Speeches

Madam President, a Uachtaráin, first point, the terrible invasion by Russia on Ukraine has not only shown that we are too dependent on Russia for our energy supply, but even more so on Russia and Belarus for fertilizers. This has to stop, so we need to import less and produce more. Second point, because fertilizers have now doubled almost in price, we need an emergency financial package for farmers, the same as former Commissioner Phil Hogan did when there was a milk crisis a few years ago. And thirdly, we need to reduce fertilizer use. And I think work being done by research bodies like Teagasc under director Frank O’Mara in Ireland are doing wonderful work in that regard. For instance, promoting protected urea instead of CAN, better use of organic fertilizers, and of course promoting alternative crops and scientific production methods which require less fertilizers. Do those three things and will be a long way to pleasing our farmers and helping them.

Madam President, I would like to thank the rapporteurs, as well as President Lagarde for her work, particularly in the ECB’s interest in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) for which I am rapporteur. Inflation driven by high energy costs demonstrates the need for the ECB to further incentivise renovations in order to fulfil its price stability mandate. Buildings are the EU’s most valuable financial assets, worth tens of trillions of euros. In my view, the EPBD is as much about assets and investment protection as it is climate change, as low EPC—rated buildings will be less valuable. The reality is that public money will only stretch so far. There need to be much stronger links between the financial and the renovation sectors, as access to finance is one of the main barriers for people and businesses as they try to renovate. In this regard, President Lagarde, what is your view on the proposed European Renovation Loan and the European Guarantee Fund for Building Renovations, as well as on incentivising commercial banks to provide renovation solutions?

A Uachtaráin, there are nearly 13.7 million EU citizens residing in a Member State other than that of their own nationality. The right of those EU citizens to vote in European Parliament elections has been enshrined in EU treaties for decades. Nevertheless, these citizens face a number of barriers in exercising this important EU right. This proposal will ensure EU citizens are able to exercise their EU right to vote and stand as a candidate in European elections in the EU country they are residing in under the same conditions as nationals of that country. This includes accessible information, a straightforward registration process and the effective exchange of information between Member States with the aim of preventing multiple voting. And of course it also requires that information on registration and voting is provided in all official languages, including in Gaeilge. This proposal will also ensure unnecessary obstacles to accessing voting booths and polling stations are addressed. A good proposal.

Mr President, in response to the hardships and global energy market disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU introduced the REPowerEU Plan. REPowerEU is a plan to: saving energy, generating clean energy, and diversifying our energy supplies. This plan aims to strengthen and diversify the EU’s current energy supplies to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030. Over time, the clean energy transition will help lower energy prices as well as reduce import dependency. It is supported by financial and legal measures to build the new energy infrastructure and system that Europe needs.

A Uachtaráin, satellite infrastructure plays a vital role in ensuring seamless communication in a digital society. Under this proposal, the Union Secure Connectivity Programme provides for a satellite communication infrastructure that is secure, flexible and resilient for EU Member States and citizens. This proposal will also ensure EU citizens receive a fit—for—purpose mobile and broadband satellite service, including improved internet connection for remote and rural areas. To do this, this proposal establishes an EU satellite constellation of an estimated 200 satellites and will serve as the EU’s first dedicated infrastructure to offer satellite communication services to governments, the economy and civil society: a fair achievement. This is a key step in ensuring an EU space-based secure communication system that seeks to meet the needs of modern society. These changes will be based on the latest innovative technologies in creating a new space ecosystem, and this proposal forms a key part of the EU’s space package.

A Uachtaráin, maintaining a high level of confidence among citizens in European Union institutions is imperative, and anyone who holds public office should meet high ethical standards. Unfortunately, the scandals that have emerged in recent months have diminished the confidence and trust that EU citizens have in the EU institutions and in the EU project. While ethics standards already exist within the institutions. Recent events have revealed shortcomings and suggest that we need a broader framework to ensure compliance and adherence to ethics. There must be clearer rules for lobbyists, for lobbyists becoming politicians, or vice versa, to avoid conflicts of interest. An independent ethics body could indeed provide important guidance in this regard and help ensure that EU institutions are better able to efficiently respond to breaches of ethics rules. Indeed, we need high ethical standards with effective measures to ensure citizens’ trust in our institutions. However, an inter-institutional ethics body must respect the defined competences of each institution and advisory body and their corresponding role in the framework of the system of checks and balances laid out in the Treaties. An EU ethics body could greatly assist in harmonising ethics rules in the institutions, providing tools and improving the system in general. However, to be sustainable, it needs to ensure it sticks to the task at hand and remains non-political and has broad support across this House. It is also important that the approval process of the European Commission remains a duty of the European Parliament as it is legitimated by the citizens.

A Uachtaráin, the Russian leadership has shown its cruelty towards the Ukrainian people, engaging in war crimes as part of its standard operations on a daily basis. But not only this: they have also shown a complete indifference to their own soldiers, sending wave after wave as cannon fodder to their deaths. I voted in favour of this resolution for many reasons. I support Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, and the need to increase humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and I join calls for the upcoming EU—Ukraine Summit to prioritise a recovery package for Ukraine. However, I would like to underline my support for Ireland’s longstanding policy of military neutrality. As a nation we are not politically neutral when it comes to Russia’s illegal and barbaric war against Ukraine. We do not oppose and would not seek to block other EU Member States from providing military assistance, which is badly needed, to help Ukraine defend itself. Slava Ukraini!

Mr President, I support this own-initiative report, which calls for an ambitious revision of the European Works Council Directive. This is a long-awaited review. This directive offers an important opportunity to promote a transnational and pan-European economy that works for all. I welcome this measured report which seeks to adapt the European Works Council Directive in a targeted manner. This balances the interests of both employers and employees. This week, there have been major strikes in the UK, which have not been seen in recent years. Therefore, I hope that there will be no such thing in the EU and this review will help prevent this, not only in my country as Wallace and Daly MEPs said, but across the whole of Europe.

A Uachtaráin, I was happy to vote in favour of this report on the transparency and targeting of political advertising. The report aims to make it easier for citizens to recognise a political advertisement, to know what they are seeing and who paid for it. One of our greatest challenges today is the fight against disinformation and external interferences to our democratic processes while maintaining the openness of the public debate. This legislation will help make manipulative online political advertising a thing of the past. It will also make political actors more accountable for the adverts they disseminate, and when rules are broken better sanctions may be imposed across the EU. The political sphere is constantly evolving and political advertising is becoming an ever more important dimension of it. Once this legislation is in force, we hope that elections in the EU will be more transparent and resistant to manipulation.

Mr President, investing around a set of principles, rather than investing solely profit-oriented, is not a new idea. This idea goes back as far as the creation of the concept of investment itself. Today, it is well understood that we need to be mindful and cautious about the climate and social conditions of employees. As a result, the functions of the project for investment management have changed. However, research has shown that this change is inevitable. There is not much difference between investment care and investment care. It is difficult to determine whether companies are doing the right thing and doing the right thing. The red apple is often bad in their hearts. The research results published by an international media group in November are disappointing. More than 50% of these funds are still traded in some EU countries. They are still investing in fossil fuels, aviation, or highly polluting activities. On top of that, they are linked to child labor. These funds must comply with Article 9 of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. Unfortunately, they are not and obviously there is a hole and gap in the Regulations. To achieve the aims of the Green Deal, we need to put in place practical measures that define what sustainable investment means. It must be clear what is meant by what is green and what is not green. There can be no ambiguity anymore. When investment funds declare sustainable, they must also be sustainable and display transparent information. The effects of ‘greenwashing’ are detrimental to our society and environment. Those who are making invasive efforts and want to show respect for the environment and governance are wronged. As the investment funds play a crucial role, I urge the Commission to deal with this problem functionally and swiftly. Everyone must be honest and ethical. In conclusion, Paul Tang, the author, was highly commended for bringing this oral question to the attention of the Parliament and the Commission.

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, with the pandemic, and now Putin’s callous war on Ukraine and even Brexit, it’s clear that the global environment is becoming increasingly fractured. As Europe faces increasing economic and security challenges, building sustainable partnerships based on shared values is key for the EU’s standing in the global environment. Yet over the last decade, other global powers have developed vast networks of trade, transport hubs and energy routes, as well as digital infrastructure all over the world, extending their global influence like roots deepening in the soil. For this reason I welcome the Commission’s presentation of the Global Gateway initiative. Through this initiative the EU can work to strengthen our global partnerships on a platform of shared values and with the objective of promoting European priorities in digital, climate, transport and health policy. It is welcome that the Commission is now approaching its international partnerships with a strategic mindset. I particularly welcome the facts of the focus on supporting climate mitigation in low— and middle—income countries. I attended COP 27 late last year, and the topic of climate mitigation and loss and damage was high on the agenda. The Commission’s intention to invest in clean energy and green technology in developing countries can also provide us in the EU with the opportunity to diversify our energy supply chains and move away from fossil fuel imports. Another point I would like to emphasise is the promotion of connectivity with the ASEAN countries. As a member of the ASEAN Delegation, I understand the potential EU—ASEAN partnerships provide. Asia is home to the world’s largest populations and fastest—growing economies. Deepening relations with this bloc will strengthen economic resilience, grow competitiveness and diversify our supply chains.

Yes, fair point. Obviously the EPP has a very good approach to industrial development and ensuring that jobs are a priority. One of the points often made by our leader Manfred Weber is ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’. But obviously conditions have to come with those jobs, and obviously there is a responsibility both on employers and employees. And I think by having this working directive, where we all agree on what should be done, that is very clear in relation to people’s rights, then that will be absolutely a positive. Sanctions may or may not be necessary, but that would be a last resort. Everybody knows the key to good industrial relations is to have a good relationship, to sit down and negotiate and come to an agreement. I’ve seen that in Ireland over the last number of years, and it has worked very well. If there’s mutual respect – that’s the key: mutual respect between workers and employers – then I think we will have a very good situation in Ireland and in the rest of Europe.

A Uachtaráin, I welcome this legislative own-initiative report, which calls for an ambitious and long-awaited revision of the European Works Council Directive. The EWC Directive sets out important provisions on the right to information and consultation of employees on matters of transnational character in large undertakings, which are fundamental parts of EU social policy. They are also key elements to a prospering and healthy economy. As we see from ongoing strikes in the United Kingdom, ensuring proper workplace relations is key to a productive business and economy. We only have to look at the statistics. In 2020, in the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, lockdowns across the EU hit Member State economies heavily and employment fell. However, employment fell by only 2.8% in Member States with well-developed industrial relations systems. There is a message there. These states perform better, and far fewer workers lost their jobs because of good relations. For this reason, I support my colleagues in their call for reform of some elements of the EWC Directive. I think the report takes a reasonable and pragmatic approach to improving compliance and enforcement, and this will have a wider benefit for the economy overall. So I compliment the rapporteurs on doing a very good job. This could lead to far better industrial relations and prosperity for Europe as a result. (The speaker agreed to respond to a blue-card speech)

A Uachtaráin, okay, so we have a problem with China. We have a problem with our friends in the US. But our biggest problem is with ourselves. As Commissioner Breton said, we’ve been too naive. My friend Esther de Lange said, ‘we need to be smart and flexible’, and therein is the solution. We have allowed galloping regulation to stifle our industries and drive them out of Europe. Who’s to blame for that? Ultimately, politicians, because politicians are supposed to rule. So we’ve got to get hold of it here in the European Parliament and get rid of regulation that’s not helping us to be competitive. And ministers in governments across Europe have to get hold of the civil servants who are gold-plating regulation, making it even worse than it is here in Europe. When we have done that and dealt with it, and got a good knife and got rid of all the necessary regulation, then we can talk about dealing with our friends in the West and those in China.

Mr. President, thank you very much for giving me the floor. Sad news from Ukraine reminds us that we need to redouble our efforts – both militarily and economically – to help Ukraine win the war and also to cut off all economic ties with Russia. We are also celebrating, of course, the single market, which has been a huge success, but side by side with that has been growing regulation and red tape. Businesses across Europe – especially SMEs – are overburdened with this. We have been talking about it for a long time, but we haven't done enough. So I think that’s a priority for us over the next number of years: to reduce red tape to the minimum so that our businesses can grow. ‘Fit for growth’ should be our policy in relation to industry and businesses for the next decade.

A Uachtaráin, over the past three years, the European Union has overcome extraordinary obstacles in our fight against COVID-19. Unfortunately, this winter has again been exceptionally challenging for our hospitals. We are witnessing public health systems across the EU become overwhelmed and exhausted as a result of the recent surge of COVID-19, flu and RSV patients. Earlier this month, Ireland reached record levels of overcrowding, and it is clear that we are at crisis point. Consequently, the surge of respiratory infections has had an effect on our medical supplies. It is vital that we take action and that our supply of medical products are assessed to ensure access to medicines for all patients in need. I also highlight the importance of coordination at European level. What we have learned over the past years is that a public health problem affects the functioning of all European sectors. It is time for swift and immediate action.

A Uachtaráin, a number of years ago, I organised quite a number of public events in relation to cyberbullying, which was very prominent at the time. Hopefully things have improved and the opportunities for bullying are limited, if not eradicated. Of course, the whole use of digital apparatus has grown, particularly amongst young people. Indeed, from the time they’re in the cradle, young people have some type of digital device. As we saw, 75% over the age of six play video games. All that is positive. But I think it’s great that the Commission and Parliament are coming together to limit its negative effects – things like glorifying violence, things like grooming, things like encouraging gambling. And I think collectively we can do a great service to our young people and also, indeed, to the industry itself so that it does what it is supposed to do: provide clean entertainment to our young people.

A Uachtaráin Roberta, a Phríomh-Aire agus a chairde, Sweden takes on the Presidency of the Council at a time of great flux for the EU, as we face numerous political, economic and security challenges. Almost one year ago, Putin’s tanks rolled into Ukraine and began this bloody war of aggression. The war in Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities in our critical systems and triggered an unprecedented energy crisis inside the bloc. We must futureproof our energy system. I call on the Swedish Government, during this Presidency of the Council, to draw on Sweden’s long-standing reputation as a climate leader and to bring forward measures that allow for the efficient production, storage and distribution of energy to citizens and businesses across Europe, guided by the energy-efficiency-first principle. In particular, I sincerely hope that during the Swedish Presidency, Parliament and the Council can work closely to secure an agreement on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, of which I am the lead negotiator on behalf of the EPP Group. This file is particularly unique and addresses a fundamental pillar of achieving our climate goals: the built environment. Difficult decisions will have to be made, but as legislators, it is our responsibility to look at our long-term interests regardless of political gain. Disinformation about the EPBD is already starting to circulate and the EU institutions and Member State governments must take action to set the record straight. It is my hope that the Swedish Presidency can be a leader in this area and I look forward to close cooperation over the next six months to deliver a strong and effective EPBD.

Madam President, here we go again. I was pleased to support this report from my colleague. And on the outcome of the Committee of Petitions’ deliberations during 2021. The focus this week in the Parliament has been on increasing transparency, and rightly so. I believe that the work of the PETI Committee should be emphasised and publicised further. The Treaties confer on all citizens the right to submit a petition on any matter within the EU’s competences that directly affects them. This provides an important avenue for EU citizens, which I have successfully used myself, on behalf of some constituents. We must ensure that EU citizens are aware of this right. To be effective, measures aimed at improving transparency and their outcomes must be communicated clearly to citizens. I welcome the acknowledgement in the report also that when citizens do petition the committee, their request must be dealt with in a timely and consistent manner. And finally, I just want to compliment yourself, President Dita, for the manner in which you handled today’s voting session. It could have got out of hand. It could have become very boisterous if you hadn’t handled it so firmly. And also it does no harm to see you dealing firmly with colleague ‘snowman’ Dzhambazki and basically make him put away his snowball. Happy Christmas to you all.

Mr President, I am in favour of an improvement in the 2021-2028 multiannual financial framework. Less than two years ago, the multiannual financial framework was adopted. Most of the flexibility and limitations of the framing have now been used in the wake of the recent crises. In the report, Parliament wants a comprehensive review during the first quarter of 2023 to ensure sufficient flexibility to react quickly in a crisis and in response to the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The report highlights the inconsistency of the easing and reorganisation of the flexibility of the budget. The report also reinforces Parliament’s importance as an institution in the EU’s framework budget.

A Uachtaráin, on 25 November this year, Europe commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor genocide in Ukraine. I was pleased to support this resolution, which remembers and expresses solidarity with the people of Ukraine who suffered in this tragedy. The treatment of the Ukrainian people during the Holodomor goes against the most basic of human rights – respect for human life, human dignity and freedom. As Putin wages his war of aggression against Ukraine and pursues a revisionist historical narrative aimed at disproving Ukraine’s independence from Russia, it is essential that this Chamber acknowledge the suffering of those in the Holodomor. In my own country, the Irish Seanad recently recognised the Holodomor as an act of genocide. Words matter, and this acknowledgement is particularly important for the survivors of Holodomor and the families and relatives of the victims, as Ukrainians witnessed – once again – Russian brutality and violence against their country.

A Uachtaráin, we don’t have conclusive evidence of who carried out the Nord Stream attacks. We have our suspicions. But whoever did it hadn’t reckoned with the resilience of Germany, who announced that they were going to build four or five LNG terminals and are actually opening one on Saturday. In marked contrast to my own country, where we have a Shannon LNG project in the pipeline for 10 years, and it’s still awaiting a decision and planning – a national embarrassment at this stage. Also, we may not have conclusive evidence of who carried out the cyberattacks on our HSE last year in my country, but thankfully, as a rapporteur for the cybersecurity file in the European Parliament, we had a shadows meeting this week and we have come to a good arrangement which will help, as Andreas Schwab said, to have cross-border cooperation in fighting hackers. Finally, I want to say we do know who’s carrying out the attack on the Ukrainian electricity infrastructure. And it’s barbaric and it’s disgraceful. And I hope that we will follow the example of Andrzej Halicki and supply many more generators, hopefully funded by MEPs as well as others, to the Ukrainians to get over this winter and to win the war.

A Uachtaráin, the current humanitarian situation in Ukraine is sobering. And as the winter sets in, the Ukrainian people are preparing for the worst. The health system is facing its darkest days in the war so far. Russia has been targeting the country’s infrastructure, leaving millions without electricity, heating or water. The attacks are relentless and temperatures are freezing. Since the beginning of the war Russia has indiscriminately attacked hospitals. Already, more than 1 100 healthcare facilities have been damaged and 144 completely destroyed. This will have an impact on the health of Ukrainians for years to come. There is no Christmas or New Year truce planned for Ukraine. This will be an extremely tough winter. We must continue to support Ukraine with generators and heating systems. In this regard, I would like to compliment my colleague Andrzej Halicki for his initiative in supplying generators to Ukraine, and maybe as a collective of MEPs, we could fund more generators for Ukraine in the New Year. That would be wonderful. Infrastructure, rehabilitation of schools and hospitals will be vital. Our collective support for Ukraine is crucial to ensure its recovery and reconstruction. Slava Ukraini!

A Uachtaráin, 30 years have passed since the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, and it continues to be the UN’s most important instrument for minorities’ rights. It provided the essential framework to ensure that minorities’ voices can be heard and for diversity to be embraced. ‘United in diversity’ remains one of the main pillars of European values. While in many ways we have been successful in upholding these values, it is the unfortunate truth that there is still much work to be done. Individuals from various minority groups still face discrimination, harassment and exclusion on a daily basis, and this is horrible. Although it is important to celebrate this incredible milestone today, we must also ensure that it is being implemented effectively and that any gaps in its implementation are filled. On the topic of linguistic minorities, I would also like to shed light on my own country, Ireland. Earlier this year, Irish gained full status as an official EU language. Gaeilge is the official first language of the Irish State, but unfortunately holds no official status in Northern Ireland. Irish is the language of Ireland and in my view it should be awarded the status to reflect this on the whole island. Is linne an Ghaeilge. Go raibh maith agat. Nollaig shona.

A Uachtaráin, Putin's unjustified invasion of Ukraine continues and, consequently, Europe is grappling with the unprecedented increase in the cost of living. Households across all Member States are struggling to stay warm this winter and to pay their bills. We are at a crisis point and the reality is that without immediate action, the situation will continue to worsen. The EU must ensure that concrete measures and supports are put in place to protect businesses and households from inflation. We cannot allow Putin to weaponise our energy supply. It is imperative that we are pragmatic in our approach to tackling the crisis. I previously expressed my support for the introduction of windfall policies, but we should keep emergency interventions such as price caps separate from the overall market design. We can provide investor certainty and protect consumers by incentivising long term contracts such as contracts for difference and power purchase agreements. This both removes the risk for investments and also protects consumers from price spikes. Of course, in the long term we must prioritise our transition away from fossil fuels and the swift deployment of renewable energy.