What Rosa spoke about.

22

May

2025

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Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, the core task of the Committee on Petitions is to defend the fundamental rights of citizens, protect them and follow up on their petitions so that they can take an active part in the life of the European Union. The examination of this 2023 Committee on Petitions has been done effectively, attentively, impartially, fairly and transparently. Citizens have sent petitions on many topics, as the rapporteur has commented, but I would like to refer in particular to the concern about the rule of law situation in Spain: more than 40 petitions have been submitted on this subject, mainly for attacks on judges, the colonisation of institutions and the reduction of penalties for corruption offences. Among the missions carried out, I would like to highlight those of Ireland, Romania and Spain and, more specifically, the latter, of which I must highlight and regret the attacks and tensions that were experienced there. I was present and they insulted us saying: Out, fascists, out of these neighborhoods. Do not stick your noses where they are not called. I don't think this should be the attitude. I am also concerned that the recommendations we make are not being followed up, as we are doing so in order to be able to protect citizens' rights. Finally, I would like to highlight the magnificent work that has been done since this committee.

3

Apr

2025

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European Action Plan on Rare Diseases (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, rare diseases affect millions of people: between 27 and 36 million in the European Union; three million in my country, Spain. Many of these diseases manifest themselves in childhood and can be life-threatening. They cause significant suffering because they are usually complex, chronic and degenerative. 95% of these rare diseases have no approved treatment and 50% have no approved diagnosis either. In fact, it can take an average of six years to identify them. We certainly need, Commissioner, this European plan on rare diseases in order to be able to bet on much more research, better access to early diagnosis - this is essential - and also to orphan medicines, which are those that can cure these diseases. They generate a lot of economic impact and, therefore, this aspect should also be addressed. And attention to caregivers: families and carers, at a very high percentage, at more than 65%, are women and therefore become very vulnerable. It is a challenge not only health; It is also an economic but also a social challenge. We must also work to ensure that patients are not discriminated against. Rare diseases were prioritised in the new Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe because they represent a huge unmet medical need. I therefore encourage the Commissioner to prioritise this European plan over rare diseases to achieve a much stronger Europe of health.

2

Apr

2025

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Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, I would like to express the unwavering commitment of my political group, the European People's Group, to defending, of course, the rights of children, but also to protecting the rights of the LGBTI community in all Member States. Diversity should be a guiding principle in defending the best interests of the child. Diversity enriches. Our Union is a Union of freedom, equality, justice and non-discrimination. Discriminating is not optional: discrimination is impossible, because it is a right. Everyone should be who they want to be, live freely and love freely. Attacks on the rights of the rainbow community have been happening. And the limitation of the right of assembly by the Hungarian government means limiting fundamental rights, limiting freedom of expression and encouraging hate speech. The collective is seen as a threat when it is not – it is often a victim. It endangers the mental health of young people, because they are prohibited from accessing information and aid; further stigmatises LGBTI people; It exposes them to greater discrimination when they already live in an environment with many difficulties, and it increases stereotypes against this group. In short, human dignity is violated. It does not have a legitimate objective, it is not the protection of minors. We need to protect human rights: We must be the beacon of justice, diversity and inclusion.

11

Mar

2025

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Roadmap for Women`s Rights (debate)

Madam President, the roadmap for women's rights marks our firm commitment to building an equal European Union, where women's rights are at the heart of the Union's policy and action. We have the right not to be victims of violence because we are women. Breaking the silence is fundamental to eradicating this violence. In my country, Spain, episodes of sexual harassment by leaders of the left have been covered up at the same time that the population was asked not to remain silent. How can one remain silent in the face of the multiple scandals related to prostitution by socialist leaders of the Government of Spain – apparently paid for with public money – and continue to defend, at the same time, that their objective is to end prostitution? Slim service to equality and women's rights. We should not proclaim in public what we then do not do in private. We have the right to quality education and break with stereotypes: having women with disabilities in all sectors of our lives; The right to equal pay and opportunities in the labour market with decent conditions, the right to quality health and the right to conciliation. Without conciliation or co-responsibility women always make the resignations. I call from here on the Spanish Government to already transfer paid parental leave; if not, there are many women who are not currently caught because of the lack of transposition that has led the Commission to open infringement proceedings. There is the issue in the Court of Justice of the European Union with a sanction that can reach seven million. We detach ourselves from the negationism of some and the demagogic hypocrisy of others.

19

Dec

2024

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Need to update the European strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, a few years ago, here in the European Parliament, we adopted the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. It's been four years, exactly three years. And, as a consequence of this Strategy, there are positive things. The approval of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card has been a historic milestone. It is true that this card is for short stays and now we would like a directive on free movement for people with disabilities for extended stays, which is a new challenge. So, that would be our next goal. We have also met the objective of the package on the employment of persons with disabilities. It is positive but there is also a lot of work to be done in the world of training and employment and in the world of education. And that is why we need many more actions, a guarantee of employment and skills, precisely to help people with disabilities in the field of training, education and employment. We need to publish the framework of social services of excellence for people with disabilities, which was left pending in that Strategy. And we also need to work, now that there will also be a commission in charge of housing, on an action plan with a specific fund to create accessible housing for people with disabilities and with aids to be able to adapt these homes. We also need protection for the rights of passengers with disabilities and a standard for accessible labelling. And, of course, we need to work much harder on access to justice for women with disabilities and violence against them.

18

Dec

2024

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Need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity (debate)

The Commission reports annually on the rule of law in all Member States. This report clearly reflects the state of democratic health in each Member State. You have no doubt that we will be vigilant with the health of the Member States. In the case of Spain, there are repeated calls for attention for the violation of democracy and the rule of law. It has also been done with Slovakia, it has been done with Malta and it has been done with Hungary and other countries. So we will be vigilant, as it cannot be otherwise. Our role as parliamentarians is to ensure that this happens and to make appeals to the Commission.

18

Dec

2024

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Need to ensure swift action and transparency on corruption allegations in the public sector to protect democratic integrity (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law are the fundamental pillars of the European Union: all have been violated in Spain with the government of Pedro Sánchez. The rosary of corruption plaguing the government has reached unbearable levels: Ministers; advisors; senior management; the wife of the President; the brother; the party itself; the Attorney General of the State, investigated when he is the one who would have to investigate ... The judicial agenda of the Government prevents at this moment to serve the citizens. They have changed the Criminal Code by downgrading corruption in exchange for staying in power, and the answer to this corruption is the indiscriminate attack on judges: the Supreme Court and the governing bodies of the judges have had to come out in defence and protection of judicial independence recalling – textually – that judicial decisions deserve the utmost respect from everyone and especially those who are at the head of the institutions without exception, without exception from Pedro Sánchez. They have also called for containment from the Supreme Court and explained that the attack on judges does not correspond to the minimum requirements for the separation of powers in a rule of law. There are concerns about the partisan use of public media – it has been said in the Commission report – the independence of these public media in Spain is at high risk: there is a constant attack on the media critical of the government itself, all controls are disregarded, it is governed behind the back of the legislative power and at the stroke of a decree-law – as the Commission has also said –, all institutions are colonised and assaulted, and those convicted are applauded and those who judge corruption are criticized. Spain, Commissioner, must be removed from the normalisation of corruption and the attack on the rule of law: You will have to be vigilant and act firmly.

25

Nov

2024

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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (debate)

Mr. President, every ten minutes a woman is murdered. The figures are devastating and the bad thing is that the photo is never fixed. In my country, it has not been forty-eight hours since Alberto, from Seville, murdered his wife, Maria, who left two orphaned children aged 17 and 11; are the number 464 and 465 orphans since 2013 in Spain. And a few hours ago, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly killed by another 17-year-old girl. Today is the day, as every day, to think about the victims. Every death is avoidable and must be avoided, it must be detected. Prevention, protection and support are essential. We must stand together to put an end to this atrocity against human rights. This requires political and social commitment, and not torpedoing it with double speeches, legislating - as they did in Spain - for the benefit of sexual aggressors or with the hypocrisy of dissociating the person of the character from someone (also Spanish), or not living up to our European values, when we prevented rape without consent from being a Eurocrime because governments such as the German socialist or Mr Macron's liberal opposed there. The pride of our People's Party was that all the governments of the People's Party supported that rape without consent was a Eurocrime so that there was no room for impunity for the aggressors.

9

Oct

2024

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Ensuring sustainable, decent and affordable housing in Europe - encouraging investment, private property and public housing programmes (debate)

Mr President, access to decent and affordable housing is indeed one of the greatest concerns of citizens. According to the latest barometer, it is the second concern for Spanish citizens. In Spain we have a government, that of Pedro Sánchez, in coalition with left-wing and far-left groups that have intervened in the market. That has caused the offer to be reduced and prices to rise. Warned by the Bank of Spain, the International Monetary Fund and other agencies, rents in Spain have risen by 32% since market intervention. The rental offer has been reduced by 15% and real estate investment has been reduced by 36%. The conclusion is that, in order to emancipate itself, Spain is one of the later and more difficult countries. This is the model that does not have to be applied: The results are in sight. The model has to be to provide land in the market, rehabilitate, create more supply and get affordable housing prices. Bureaucratic hurdles need to be reduced, because there is a housing emergency; support should be given to young people; deductions have to be made and raised; Above all, legal certainty must be ensured. In Spain we also lead another sad ranking: the illegal occupation of dwellings. 80 000 homes are illegally occupied in Spain and 25 000 with illegal squatters. Illegal occupation in Spain has grown by 41% since the ruling left-wing coalition. Catalonia leads the ranking of illegal occupation, much more than Valencia, Andalusia and Madrid. Proceedings and launches drag on for almost two years. That only happens in Spain. It does not happen in the Netherlands or in France, in Germany or in the United Kingdom, where a complaint and the title deed are enough to produce the launch. Effective housing policies need to be put in place, and we therefore welcome the development of a European housing plan and a European squatter register, as well as the fact that we can use European funds in this direction.

7

Oct

2024

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Need to fight the systemic problem of gender-based violence in Europe (debate)

Mr President, violence against women is an egregious violation of human rights. In 2016, in Spain we had the case of La Manada. The sentence of one of the members of La Manada, the rapists, was reduced because of the Law of "only yes is yes". The victim was also revictimized, the sentences of 1 233 rapists and paedophiles were reduced, 126 of them were left on the street and, last year, 53 women were murdered. It's a clear case of what not to do. The Pélicot case is that of a woman who, after fifty years of marriage, was drugged by her husband, who invited more than fifty men to rape her when she was unconscious. There are also the cases of Catania or Palermo: Group rapes of a 13-year-old girl by seven young men. All these violations, these abuses against women, shake the collective conscience and force us to reflect on the magnitude of violence against women. The victim of the Pélicot case has decided to put her face in front of the world and has done it for all of us. Many will be able to come home tomorrow thanks to her. We have the directive to combat violence against women. We could not make rape without consent a Eurocrime and that was the responsibility of the French Government, the Renew Group, Macron and the German Socialist Government. I hope that after this they will change their mind and, in this obstacle course, we will make rape without consent... (the Chair withdrew the floor to the speaker).

18

Sep

2024

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The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”

Mr. President, since the Taliban's takeover, oppression and persecution of women has been institutionalized. This is a crisis against humanity. Human rights violations and crimes under international law occur on a daily basis with absolute impunity. The lives of 21 million Afghan women have become hell. In their words, "I prefer my daughters to die before falling into the hands of the Taliban; We are back in the dark. It has been said here: vetoed education; excluded from the labour market; may not travel without the accompaniment of a male relative; they must be covered from head to toe; may not wear heels; sport is also prohibited; prohibited from grooming in beauty salons; they may not use mobile phones or cameras; segregation in transport; They are forbidden to sing, raise their voices, play music, etc. If they do, the punishments are heinous: rapes, executions, flogging, stoning, all this added to an absolutely non-independent Justice. We condemn, therefore, this regime, without palliatives. They ask us: ‘Speak of us; Don't forget us. Therefore, we need to generate a global awareness and we need to act. We have to raise our voices because we can't let them do it alone. His destiny, let us not forget, is ours. They all came the day before yesterday, yesterday and today. All of them are the real revolution. Europe must rise to the challenge of these women and to the challenge of human rights.

23

Apr

2024

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European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities - European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities for third country nationals legally residing in a Member State (joint debate - Disability cards)

Mr President, at the last part-session of this parliamentary term, it is an honour to vote on the directive to bring into force the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities. It involves mutual recognition of disability status in all Member States, in an accessible and digital format and with a common design. It guarantees what is the cornerstone of the European Union: the free movement of persons with disabilities. It allows the entire group of people with disabilities to have access mainly to culture, leisure, sport, transport, guided tours, personalized, etc. There is no doubt that people with disabilities do not change because they cross a border, their rights do not change and, therefore, with this card, accessibility, inclusion and equality are recognised as fundamental rights of the Union. Cards are not the end, they are the beginning of a great way to go. Today is a great day with the adoption of this directive.

23

Apr

2024

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Combating violence against women and domestic violence (debate)

Mr President, every six hours a woman dies in Europe. For the first time there will be an EU-wide standard to combat violence against women and domestic violence. We are taking a historic step forward to make Europe the first continent in the world to eliminate violence against women. We send the message that it is not accepted that, because we are women, we take more risks than if we were men. Female genital mutilation in all its forms, forced marriage, cyber stalking, cyber-attack, incitement to online hatred or violence and non-consensual sharing of intimate images are criminalised across the European Union. These common standards are set to make us stronger, but access to justice is also facilitated. There is talk of protection and prevention. Rape could not be introduced without consent. We regret that some countries have not put themselves on the right side of history. I have to tell you, on behalf of the EPP Group, that all the countries where it governs have voted for rape without consent to be a Eurocrime. This has not been the case - it has been said here - of countries such as Germany, the S&D Group, or France, with Mr Macron. We will have time to amend this mistake in the next legislature.

13

Mar

2024

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Allegations of corruption and misuse of EU funds in Spain during the pandemic (topical debate)

Mr President, the Government of the Balearic Islands, chaired by the Armenian socialist, concealed from Brussels that masks paid for with European funds were fraudulent. Masks were bought without any contracting file for 3.7 million euros public to an organized plot, the same one that met with Delcy at the Barajas airport. The National Center for Means of Protection certified that they were "ultrafake". Seven days after detecting fraud are paid at an unusual speed. They endorse them to finance the plot, knowing that they were fake. They charge them to European funds and hide from the European authorities the certificate that they were useless and of poor quality and that they were ‘ultrafake’. This information is also hidden from the Civil Guard and the Prosecutor's Office and it takes more than three years to claim a merchandise that was expiring and that, today, is in boxes stacked in a warehouse. Mrs. Armengol said her administration was slow. The Directorate-General for European Funds activated the anti-fraud protocol and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened proceedings for alleged crimes of misappropriation of public funds, influence peddling and prevarication. Everything points to the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and the government of Mr. Sánchez. The cause of the damage cannot be the one who corrects it. Mr. Sanchez does not fight corruption, amnesty. We need Europe. Spain is sick of Mr Sanchez's government. Europe, act.

12

Mar

2024

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Council decision inviting Member States to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) of the International Labour Organization (debate)

Mr President, violence and harassment in the world of work have to be eradicated and Convention No 190 of the International Labour Organisation provides an excellent framework for achieving this. Women are disproportionately affected. The figures have been said here, which are scandalous. This International Treaty recognizes that the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment fosters a culture of work based on mutual respect and human dignity to prevent such violence and harassment. An international common definition of violence and harassment at work is established for the first time. Efforts are being made to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent and combat this violence. It provides for the establishment of monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, a sanctions regime, access to remedies for victims, training and awareness-raising activities and efficient and effective means of investigation. Cyberbullying is also prevented, which is another form of harassment and violence that is now on the table. That is why we need an appeal to all Member States, an invitation to ratify it, to ensure a world of work free from violence and harassment and to comply with European values.

26

Feb

2024

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Need to overcome the Council deadlock on the platform workers directive (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, President-in-Office of the Council, there is no doubt that one of the objectives of the European Union is to protect the right of every worker to work in conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity, and to protect the right to information and consultation. There is a digital transformation that has accelerated very significantly after COVID-19 and, therefore, the labour market is undergoing very rapid changes, making it necessary to work so that the working conditions of platform workers are protected throughout the Union. They've said it here: there is a very considerable increase in the number of platform workers. Of the 28 million we currently have, it seems that in 2025 we will reach 43 million and, of the current 28 million, five and a half million may not be classified as appropriate. It is therefore crucial that this regulation is made with common sense, with a balance between the protection of workers and also the growth of platforms. There is an important issue, which is transparency – ensuring transparency in the use of algorithms with human oversight – and, of course, establishing data protection rules. I would like to appeal to the Council so that it can be unblocked, especially in the case of Germany and France. In the FEMM Committee, also Germany, with the S&D Group, has blocked the Directive to make non-consensual rape a Eurocrime.

7

Feb

2024

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Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (continuation of debate)

Madam President, President Ursula von der Leyen said so. We will all work together to achieve a Union of Equality. The European LGBTIQ Strategy, recently presented by the Commission, has been instrumental. Determinant to be able to be that Union of Equality. All LGBTIQ people should feel safe and enjoy the same rights and opportunities, as well as participate on an equal footing. With this Strategy, as I said, a step forward was taken. Today we must continue to fight so that they are not discriminated against. For that, an education in equality is very important. Stigma, violence and discrimination against this group undoubtedly limit their participation and violate human rights. It is also very important to ensure the safety of LGBTIQ people, especially for crimes of violence or hatred. Tell them also that I am absolutely against conversion therapies. They must be banned throughout the European Union. And we must create inclusive societies for LGTBIQ people. Protect all rainbow families in cross-border situations. They often have difficulty accessing employment and housing, and are also at risk of violence, exclusion and poverty. Therefore, the European Union, Commissioner, has to lead the call for equality for this group because it is as much as leading the defense of fundamental rights. The European Union has to set an example and take that leadership position.

7

Feb

2024

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The EU priorities for the 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (debate)

Mr President, next March will be the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where the European Union will have to present its priorities and will have to present strong leadership in defence of women's rights and, in addition, achieve a roadmap for the full participation of women in all areas. It is true that the central issue is that, unfortunately, poverty has a woman's face and the causes are multiple. We are overrepresented in low-paid, precarious and part-time jobs and jobs. Of course, career breaks have a lot to do with it, precisely because there is a disproportionate responsibility for all unpaid care. There is also a pay gap – it is now necessary to transpose the Pay Transparency Directive – and a pension gap, as well as a lack of absolute participation in all decision-making by women. This poverty means that there is a very high risk of violence against women – we can see this every day – and also social exclusion. Yesterday the European Directive to make violence against women and domestic violence a Eurocrime was closed with a provisional agreement. It would be a historic step, but rape was left out without consent, basically because countries like Germany, governed by the Socialist Group, did not agree to put it down. We need a commitment from the whole European Union, a universal commitment, which also begins with a personal reflection. We must ensure that this sixty-eighth session takes a giant step towards achieving women's equal rights.

23

Nov

2023

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International day for the elimination of violence against women (debate)

Mr President, violence against women is a serious violation of human rights. It prevents the achievement of equality, peace and other human rights. One in three women is still a victim of violence. We attend daily scenes and cases of violence against women. Europe has already ratified the Istanbul Convention, which marked the roadmap. We are negotiating a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence so that we can have a comprehensive, coordinated and unitary response. It is important that Parliament's voice be heard in these trilogues by the Council. To combat this scourge, there is no doubt that adequate policies, the political will to implement them and a conscious society in the fight against this violence are needed. Europe is walking this way. What has happened in my country, Spain, is different: More than 1,200 rapists have had sentence reductions, and more than hundreds of rapists have been released while the number of women killed continues to rise. It took six months to change the Spanish law on ‘Solo si es sí’ (Only yes is yes), which has produced these bad results, and its consequences will last more than five years. The message was sent to the world that saving women's lives and protecting their rights was not a priority. The message was neither clear nor unison. Mrs. Iratxe Garcia said that she needed a clear and unison message. For the Spanish response was neither clear nor unified. The left-wing parties that govern in Spain wanted to impregnate human rights with ideology. That, no doubt, is a bad path. Many of them – who are sitting here – were silent. They didn't want to talk about it. And others wouldn't even have changed it. We had a mission from the European Parliament to be able to study this issue, including in Spain. The conclusions of this European Parliament mission, with the consent of the Chair of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality and the non-majority left groups, have been paralysed. I'd like that to change. Women's rights have no ideology.

14

Sep

2023

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Violence and discrimination in the world of sports after the FIFA Women’s World Cup (debate)

Mr President, a few weeks ago, on the occasion of the celebration of the Spanish victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup, we were able to witness the deplorable, embarrassing and defiant attitude of the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, which violated the dignity and rights of all women. These behaviours undoubtedly reflect the tip of the iceberg of a much broader discriminatory and sexist reality that has long been denounced. From here our absolute condemnation of all forms of violence against women. It must be eradicated with an immediate response and an effective response. Therefore, it is necessary to call on the entire sports community to comply with the Istanbul Convention: protect, prevent, pursue and eliminate. Protecting women. Prevent, prosecute and eliminate all forms of violence against women. The response of the whole society has been exemplary. The social outcry and massive support for world football champion Jenny Hermoso has been decisive. Thank you, Jenny. And also thanks to the solidarity community of the champions, because they have given us a lesson so that never again a woman has to live a situation of contempt, lack of respect, abuse or violence. We have a long way to go to break down inequality and achieve a sport free of violence and discrimination. It's over. For all of us, we're with you, Jenny Beautiful. The world is proud of you. You have made history in sport, but also in the struggle to achieve real equality in the situation of women in the world of sport. Society requires and seeks authenticity and consistency in the voice of its leaders. I wish the unanimous reaction of all in defense of women's rights had been the same in defense and criticism, above all, of the dramatic consequences of the Law of "only yes is yes". It's a shame.

13

Sep

2023

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Regulation of prostitution in the EU: its cross-border implications and impact on gender equality and women’s rights (debate)

Mr President, prostitution is an appalling form of violence and, at the same time, a cause and consequence of inequality. It reproduces stereotypes and perpetuates them, impacts on the advancement of women's rights, hinders the access of all women to their fundamental rights and, in addition, puts at risk the women themselves and people who practice prostitution. It is a world surrounded by threats, coercion, manipulation, violence, marginalization, exploitation, stigmatization and trafficking. That is why we need to make sure that the debate we have today focuses on protecting women's rights. That's the central point. It is the most vulnerable women and girls who engage in prostitution for lack of alternatives. It certainly has many cross-border implications. Criminalizing women is never the way. Member States need to take measures to prevent and decriminalise prostitutes and support all exit options. It is very important to destigmatize and punish customers. The Nordic model is our choice. We will support Maria Noichl's report.

10

May

2023

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Roadmap on a Social Europe: two years after Porto (debate)

Mr President, the European Pillar of Social Rights was proclaimed in 2017 in Gothenburg and set out a clear roadmap for achieving a fair Europe, a Europe that is fair, strong, inclusive and full of opportunities. It was the guiding compass for social Europe. There are three pillars. One is employment. It is a titanic struggle to be able to get quality employment and decent wages. Unfortunately, my country, Spain, leads the ranking unemployment throughout the European Union. It is a crucial issue in order to have a Europe of opportunities. Training was another of the pillars, continuous training, in addition to the fight against poverty in order to reduce it, because that is at the heart of social Europe. Steps have been taken in the development of this social pillar such as the following: The European Disability Strategy: it seems that we will approve the European card, but there is still some way to go; inclusive education, unemployment is very high in the disability sector; independent living; non-discrimination, the Non-Discrimination Directive is still in the drawer. The European Care Strategy: it is also important, but there is also much to be done, to value professional and non-professional carers. The Istanbul Convention – we adopted it this morning – to combat gender-based violence, and the Strategy for equality between men and women, but there is also a long way to go in terms of equal opportunities. We have also adopted the directives on minimum wages and pay transparency. But ultimately, we need to make further progress in order to achieve that inclusive Europe. We have to get social rights on the same level as economic rights and environmental rights.

9

May

2023

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Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence – EU accession: institutions and public administration of the Union - Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence - EU accession: judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement (debate)

Madam President, one third of women in the European Union have experienced physical or sexual violence throughout their lives. And that violence, according to the data, has increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. Today we celebrate Europe Day, the day of the values of concord. And it is no coincidence that we are also celebrating that tomorrow we will vote in favour of the ratification of the Istanbul Convention by the European Union. The main international instrument to prevent, protect, and eliminate and prosecute violence against women sets out a very clear roadmap with a global, united and coordinated response. Together with this ratification, we will soon have the proposal for a directive to make violence against women a Eurocrime with a common definition and minimum rules on sanctions, and also with all the instruments to be able to attack this attack on human rights. It is a paradox that some leftist groups talk about the need to sign and push - I agree - for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, but then in Spain - which I am sorry, but has not been an example, it was an example, but it has not been an example - a rule has been approved that has made possible more than a million reductions in sentences for sexual aggressors and more than a hundred releases of sexual aggressors, who are now on the street. And all those who have taken more than eight months to change this law come here to ask for haste for the Istanbul Convention. We have to be consistent. It must be said that this is wrongly done in Spain and we must come here to defend the Istanbul Convention. But it is not possible to lengthen the agony of Spain and then come here to say that women are defended. Tomorrow will be a great day and I hope we are all united.

20

Apr

2023

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Cohesion dimension of EU state aid and de minimis rules (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, Mr Omarjee, the petition is very timely in this Parliament. I am going to focus on island territories, which suffer serious and permanent disadvantages recognised in the Treaty on European Union itself. In addition to island territories, there are many more vulnerable territories, but I will focus on the former. I come from the Balearic Islands. One of the main disadvantages is the impossibility of using land transport. Neither train nor road: to be able to access all goods and services, air and sea transport must always be used. And this undoubtedly diminishes our competitiveness. We cannot therefore participate on an equal footing with the continental territories. We have many more expenses when it comes to importing and exporting products, and in energy, education, health and a very long etcetera. All this has led to the deindustrialisation of our sectors. Many economic sectors disappear and in the end only tourism remains. In 2008 we had seven hundred industrial weaving companies; in 2020, 330. We therefore need to seize the opportunity of amending this Regulation. de minimis to do justice and to remove the general threshold for all regions and create a specific threshold for islands, so that rules can be adapted to their circumstances, justice is done and cohesion – which is an essential element of Europe to eliminate these disparities – is real. So that there really is economic, territorial and social cohesion, and justice is done.

13

Dec

2022

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A need for a dedicated budget to turn the Child Guarantee into reality - an urgency in times of energy and food crisis (debate)

Mr President, 21% of European children are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, which represents almost 18 million. If we add the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine, the food crisis, COVID-19, inflation ... never before have so many families been impoverished so quickly. My country, Spain, is the third most at-risk-of-poverty and social exclusion rate for children in the European Union, behind Romania and Bulgaria. One in three children in Spain is at risk of poverty, a rate well above the European average. Spain is also the sixth country with the most child inequality. This child guarantee is timely, necessary and a priority. It aims to ensure that all children in Europe have essential services: free education and health, healthy nutrition and decent housing. Children must be at the heart of all our policies. It is necessary to break the cycle of poverty transmission and to protect, in this context, especially the most vulnerable children: children with disabilities.