Speeches

A Uachtaráin, the EU and ASEAN are each other’s third largest trading partners after China and the US. But so far, the EU has only free trade agreements with two ASEAN members, Singapore and Vietnam. As a member of the delegation for relations with the countries of ASEAN, which I like very much, I was happy to attend the fifth EU-Vietnam interparliamentary meeting last week to discuss the state of play of the trade and investment relations. Fostering open and fair trade with the ASEAN region, based on mutual economic and shared values, should be a strategic priority for the EU. We must ensure that European businesses, including SMEs and consumers, can benefit from the dynamic market of approximately 660 million consumers that the ASEAN region represents. I welcome, in particular the EU’s global gateway strategy to support the development of infrastructure and investment in smart, clean and secure links in digital energy and transport sectors globally. Finally, diversification and having resilient supply chains must be at the top of the EU’s agenda, and ASEAN will play a big role in that and hopefully there is a very successful EU-ASEAN summit.

A Uachtaráin, it’s always interesting to listen to the perspectives of MEPs who go and visit a country and to hear what they have to say. And in that regard, it was interesting to listen to colleagues speaking about Georgia. Obviously, because of the war in Ukraine, things have changed dramatically, and more and more countries in an eastern neighbourhood see not just their economic viability, but their actual viability per se, as being guaranteed only by joining the European Union and that is something which we should be proud of, but something we should facilitate. And I think in relation to countries like Georgia, they should be given a time-limit by which they reach the standards required. Having countries like Georgia and Moldova and others on a list ad infinitum, stretching them out, is not fair to them. So, there should be a time limit by which they’re told: you reach these targets by then, otherwise, you wait for another ten years. But you need some type of certainty, and I think that’s what Georgia needs now, because they would be very valuable Members of the European Union.

A Uachtaráin, thank you, Prime Minister, for joining us today to share your views on the future of Europe. I welcome you to this timely debate. We are currently at a critical juncture for Europe and for European democracy, facing significant challenges both internally and externally. Looking internally, events within the European Parliament over the recent days have shaken our trust in our institution. Allegations that have come to light of possible corruption cases involving MEPs and Parliament staff are deeply troubling. There is no place for corruption in European democracy, and these developments will warrant a period of deep reflection and reform. Beyond our plenary Chamber we are facing unprecedented challenges in Europe. War in Ukraine and the ensuing energy and cost—of—living crisis pose new tests for the EU and call for further cooperation between Member States. As citizens and businesses worry this Christmas about keeping the lights and heating on, we must ensure that the EU continues to deliver for its citizens. Unity is more important than ever. As leader of a small European Member State I am confident that you understand this, Prime Minister. Ireland and Slovenia are alike in this regard. As small Member States we share a common understanding that together we are stronger than apart. Indeed, Slovenia joined the European Union during Ireland’s Council Presidency in 2004. Having witnessed the enormous benefits that European Union membership has delivered for my country in terms of economic, social and cultural opportunities, it was a pleasure to hear that Ireland played this small role in Slovenia’s journey. Looking forward, the shared challenges we now face are significant: no single country can handle these alone. There is huge strength in unity and I hope to continue to see Slovenia and Ireland grow together within the EU.

A Uachtaráin, permitting and licensing procedures remain one of the biggest hurdles in achieving mass deployment of renewable technologies. Procedures differ in Member States. We have more cross-border cooperation on complex energy projects. Without action, we would likely see more and more unnecessary time wasted in getting the required bureaucracy in order. In the Renewable Energy Directive, I tabled an amendment to introduce a Fit for 55 label for public interest renewable energy projects, which would allow the granting of a priority status in national law for such projects and thus speed up the whole permitting and planning process. The war has changed the trajectory of EU energy policy and there is now a much greater need to ensure our regulatory framework can react to our needs. This legislation certainly goes in the right direction and it includes many positive aspects. However, in order to unblock the pipeline of projects that are waiting for approval, existing permitting procedures should also be considered to be of overriding public interest. This is hugely important.

A Uachtaráin, the Energy Charter Treaty plays a key role in energy policy across Europe. However, in the absence of any substantial update of the ECT since the 1990s, it is clear that the modernisation of the Treaty is due. I welcome efforts by the EU and its Member States to drive the modernisation process of the Energy Charter Treaty, particularly on investment protection standards and the fostering of sustainable development. I also welcome the position to end protections granted to investments in economic activities considered to be significantly harmful and that undermine the EU’s climate objectives. It is clear the Energy Charter Treaty is in need of reform, particularly given the current energy crisis and the fight against climate change. I therefore call on the European Commission and EU Member States party to the ECT to support its modernisation and to ratify the modernised treaty.

Mr President, I am pleased to support this proposal for the development of a European Financial Architecture. It will play a crucial role in ensuring that the European Union fights against poverty and inequality. It will ensure that work is done towards the UN's post-established development goals and that global climate change is halted. This plan will ensure that EU countries and the institutions work together to achieve policy coherence. It will also ensure the effective use of public money. This plan will refer to the development of EU policy in the aftermath of the pandemic and the consequences of the Ukrainian war. The development of a European Financial Architecture will enhance the EU's insights and its impact on the financial world.

A Uachtaráin, the Digital Decade Policy Programme is a key step towards the EU achieving its objectives for the digital transformation of society and the economy. The path to a Digital Decade Programme reinforces the EU’s position as a digital leader and promotes human—centred, inclusive and sustainable digital policies. The past number of decades has seen significant developments in the internet, the digital economy and electronics, and the Digital Decade Policy Programme will ensure the EU achieves its aims for an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation. This programme ensures that at least 20 million ICT specialists are employed in the EU by promoting the access of women to this field. The programme will also ensure more than 90% of SMEs in the EU will reach at least a basic level of digital integration. I am therefore pleased to support the path to a digital decade.

A Uachtaráin, Ireland has urgent and significant concerns regarding the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations. There are real issues with the implementation of the directive that need to be addressed. The regulations introduce new certification requirements. However, substantial and immediate certification bottlenecks mean that Ireland could face considerable shortages in key medical products in the near future. This places patients’ lives at risk and our healthcare system under strain. If these bottlenecks are not addressed by the May 2024 deadline for certification, there is a risk that one in four med—tech products currently in use could be discontinued. At a time when Europe should be building up homegrown industry and investing in innovation, without some adjustments to the implementation of this regulation we risk losing med—tech firms to the US and other markets outside the EU, and thus losing out on investment and competitiveness in this area. The Irish Government is calling for a legislative proposal to prevent the loss of existing safe and essential med—tech products.

A Uachtaráin, Afghanistan is about to endure its second winter since the Taliban’s seizure of power in August 2021. Since then, the rights of women have been trampled on. Conflict, violence and human rights violations have become an inseparable part of the lives of ordinary citizens. The country’s economy is in a shambles and a major food crisis is escalating. Life has become particularly tough for female scholars and students. Thousands have fled to neighbouring Iran and Pakistan and have applied to organisations that help academics to find posts in other countries. However, fewer than 10% have been successful as visa wait—times continue to be a challenge for many. I have encountered the same difficulties as I have tried to help a lady academic and her family escape the clutches of the Taliban. I urge the EU to take immediate action to secure the lives and careers of Afghanistan’s women and scholars, and I call for a more coordinated response to protect those most vulnerable.

A Uachtaráin, having attended COP last week in Egypt, obviously the main focus was on climate change, which of course was the primary purpose. And I think we did an awful lot of that. But we did have an opportunity to engage also with human rights activists in Egypt, and their stories certainly were very strong and very compelling. And we did promise that we would bring these to the attention of our colleagues here in the European Parliament, which this debate allows us to do. Some people would say maybe that events like COP and maybe the World Cup in Qatar shouldn’t take place in those countries, but I think if we utilise it to ensure that we aren’t mugged, that we bring back the messages and act accordingly, then we can turn that into a benefit, because if you don’t go to a lot of countries where there are human rights issues, then the number unfortunately that you’ll be going to will be probably very limited. But definitely it’s good that we have the opportunity to bring back the message: Egypt must step up to the plate and reduce a lot of these human rights and human abuses which are too prevalent altogether.

A Uachtaráin, despite recent victories in Kherson, Ukrainians are facing a bleak and bitterly cold winter. Russia is hammering Ukraine with missile fire, targeting critical infrastructure with one of its heaviest waves of attacks since Putin launched his brutal invasion nearly nine months ago. We in the EU are providing financial, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. But it is also Ukraine that is supporting us. We see the tremendous resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people as they fight every day to defend our shared European values. It is for this reason that I welcome the Commission’s proposal for an 18—billion—euro Ukraine support package for 2023. It is essential that we streamline our financial assistance to Ukraine and ensure that we are providing the economic support needed in an effective and responsive manner. The next months and years are unpredictable and I welcome the flexibility this proposal provides. We must do everything we can to support Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!

Madam President, the crisis we find ourselves in is mainly driven by our overreliance on imported fossil fuels and exacerbated by the terrible situation in Ukraine caused by the terrorist state of Russia. I believe our upcoming work on market design should focus on targeted improvements as opposed to widespread changes. 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 hikes. We should ensure that markets incentivise the development and roll out of energy storage technologies and green hydrogen to provide the backup to the system currently provided by fossil fuels. Targeted measures to support the growing number of vulnerable consumers is absolutely vital, and these will grow in number – and next winter, because next winter is probably going to be much worse than this winter. In the meantime, I welcome what Commissioner Simson made reference to – the development of interconnectors. I welcome the construction of the Celtic interconnector between Ireland and France. Interconnectors like these across the EU will shield us from crises in the future and make renewable energy more reliable and cheaper for consumers. In the meantime, we must act now to help those vulnerable consumers.

A Uachtaráin, I thank my colleagues for this timely report. The mobilisation of funds through the RePowerEU chapters of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, will provide Member States with much—needed financial support to achieve our energy diversification goals. Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis in Europe has shown that we must end our dependency on Russian energy supplies and ramp up homegrown renewables. In Ireland, one million homes have the roof space and orientation suitable for the installation of up to ten solar panels. This could translate into 8 % of Ireland’s renewable energy targets. We take this opportunity to harness the potential of renewable technologies. The benefits from a climate and energy security perspective would be immense. I thank my colleagues Mr Mureşan, etc., for the good job they have done.

Madam President, I voted in favour of this report. Higher EU ambition on cybersecurity and in protecting critical infrastructure is vital. Recent incidents have revealed the fragility of the EU’s infrastructure and emphasised the danger of cyberattacks, including the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines and last year’s massive cyberattack on the health system in my own country. European critical entities are more interconnected and interdependent, which makes them stronger and more efficient, but sadly also more vulnerable. In the case of an incident, a common level of cybersecurity in the EU is crucial for the functioning of the internal market. We must take the necessary steps to harmonise our internal market and improve cybersecurity throughout the EU. I was pleased to vote in favour of this report, like many others in the Parliament.

Mr President, I was pleased to vote in favour of the report on this important amending regulation organised by my colleagues Gearailt and Ó Céileachair from Ireland. The Digital Operational Resilience act is important to ensure that the necessary safeguards are in place in the provision of financial services to mitigate cyberattacks and other ICT-related risks. Cyberattacks are real dangers today. One occurred in Ireland last year when a ransomware attack was carried out on the Health Service Employability. This has had a wide-ranging and long-lasting impact to respond to the subsequent high financial burden on tax payers. Legislation is a step in the right direction to ensure that our e-systems are protected.

, Madam Commissioner, we must listen to those affected and recognise that racism, xenophobia and discrimination are still prevalent in the EU across all Member States. Research from the European Union Fundamental Rights Agency has shown that racism comes in various forms, and unfortunately, harassment and discrimination remain a harsh reality in the daily lives of ethnic minorities and marginalised groups across Europe. The EU has taken action through its anti-racism action plan, and many sports organisations, including my own, the GAA in Ireland, have introduced programmes such as Show Racism the Red Card. It is vital we do not lose momentum in the fight against racism. The EU needs to develop a comprehensive approach to tackle all forms of racism and discrimination and to ensure that measures to combat racism are implemented effectively. European values and freedoms should pertain to all people of every race and ethnic group. Our motto has always to be ‘equality, not superiority’. Let’s show racism the red card.

A Uachtaráin, as I say, at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt, which I am grateful to be attending, it is paramount that an agreement of continued cooperation, and support, is reached to ensure we limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. COP 27 comes at a time of great significance with the energy crisis across Europe. The impact of climate change can also be seen following the recent flooding and extreme rain, even in my own constituency in Cork. COP 27 will need to ensure sustainable climate finance, a significant transition to renewable energies and the protection of our ecosystems, while also ensuring an affordable and secure energy source for households, farmers, commuters and industry. We must ensure investment in research, innovation and digital technology to support the energy transition. There is untapped and undeveloped potential in many facets of energy generation in Europe, most notably solar, biogas, offshore wind, as well as green hydrogen.

A Uachtaráin, today I voted to strongly condemn the growing level of hate crimes against the LGBTQI community in Europe. This comes in light of the brutal and unjustified murder of two young men in Slovakia by far—right and radicalised gunmen. No person should ever feel threatened or unsafe as a result of their sexual orientation. That is why today I stand as an ally with the LGBTQ community and I call for an end to hate—fuelled rhetoric and violence. We all have a role in ensuring respect and decency towards every person in our community. The hatred fuelled by the far right and homophobic groups has led to fear, violence and terror. We must put an end to this intolerance and intimidation. Human dignity is a fundamental human right that every person deserves. The malicious attack in Slovakia, killing two young men, as well as the growing number of hate crimes, go directly against this value. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to human dignity. We condemn all heinous murders motivated by hatred and prejudice.

A Uachtaráin, journalists play a crucial and significant role in ensuring the transparency, accountability and openness of our political institutions. The murder of anti-corruption investigative journalist Daphne Galizia five years ago is a scar on the face of democracy. I therefore welcome the resolution denouncing persistent flaws with the rule of law in Malta. I would also like to commend my colleague David Casa for his continued work in championing this topic and resolution. Today’s resolution reaffirms the European Parliament’s calls for Malta to fight against corruption and ensure the freedom of the press is enforced and guaranteed. Malta must also ensure that the rule of law – a key European value – is upheld. The European Union is built on democratic values, the rule of law, and the freedom of the press. The heinous murder of Daphne five years ago goes against all of these values. Ensuring the true freedom of the press means ensuring the protection of our democracy.

, we have entered a new and pivotal phase of the callous and unnecessary war in Ukraine. I think everybody knows that the war could be over tomorrow if war criminal Putin wished it so. Europe’s reaction to the war is, of course, multifaceted. But I am glad that MEPs Buşoi and Carvalho have raised this particular aspect. As has been pointed out, the EU higher education and research community has expressed a strong support for the Ukrainian research and innovative sector. I welcome the steps taken to ensure Ukrainian entities are eligible for a rise in Europe funding, and it is positive to see the European Innovation Council announce 20 million of support for Ukrainian start—ups. I also warmly welcome the MSCA4Ukraine initiative, which provides 25 million to support fellowships for Ukrainian PhD students and postdocs. I hope this scheme can get up and running as soon as possible. Yet, in line with MEPs Buşoi and Carvalho, I also believe that more action can be taken. Ukrainian research infrastructure is under extreme pressure with the war. The Commission should investigate how further to support these people under the EU—Ukraine Association Agreement. With rockets continuing to destroy Ukrainian cities, indiscriminately targeting schools, universities, hospitals and research infrastructure, such as the National Gene Bank of Plants, and the death toll of scientists increasing, Ukraine needs a coordinated approach to save its research community. The situation in Afghanistan also comes to mind, but academics have been forced into exile or hiding by the Taliban, who require full societal obedience to their dogmatic and oppressive views. In this regard, I would like to highlight the good work done by the Scholars at Risk network, in particular Europe Director Sinead O’Connor, who is based in Maynooth University in Ireland. Maith thú a Shinéad! Go raibh maith agat.

Thank you very much for the question. As we pointed out, and my colleagues as well, we want to have sustainable fishing. We want to protect the marine areas. But it must be done, first of all, on up—to—date data. That is not the position as of now. Secondly, if you ban fishing from these waters by Irish and other fishers from the European Union, there’s going to be a shortage of food, as my colleague Mr Millán Mon pointed out, and therefore we are going to be importing it from other countries who do not have the same standards, who do not have the same sustainability and who are actually taking fish from our waters. So we have to protect our own group first and we must consult with those who are most involved, and that’s the fishers. And if they are happy with it, then we move ahead, because if it is in their interest, as you are pointing out, then why would they be going against it?

A Uachtaráin, the EU has the world’s largest maritime area, with a coastline approximately 68 000 kilometres long. Ireland, a small island on the edge of Europe, has one of the largest sea-to-land ratios of any EU Member State. With the ocean an ever-present feature of Irish life, we hold huge value and huge respect for the sea around our island. It is a source of beauty, activity and economy for our coastal communities. Given the importance of the sea to our livelihood, we must protect our vulnerable marine ecosystems. Deep-sea ecosystems are unique hotspots for marine biodiversity, in particular because species in deep-sea areas are uniquely vulnerable to overfishing. Their long lifespans means a significant time is needed to replenish their stock. In this regard, the sustainable conservation of vulnerable marine ecosystems is essential. However, ‘sustainability’ is the operative word here, and for this reason, I welcome the opportunity to consider the social and economic consequences of the Commission’s Implementing Regulation. While conservation efforts are essential, so too is the need to protect the fair living standards of Ireland’s fishing communities. We must ensure that our conservation efforts are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. When implementing this regulation, I call on the Commission to have due regard for the unique circumstances of coastal communities and the fishing industry. Adequate consultation with fishing communities and the use of the most recent data is essential when classifying areas as vulnerable marine ecosystems. A socio-economic assessment should be factored into any Commission decision before drastic measures are taken. As an example, I would like to highlight that Irish fishermen suffered considerably post—Brexit, losing access to UK ports and waters. As we move forward with marine conservation efforts, it is important that we are mindful of the broader economic context in which these decisions are taken. I call on the Commission to consider this in their implementation activities.

Mr President, culture plays a special role in the harmony of our global society. It is important to bring people together. Culture can create a connection between different people from different tribes regardless of the differences between them. As we have seen with the European Union, we can overcome cultural differences and connect with people from different cultures in a meaningful way. Putin's war has caused a lot of disaster for Ukraine. As we know, many lives have been lost as a result of the war, but that is not enough for ugly Putin. On top of that, it aims to destroy Ukrainian identity and culture. It won't stop until it loses everything. Russia is destroying Ukraine’s heritage culture and cultural property as part of its strategic method to end Ukraine’s independence. I welcome the Commission’s efforts to support artists and cultural professionals fleeing the war. I also acknowledge the Commission’s cultural support in the Member States. Cultural associations in the Member States are doing excellent work to ensure the integration of Ukrainian refugees into our community. By sharing culture, I hope that we will be able to welcome the Ukrainian people who are escaping the violent. With this in mind, I hope that they will join us. We need to support local and regional cultural societies. As a result, we need to invest in these associations on a foundational basis so that we can see the benefits.

Mr. President, first of all, warmly welcome my friend Tony Murphy, who took up his duties as the new Court of Auditors President earlier this month. I'm very happy with you today, Tony. I look forward to your presidency. The 2021 annual report covers an enormous amount of work and topics. This year, for the first time, the ECA covered the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the main component of the EU’s 800 billion Next Generation EU package. The auditors have also outlined the key findings regarding revenue and the many areas of spending under the EU budget and the European Development Fund. One of the main purposes of the ECA is to highlight shortcomings in the management of EU funds. Last year was an extraordinary case, where the EU took bold action in relation to common financing mechanisms. The work of the ECA ensures that risks and challenges for the EU's finances are managed effectively. It is vital for the functioning of the EU to have a full view of risks in relation to EU funds. Good luck to you, Tony, and your colleagues.

Mr President, A Uachtaráin. These are special times from a climate and energy perspective. The decisions to be taken at COP27 will shape climate and energy policies and have an impact on all of us. With worrying peaks of energy poverty affecting vulnerable families, small businesses and local authorities all over the EU, we must act urgently. Making our energy system independent of Russian fossil fuels and fossil fuels in general is the big challenge. An acceleration of what is the most important legislation in the current mandate, the Fit for 55 package, is top priority. It is vital that Fit for 55 is adopted as a unit in order to show the strong leadership and commitment of the EU and its Member States to ambitiously contribute to closing the gap necessary to limit global warming. I am happy to be travelling to Egypt as part of the ITRE delegation. We need to act urgently and move from commitments to results. We need to act now.