Speeches

As we have many people on the speakers' list already who asked for the floor or are on the list of the political groups, I would really ask you to respect the speaking time. And, again, I want to remind you that those who have already had several blue‑cards or speaking time should not ask for another blue‑card, just to give the chance to all the speakers to be heard.

I might like to communicate again the rules for questions about the blue card procedure. Someone on the list of speakers should not normally ask a question about the blue card procedure – because they have the opportunity to express their opinion – but it is a possibility for someone who does not already have speaking time anyway. Second, half a minute for the question, half a minute for the answer – and I really ask you to stick to it. We have handled this debate very generously so far, but we still have a lot of speakers who were still registered through the political groups and only one hour left before the votes. And I think that, in the light of this, we should now really focus on the strict rules of the blue card procedure, so that the speakers who are also on the list have the opportunity to get there.

I have to amend that. Nobody here has to be called a criminal. We have to deal here with respect, and sorry for not speaking your name correctly, but I don't speak Polish. I think you don't speak as perfect German like me. So I think it's a question of respect and to deal with each other, and please don't call someone a criminal here in this House. That's not OK. (Applause)

We have here a blue card, but since you already have a blue card and we are under time pressure, I apologise for the fact that we are now Blue cardClosing the possibility so that we don't get completely out of schedule.

I would like to ask colleagues to respect the tremendous work the interpreters are doing here in this House and speak in a speed that they really can make a perfect interpretation like we are used to. So thank you very much for respecting that.

The next item is the debate on the Commission statement on the situation in Mayotte following the devastating Cyclone Chido and the need for solidarity (2024/3008(RSP)).

The next item on the agenda is the debate on seven motions for resolutions on the increasing and systematic repression of women in Iran (2024/2951(RSP)).

The next item on the agenda is the debate on five motions for resolutions on Hong Kong, in particular the cases of Jimmy Lai and the 45 activists recently convicted under the National Security Act (2024/2950(RSP)).

Now I would like to pass the floor to the Commissioner for the last time in this House as Commissioner. I would like to thank you very, very much, Madam Commissioner, for the work you have done throughout the years.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the Commission statement on promoting a favourable environment for venture capital financing and safe foreign direct investment in the EU [2024/2949(RSP)].