Speeches

Madam President, I'm sorry. Ambitious climate targets must go hand in hand with a real path that does not kill European industry and jobs, that does not give oxygen to anti-European groups and that does not give oxygen to the anti-European narrative. I am glad that the Commission has been a little open to the concerns and arguments that have been coming from the people of Europe and European industry for months, let alone years. Is that enough? I doubt it. The position presented today by the Commission: greater pragmatism, allowing hybrids, range extenders, e-fuels and more flexible targets are late but necessary corrections. Because if we want to protect the climate, jobs and competitiveness of European industry, we need technological neutrality and a pace of transformation adapted to the realities of the market, not regulations that look good in strategies and on paper, but are not achievable.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Often in this room we talk about physical violence, about visible violence. Today I would like to talk about violence, which we often do not touch, and which happens quietly in the workplace. This is institutional and economic violence. According to the Fundamental Rights Agency, one in five women in the European Union experiences such violence. One in three single mothers in Europe lives on the verge of poverty. These are not statistical errors. Unfortunately, often systems do not support mothers, they only account for them. A woman who gives birth to a child often loses her job, often the chance of promotion and financial independence. At the interview, no man hears the question of whether he will become a father. Young women often hear them. They hear the question of whether they intend to have children, and instead of equality, they hear that this is their choice. Self-employed women, women who own businesses, often have other social benefits when they become pregnant and have children. This is institutional violence. When the law does not protect, and motherhood is punished.

Madam President, I'm sorry. What is very troubling is the awareness of how many useful Putin idiots we have in Europe who are helping to spread disinformation and fake news. And it is terrifying that there are politicians – including in this room – who still believe that it is possible to negotiate with Putin. Ladies and Gentlemen, Putin understands only the language of force, which we have talked about many times in this room. Violation by Russian drones of the airspace of Poland, Estonia and other countries are no coincidence. This is a Russian provocation and a test of our European response and solidarity. Putin is testing how far Europe can go. Therefore, our response must be decisive. We need action, not statements. We need investment in defence shields and anti-radar systems and, above all, strengthening the European defence industry – removing the shackles of restrictions and regulations that unfortunately do not match today's challenges, threats and expectations.

Madam President, I'm sorry. The chemical package is a test of whether we can regulate wisely, taking into account scientific achievements, innovation, market realities and whether we can defend the competitiveness of European industry. In cosmetics, for example, we are currently seeing a dangerous shift from a risk assessment to a hazard-only approach. Current interaction between the Regulation CLP and CPR leads to automatic bans of substances, even those that are safe in real use and often also present in food. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the derogation for category 1 CMR substances does not always work. Unclear criteria and unrealistic deadlines make it difficult for industry to provide evidence of safety, even when a substance has been assessed as safe by the relevant authorities. This is a threat to thousands of products, innovations, as well as to European small and medium-sized entrepreneurs who are losing their competitiveness vis-à-vis companies outside the European Union. I am pleased that today the Commission is moving towards wise simplification with a security priority. Clear deadlines, realistic transition periods, protection of natural ingredients, consideration of real conditions of use is a proportionate, predictable and science-based approach. Simplification does not mean deregulation. On the contrary, it is an opportunity for better, more comprehensible and effective implementation of the law. A law that protects people and the environment, but does not stifle industry, does not block innovation, and does not eliminate hazardous ingredients.

(beginning of speech outside the microphone) ...I think that there is rarely such consensus and unanimity in this House. We do not agree to lower the rights of air passengers. The current proposal raises many concerns. Firstly, raising the time thresholds for obtaining compensation from three to six hours for transatlantic flights means a real loss of compensation or compensation for hundreds of thousands of travellers. The reduction in compensation rates does not reflect inflation or the real costs incurred by passengers. Reducing the deadline for submitting an application to 6 months will hit the weakest, the elderly, who often do not know the procedures. Finally, the extension of the catalogue of extraordinary circumstances to include technical defects or staff strikes is contrary to the case-law of the CJEU. These are events for which the carrier should be prepared. Ladies and Gentlemen, passenger rights are not a privilege, it is a European standard – and the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey or Saudi Arabia are modelled on it. And we cannot allow them to be weakened. At the center of the regulations must remain a passenger, because the airport without passengers is just a hangar and planes. And it is people who give meaning to European mobility and for them we create this law.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Years of fighting for our rights and equality, and it seems that we still have a long way to go, or even that the climate for fighting for our rights, for equality is not friendly in the world today, and I get the impression that there are more and more conservative politicians who would like to close our mouths and would like to close women in their homes. Ladies and gentlemen, we must also ask ourselves: is the Europe we are building a Europe for all women? Do our strategies take into account the needs of those living in remote areas, small towns and villages? Equality cannot be a mere metropolitan privilege. We must ensure that every woman, wherever she lives, has access to the same rights and opportunities. I therefore call on the Commissioner and the Commission: Let's invest in infrastructure in rural areas, let's support rural women's entrepreneurship by offering training and financial programs. Break stereotypes by promoting gender equality in every community. Let our women's road map be a path that all women follow, regardless of where they live, whether in the heart of the city or in a small village. Only then will Europe truly be united in equality and justice. And I think that's what all women dream about, especially those from the countryside and small towns.

Mr President, thank you very much. It is very sad that, despite the knowledge, awareness, actions and many debates in this House, we still have a problem with equal rights, with equal pay between women and men, and we still have a problem with violence. It's sad and embarrassing. Speaking of our indications for the UN session, I would like to touch on one point: the voice of women in rural and remote areas, who additionally face challenges and constraints such as education, the labour market, health services or transport exclusion. Let us remember that these women are the foundation of local communities and, at the same time, too often remain invisible in politics and public debate. Let us also remember to increase the representation of women in STEM sectors. Data show that women continue to be a minority in science and technology professions. If we want to be an innovative and competitive economy, we need to eliminate barriers that discourage women from choosing such professions. We must not forget, of course, the fight against violence against women throughout the European Union. One in three women experience different forms of violence. It is a shame these days, a shame for all those who do not want real action and do not want to make real decisions to change this situation. Finally, the pay gap, about which so much has been said here. It is a shame that women earn 13% less in the same jobs. Equality is the foundation of European values. Let's keep that in mind.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The most effective way to protect biodiversity internationally is through cooperation and joint efforts at global level. And we must remember that the causes of deforestation or forest degradation differ when we look at the global context and the European backyard. Because when we look at the global context, it is caused by the expansion of agriculture or urbanization in different regions of the world. And these problems should not be confused with the impact of adverse climate change on forests, such as prolonged droughts, storms or forest fires, which then lead to a massive occurrence of secondary pests and diseases. Just as there are different causes of degradation of habitats and species, there are also different methods available to counteract these phenomena. And these degradations should be very well documented and well scientifically justified. In order to reduce human activities leading to the degradation of ecosystems, increased international efforts are needed to strengthen the role of sustainable management of all categories of land use as a better alternative to existing practices. This cannot be achieved by sanctions alone. An example of such a balance is the concept of sustainable forest management, which has been developed and successfully implemented in Europe for almost 35 years. The European Union, as one of the signatories of the Forest Europe Ministerial Agreements, should better promote and encourage other countries to follow the European approach to sustainable forest management, which is based on three pillars: environmental, economic and social. European forests are a refuge of biodiversity and natural resources on a scale that no other form of land use offers, providing a whole range of ecosystem goods and services to society. Human activity has shaped Europe's forests over the centuries - and I am finishing up, Mr President - leading to semi-natural forests of very good quality and rich forms, including biodiversity, as well as productive commercial forests...

Mr President, thank you very much. Smoking is one of the leading causes of death, disease and enormous social costs. Today we are facing a new challenge: e-cigarettes. In my country, Poland, almost half of young people use them every day, and 21% reach for disposable devices that tempt with easy accessibility and attractive flavors. And let's not be fooled by the fact that e-cigarettes are a way to break the habit. It seems to me that this is a tool that, unfortunately, draws young people into new addictions. And today we do not know the consequences of this new fashion. It is our responsibility to put in place solutions that effectively limit young people's access to e-cigarettes and reduce the harmful effects on public health. However, in our actions and decisions, we must maintain a healthy distance and common sense. And that's what I'm calling for.

Mr President, thank you very much. Europe is responsible for less than 9% of global CO2 emissions, but this, of course, does not relieve us of our responsibility to fight the climate crisis. However, the ambitious targets we set for the European economy and Europeans must be acceptable and bearable. Taking care of the environment, we must not forget to support the competitiveness of the European economy. I also want to stress that European entrepreneurs understand the need for change and the fight for a clean planet. However, they stress that they need flexibility, without imposing a single rigid solution. Every goal requires common sense and responsibility in order for Europe to thrive in a sustainable and competitive way. As climate-neutral politicians, we also have a responsibility to support and protect the European economy and European jobs.

Mr President, thank you very much. Today, Mrs. Maląg denounced Poland and denounced her government, the PiS government, of which she was a member, which for 8 years led a prosperous stock exchange company to financial collapse by manual control, by bad business decisions and by tragic personnel decisions. Today's government and efficient managers are trying to restore this company to functioning and competitiveness. Returning to rail, to passenger transport, I want to say that we need rail to be fit for the 21st century. We need to complete the single market for rail – this is the key to efficient and sustainable connections. We need to standardize and standardize technical systems. We need competitiveness because it drives innovation, improves service quality and reduces costs. Without this, we will not see the flow of passengers from other means of transport. If we want rail to be the first choice rather than the last, it must be competitive, modern, faster, cheaper and accessible to all.

Madam President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. One remark to Mr. Braun. If he is so disgusted by this Europe, the European Union, the European Parliament, the easiest way is to give up his mandate, give up this euro, the collective farm money. It's a simple matter. He'll solve the situation quickly. Ladies and gentlemen, once again we are debating in the European Parliament about the tragedies of Polish women, which result from the restrictive law introduced by the previous government, as confirmed by the UN report. We are debating, although unfortunately we are aware that all solutions and changes must be voted in the Polish parliament. And although we have no direct influence on these votes, on the decisions of Polish MPs, this way we want to once again send a strong signal to Polish women. We are with you and we will do everything to convince the parliamentary majority in Poland to vote for the changes we promised during the election campaign. I would also like to stress that the current government, the government of Donald Tusk, is strongly in favour of introducing the regulations that Polish women are waiting for, which give Polish women the opportunity to choose and make decisions. No one has to decide if they don't want to, but let's give the choice to those they want, those whose lives and health are at risk. Ladies and Gentlemen, although we do not have this majority at the moment, I would like to emphasize that the Polish government is doing a lot, has taken many actions that until recently were impossible. I agree with those who say that change is too slow. That is why, from this place, I appeal to our coalition partners, to the President and to everyone: Don't be Poland's conscience.

Mr President, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, Until you want to ask the question: who has an interest in destroying the European automotive sector, a sector that is one of the pillars of the European economy? There are redundancies and the last concern of a man who does not have a job is concern for the environment. Let us acknowledge that electric cars are too expensive for many consumers and inefficient. The transformation must always go hand in hand with the opportunities of the industry, because without it thousands of jobs are at risk. We cannot impose a pace that will destroy our industry. I think that today we need to take into account the current economic and technological realities. We need to activate a healthy approach and common sense. I have no doubt that today's problems in the automotive industry are due to the unilateral approach of both the Commission and many MEPs in this House, who, by focusing exclusively on electromobility and reducing CO2 emissions, have neglected the issue of competitiveness...

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Once again we are meeting in this House and once again we are discussing how to tackle the problem of violence against women. And it is very sad that so many European women and children are affected by this problem. More than 62 million women over the age of 15 have experienced physical or sexual violence, not to mention economic violence. Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, the latest estimates show that more than two-thirds of victims do not report this crime because of fear, stigma or simply because of a lack of support. Economic inequalities, lack of adequate education and insufficient support for victims appear to be key problems. We need to speed up our actions. In particular, women in rural areas, where traditional gender roles and economic dependency create additional barriers for women seeking help, need support. The fight against violence against women is not only a legal obligation, but also our moral obligation. And I believe, and I want to believe, that in this term of office, Commissioner, we will be able to adopt legislation that helps women and stigmatises and punishes perpetrators and protects victims.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Equality and the right to free movement are fundamental principles enshrined in the Treaties of the European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Unfortunately, people with disabilities often cannot benefit from them due to the lack of availability of adequate services, as well as the existence of barriers that hinder their daily functioning and movement. I am convinced that the establishment of the European Disability Card and the updating of the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities, on which I have had the pleasure of working as shadow rapporteur of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, will contribute to the elimination of obstacles and improve travel conditions and, through the mutual recognition of disability status, will ensure access to parking services and facilities throughout the European Union when staying in another Member State on the same basis as nationals of that State. I am pleased that we will be able to adopt these rules before the end of this legislature. We owe it to those we represent in the European Parliament. (The President took the floor)

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Equality between women and men, a Europe free from violence against women and girls – this is what we strive for in our work in the European Parliament. And it is a shame, ladies and gentlemen, that in the 21st century we women have to fight for our rights all the time. It is a shame that in the 21st century women and girls are affected by different types of violence. And it is a shame that in the 21st century we still see political resistance to fight violence and to include rape on the list of EU crimes. However, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to stress that the outgoing term of the European Parliament has been one of the most successful in terms of our efforts to achieve equality and combat violence against women. We have done a very good job in the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. Never before has the voice of this committee been so loud and audible as it is now. I would like to congratulate the rapporteurs who have devoted a lot of effort and commitment to these difficult negotiations. In particular, I would like to thank my colleague Frances Fitzgerald for her determination, strength and tireless fight for women's rights. I believe that this directive, despite the inadequacy of the fact that, as I said, some Member States have blocked certain legislation, for example on the criminalisation of rape, I believe that this is a good step in the fight for better protection of women's rights and protection of women against violence. I and our entire group will vote for this directive Once again thank you very much girls for your work.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Driving Licence Directive from the Committee on Transport was adopted with only one vote. Twenty-two MEPs voted in favour, twenty-one against. This shows how much controversy she has. I believe that we, as representatives of the people of Europe in the European Parliament, should create solutions that facilitate, simplify and reduce bureaucratic burdens that respond to needs, challenges and opportunities that remove existing barriers and increase security. And that is exactly what I was guided by when I was working on this directive on behalf of the EPP Group. I am pleased that during the work in the Committee on Transport it was possible to reject many controversial amendments or regulations, and to adopt those that are expected in Europe, such as the introduction of a digital driving licence or the concept of a temporary driving licence, which will allow European Union citizens to obtain a certificate that will be valid throughout Europe, which confirms the right to drive in the event of loss or theft of a driving licence. Unfortunately, as a EPP group, we cannot agree with mandatory medical examinations, especially if they are based solely on age and not on objective health conditions as the only form of verification of fitness to drive. We strongly support the recognition of existing diverse national systems, often more economical and effective. Nor can we agree to the introduction of an EU penalty point system. This is contrary to the Treaties, to the principle of subsidiarity. As EPP, we support proposals that make it easier for young people to enter the labour market as drivers, subject, of course, to strict conditions. Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe that in the votes we will reject socially unacceptable amendments, and we will accept those aimed at improving safety, digitizing, increasing the number of drivers and facilitating especially for young drivers. Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and I hope for a good vote, because this is also what the people of Europe are waiting for, and I do not want many of our voters to be discouraged from the European Union through our decisions, because we are opening the door to those who are opposed to the European Community.

Thank you very much, Commissioner, for the positive conclusions and for noticing that change is needed and that there should be no such barriers in today's world at all. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank all those who took part in the debate today, as well as those who worked on this report, very much. I am pleased at all that this debate has taken place today and I firmly believe that change is possible and that safe and sustainable transport is the key to success in many aspects. Once again, I will say why it is so important that transport meets the needs of women. We have emphasized here in the debate (or have we emphasized) that women make up more than half of the population. Statistically, we are more likely to deal with children, the elderly, the sick, more often we use public transport and more often we are exposed to attacks, exclusions and various dangers, including harassment. Women's safety in public transport, the removal of barriers, accessibility should be the norm in today's world, not a challenge. Unfortunately, I think we still have a long way to go, although I think that if we push hard, explain, we will significantly accelerate the changes. Ladies and gentlemen, let me stress once again that if more women work in the transport sector, especially where decisions are made and where solutions are found, then as a society we will not encounter absurd barriers and exclusions. And let me reiterate: the more women planning infrastructure and logistics policies and solutions, the more efficient, greener and more user-friendly transport will be. So I believe that after today's debate, many of the barriers and problems that we all agreed on, which I am very happy about, we will be able to remove the obstacles faster together, which I wish for all of us here women and Europeans.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, The report that I am presenting to you today touches on a very important social topic and comes after many years of work in the Committee on Transport and the Committee on Women's Rights. I am also pleased that this topic - transport that meets women's expectations - is one of the priorities of the Spanish Presidency. I think it is symbolic that this report will be adopted by the European Parliament just before the announcement of the Gender Equality Index 2023 with regard to the implementation of the Green Deal and especially the socially just transition in the two energy and transport sectors. Ladies and Gentlemen, the report consists of two parts, it deals with women as, on the one hand, users of different means of transport and, on the other hand, women employed in this sector, and the barriers we women encounter in both aspects. In the report, I stress that if European transport meets the needs of women, it will actually meet the expectations and needs of society as a whole. Changes and challenges in the transport sector, reduction of CO2 emissions, exclusion of the centres of one hundred European cities from car traffic by 2035, alternative low-emission drives, transport solutions - in short, more advanced, sustainable green transport must take into account the needs of all users. It is therefore necessary to adapt public transport to the needs of women, taking into account the fact that it is we, women, who travel most often – with children, shopping or accompanying people with disabilities. Therefore, it is also necessary to improve the safety of public transport, because all statistics show that 90% of all cases affect women. We are the victims of crime, theft and violence, including sexual violence in public transport. We must also tackle the phenomenon of transport exclusion, which also affects women, especially those living in rural and remote areas. We must not allow the transition to low-emissions to make the use of transport a luxury good. If we want more people to use bicycles and other sustainable solutions, we need to ensure that we have the right infrastructure. We must also not forget about women, about the safety of women in passenger vehicles, because I do not know if you are aware that in crash tests dummies are still used that do not take into account the anatomy of women. It's time to change that. As we move on, ladies and gentlemen, to the issue of employment in the transport sector, we see how it is dominated in all its dimensions by men. Transport policy is developed by men, so they naturally adapt the sector to their needs, which makes it not an attractive place to work for women. Security, stereotypes and gender discrimination are still the biggest barriers to women's employment. Research shows that the more women planning transport policies, infrastructure and logistics solutions, the more efficient, greener and friendly transport. For this reason, the report focuses on how to actively involve both genders in creating a better working environment and removing barriers to women's employment. Change is necessary and possible, and I firmly believe in it. Finally, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank all my fellow shadow rapporteurs for all their valuable comments, substantive discussion and cooperation. And I would like to extend a special thank you to my assistant Agnieszka Przyborowicz.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Prostitution always involves violence against women. The victims are children, teenagers, people in poverty, fleeing the war or not knowing the language. Prostitution is not only sexual services that take place in public homes. It is also a very dangerous virtual world, of which younger and younger people are falling victim. The available data show that the vast majority of all women in prostitution are victims of human trafficking, and the victims are very often refugee women who, fleeing the tragedy of war, experience another tragedy. Instead of the expected help, they go to public houses all over Europe. That is why, well, I am very happy and I thank those who have taken up this subject, this difficult subject, and I am glad that we here in the European Parliament are demanding a response from all the Member States. I am glad that we are focusing on support programs, exit from prostitution, reintegration and education. I also believe that we must fight those who try to perpetuate and promote such socially harmful behaviour. Ladies and Gentlemen, This report can only be criticized by those who use the services of prostitutes or who earn huge amounts of money from prostitution. I think we should support the Nordic model, which decriminalizes women in prostitution and criminalizes people who buy sex. I also understand and am aware that there is no perfect solution, that there are also people who consciously choose such a path, but as I emphasize, we cannot allow such behavior. More and more often we hear that nothing has happened, that some women decide on this path themselves. It is always a tragedy, a misfortune, and a woman who has no choice decides to take such a final step.

Madam President, I'm sorry. It is appalling that domestic violence against women and children continues to be justified in some Member States today in the 21st century. Instead, she protects the embryos with all her might, looks into our bedrooms, makes decisions for a woman that sometimes lead to her death. In my country, only one in ten women report sexual violence to the police. The same goes for other types of violence. The statistics look very good, and the facts? Every year, hundreds of women lose their lives and thousands are raped and beaten. ‘Let’s protect children from sexualisation from the West’, ‘Let’s protect children from sexual education’, some politicians shout. I have never heard the same politicians shout, ‘Let’s protect children from paedophiles!’ And often children are used as a campaign bat, when real dramas take place at the same time in schools and in homes. The state, the administration, the institutions and the environment that should respond are deaf and blind. As a result, we see a huge wave of depression and suicide among women, adolescents and increasingly younger children. And infamous statistics of tortured and killed in the comfort of the home toddlers. It's terribly sad. If the state and the institutions established by the state do not act and do not react, then the adoption of the Istanbul Convention by the entire European Union may be the only means of any change and the only effective means of combating violence.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, It is sad that once again from this place we have to speak, remind and call for the defence of human rights in the area of sexual, reproductive and health rights. Yesterday, Justyna Wydrzyńska was sentenced by a Polish court to 8 months of community service and found guilty of helping with a pharmacological abortion that did not take place. One can get the impression that this process had a political dimension, hitting activists and human rights defenders. Once again, I ask the question: How much does it take to hate women in order to condemn them to trauma, suffering, life-threatening situations, and often to give up pregnancy in the face of legal consequences and lack of choice? Why do so many politicians want to be women's consciences and why do so many of them claim the right to make decisions for us? And why do these politicians support so many other women? I don't get it. I hope that our work here in the European Parliament on solutions to protect women from violence in the broad sense will put an end to the suffering of many women and bring the perpetrators to justice. I also believe that with the great support of women, it will be possible to change those governments that not only do not support our rights, but even disregard them. From this point of view, I would like to thank all the activists, especially in my country, who are fighting for democracy, freedom and human and women's rights.