Speeches

Mr President, I’m always sceptical about the introduction of bans, especially by politicians who aren’t directly affected by them. I had the same idea about this, but then I looked at the situation in reality. I found out, for instance, that Fossett’s, a great Irish circus that has been touring for over 130 years, did not oppose a ban on wild animals being introduced in 2018 in Ireland as they had voluntarily stopped performing with wild animals in 2005. We have, of course, a full or partial ban in 23 Member States, and it actually makes sense at this time to move to a full EU—wide ban because, while some have expressed concern that a ban of this sort will damage the circus industry, I think the example of Fossett’s says otherwise. The public at large is no longer comfortable supporting the use of wild animals in circuses and high animal welfare standards, in fact, attract customers. This year, I worked, as the PPE shadow rapporteur, on two files in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) regarding citizens’ participation in EU decision—making. Particularly now, during the Conference on the Future of Europe, it is vital that the voices of EU citizens are heard. The Stop Circus Suffering campaign has collected over a million signatures on their petition to date, exceeding the threshold required for a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI). We must ask ourselves, why didn’t the organisers of this petition create an ECI? Perhaps it is because, while we have had six successful ECIs to date, including most recently on the use of cages for farmed animals, unfortunately you have to ask the question, how much of an impact have they had? To encourage citizens’ engagement and prevent disillusionment, the Commission must do better in engaging genuinely with valid ECIs. It’s clear that animal welfare is a priority of many EU citizens and we have a duty to express their will.

Mr President, the emergence of new variants has caused much worry. Yes, it has been almost two years since COVID-19 emerged, but it has also been two years of experience and lessons learned. President Ursula von der Leyen has said that we need to be prepared to act quickly and that we need to have the right tools in place for the public. This could not be more true. More than ever, we need a strong EU response to address new variants. To do this, we must address the elephant in the room: increasing vaccine deployment in the developing world. While we have done a lot, we need to urgently remove bottlenecks in the sharing and administration of vaccines, but not just this – the sharing of information and know-how also. Without redoubling our efforts in this area, we risk seeing emerging variants with every letter of the Greek alphabet, with all the devastation that comes with them. I was happy to see that our President mentioned the need to spare no effort to overcome vaccine hesitancy and fight disinformation. It fills me with immense pride at how much Irish people have accepted their social responsibility in taking the vaccines. However, disinformation on vaccines will have long—term implications in society, eroding public trust in governments and creating a conspiracy-theory infrastructure that has successfully consumed individuals who would otherwise never have gone down this dangerous path.

Mr President, youth is a time for friendship, education, recreation, exploration and development. For almost two years, instead, we have asked our young people to stay at home to protect themselves and the rest of society, and they have stayed. We have all suffered, but young people have suffered the most in some ways. Now, as we face the future, we have to make every effort to ensure that the next generation has a good future. So I welcome the plan to have a European Year of Youth in 2022. This will make a significant contribution to the promotion of the European Youth Goals, including tackling youth unemployment, and improving mental health services. The European Year of Youth will make a significant contribution to the initiatives already underway for young people, including Erasmus and, of course, the green and digital transition. 2022 is also an important year for the Conference on the Future of Europe. We want to hear from everyone, young and old. Participate. Make your voice heard.

Madam President, while I am very pleased to speak this evening on this very important file, I must say that I am a bit disappointed that there isn’t a full debate, and especially that the shadow rapporteurs haven’t had an opportunity to contribute as the cooperation I got from them in this report was as good as I’ve witnessed since I came here in 2009. And especially, of course, as the renovation of the EU’s building stock is a key Green Deal priority, not just as a way to reduce CO2 emissions, but also as a driver for sustainable growth and job creation. For example, the construction sector is the largest generator of jobs per million euros invested. With goals to renovate 35 million buildings by 2030, supported with funding of EUR 672 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, this should provide massive economic opportunities. Addressing the energy performance of buildings should be a precondition for every Member State’s decarbonisation plans. Unfortunately though, the simple fact is that, taken together, current submitted long—term renovation strategies by the Member States will not allow us to achieve 2050 climate neutrality. Reaching our climate targets without decarbonising our living and working spaces is just impossible. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is the main EU—level legal instrument for decarbonising Member States’ building stock. This implementation report focuses on the latest changes to the EPBD that were introduced in 2018 and transposed in 2020. We can see a marked difference in ambition level between Member States’ long—term renovation strategies. This results in a problem of compatibility among the plans. The later submissions include links with national recovery plans adopted because of the COVID—19 crisis with the latest EU policy initiatives, such as the Renovation Wave. To address this, the report proposes a standardised template that Member States could use to ensure they address all requirements of Article 2(a) on harmonised objectives and requirements. With Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), there is a gap between real energy performances and calculated performances, which is a source of confusion for users. Our report recognises that there is a need to integrate the building renovation passport, the digital building logbook and the smart readiness indicator with the EPC. Member States should provide a clear link between their national long—term renovation strategies and adequate initiatives to promote skills and education in the construction and energy efficiency sectors. Fit for 55, more broadly, will need a new influx of skilled workers, but renovations will need particular attention. We also highlighted the success of one-stop shops for the critical role they can play in giving advice, coordinating works and connecting potential projects with market players, including smaller-scale projects. The one-stop shops should advise and support both single family homes and multi-unit buildings and also provide support for accredited installers. The revised EPBD needs to encourage smart buildings technologies and foster a data—centric approach, including initial design, as well as staged and deep renovations. This includes the materials used in construction. In this regard, it will be pivotal to create a framework to leverage the use of data to improve actual energy consumption. Finally, I would like to thank colleagues in the Secretariat, research services and the Commission, as well as the shadows, whom I have mentioned already, and advisers for their very good work on this report.

Madam President, in recent months, the Anglophone crisis has entered a new phase with a drastic escalation of violence in the English speaking regions. Having acquired more sophisticated weapons, clashes between Anglophone separatist groups and Francophone government security forces have increased in frequency and severity. Furthermore, a total lack of investigation and prosecution for crimes committed by both sides has created a climate of impunity. The impact of this crisis on civilians has been devastating, with over 3000 lives lost to date and my colleague, Barry Andrews, indicated one a few moments ago. A huge casualty in this conflict has been education, as separatists have chosen schools as their bases and camps and enforced a vicious boycott, depriving 700 000 children of their right to education. The response to the urgency has been a military one, with troops deployed in the Anglophone regions since 2016. Instead, there should be a strong focus on dialogue and accountability for the crimes committed on both sides in the Anglophone regions. I urge the European Union, along with the African Union and the United Nations, to continue to work to end this catastrophe through mediation. Without dialogue there can be no peace.

Mr President, violence against women can take many forms, from coercive control to physical abuse. Earlier this month, my colleagues and I were delighted to welcome Sarah Benson of Women’s Aid Ireland to the European Parliament. The charity was a very deserving recipient of the 2021 European Citizen’s Prize, in recognition of the frontline support that they have provided since the outbreak of COVID-19. Figures show an increase of over 40% in calls to the charity’s helpline after March 2020. The figure is stark, and even more so when you remember that many instances of domestic abuse go unreported, due to the stigma and shame imposed on victims. My own country of Ireland signed the Istanbul Convention in 2015, and I am pleased to say that we ratified it in March 2019. Many policy and legal improvements were made leading up to the ratification, but that does not mean we should stop here. Recent progress includes the commencement of Coco’s Law, which criminalises the taking and distribution of intimate images without consent. While I believe that we are seeing real and positive change, violence against women inside and outside the home in Ireland and across the EU remains far too common. We must continue to fight to end it.

Madam President, I love sport for sport’s sake. But sport is an important economic sector in the EU also – over 2% of the Union’s GDP in fact. While this should not be forgotten, sport has a more significant role to play in society beyond GDP. I think this has been made even more apparent since the start of the pandemic. As a former president of the Gaelic Athletic Association, an Irish international amateur sporting organisation, I’ve seen first—hand the true value of sport. It has a unique ability to embed itself in a local community, providing a social and physical outlet with economic and physiological benefits. It acts as a glue that galvanises a common bond and helps build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities. The memories and friendships created by sport are lifelong, but so are the lessons in equality, discipline, inclusion, perseverance and respect that it instils. I would like to thank the rapporteur, Tomasz Frankowski, for this report, which brings important ideas to the forefront of the EU’s sports policy. In fact, as a successful international soccer player for Poland, Parliament is lucky to have Thomas’ perspective on this topic. I agree that there is a need to adopt a more holistic approach to sport, and involving more stakeholders in the process is the most effective way to do this. I also believe that an EU sports coordinator will help enhance a value—based sports model. The EU should have a greater coordinating presence in sport and be willing to fund many projects and, above all, to promote equality in sport so that – as the Commissioner said – everyone has a chance in a meritocratic system, both male and female.

Mr President, philanthropy is an important vehicles for supporting and advancing many of the core values of the European Union institutions. Indeed, philanthropy plays a key role in helping to support and uphold community cohesion and our shared values across the European Union. Many individuals alongside charitable and philanthropic organisations support endeavours from which we all benefit, including improving educational attainment, raising health care standards, advancing scientific development and tackling climate change. However, while goods and services can travel freely across the EU, philanthropic support does not have such an easy passage to our continent, whether studying, travelling or running a business in Europe, national borders have become a thing of the past. Yet philanthropy does not yet benefit from the full opportunities that a single market creates. There are a 147 000 public benefit organisations across Europe, with an annual giving of over 60 billion. However, only a small percentage of these funds make it across internal European borders. Establishing a single market philanthropy would enable greater levels of citizens action, while at the same time complementing EU funds, expertise and activities. In saying this, we are seeing steps being taken in the right direction. The decision of the European Commission to include a partnership with philanthropy in its proposal for the InvestEU fund, of which I was honoured to be a rapporteur, is most welcome. In 2019, we held a debate in this chamber where a strong, cross-party alliance emerged for the need to support the untapped potential of philanthropic foundations and civil society organisations across the EU. Since then, the need to establish a single market for philanthropy has only strengthened. Philanthropy can help solve problems that are now more interconnected than ever before, but it could also be more effective if it enjoyed a better operating environment and better protection mechanisms. I want to see philanthropy continue to support European values and collaborate with key stakeholders across society and across borders to tackle rising inequality and help connect with citizens and their needs. A single market for philanthropy has the potential to build upon the existing ambitions of the InvestEU fund and to deliver on the economy that works for people. To do this, there is need for an EU study on philanthropy. Currently, only two countries in the world, the Netherlands and the US, are engaged in regular macroeconomic research to estimate the overall philanthropic contributions of households, legacies, foundations, companies and charities. As it is such a valuable figure representing European solidarity, we should engage in generating qualitative data on this phenomena for the whole European Union. Let’s take the opportunity to mobilise our resources and deliver change.

Mr President, Ireland joined the EU in 1973, forever changing our country for the better, economically and socially. We have graduated from being a benefactor to a contributor and we are proud to do so, as the rising tide lifts all boats. Having benefited hugely from being a part of this Union, we embraced enlargement of the EU – provided, of course, that candidate countries share our values and meet the necessary conditions of membership. The EU was founded on respect for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. Earlier this week, we debated the rule of law crisis with the Polish Prime Minister. It should be clear to all that EU membership comes with not only far-reaching benefits, but also responsibilities. Discussions with our close neighbours in the Western Balkans have been ongoing for some time now. I warmly welcome the Slovenian Presidency’s efforts to ensure these discussions progress in a meaningful way. Progress is both in the interests of the citizens of the Western Balkans and in the strategic interest of the EU, and offers the perfect antidote to Brexit. It is positive to see the Western Balkan countries renew their commitments at the Western Balkans Summit, to carry out necessary reforms to closer align to EU standards. Each is at a different stage of the journey, and it’s important that EU support and dialogue continues while tangible progress is being made. It was good to see the cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Three million doses have been provided to the Western Balkans, with more to come. The EU is the region’s closest partner and principal donor, and I look forward to the strengthening of relations and, most importantly, the setting of a projected accession date for these countries of great potential.

Mr President, the UN climate summit in Glasgow is just around the corner, and it is disappointing to hear that expectations for progress are low, even in the year when the effects of climate change are so apparent. We’ve seen floods, hurricanes, wildfires and killer heatwaves growing in frequency and intensity with spiralling impacts on economies and societies. The cost of adaptation in the future will far exceed the cost of action now. This is why the green transition is fundamental for our future economic development. The key word here is ‘transition’. This must be managed responsibly, but it cannot be used as a means to reduce ambition to serve short-term interests. Too often, this is the case with national governments. The European Union was critical in building the coalition needed to conclude the Paris Agreement in 2015, which I was honoured to attend on behalf of Parliament. Success in Glasgow may again depend on EU leadership. We all took hope from the accomplishment in Paris but, tragically, annual global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. At this point, we were supposed to come back and increase ambition. Instead, we do not see the global political will for a variety of reasons. We’ve discussed at length the deepening energy crisis, and with hostility between the US and China, the two top greenhouse gas emitters, the EU must ensure it takes the lead in Glasgow. Europe must act, but Europe must not act alone. The other big emitters must step up to the plate.

Madam President, we often say in the EU that the future is green and digital, but we cannot take these transformations for granted. Therefore, I was pleased to see both issues high on the agenda of the Council once again. The recent rise in energy prices is, of course, of huge concern. This is a global problem, but Europe has been particularly exposed due to a combination of factors. We must reach the EU’s 2030 goal of cutting emissions by 55%. That is without question. But, in the meantime, the lights must stay on. That means diversifying our gas supply immediately, something my country, Ireland, may need to revisit, and something rightly articulated by President Ursula von der Leyen here this morning. In delivering our climate targets, we must ensure the transition to clean energy is as smooth as possible in terms of energy costs and security. Increased energy efficiency and accelerated deployment of renewables will be key in this regard. While the vital role the digital world has to play in communications, education and business is clear, with other areas it is less obviously relevant. It has been very positive, therefore, to see the wide—ranging impact of the digital transformation being recognised in the work of Parliament through the mainstreaming of digitalisation across our policy work.

Mr President, I empathise with disillusioned Polish citizens who have bravely taken to the streets in protest at the actions of the Polish Government and repeated here today by you, Mr Prime Minister. It affects us all. Comparisons to the German Constitutional Court are being used as a smokescreen. In real terms, what you are saying is that the executive in Poland is above the judiciary. Correct me if I’m wrong, Prime Minister, but as a loyal member of the EU, as you have recently said, how can this mean your government believes in the rule of law? The simple fact is that by declaring cherry-picked articles of the EU treaty incompatible with the Polish Constitution, you stand over a direct challenge to the unity of the European legal order. Your country receives four times more from the European budget that you put in – about EUR 16 billion. My country and others are net contributors. Ponder that Mr Prime Minister, because they might get tired of your antics.

Mr President, April 2021 marks the 27th year since the Rwandan genocide, one of the first genocide atrocities in history. I’m appalled to see the steady increase of repression and blatant disregard for human life exhibited by the government of Rwanda. The trial and recent sentencing of Rwanda critic and political opponent Paul Rusesabagina is emblematic of the government’s manipulation of the justice system and verifies that the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front continues to target those perceived as a threat to the government. Paul Rusesabagina has been a vocal critic of the President of Rwanda, an action not unlike a death sentence for politicians or opposition candidates. I call for increased dialogue with Rwanda to put greater emphasis on respect for human rights and the rule of law. The Rwandan government must honour its obligations under the Cotonou Agreement, which specifies that respect for human rights is an essential element of EU-ACP cooperation. Rusesabagina has always denied any involvement in the attacks for which he’s been tried, and his trial has been riddled with irregularities and evidence of political interference. Every person accused of a crime should have their guilt or innocence determined by a fair and effective legal process. In the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, the world undertook never to turn aside again as similar crimes against humanity transpired. We must honour this commitment. We must continue to fight for fairness for Paul Rusesabagina.

Mr President, the events of 1 February this year turned the clock back on the steady process of democratic transition in Myanmar. Since the coup, as the authors have pointed out, an estimated 1 120 people have been killed, including at least 75 children. Military authorities have arrested over 8 000 people, including hundreds of politicians, activists and civil servants. The human rights record in Myanmar is appalling, and the violence and human rights violations committed by the armed forces against ethnic and religious minorities is deeply concerning. Myanmar is home to around 135 major ethnic groups, who are constantly discriminated against. The Rohingya people, for instance, have faced decades of discrimination and repression, which my colleagues have strongly condemned in the number of resolutions over the years. I welcome the recent sanctions imposed by the Council against members of the military and their enterprises. However, we in Europe must continue to send strong messages of support and solidarity to the citizens in Myanmar, who long for a democratic future for their country. These sanctions must be expanded. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees, including journalists. The democratic elections of November 2020 must be fully respected and the civilian government immediately reappointed. The military junta has replaced democracy with its authoritarianism: relative peace with a brutal reign of terror. In partnership with the UN and ASEAN, we must redouble our efforts to bring this repressive and callous junta to an end.

Madam President, understanding the future of energy systems is extremely challenging, and as policy makers, we must not sell simpler narratives to win public support. We have a responsibility to every citizen to work in their best interests, and that means switching to clean energy – but it also means keeping the lights on in the meantime with transitional fuels. The solution is the accelerated deployment of renewables and improved energy efficiency to reduce reliance on volatile markets. How Europe handles the energy transition will not just determine our economic future, but it will determine the very social cohesion of the entire Union. We cannot allow a situation where the most vulnerable are left with rising energy costs, nor can we strangle our economy as we equip ourselves with green energy. Member States must pay particular attention to those in danger of energy poverty. Permitting requirements and incentive schemes for renewable energy are dealt with at national level and Member States must do more to fast track positive energy projects. In Ireland, this is a major problem, and I call on the government to ensure that renewable projects procedures are streamlined, particularly offshore wind, and sufficient attention paid to grid development so that this energy can be utilised. By their very nature, wind and solar are intermittent. Yes, the future is green, but this future will only be reached if we allow for a sensible transition.

Mr President, last May, the European Union took a strong stance against the Lukashenka regime when we imposed a package of sanctions on him. Now, he wants to put pressure on us as a revenge. We awarded the Sakharov Prize to the democratic opposition in Belarus in 2020. We have a responsibility to the winners of this award. We are not going to surrender to Lukashenka. The opposition in Belarus has shown great confidence, resilience and enthusiasm. But in particular, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has a special place in the hearts of the Irish people. Sviatlana spent three summers in County Tipperary as a teenager, and visited us again last summer, as leader of the democratic opposition in Belarus. I would also like to mention the case of Artsiom Miadvedski, a political prisoner who adopted me. Miadvedski and the other 700 political prisoners should be released.

Mr President, Europe and the United States have always been allies, but it is no secret that, under Donald Trump, with the US acting more unilaterally, this friendship became much more difficult manage. With President Biden, a man who believes in multilateral solutions, there is a renewed sense of hope for improved relations. The US is in the process of redefining itself on the international stage, and the EU must take this new approach into consideration as we move forward, working together on areas of common interest, not just about deepening trade, but also on defending democratic principles, human rights, cooperation on cybersecurity and, of course, the planet’s greatest challenge: climate change. I agree with increased interparliamentary cooperation in particular in this regard, but we must also stand firm on matters of importance to Europeans. Lastly, we are now entering a crucial phase with the Northern Ireland Protocol and we heard yesterday the brash words at the Tory Party conference. However, it has heartened me to hear the strong words from President Biden on the protocol. An Irishman never forgets his roots, and Joe Biden is very proud of his Irish roots. Maith thú, Joe.

President, as President Ursula von der Leyen said yesterday, a year ago we did not know when COVID-19 vaccines would be available, or even if we would be able to develop ones at all. But thanks to EU research, collaboration and funding, today we have a very successful vaccination campaign, and we have shared half of the vaccines we have produced with the rest of the world. Of course, the EU and the Commission deserve high praise. In Ireland, over 90% of adults are fully vaccinated. This is very high, even compared to the European average. According to the Chair of the Irish Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccination, the reason we have so high rates is because of high quality information, trust in public health advice, and a scholarly population. Therefore, public doubt about vaccination is not a major problem. As my colleagues have said, transparency is very important. If people know clearly about the work the EU has done to tackle the pandemic, they will understand when they are hearing fake news from the Eurosceptics. If they have accurate knowledge about the results of COVID-19 clinical trials, they will be able to make the right decision. I know that vaccines cannot be found so easily in other countries. So, does the Commission know whether vaccines are being wasted in Member States or are outdated? Does he have anything to do with this? Thank you to my friend Dolors for raising this topic and asking the questions.

Madam President, Kenya’s Kakuma camp is currently a permanent home to more than 200 000 refugees and asylum seekers, coming mainly from the border regions plagued by conflict and growing instability. The camp provides a safe haven for many people forcibly displaced from their countries as a result of persecution, human rights violations, conflict, etc. It has notably served as a place of refuge to many members of the LGBTIQ+ community, who may face the death penalty in their own countries – an appalling vista in this day and age. However, in Kakuma, temporary living circumstances have morphed into permanent ones, with no mechanism for review or change. With appalling living conditions, substandard housing, poor roads, inadequate water and poor sanitation, the camp is not a sustainable long-term solution to the displacement of people, nor was it ever meant to be. The Kenyan Government has made several attempts in recent years to close the camp. However, with various solutions pursued, it is essential that protection services for asylum seekers and refugees are provided. It is essential that protection services for asylum seekers and human rights are upheld. Failure to establish and follow a carefully planned roadmap to closure would lead to an all-out humanitarian disaster. Following a two-week ultimatum from the Kenyan Government to the UNHCR, Kenya has formally committed to closing the camp by June 2022. The Government plans to voluntarily integrate refugees back into their countries of origin in safety and dignity. However, in doing so, the root cause of this displacement needs to be addressed, and that is the crisis and conflict in the region. The EU must recommit to prioritising timely conflict prevention, mediation and dialogue on the continent. Cooperation between Kenya and its neighbouring countries needs to be reinforced on political, security, humanitarian and development issues. In 2022, the EU has allocated EUR 14 million in funding for humanitarian projects in Kenya, mainly for assisting refugees. Other EU resources that support Kenya, such as the European Development Fund and the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, need to be focused on development objectives. The implementation of a roadmap on the next steps to ensure the humane management of refugees from the camp is vital. However, the bigger issue of regional stability must be dealt with urgently. I urge the EU to step up its efforts as a mediating partner in support of sustainable and long-term socio-economic development in the region. Cooperation on peace and security challenges is an essential aspect of the relationship between the EU and Africa.

Madam President, although the United Arab Emirates (UAE) portrays itself as a tolerant and rights-respecting country, the plight of Ahmed Mansoor, the country’s most celebrated human rights activist, portrays a different image. Ahmed Mansoor is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for posts on social media about human rights violations. He has been confined to an isolation cell since his arrest, deprived of basic necessities and denied his rights as a prisoner under international human rights law, to which the UAE claims to adhere. Ahmed Mansoor is part of a long list of so-called prisoners of conscience in the UAE, imprisoned for exercising their legitimate freedom to speak out against the government. The EU and the UAE have developed a strong diplomatic relationship centred on common political and regional interests. That’s good. However, regular dialogue between the EU, its Member States and the UAE on the issue of human rights must also be upheld. The UAE is the first country in the Gulf region with which the EU set up a comprehensive dialogue on human rights. It is imperative that the EU continue to monitor the human rights situation in the country and consistently address judicial developments and the UAE authorities at various levels. Meaningful human rights targets must be adopted and a list of individual cases made public in order to foster a genuine and results-based discussion on human rights during the EU’s dialogue with the UAE. Although the country has made some strides in recent years to improve its human rights record and portray itself as a modern, progressive, tolerant and rights-based nation, the case of Ahmed Mansoor is utterly disappointing and affirms that there is a long way to go to truly achieve this recognition.

Madam President, congratulations to the President of the Commission on a very fine speech: one hour in duration during which she didn’t drop a note, so to speak. I think it is only right that you should refer to COVID—19 and the successful vaccine deployment in the EU, the need to be prepared for future pandemics, and the EU’s help to third countries. I was also encouraged to hear your words on digitalisation, semiconductors and the carbon-neutral economy. I noticed you never mentioned the ‘B’ word – Brexit: perhaps an intelligent omission, and a message in itself. But as the only Irish MEP speaking in this debate, I would like to take this opportunity to praise the steady, practical and mature approach taken by you, by the Commission, and especially the diligent and ongoing work of Vice—President Šefčovič, negotiating and finalising our future relationship with the UK. The EU must create mechanisms to engage with civil society and political structures in Northern Ireland to ensure that the protocol works, and I know we’ll have your full support for that, Madam President. When appropriate, I intend to lead a trade delegation of MEPs to Northern Ireland to hear the views of those on the ground, those who are actually affected. We have a responsibility to listen and to try to solve the problems, and we must not take this responsibility lightly. Finally, a pet theme of mine: daylight savings. President Juncker tried to end this outmoded practice – perhaps you could finalise that.

Mr President, I would like to open my remarks by thanking the rapporteur, Pascal Arimont, for the diligent and more importantly balanced and fair approach to this very important file. The objective of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) is of course to provide financial support to the most affected Member States, regions and sectors to deal with the adverse consequences of Brexit. It will also help communities and businesses cope with the increased costs of trade and lost income as a result of the United Kingdom’s departure from the single market. Ireland is the most impacted Member State by Brexit and rightly is the largest beneficiary owing to the sense of fairness with which the fund has been managed. Brexit is about barriers and borders, and this is plain to see. As we continue down a strained path with our friends on the other side of the Irish Sea, it is important that we show solidarity with those most affected and to mitigate the economic consequences of Brexit. Solidarity is at the very core of this fund, as Pascal pointed out, and it is also satisfying that payments can begin imminently. BAR is the star of Brexit.

Mr President, I thank the Commissioner for her fine speech. While the Blue Card Directive does not unfortunately apply in my home country of Ireland, I’m nevertheless glad to have an opportunity to join the discussion on this proposal and on how we can make the EU a more attractive destination for highly-skilled third-country nationals. In order to reaffirm and implement our commitment to a green and digital future, we are investing in educating children and upskilling adults in these areas to ensure that we have a competitive workforce. Attracting third-country nationals who are highly-skilled in ICT and other areas, as the Commissioner pointed out, in which we currently have a skills gap, will complement our efforts. This proposal marks a positive step forward in making the Blue Card scheme more attractive for a number of reasons. An important one is that the criteria for admission and the procedures to follow have been clarified and therefore made much more user-friendly. This makes it easier for third—country nationals to learn about the scheme and for EU employers to recruit through it. The EU’s ageing population poses a risk that skill shortages will increase in the future. Let’s act now and ensure that the EU retains its top class workforce so that the EU remains competitive as a great location for talented and ambitious people, male and female, to find exciting and rewarding careers in a continent devoid of warfare and perpetual danger, and richer in diversity than any area in the world.

Mr President, with the ‘Fit for 55’ package, we now stand over the largest single batch of legislation to tackle climate change proposed by any government anywhere. After years of discussing climate change as a problem for the future, it has now slowly crept upon us with increases in devastating wildfires, floods and storms, as well as severe consequences to the natural world and the flora and fauna it houses. I firmly believe that an orderly transition across the energy sector is pivotal for the cohesiveness of the EU, especially in the medium term. This includes ensuring the security of fuel and electricity supplies, minimising stranded assets and making sure ambition is married with practicality and sustainable economic viability. This will require an innovation-centric approach, promoting and developing and, most importantly, investing in the technologies that bring us closer towards a decarbonised economy. The creation of a more circular economy will reduce pressure on natural resources and would create sustainable growth and jobs. As rapporteur for the Implementation Report on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, it has been made abundantly clear to me that reaching our climate targets without decarbonising our living and working spaces is frankly impossible. Buildings are responsible for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of the energy consumption in the EU. We cannot reach our targets without tackling this as well.

Mr President, Ireland being an island, is very dependent on, and indeed grateful to, our two main airlines – Ryanair and Aer Lingus. Indeed, as is the case across the EU, many jobs and livelihoods depend on them. Therefore, the drop in air traffic by over 66% which we’ve experienced since the start of the pandemic must be met with a comprehensive action plan to help the aviation industry soar back into the skies once again. In light of these challenges, I welcome that the Commission has put forward a number of emergency measures, such as rolling out the digital green certificate, decreasing slot usage thresholds for airlines and providing guidelines on COVID—19 testing and quarantine for air passengers. The EU is listening to industry voices who are asking for greater understanding and support. Moving forward from COVID—19, it is important to remember that we can take positive steps to encourage investment in the green transition. We can increase the long—term resilience of the aviation industry by making firm level of support decisions contingent on environmental improvements. This will allow the EU to address the issue of sustainability along the whole aviation value chain, including among aircraft manufacturers and airports. The digital COVID certificate is a welcome first step for the aviation industry, in what I hope will be a package of measures to continue to facilitate the exercise of free movement for all our citizens across the European Union. The aviation industry can emerge, and must emerge, from the pandemic both cleaner, greener and stronger.