Speeches

Madam President, fellow Members, New technologies challenge us from two sides. It is important to support development, but we must properly address the dangers arising from it. This is also the case for crypto-assets and block chain technology. I therefore consider it important to establish a transparent and clear regulatory framework. In the interests of the EU's competitiveness, innovation in finance must also be supported, but public burdens must also be borne, as the report rightly states. They should also be included in the work of the tax authorities and should not be a means of tax evasion or avoidance. The deteriorating economic situation caused by the war, exacerbated by EU sanctions, is even more important. EU coordination is useful for this, but I must stress that the competences of the Member States must also be respected here. While these technologies raise a number of questions, none of them should be a reason for anyone to question the sharing of competences on tax policy and those enshrined in the Treaties.

Madam President, I'm sorry. I am pleased that Mrs von der Leyen highlighted yesterday the importance of SMEs and announced a number of new measures that affect them. But, Commissioner, we should talk about the essence, about the fact that energy prices are so high that many SMEs will be forced to close down. Not only the production plants, but also the micro-enterprises of a few people, such as, say, a confectionery, where the four times the electricity price cannot be extracted, because there is no one to buy a slice of cake for four times as much. We already had an SME law, an SME filter, they didn't bring us a breakthrough. Meanwhile, we are burdening them with new codes of conduct, reporting obligations and even investigative activities. At that time, we did not talk about the costs of the green and digital transitions. Beyond families, SMEs are the most affected by the flawed sanctions policy. The different bearing capacity of European governments creates an unequal situation between the Member States of the Union. You can come up with other wonderful proposals, but by then there will be no one for whom. Sanctions and energy policies should be put in order without delay, because entrepreneurs will not submit the bill to Putin, as Mrs von der Leyen asked yesterday, but to Brussels.

Mr López Aguilar, in 2021 the Constitutional Court of Spain twice deliberated that Pedro Sánchez’s socialist government ignored the Constitution and the Cortes when it introduced the COVID-19 state of emergency. Why didn't the left start a debate here in this Parliament? Isn't this a clear policy of double standards?

Madam President, I'm sorry. Dear Madam Prime Minister, The Scandinavians are famous for their pragmatism, and that is exactly what I am missing from current EU policy. So I would ask you to be a partner in running a strong Union focused on the most pressing problem facing European citizens. According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, half of Europeans think that the EU economy is in a bad situation. Citizens are primarily concerned about the rising cost of living and energy supply disruptions. A sound assessment of the situation of our citizens is a wake-up call for all of us, and we must offer real solutions. First of all, we should stop the downward spiral of the EU economy and stop Russia's abominable aggression against Ukraine from taking us with it. All EU citizens already feel the impact of the spoiled sanctions policy, from utility bills to food prices. If we stay on this path, the recession will return and unemployment will rise. The figures clearly show that sanctions against the Russians do more harm to us than to the aggressor. A complete reorientation is therefore needed in this area. Energy policy reform proposals should be judged on their contribution to security of supply. Whether they achieve lower energy prices for consumers and take into account the specificities of the Member States and their different dependence on gas. The gas price cap proposal would clearly undermine our security of supply. Despite the fact that only nine percent of Russian gas is used at EU level, it is concentrated in one region, Central Europe. As a result of the price cap, Russian gas imports would stop, and Central Europe, which does not have a sea exit, would suffer more than the others. Moreover, the hidden sanction, a de facto gas embargo, which should be discussed at the level of the European Council, i.e. at your level, is not a mere piece of legislation. The third topic on which I would like to ask for your cooperation is to banish ideology from professional issues. This is how I count on you to say that nuclear energy is necessary for security of supply and the green transition. Similarly, European companies and families need practical and real help. Instead, we are arguing overly politicized rules. The unreasonable indebtedness of future generations must be stopped. A responsible fiscal policy must be pursued. Instead of increasing the administrative burden, companies, especially SMEs, should be relieved. Finally, Madam Prime Minister, instead of pursuing federalist dreams without any contractual basis, a culture of good faith and mutual respect between the Member States must be brought back to the Union. Please be a partner in stopping lectures so we can put an end to the endless rule of law debates. There is no dispute between us about the need for proper and transparent use of EU funds. Existing ideological differences must be detached from the negotiations on the disbursement of money. In this way, the Hungarians could finally have access to the resources that are due to them. Thank you, Madam Prime Minister, for helping to implement these fundamental principles that strengthen the unity of Europe.

Dear Mr President, Only peace can put an end to war-induced inflation and the looming economic crisis. The most important thing is to restore peace on the continent. Remember, we just got back on our feet after the plague. Our competitiveness should be strengthened if we are not to be completely behind the US and China. This could be achieved by reducing the burden on citizens and businesses, i.e. by reducing taxes. COVID has accelerated digitalisation and Putin’s aggression has accelerated the green transition. However, we cannot expect the price of this to fall on families and businesses, otherwise the whole Union will be impoverished. In Hungary, even though it hurts the opposition, we have shown that this is possible by reducing public utility charges and maximising the price of basic goods. It would be good if the Commission could finally recognise that extraordinary measures and flexibility are needed in extraordinary times. Brussels should help Member State governments protect families, abolish measures that hinder economic recovery, and finally give development money to everyone. Adapt to the realities of war. Otherwise, the Union will soon be nothing more than a skanzen where visiting Chinese tourists can see the disappearing European culture.

Mr. President, please. Dear fellow Members, Let me ask you to step out of the usual Hungary soak for at least a minute and think about it. Think about it, because if a Member State uses its right under the Treaties to stop a process that I believe harms Europe, then it may be worth thinking about why a Member State is doing something. Ladies and gentlemen! Let us not be enemies of ourselves. There's a war. Commissioner Gentiloni also referred to it. We should focus on saving the damage rather than imposing additional burdens. The Commissioner also mentioned that this is a two-pillar package, with the first we cannot move forward with the taxation of big tech companies. It was a package, we should do both things at the same time. Third, we're rushing ahead. Our international partners in Asia and America have not implemented what we already want to implement. This puts European companies at a competitive disadvantage. Finally, implementing rules have not yet been developed in the OECD. Our companies don't have time to prepare until January 1st. For the time being, there are cosmetic proposals on the part of the Commission. Instead, let's keep working, let's have unity for Europe's competitiveness.

Dear Madam President, Today we are finally talking about legislation that protects the interests of European companies by ensuring a level playing field with their foreign competitors: countries that do not allow European companies to enter their public procurement markets can now expect a more difficult track in European tenders. Of course, as we have become accustomed to, the EP tried again to overshoot the goal. For the left-wing majority, it was more important to try to ban foreign capital on ideological grounds than to position the European economy while strengthening its competitiveness rather than building up barriers to it. Fortunately, these excesses have been remedied in consultation with the Council. There is a capital shortage in several Member States, including Hungary. We desperately need foreign investment. In the current economic climate, at a time of high inflation, we must be mindful, not abandoning foreign capital and making investments too expensive. After all, it would take money out of taxpayers' pockets. The compromise reached allows us to continue to obtain the best tender in public procurement, because this is in the interest of the European economy. Good news on a day when the left side of the EP has stepped up greening at a pace that is beyond reasonable, regardless of the carrying capacity of European businesses. Congratulations to the Raporter!

Dear Madam President, With the package's anti-carbon proposal, we would have protected EU companies producing greener and thus more expensively in five feedstock sectors against foreign companies that produce cheaper in an environmentally damaging way, thereby gaining an unfair competitive advantage. The EP then showed how to make a good initiative untenable, despite the screams of the European companies concerned and common sense, because unfortunately this Parliament wants to destroy Europe's competitiveness. Carbon is already a groundbreaking proposition, so we would first need a trial period of enough length to see what works and what doesn't. And when the system is proven, at the very most, you could think of extending it. The proposal has a price-increasing effect, which, in a context of already soaring inflation, would only increase the difficulty for companies and make European exports more expensive. In the midst of a war, are we sure that's what we need? A forced phase-out of free quotas would only increase the burden on companies. The proposal as it stands would therefore do more harm than good. We must protect European companies, not banish industry from the continent.

Dear Madam President, In October, 137 countries agreed on a global minimum tax under the new bridge. Yes, but the work on the international stage is not proceeding at the expected pace, and the fulfillment of promises has also become doubtful. Originally aimed at taxing tech giants, but now transformed, the efforts around the first pillar have completely disappeared, so there is a risk that they will get away with paying the tax. But what the Commission is very confident about is unifying the taxation of EU companies. By adopting a directive on this, we are jeopardising the competitiveness of the Union. It is in our common interest to reach an agreement not only on the global minimum tax, but also on the other pillar. If, for example, the US in a negative vote in the Senate or China does not follow EU regulations, we will further widen the gap that already separates us from our competitors. Do we really want to shoot ourselves in the foot when war, the energy crisis and inflation are already putting our companies in a difficult position? I suggest we don't rush ahead. Our compass should be in the interest of European companies and citizens, and we should not like to be champions of taxation.

Dear Mr President, My fellow Members! I am delighted and commend the rapporteur for the fact that, even in a war situation, the negotiated text holds up. I strongly agree that EU competition policy has a key role to play in preserving the competitiveness of European companies and in creating jobs. The coronavirus pandemic has drastically shown how fragile our companies are, and many European companies have gone bankrupt. Many foreign companies took advantage of this by purchasing them with the help of foreign subsidies. Allowing this to happen is a serious strategic mistake. Although this is finally being remedied by a report approved today, we need to take further measures to protect our companies and increase their competitiveness. This requires innovative and flexible competition rules to adequately support European industry in achieving strategic autonomy. We must strive to facilitate the green transition, but we must do so on the basis of common sense. And let us take into account the different national specificities and by no means take decisions that would put some Member States at a disadvantage. This should also be considered when adopting new sanctions against Russia. Do no more harm to yourself than to the aggressor. Our strength is in unity and if our companies are competitive. This is why MEPs need to work.

Mr President, Mr Vice-President, Mr Minister, Mr President, Mr President, Mr President, Mr President, Mr President, Mr President, Mr President, Mr President, Mr President, Mr Dear colleagues, Hungary itself is at the forefront of greening, which is why we support the negotiations on the modernisation of the Energy Charter Convention. However, I call on the Commission to exercise due caution in the negotiations. The effects of the current war are already being felt. Displaced prices, compromised connections. In times of danger, decisions should not be made hastily. I ask the Commission to carefully consider the direct and indirect impact that the modernisation negotiations could have on the EU's energy supply, on the supply chains themselves and, not least, on the EU citizens' wallets. Affordability and security of supply should be an important consideration alongside greening. The EU can only advocate actions that do not place any Member State at a disproportionate disadvantage. I think, Mr Vice President, that this is the most important thing. I am pleased that the Commission has realised, for example, that the official pricing and thus the reduction of Hungarian overheads is not from the devil. The price of war must not be paid by our citizens. In a hot war, it's even more important to think long-term and cold-headed.

–Dear President, I welcome and support any initiative that reduces administration and stimulates the exchange of information in tax matters. All the more so because the progress made in recent years in this area has greatly contributed to the fight against tax avoidance at EU level and in the Member States. I also consider it a priority to take measures to simplify the lives of small and medium-sized enterprises and to make it easier for them to operate in the single market. However, the report, as we have become accustomed to in this House, goes beyond the topic in question and includes tax harmonisation efforts. Again, I would like to draw the attention of my fellow Members to the competences of the Member States. Thus, there is no legal basis to make withholding tax mandatory, to harmonise its level, to have a say in which third countries and which tax agreements are concluded by which third countries. Instead of constantly attacking national tax policies, the focus should be on the taxation of multinationals or the issue of digital taxation.

Dear Madam President, Nothing will be like it was 14 days ago. This is the only way to talk about the economy. Hungary has condemned the Russian aggression and wants peace as soon as possible. Our hearts and minds must be in place when we act. With unprecedented cooperation, we are providing every assistance to the refugees, as Commissioner Schinas was assured at the end of the week. But we have to be very rational in our economic actions. I would like to highlight four things: firstly, the Union must strengthen itself in the military sense, because only then will it be a factor. Secondly, those who want to ban Russian gas and oil imports should not want to make industrial production in Europe impossible. Let us not shoot ourselves in the foot, let us not make our citizens pay the price of war. Brussels should be brave, whether it touches on the Green Deal or on the conditionality of the recovery funds. Thirdly, let the left not feel that now is the time to finally turn the European Union into a debt union. Finally, the Union's strength is in unity, and it is therefore very important to put an end to the unequal situation where some Member States have access to development funds and others do not. Hungary and Poland are at the point of defence. I ask the Commission to give them the resources they deserve, so that there are no political and ideological games in time of war.

Madam President, I'm sorry. The role of the European Central Bank is to safeguard price stability. Current inflation data show that we should be on the alert because food prices, especially energy prices, are so high. Unfortunately, Brussels is driving up prices with its ideological energy policy, shifting the burden of greening to the population, which is a serious mistake and discredits the so important green policy. Let us at least hope from the ECB for the triumph of common sense! Mrs Lagarde, please resist the pressure from the left. Greening is not the task of the Central Bank. You can contribute to stability by keeping prices in check and thus creating a favourable investment environment. Common sense is also needed as to when we will return to the rules, both in monetary and fiscal policy. Some would already like to perpetuate the one-off Recovery Fund, thus indebting the Union infinitely. You know, the left always likes to govern with someone else's money. Relaxation was right, it helps a growth-oriented recovery, but we cannot live forever on the money of future generations! Fiscal rules will also have to be adapted in this spirit and strictly within the scope of 27. And one final remark: Madam President, I sincerely wish you to always be able to work with the best financial brains and experts in Europe, whether they are men or women.

Madam President, I'm sorry. You know, as a child, I lived in a system that required Hungarians to think, say and act. I thought we left this world behind once and for all in 1990. In a document that we have intercepted, the Commission now adds the words ‘Christmas’, ‘given name’, ‘citizen’ and ‘Dear Ladies and Gentlemen’ to the blacklist. Brussels has launched a cultural struggle in the name of political correctness. The Holy Father calls this ideological colonization, and I say: That's enough! It was enough for some to feel entitled to draft dictates. Does Mrs Dalli even realize that she is wading into our traditions, into our cultural heritage and into the work of linguist professors? In addition, Mrs Dalli lied, since it is not a semi-finished work, it has already been put in a colorful-smelling form. It is not enough to withdraw this material, fellow Members. The idea of a language guard by the Commission is outrageous in itself. It is not necessary to correct the material, but to throw it in the trash, and Mrs Dalli should be dismissed as a matter of urgency by the President of the Commission. I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Dear Madam President, For the Union as the world's largest trading power, maintaining rules-based and freer trade is key. This requires a well-functioning World Trade Organization. I hope that next week's ministerial conference will be able to defend this system and will be willing to move towards a reform that will allow it to work more effectively. But most importantly, the EU must rethink its own foreign trade policy and finally operate on a "Europe first" basis, i.e. focus on its own economic interests. More trade means more jobs. This requires more trade agreements and easier market access for European firms, rather than educating partner countries and even making them change their social model. Europe cannot afford to do business only with those who embrace its ideals. It would be more expedient to approach our partners through dialogue and mutual respect. They would then also be more open to dialogue on sustainability, human and social rights. Let us therefore say yes to rules-based trade, a level playing field and the empowerment of SMEs. But no to ideological psychological warfare against our partners, otherwise the world will pass us by.

Dear Mr President, I am pleased that in the end a compromise was reached on the reform of the global tax system, to which Hungary was able to join with a good heart. I am proud that, despite the enormous pressure, we have actively shaped the agreement on the international stage by taking decisive, consistent action. I think our most important result is that the corporate tax will remain at 9 percent in Hungary and the agreement will not impose a new burden on manufacturing companies. The devil is in the details. I agree that the relevant EU legislation should also be developed in order to ensure compliance with EU law and uniform implementation. However, I hope that the Union does not intend to shoot itself in the foot. If we want to catch up with China and the US, let us not lose sight of the issue of competitiveness. Fair tax competition is positive, tax harmonisation would kill and force companies abroad. Therefore, we should not introduce stricter rules in the EU than those contained in the global agreement. Finally, we must not lose sight of the fact that this is a matter of national competence. Consensus should be sought, respecting the positions of all Member States.

Dear Madam President, The right to peaceful protest belongs to everyone. At the same time, all forms of violence must be rejected, and aggression cannot be excused. However, it is more than interesting why only the atrocities of the extreme right are reaching the threshold of stimulus of the European Parliament. In October 2006, under the socialist-liberal Gyurcsány government, the police crushed a peaceful gathering of those who remembered the glorious Hungarian Revolution of 1956. I don't remember an EP debate or condemnation. Police terrorists today are lying to the most European party, and you're assisting in that. Migrants harassed women in Cologne on New Year's Eve 2016. The German press was silent. I don't remember an EP debate. In 2020, in the Basque Country, Madrid, at the Vox campaign event, far-left provocateurs threw stones at politicians. I don't remember an EP debate. Is it because the far left governs together with the socialists? Last week in Milan and Turin leftists and anarchists caused chaos. Why don't we talk about this? All I'm asking is for this house to finally set an equal standard. Suffice it to say that the left has only the middle and the right has only the edge. I expect the EP to equally reject aggression from the right and from the left.

Madam President, I'm sorry. What's going on here today is political pressure and blackmail. But there is nothing surprising about this, it is the working method of the left. In June, we were close to reaching an agreement with the Commission on the recovery plan, then Hungary adopted the Child Protection Act and the Commission came up with new demands. However, the Commission must not forget its mandate: it can only act on the basis of EU law, it cannot apply double standards, it cannot impose extra conditions on certain Member States to disburse money. No illusions, we cannot be bought. We're not going to let go of the Child Protection Act. No one can be discriminated against in our country, but the sexual education of children remains in the hands of parents. Our international credit rating has continued to improve last week, with access to finance on the financial markets on terms similar to those of the EU. So we start the restoration on our own strength, because this is what is due to the Hungarian people. We will have health improvements, the green and digital transitions. I ask the Commission, as we are ready for dialogue, to stop compromising its own credibility, to have the courage to put an end to this story and to give the green light to the Hungarian and Polish recovery plans.

Mr. President, please. I consider the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion to be extremely important. I feel, however, that this Parliament is once again losing its purpose and its role. Tax policy is a competence of the Member States, so let me draw the left's attention to this again. It is an open secret that Europe is constantly lagging behind China and the United States in its competitiveness. It is precisely in order to catch up with global competition that the EU should support the development and maintenance of balanced and competitive tax systems. Attacking the tax-reducing countries, putting each other at odds, as advocated by the Lalucq report, would create constant tension. If it were implemented, our competitiveness would deteriorate and the internal unity of the Union would be further eroded. Hungary is the best example of how tax cuts can increase public revenues, achieve above-EU average economic growth and reduce unemployment. I would like the left to finally understand that a work-based society, not aid, low taxes would help the European economy recover and encourage companies to stay in the EU. Don't want anything bad for Europe.

Mr. President, please. Joe Biden has been President of the United States for almost a year. I hope that those, many of them, who thought that with Trump gone, everything would be fine and good, that America would be looking for Europe, are slowly waking up. Afghanistan, residual customs duties, AUKUS case: Notice that the ‘America first’ is always the guiding line overseas. I wouldn't even blame them for that. We, on the other hand, should act and cooperate with our most important ally on a Europa first basis. America is a master at selling its own interests as a global good. A striking example is the tax agreement imposed by the OECD. The digital tax has been eliminated by the U.S., so many tech companies will get away with it. And a global corporate minimum tax is necessary for America to raise taxes at home and drag the world down with it, without being penalized. In addition, due to EU law, we should put in place a corporate tax policy on the continent that is even stricter than the global one. This is not in Europe's interest. Let EU leaders wake up, let fair tax competition prevail, and let companies that actually produce not be overburdened. This would help the EU's competitiveness.

Dear Mr President, There is no question that we need to switch to environmentally friendly production and living. At the same time, this must not be done ideologically, but rationally, without compromising the EU's competitiveness, deindustrialising and increasing exports. We must not put citizens and European companies in a more difficult position. The cost of the transition should not be borne by them, but by the large polluters. If we do not do so, the whole green policy will be discredited for a long time. I therefore ask the Commission to finally carry out an impact assessment of the burden, broken down by Member State, and not to introduce a single carbon price in the residential sector and in road transport because of its upward impact on public utility prices. Transform the carbon tax in a WTO-compatible way and find ways to compensate our firms in difficulty, especially SMEs. Finally, the Commission should resist political pressure, treat Member States fairly and equally, and not withhold approval of the Hungarian and Polish recovery plans for political-ideological reasons. They need to know: Hungary fulfils all its commitments, even from its own resources.

Madam President, I'm sorry. This time, the European Union finally did not respond to an economic crisis with austerity. Hungary has been following this path since 2010, although it has been criticised by many in the past. Today, however, everyone accepts that investment and structural reforms are needed for competitiveness and sustainable growth. You don't have to go to the other side of the horse. Funding the recovery instrument through joint borrowing should not constitute a precedent. We cannot live at the expense of future generations. The left wants to finance spending by raising taxes beyond borrowing. Dear Members of the Left, we are in the aftermath of an economic crisis. A minimum tax would bring about a tax increase, which would increase the burden on citizens and reduce Europe's competitiveness. Both would slow economic recovery, so this is a completely wrong direction. Finally, let me ask the Commission not to take ideology where it has no place. Deliver the money from the Recovery Fund to the Member States as soon as possible so that development plans can be implemented everywhere.

Mr. President, please. 68% of the European People's Party and 68% of the European People's Party. You have turned this Parliament into an improvised court. The title of the debate pre-empted the judgment that Hungary had breached EU law, even though we are at the very beginning of the infringement procedure. You want to withdraw EU money from Hungary through the rule of law mechanism. We fulfilled what we said: You are raping EU law, threatening a matter of national competence. Under the pretext of the Hungarian debate, you are diverting attention from Europe's meat-cutting issues, such as the COVID crisis or migration. The hysteria you've created shows that you're nervous. They are nervous because last Friday it became clearer than ever that there is a viable alternative on the right. 16 parties from 15 countries are ready to stand up to you and stand up for freedom, nations, families and traditional Christian values. Get used to it, Europe is not only yours, but also ours. We don't want to tell you how to raise your children. But you don't tell us how to act and how to live.

Mr. President, please. I was pleased to hear that Commissioner Dombrovskis has also urged the European Investment Bank to act fairly when it comes to financing the technological transition and ensuring geographical balance in its lending policy. I would like to make three further requests to the bank: Firstly, to work more closely with national promotional banks to coordinate EU, national and regional development programmes. The bank should therefore be receptive to requests from Member States. Secondly, to measure progress uniformly everywhere, i.e. who is on track to meet the economic and climate targets set. Please share your measurement methodology and sustainability indicator numbers with national development and partner banks. Transparency helps to achieve the objectives, so there can be no accusation of double standards. Finally, to ensure that as many small and medium-sized enterprises as possible receive support quickly, not only in principle, but also in practice, so that viable projects are realised, competitiveness is improved and the crisis is finally behind us.