Speeches

Madam President, although it is late at night, I think it is important to explain what actually happened today. It was a great surprise that, in the end, the position of the European Parliament on reducing pesticides in this regulation was not adopted. I want to stress that I voted against the rejection. I supported the amendments and supported the proposal as a whole. In particular, we voted to extend the deadline for reducing pesticides to 2035. We have changed the reference period to 2011-2013. Member States should have more flexibility for the use of pesticides in sensitive areas. And the possibility of exemption for those Member States with a lower intensity of pesticide use than 35% of the EU average has been very narrowly passed. In short, we approved a very good basis in the amendments, but it did not pass thanks to those who favoured ideology over environmental protection.

Madam President, colleagues, on 8 November, the Commission recommended to grant a candidate status to Georgia. Two days before this announcement, a Georgian citizen, Tamaz Ginturi, was killed by Russian occupying forces. He was shot dead for driving a car in his home country after visiting a cemetery and church. Another lost life in the evil of Russia. This is a sad example of how Russia is casting its shadow also over countries such as Georgia. It also represents an imminent threat to the integration process of this country. Currently, 20% of Georgia’s internationally recognised territory is under Russian military occupation. We once again repeat our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under the international recognised border. Russia must fulfil the obligation under the 2008 ceasefire agreement and withdraw its troops from the country. We demand the release of all Georgian citizens in the illegal custody of the occupation regime, and to impose targeted sanctions on those responsible.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the latest military coup in Niger and the unjust imprisonment of President Bazoum represent a grave threat to democratic progress in the region. This unlawful act not only sets Niger back, but also jeopardises the stability and democratic consolidation of West Africa. Furthermore, the concerning efforts by external factors such as Russia to increase their presence in the Sahel only deepen the existing fragility of the region and undermine democratic efforts. We welcome Economic Community of West African States-imposed sanctions and efforts for diplomatic solution. We also call on the Council to implement sanctions against the leaders of the Nigerien junta. The democratically elected president must be immediately reinstated and the constitutional order must be restored.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Madam Commissioner, the tragic deaths of Armita Geravand and Jina Mahsa Amini spotlight Iran’s brutal treatment of women. Women and girls are being punished by the hands of morality police for wearing or not wearing a piece of clothing. The regime relentlessly strips away their rights, even targeting people like Sakharov and Nobel laureates. We strongly condemn Iran’s practice of arbitrary detention, police violence, torture, death sentences and executions. Iranian authorities must immediately end all discriminatory measures and withdraw the oppressive bill. Iran must immediately release political prisoners, including European citizens. Johan Floderus, a Swedish citizen and EU official, has been held under heavy conditions in the notorious Evin prison for more than 580 days now. This must stop and we need to get him home. We call for criminal investigation into the crimes committed by Iranian authorities and sanction those responsible for human rights violations. In the face of this grave human rights violation, we must unite our voices in this call again and again.

Mr President, dear colleagues, the implementation report on the European Solidarity Corps reflects the success of this youth programme for young people between 18 and 30 years old, respectively certified for humanitarian aid activities. The programme has awarded almost 43 000 young people in the last two years, and the interest is still rising. Of course, there are some pressing challenges like enhancing visibility, improving IT tools, including specific initiatives in the post-war rebuilding of Ukraine or increasing the budget. In any way, it is excellent youth programme with a European added value which leads towards active citizenship, which is needed now. With my dear colleague shadow rapporteurs, we hope this report will be a good basis for improving the programme in the next period.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, thirty-four years ago, on the very days when students in Czechoslovakia opposed the communist dictatorship, it was in those days that the Convention on the Rights of the Child was established in New York and approved on 20 November. I shall mention here two introductory provisions. The first says that children deserve special care and attention. And in the latter, it is said that the family is the best environment for the child, and therefore the family also deserves support. Social policies are designed to help parents manage their role. But today's discussion is taking place at a time when thousands of children are suffering from the conflict and violence of Hamas against Israel and Israel's retaliation. I see this conflict through the eyes of these suffering children and I would very much like to see the hostages released as soon as possible so that this conflict can be ended. I also see today's discussion through the eyes of deported Ukrainian children, to whom Putin took their childhood, to which they are entitled.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, of course, generational renewal is a condition for ensuring healthy and competitive agriculture in the European Union. More than 12% of farmers in the European Union are under the age of 40, and this is indeed an insufficient number. Farmers face scarcity and unavailability of land, low profit, low prestige of the sector. We know this, and that is why these measures must be directed to these areas. The allocation of 3% of the first pillar to farmers under 40 is assessed positively, but this is not enough. Together with the Member States, we must ensure the availability of land, reduce bureaucracy and increase profits in the agricultural sector. Simply supporting young farmers today will mean providing enough food for the future.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, the victims of terrorism oblige us not to resign. We can't accept what's going on here. According to Europol's latest reports, it is the lone actors who carry out most of the attacks in the European Union, last week in Arras, France, this week in Brussels. Most attacks in the EU are carried out and motivated on the basis of jihadist ideology. The fact is that most terrorist acts are linked to Islam. We have to fight it. The police must operate and guarantee a return policy. How is it possible that the assailant in Brussels, who was refused asylum in 2020, continued to reside in Belgium until the fateful moment? It was clear police misconduct, inconsistency, but more powerful than gun and repression is prevention. I expect Muslim communities to immediately revolt against these atrocities and say a clear ‘no’, as these communities should play a crucial role in effectively preventing and fighting radicalisation. Schools are a workshop of humanity, but teachers are at risk today because human life is not protected. We want the European Union to be a community of peace and democratic values. Those who want to live here must accept this. Or leave.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, I too want to join those who appreciate your steps in enforcing the DSA rules. The Russian aggression and now Hamas attacks on Israel have opened floodgates for disinformation in the digital space. The European Commission's study clearly states that the impact of Kremlin-backed accounts increased further in the first half of this year, mainly as a result of the abolition of Twitter's security standards. Unfortunately, platform X, especially after it was taken over by Elon Musk, withdrew from the EU Voluntary Code of Practice on Disinformation. The fight against disinformation is mandatory under the DSA. Now the platform is flooded with terrorist propaganda and disinformation linked to the Hamas attack. I would therefore appreciate your step towards launching a formal investigation into this platform, which may result in a heavy fine. Elon Musk has become a powerful international player, but in the interests of security, he too must abide by the rules that apply to everyone, including billionaires.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I too am very concerned about the terrorist attack that Brussels experienced today, two innocent dead people again. So no one should be surprised that we must stand clearly on the side of those who are fighting terrorism, today the very strong terrorism that Hamas is committing. We will stand with Israel. But I want to speak on another matter, and that is the ongoing negotiations of the International Olympic Committee. We expect the Olympic Committee to finally realize that it is unsustainable to close its eyes to trampling on Olympic principles and banning the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes. Despite the resolutions of the European Parliament, a number of letters, calls and petitions, this has still not happened. Instead, the director of relations with the National Olympic Committees has condemned countries that demand a total ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris Olympics. However, I am confident that this position will be reconsidered. The good news is that the Russian National Olympic Committee has been suspended and funding has also been suspended. We will definitely not stop in this activity.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Ukraine has been resisting massive Russian aggression for 600 days and we all know that without the support of the European Union and other allies it would simply not have been able to do so. That's why it needs military help, it needs weapons, but it also needs to rebuild its infrastructure. I therefore very much welcome this financial instrument for Ukraine and I also very much support the preparation of a good plan for the distribution of this large sum of money in cooperation with the Ukrainian Government and the Commission, as has been said here. And I also think it is right that it should be under the democratic control of the Verkhovna Rada, that the funds should go exactly where they should go, even to the smaller municipalities. I very much appreciate the decision of the committees that prepared the European Parliament's proposal that these infrastructure-building objectives are extended to medical, educational, cultural and social facilities for children without parents, for children in need of alternative family education. Of course, it is imperative that Russia bears the responsibility and costs for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Therefore, it is imperative that funds from Russian assets and assets that should be used for reconstruction are involved.

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, the internet, social networks, digital skills, that is now an obvious part of the life of the young generation. It has its advantages for education, information acquisition, entertainment and communication. But we know well that it has very great risks. It is estimated that up to 23% of children between the ages of nine and 16 have experienced online bullying. It's a 2020 survey. That is why we want children to be protected. We agree that this strategy for a better internet for children is a good, useful strategy, but we care very much about how it will be implemented in concrete terms. A sad example is the story of Nicole Fox. She took her own life because of cyberbullying. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Only then did the law punishing cyberbullying enter into force in Ireland in February 2021. And I think that we should not wait for other similar cases, sad fates, and we should also start changing legislation at the level of the European Union. We therefore call on the Commission, in coordination with the European Education Area, to develop a strategy against bullying and cyberbullying in schools and to develop a package of measures to improve data collection in cooperation with Member States. It should also include sanctioning those who commit cyberbullying. This is a challenge to the European Commission.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, today I supported the European Parliament resolution on EU-Switzerland relations. I think it's important. Switzerland is our important partner, all the more so in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In this regard, I welcome Switzerland's adherence to the EU sanctions adopted in this context and the adoption of all sanctions packages. Research, innovation, development and education are important areas of cooperation. I appreciate Switzerland's involvement as an associated partner in forming an alliance of European universities. However, the results of the 2014 and 2020 referendums, which reject free movement, continue to prevent him from becoming an Erasmus+ partner. The European Parliament therefore regrets the Swiss Government's decision to conclude negotiations on an institutional framework agreement between the EU and Switzerland, which is a condition for Switzerland's further involvement in EU programmes.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I supported the resolution on the segregation and discrimination of Roma children, even though I have reservations about parts of the content. Nevertheless, I consider it important that the European Parliament has made a clear commitment to promoting children's right to quality free education. I consider this to be crucial to their success in life. Unfortunately, the European Parliament resolution very unilaterally condemns the shortcomings in the education of Roma children only by society, but makes no mention of the shortcomings on the part of the parents of these children. Personally, I am very much fighting for quality education for all children, including, of course, Romani children. Therefore, I also assess very positively the key changes made by the Czech Republic, such as compulsory pre-school education, such as support measures to support children who come with social disadvantage. These are solutions that are certainly supported by the European Union and the Member States, and this is a way to improve conditions for Roma children.

Mr President, I supported the position of the European Parliament on the proposal updating the European Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures. It is estimated that 55% of EU citizens believe that they are not sufficiently informed about the risks of chemicals in consumer products. Consumers have the right to know which chemicals they come into contact with, what their properties are, whether their use poses any environmental risks. This is why we need transparent rules on the use of chemicals and their mixtures. We must not forget the ingredients and combinations of these substances. For each individual substance, we need to know its properties well. Chemicals should have a mandatory digital label that includes detailed information on their properties. The production of chemicals has an impact not only on our health, the environment, but also on animals. I supported this proposal for the position of the European Parliament because I consider it useful.

Mr President, on behalf of Janina Ochojska, I would like to thank all colleagues who cooperated on this report. The Zarema Musaeva case is another horrendous example of the atrocities committed by the Russian—installed Kadyrov regime against human rights defenders and vulnerable groups. This resolution also aims to raise awareness of these crimes. Some pro-Russian narratives continue to question the situation, but these are undeniable instances of inhuman treatment and practices. The Yangulbayev family has suffered under Kadyrov’s regime for a long time. In January 2022, he issued explicit death threats on social media, stating that the family members would no longer be able to walk freely and enjoy life and should be detained, punished and if needed, destroyed. These threats came at a time of the abduction and subsequent arrest of Ms Musaeva. She was sentenced to five years in prison. This is part of the systematic effort by the Kadyrov regime to eliminate all opposition voices, even targeting their relatives. We urge the Chechen authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ms Musaeva, to provide her with proper medical care and to put an immediate end to all forms of harassment against civil society and opposition. As Abubakar, her son, said, by kidnapping her, they have taken our heart. Colleagues, we cannot just watch without action. We implore the international community, the Commission, European External Action Service and Member States to respond to this deeply alarming human rights situation. We urge the competent authorities to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation of these attacks and to hold those responsible accountable. Thank you, colleagues, for your support.

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, I think that no one is enthusiastic about having to use glyphosate, let alone farmers, because, above all, it is not cheap. If we had a cheaper, effective alternative after forty-nine years, we would undoubtedly be very happy. And after a detailed scientific examination by EFSA, at the responsible discretion of the Commission and also of the Ministers, I expect that in the end this most widely used substance, which helps to ensure production, to ensure livelihoods, will be extended. I have to say that I am not influenced by any company. I've never met a representative of Monsanto or any other company that produces any herbicides. The only thing I am bound by is the results of the scientific examination of EFSA's conclusions and also the voice of our farmers. That's the responsibility we all have here. I think the way forward is where we will develop new safe pesticides, especially on a biological basis. And, of course, new agricultural practices that make it possible to reduce the use of pesticides. This is definitely the way forward and I believe that, under the control and regulation of the Member States, the use of pesticides will be safe.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, today is 2 October, and that is World Livestock Day. This is not a coincidence, because we are aware that we need livestock as a source of our livelihood. But we also need to take care of them, they need good living conditions. I am happy to see that even in the Czech Republic on many farms there are very good conditions for dairy or meat cattle. And I am also glad that the Czech Republic has adopted a ban on cage rearing of laying hens since 2027, but we are still waiting for the European Commission to present a proposal to improve the welfare of farm animals, where such a ban on cage rearing of laying hens should be on a pan-European level. So far, this is only true in the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. But because we have a common market and we want to improve the welfare of all animals, we want this to apply on a pan-European level.

Madam Chair, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, we are speaking about a known concrete case. Our previous colleague said that he is not aware about this concrete case, but we are aware, because the imprisonment of the Mr Gubad Ibadoghlu is just another illustration of the systematic oppression and intimidation by the government in Azerbaijan. Various independent organisations list more than 200 political prisoners in Azerbaijan. This concrete case highlights a deterioration of human rights and fundamental freedoms in that country. Therefore, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Gubad Ibadoghlu, arrested on fabricated charges. The Azerbaijani authorities must release all political prisoners, journalists and human rights defenders. In recent weeks we have witnessed meetings between Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi, as well as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. In light of engagements such as this we call on the Vice-President / High Representative, the European External Action Service and the Member States to raise cases such as these in all bilateral negotiations for a future partnership agreement.

Madam President, Madam President of the Commission, dear Ursula, I would like to thank you for your courageous and optimistic approach and also for your realistic approach. We need realistic solutions. The competitiveness of European industry, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the reduction of low-priced imports, which limit the development of European industry and destroy our business. Reducing the bureaucracy. Thank you for this clear proposal. Let's be bold in our visions, but realistic in our solutions. I only have one question. You are very sensitive to the situation of deported children who are being taken from Ukraine to Russia. You mentioned that you will be organizing a large high-level conference to help these children return. I would like to ask you if you intend to continue on this matter. Anyway, thank you and good luck.

Madam President, I was very pleased to vote in favour of the outcome of the trilogue on the proposal for a regulation on the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products. Currently, such legislation is lacking in the European Union, while we have had protection for wines, spirits and agricultural products since 1992. Currently, only 16 Member States provide for a specific regime for GIs, and this leads to some uncertainty. This means that this new regulation will provide products such as Czech crystal with the required protection. This will allow manufacturers to protect their products and the know-how associated with them. The proposal for a regulation should also raise awareness of traditional products and preserve unique product-related skills. I would also like to say that it will help those who want to submit this registration. It will be one place at the level of the European Union and will go through the digital system. I appreciate the fact that the EU-wide protection of geographical indications has been negotiated.

Madam President, the Renewable Energy Directive has reached its final vote. In the end, I supported the agreement between the European Parliament and the Member States. These are ambitious goals and they will not be easy to achieve. In addition, the original ambitious targets of the European Commission, which proposed a share of 40% of renewables. The European Parliament has been even more ambitious, resulting in 42.5% as a binding European target for 2030. Specific objectives for industry, housing are important, and it is also very important that biomass remains a recognisable renewable resource, regardless of whether it is primary or secondary biomass. I think it is important that this was achieved in the trilogue negotiations. Achieving these goals will therefore be very challenging, but it makes sense to move in this direction. That is why I voted in favour.

Madam President, I supported the European Parliament's proposal for a position on surface and groundwater pollutants. I believe that we are achieving the objectives in the area of the Water Directive more slowly than necessary, and that is why it is necessary to update the assessment and monitoring of pollution levels. The water cycle is strongly threatened by residues of hazardous substances and new substances, such as microplastics, are emerging. If large producers pollute, they will also have to participate in pollution monitoring. We need to prevent situations such as the catastrophic pollution in the Polish Oder in 2022. It is precisely the promotion of international cooperation in the field of water pollution that is also the objective of this Directive and the protection of large rivers.

Madam President, Lukashenko is making Belarus a satellite state of Russia. The list of crimes of Lukashenka himself continues to expand from the abuse, instrumentalization of refugees and migration through imprisonment, to the abuse of political prisoners. I would add Pavel Sevjarynec, who has been in prison for more than two and a half years, to the names that have already been mentioned here, I would not see my children or family. The Lukashenka regime is responsible for the forced deportation of more than 2,150 children to so-called recreational camps in Belarus, from where they are further taken to Russia and russified. By his actions, Lukashenko is as responsible for crimes against humanity as Maria Lvova or Putin. We therefore call for an international arrest warrant to be issued. The report also calls once again on the International Olympic Committee not to allow Belarusian and Russian athletes to start at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. I hope he hears our appeal as well.

Madam President, I also want to thank you for the report that has been presented. It is clear that Turkey remains our partner, but it is also an ally in these difficult times. Turkey plays a very important role, for example, in enabling grain exports through the Black Sea Grain Route. Turkey remains an important host country for Syrian refugees and I believe it will remain as long as Bashar al-Assad terrorizes his own citizens. There are four million refugees. The Commissioner said that the European Union and the European Commission are ready to further support this alliance in order to limit the influx of refugees into the European Union. However, Turkey does not respect human rights. With its dictatorial practices, the Turkish Government is moving away from the values of the European Union, and we therefore call on the Commission to propose possible new formats of cooperation that would be appropriate for both parties, Turkey and the EU.