of his whereabouts and of course cannot visit him. Before his hospitalisation, Babaryka was sent to a closed prison-type facility for prisoners who commit serious violations. The Government of Belarus must immediately bring the systematic repression of perceived critics to an end and immediately release all detainees held on political grounds. The government owes it to its people to end this mass repression and to conduct impartial and transparent investigations. We call for the immediate, unconditional release of political opposition figures such as Viktar Babaryka and the more than 1 400 political prisoners Belarus continues to unjustly incarcerate. Thank you, President, and thank you to my colleagues who were involved in this report.

Mr President, first of all, I would like to commend my colleagues, the author who produced this report, as it is very important that we focus on what is happening in Algeria, especially on media freedom and in this case the journalist El Kadi. Without media freedom, citizens cannot form different opinions or make up their worries about what is happening. Many governments don't want the media to be free because they can't then suppress the people. We see this in Russia for example. But the EU is right, even though we have a good relationship with Algeria in terms of trade and economy, at the same time, we should not blindly look at what is happening in the El Kadi case and we need to put pressure on its authorities to let it go.

A Uachtaráin, Nicole ‘Coco’ Fox’s life may have been tragically cut short, but thanks to the courageous work of her mother, Jackie, we may finally be able to act and pass legislation that punishes and outlaws cyberbullying. I have been working on cyberbullying now for over a dozen years, and it can happen on social media, messaging apps, online gaming platforms, or even via text messages and emails. Technology, by and large, is positive but there are also ever—deepening connections involving some negatives, especially on social media. The rise of cyberbullying has been alarming, with more and more young people falling victim to this form of abuse. For Coco, intimate images of her were put online against her will – a horrendous thing for anyone to face, never mind for someone of such a young age. in 2021, Ireland adopted Coco’s Law, which covers a wide range of offences including online abuse, cyberbullying and image—based abuse. Those found guilty can face up to seven years in prison. Jackie is right: it should be a criminal offence to torment and torture somebody online. I fully support calls for Coco’s law to be extended across the EU. We must protect our youth, in particular from the dangers of cyberbullying, and create a more positive and inclusive online culture.

Mr President, deputy Commissioner McGuinness said this was a very important debate, a key debate, a really important debate. And yet the Commissioner in charge is not here. Now, we’ve had over 50 speakers in Parliament. They all came according to their mandate. None of them sent in a deputy. So I think, for really important, key debates in future, if a Commissioner doesn’t turn up, we have to put down a vote of no confidence in them. Having said that, I am totally in favour of Farm to Fork, Green Deal, biodiversity improvement, sequestration and reducing emissions. I think the new eco-schemes in the CAP will help enormously and they have been embraced by farmers to ensure that. But if there are new measures in addition to those, then I think they have to be matched with new money. Otherwise, farmers are going to lose productivity, food security is going to be jeopardised and they’ll go out of business.

A Uachtaráin, this Parliament report addresses the implementation of a dedicated EU school scheme which will fund the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk along with educational and information measures. This scheme forms part of a key objective to ensure that children’s nutritional needs are met and healthy eating habits and lifestyles and established from an early age. The report focuses on the budget, coverage and simplification of the administrative processes of the scheme. This legislation will also help remove a good deal of red tape for schools and suppliers at national level to ensure the effectiveness of the programme. For these reasons, I was happy to support the report and I was also very happy to speak here in Parliament as a Member of Parliament for Ireland on Europe Day. Long live Schuman. Long live the European Union. Agus Éirinn go Brách.

A Uachtaráin, the involvement of the entire fishing community is crucial for the conservation of fishing resources and the reasonable allocation of fishing quotas. It is essential to have a legal framework at EU level to ensure an effective co-management of fisheries while also respecting the local specificities of each Member State. This report calls for the involvement of all stakeholders in the decision-making process and in the management of marine resources. The EU’s common fisheries policy should ensure that fishing activities contribute to long-term environmental, economic and social sustainability and contribute to increased productivity and a fair standard of living for the fisheries sector, many of whom have suffered greatly because of Brexit. This Parliament report is sufficiently balanced and reflects the importance of core management, as well as the involvement of all stakeholders in the governance process, especially fishermen and fishing communities, and this is the most important point of all.

Madam President, methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, second only to carbon dioxide in its overall contribution to climate change and air pollution. In the EU, the energy sector is estimated to account for around a fifth of human-made methane emissions. I therefore welcome the report’s overall objective to reduce direct methane emissions from the oil, fossils, gas and coal sectors and from biomethane once it is injected in the gas network in the energy sector. It is important that we ensure the highest standards of measurement, reporting and verification of energy sector methane emissions and the immediate reduction of emissions through mandatory leak detection and repair, and a ban on venting and flaring. Although not perfect, the proposal reflects the urgency to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector, while also ensuring that energy prices at not significantly impacted for consumers.

A Uachtaráin, the choices made by consumers across the EU are pivotal to our green transition. We all have a role to play in reaching our climate targets, and it is clear that Europeans from all Member States are committed to playing their part if given the opportunity. Our daily choices have the power to drive change and make a significant impact on our climate. To enable consumers make informed, eco-friendly choices, there is a need for a directive that enhances consumer rights. It is vital that information on a product’s environmental impact is clear and accurate, particularly on the durability, repairability and general sustainability of products. Misleading information and greenwashing must be tackled. We cannot let companies exploit consumers’ willingness to make sustainable choices. Guaranteeing third-party monitoring of certification scheme compliance is necessary and there should be a crackdown on false carbon neutrality claims. But we must also support businesses and SMEs in this process by providing guidelines that reduce administrative and financial burdens. In this way, we will enable consumers and businesses alike to be effective in their contribution towards a green transition.

Mr President, First of all, congratulations to the Commission for organising this important year, not only this year but it is set to continue for 12 months. A lot of progress can be made during this period. And it is urgently needed, because in every industry we see that they are looking for young people with the skills and they do not have the skills. And the reason in many places is that young people don't have the knowledge. We therefore need, in particular, to focus on education – the education of second and third level schools – in the second level, telling young people that new careers are ahead of you and that they can follow these, and especially then in the tech universities in particular, to provide the skills to the people attending them, the students, and in such a way that they will be able to fill these skills and jobs.

A Uachtaráin, I welcome this initiative to combat criminal activities and protect cultural heritage. The monitoring and control of trade in cultural goods can vary considerably within the single market, leaving loopholes for criminals to cover their tracks and misrepresent the origin of a commodity. Measures to increase the traceability of the transfer of ownership of cultural goods within the single market, such as ensuring that information is stored digitally and that registers are interconnected, will therefore contribute significantly to the exposure of such infringements. Great progress has been made in this regard in recent years in inventorying and training, but the illicit trafficking in cultural property itself has also changed considerably and remains a major issue, as colleagues have pointed out, impoverishing the countries of origin and fuelling money laundering and tax evasion. Coordinated measures are paramount to mitigating such risks. Implementing similar measures across the EU will help to strengthen the prevention and detection of crime in cross-border cases and provide a comprehensive picture of illicit goods. This action plan will provide a clear, comprehensive and effective framework to the EU’s contribution to the fight against trafficking of cultural goods and is not before time.

A Uachtaráin, without doubt, cohesion policy is a great success story for the European Union, where countries express solidarity for another, where the rich help the poor and poorer countries become rich. My own country, like many other countries who joined the European Union, has benefited from that. But I think that the classification of regions, particularly within smaller countries, is too big. In my country, for instance, I belong to the southern region and it is classed as a more developed region, which is true, but it is not a homogeneous region. There are sub—regions within it where we have depopulation, where we have no industrial development and porous infrastructure. I am thinking of the likes of West Clare, South Kerry, South West Cork, and I think the Commission should look at reclassifying regions so that smaller areas that are disadvantaged can benefit from cohesion, structural and state aid, so that they can come up to the general average.