Debate contributions by György HÖLVÉNYI

That seems to be a relevant question, but, you know, the problem is that you didn't listen to what I told you. The only question is how can we save the lives of thousands and thousands of people? Of course, it's a negotiation. It's a balance. It's compromises. And, of course, I don't say to Mr Putin, 'I can't say "No"'. But the problem is there: whether Europe is a player of the peace-making process or not. (In response to an off-mic comment from another Member) OK, a blue card is a blue card, I have to give an answer. Thanks a lot. The main issue in this question is whether we have somebody who is able to create the peace or not. This is the question. And we would like peace and not war.

Mr. President, please. I really have to say, let's not have fun. Millions have died here. We're talking about a million and a half dead here in a pretty comfortable environment. Thousands of families fell apart, cities became complete ruins. Every day we lose will cost us new lives. But you want the war to continue. I would like to point out that no one wants to relativize Russian aggression in Ukraine. But the question today is, can we finally start on the road to peace? The continuation of the war cannot be a matter of prestige. Human lives should not become hostages to political competition. Financing war endlessly is not a strategy, it is self-deception, and for many, of course, it is a great business. Today, it takes a lot of courage not only to engage in armed struggles, but also to start negotiations. Budapest, we'll see, a chance for peace. It's not about my beloved city, it's about chance. This is worth more than any party political calculation. They're not attacking Hungary, they're not attacking Donald Trump and Putin, they're politics against the people's desire for peace, who don't think it's right. Europe could be ruined in this war. Energy prices are out of control, America is moving away, and China has long since abandoned us in an area that has never been thought of before. For Europe, therefore, peace is the key to the future. The desire for peace is not synonymous with Russia or Putin. You may want to go to war, but the citizens of Europe certainly don't. We need to get out of the logic of war.

Mr. President, please. Recent years have shown that Europe cannot find solutions to the challenges, rather than to the leaders of African countries. African leaders must give their own citizens security and vision. That's their responsibility. We can help, we can't help, we can't take responsibility. Today, there are about 1.5 billion people living in Africa, only 25 years from now, and by 2050 this will be 2.5 billion. It must be recognised that, despite all the contradictions, this is one of Africa's greatest opportunities. But if it is mismanaged, conflicts will intensify, poverty will remain and migration will be more severe than ever before. As an MEP, I have been travelling to Africa for more than ten years as a permanent rapporteur on education. In addition to the many differences, one question is common everywhere: What will be the fate of the 900 million children under the age of 18 and the generation to be born on the continent? What kind of education do they receive and how do they get to work later? Honourable Members, there is nowhere to go without education! Today we can talk about investment, geopolitical competition and raw materials in the debate, but until there is adequate education and vocational training, the workforce must also be imported into Africa. A continent where the average age is 19 and one in three young people is unemployed. Hundreds of millions of young people in Africa live without a predictable future. For them, quality education can be an opportunity to build a safe future. There is simply no other way. Namibia, Botswana and Rwanda spend around 15-20% of their respective annual budgets. First and foremost, we need to work with countries that are ready to mobilise resources to support education. This is where Europe can be a partner, this is where we have to take responsibility, this is where we have to take joint responsibility. Without this, however, let us be prepared for the drastic increase in the number of conflicts of war and for the unprecedented emigration. Let's hope it doesn't.

Dear Madam President, 9.5 million people. This is the number of people in need of the humanitarian assistance mentioned here in South Sudan. Two million internally displaced, seven million starving people. Credible European action depends on defining our engagement in line with our real capabilities. At a time when farmers are unable to farm their land due to a renewed armed conflict in the middle of the agricultural season, the most pressing challenge is to alleviate the famine. However, we alone do not have the means to do so. That is why we need action to alleviate hunger as soon as possible with other humanitarian partners, and in particular with our transatlantic partners, no matter how difficult. Opportunities for cooperation must be found. This is what we expect from the Commission. My fellow Members! An additional $1.4 billion would be needed to meet the humanitarian needs in South Sudan. However, the EU cannot raise this resource. As mediators, however, we can be credible in promoting dialogue and promoting reconciliation. This is how we can stop the humanitarian crisis from deepening. This is where the External Action Service has to make a difference. This is what can really give credibility to the Union's action, not only there, but also in front of our own citizens.

Dear Madam President, How many more victims are needed? The February 13 bestial massacre was no longer the first attack by an Islamist organization calling itself the Allied Defense Force. Already five years ago, ISIS news channels reported that this is the organization that shot Christians in a pile. Since then, more than 300 people have been killed. What have you done against the Congolese or international leadership? For decades, the Kinshasa government has simply been unable to control its own territory, unable to guarantee the safety of its own citizens. What can we do then, Europeans? The brutality of this massacre, which has claimed the lives of seventy Christians, will not tolerate any further helplessness. There is a legitimate expectation that the Congolese Government will also make visible efforts that can be interpreted by its own citizens. How else can we help reduce Islamist extremism? We are waiting for a clear answer, a decisive step. Let us support Congo in this endeavor. Let's not let Congo fall to the Sahel.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Dear fellow Members, The return of Syrian refugees is a priority for Europe. Despite all the contradictions in the situation, for the first time in ten years it is realistically possible to do something about it. The EU's humanitarian aid of €235 million and the Council's decision to suspend sanctions are positive developments. However, the tragic events of the past few days indicate that what is at stake is keeping Syria together. It is therefore important that the de facto government – and it is not worth classifying it as having a tie or not – has formed a committee of inquiry involving all stakeholders. This is also a positive fact. The agreement with the Kurdish leaders, without which there is no unified Syria, is to be welcomed. Discrimination between different religious and ethnic groups must begin. It's not just about minority rights, as local Christian church leaders have said. All communities in Syria should enjoy equal freedoms, including religious freedom. This is where Europe must provide lasting strategic support. Next week's conference in Syria will be an opportunity for EU Member States to ensure a credible EU humanitarian engagement and to work for reconstruction. That is, to allow the return of the 14 million Syrians who have emigrated and to really keep the country together. They need to see jobs, health care, and education for their children. Today, 3.7 million children simply do not attend school in Syria. These are the facts.

Dear Mr President, Just a few hours ago, my fellow factions and I had the opportunity to speak online with Bishop William Ngumbi of Goma, here in the House. The bishop, who is responsible for 800,000 people, said there is a shortage of food, medicine, drinking water, health care and electricity. According to the most conservative estimates, more than 3,600 people have died since January. It was necessary for the international community to finally reach the threshold of the decades-long conflict. It's a scandal. 2.7 million people are now facing starvation in the Goma region. There must be a clear end to the bloodshed caused by M23. We need a ceasefire and peace in the Congo. However, there are a few things we should consider about the role of the East Congo mining companies registered in Toronto, London. What are Ugandan and Burundian soldiers doing in this region of Congo? Under security and peace, the so-called Samoa Agreement negotiated by the Commission refers to mediation and peacekeeping. While the EU never hesitates to teach its partner country a human rights lesson, it is now unable to enforce its international legal obligation. What will happen, fellow Members, to our credibility?

Dear Madam President, We have moved away from the deadlock in the Middle East. That's the good news. Developments in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon are simply creating a chance to stabilise the region. Since 2011, 14 million Syrian refugees have been displaced or 6 million Syrian refugees in the Middle East are waiting to return home. There are also 7 million internally displaced people in Syria. 90% of the population depends on humanitarian supplies for their livelihoods. You may say that we have been discussing Syria for three weeks, but "repetito est mater studiorum", we must repeat once again: One of the most important goals is to allow Syrian refugees to return home permanently as soon as possible. This requires the government to guarantee respect for fundamental rights and to create basic conditions for return. Without it, there is no return home. You have to answer the questions: Where will the children live, work and go to school? There are no answers today. It is high time that the Union stood up for the local, disappearing Christian communities in the Middle East. It's not a religious question. This is simply a moral and cultural issue for us Europeans. This means supporting Syrian Christian educational institutions in Lebanon as well as supporting Christians' freedom of religion.

Mr President, dear High Representative, dear colleagues, something great has happened in Syria. However, many experiences, personal meetings on the spot with Syrians warn me: caution. What is next? We must have a clear picture. Any decision influences millions – whether they return or leave the country. No room for false promises. Return of Syrians to their homeland is essential for all. But the country is in ruins and the leadership – we will say – is more than uncertain. The EU needs to be aware what is its own capacity to do and what not to do. Concrete. It is essential to have a dedicated summit to take a general overview of realistic possibilities. Currently, we have pressing humanitarian appeals to answer. The EU sanctions on Syria cannot any more be the barrier of delivering aid. Guarantees are needed for the Christians as well as Kurds, and others will enjoy the full freedom of existence. Dear colleagues, we have to stand up for the rights of Christians, Kurds and other minorities. It is not a religious but a humanitarian rights question. Respect of the rights of all parts of the Syrian society is absolutely key. As soon as the conditions are there, dialogue is needed together with the regional actors for reconstruction. There is no return otherwise.

Mr President, dear colleagues, as a member of the European Parliament's election observation delegation, I had the opportunity to see elections in Mozambique were forward‑looking, with a new generation entering into power. However, the discrepancies in voting registration and tabulation have led to severe demonstrations with really tragic consequences. The current developments are the result of the lack of security, weak institutions and mistrust. This happens when the country contains only traces of statehood. In a country where near half a century the same party is ruling, this certainly calls for strengthening the democratic transition. The newly elected political leadership has a responsibility to restore the trust, security and strengthen the institutions. Mozambique has a huge potential for development, with the third largest natural gas resource in Africa. However, without security, the people of the country will not ever benefit from it. The political instability favours only extremists, as we see in Cabo Delgado. Here, the Islamist extremists attacked 27 villages in February. The EU can and must be a partner of finding the solution but cannot lead instead of the Mozambicans.