Speeches

Dear fellow Members, This week's deadly series of attacks on Christian communities in Benue State, Nigeria, adds a sad topicality to today's debate. From the timing of the attacks on churches and believers for Easter, it is clear that they are solely conflicts between religious backgrounds and not between farmers, as is often portrayed. So jihadist militias continue to roam the country freely. But that's not the only serious problem. In Nigeria, religious communities are dramatically affected by state prosecutions for blasphemy. This is mostly done on a discriminatory basis, as only members of minority religious communities or dissident citizens are targeted. This is a particularly worrying trend in 12 northern Nigerian states that adopted Sharia law in the early 2000s. At the same time, the Constitution prohibits the acceptance of ‘any religion as a state religion’ in the country. Procedures based on social media content are increasingly abused against vulnerable people. In May 2022, for example, Christian health worker Rhoda Jatau, the mother of five children, was arrested on blasphemy charges in the northern state of Sharia Bauchi and detained without any trial. The blasphemy laws and Sharia provisions undermine human rights in Nigeria, in particular freedom of religion and freedom of expression. We must keep it on the agenda for Nigeria to abide by its international obligations towards all religious denominations.

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.

Dear Mr President, Let me share with you a decade of experience. Unfortunately, ideological bias makes some European decision-makers completely insensitive to human suffering when it comes to Christians. Even the persecutors of Christians do not understand this European position. The consequence of this, however, is that in the absence of the protection of the West, Christians become even more vulnerable. The raids scheduled for Pentecost, Christmas Eve, the brutal killings, the attacks on churches cannot be interpreted in any other way. This is about the persecution of Christians. Let's be able to say it. It is regrettable that we have not seen any meaningful reaction from the External Action Service. According to Open Doors, more than 4,000 of the more than 5,000 victims of jihadism in Nigeria last year alone were Christians. We Europeans cannot turn a blind eye to violence against Christians. In December, President Tinubu said the military would ensure Nigeria's security. Let's wait, let's wait for words to be followed by deeds.

Of course, there have always been and always will be disputes. I know that in the group, but of course that is not the case. It's about whether someone in your country, for example, can take your interests into account or not. You can take into account the interests of ten million people. Manfred Weber and I may have a lot of criticism in person, but it's definitely a balancing act, isn't it? But when a man has tried to do it exclusively against his own country, and to do it against his own citizens, there is no other way of judging it than by a very bad policy, which obviously has its consequences.

Dear Mr President, Dear fellow Members, The election campaign has started. Right here, the left is throwing a political circus, because it simply did not succeed in blackmailing the Commission to its liking. Let's get the facts straight. You have rightly left the allocation of EU funds to the wise decision of the Commission. Then, in long, difficult and strenuous negotiations, a single issue was agreed with a Commission that could not be accused of bias in any way. Negotiating with Commissioners is not a tea afternoon, but the Commission has said that the justice reform package meets expectations. €10 billion can be legitimately disbursed to Hungary. Nothing is too expensive for you leftists. They are attacking the Commission, threatening it with lawsuits to build their political careers out of Hungarian hatred. In their vigorous campaign, they are trying to prevent further work between the Commission and the Hungarian government, even though there is still a lot of work to be done. You're attacking the interests of ten million people. The situation is clear: this is the message of the European left to the Hungarian electorate at today's campaign event. No doubt, you have made this a campaign event. This is not what Parliament deserves, and this is not what the Commission deserves. (The speaker is willing to answer a blue card question)

Madam President, dear colleagues, only in Africa this report on education affects more than half a billion children. The text we are about to vote is based on wide consultation with different kinds of African stakeholders, as well as on a wide consensus of political groups. This constitutes a strong message to the Commission and Member States. Young people in our partner countries deserve the opportunity to have quality education, decent work and life in their homeland. To meet Agenda 2030, an additional 70 million teachers will need to be recruited. For that, there is a need for adequate financing and stronger engagement with the local partners. The Commission has rightly recognised the urgency of this issue of education in developing countries. The increase in the budgetary commitment of the last years is a good step, but widely not enough. We also need enhanced efficiency and strategic implementation. We need to move beyond the practice of aiding, and build cooperation, partnership and trust. Dear colleagues, let me express my gratitude to the shadow rapporteurs for the good and really efficient cooperation, and I also thank Commissioner Urpilainen, who is a committed supporter of the EU’s engagement for education. I hope that the Commission will continue and strengthen this cooperation and increase financing for education in developing countries. Finally, dear colleagues, this report is a result of intense negotiations. We managed to deliver a text which reflects the reality of our development partner countries. The message can be understood by our partners as well as within the Union. Now I invite you to support the report with your vote.

Dear Madam President, Once again, millions of people can be amazed, primarily in Hungary, of course, but also in other countries of Europe, that once again and still, of course, it can be said that indirectly, but making Hungarian citizens impossible is on the agenda in the European Parliament. We need to make it clear that today's debate is nothing more than the left's forced, we have seen, precisely, its campaign event. Above all, those who can make a political career out of ideologically based Hungarian hatred are competing for better places on the left-wing electoral lists. Make no mistake, it is not that Hungary or other Member States cannot be criticised for a specific situation. However, this has not been the case for a long time. The increasingly radicalised left is blackmailing the European Commission and the Council with desperate but not underestimated efforts. All this in order to permanently prevent Hungary from accessing the EU funds due to it. Unfortunately, I have no doubts, an objective debate, as we have seen here today, there is no chance. I hope, however, that after next year's elections, the potential for democracy and dialogue in the European Parliament will be strengthened.

Mr. President, please. I am glad that we have finally moved a bit away from the military aspects, although these are obviously decisive. Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger are all partner countries in which democratic attempts have completely failed. This has also reduced the EU's influence on foreign policy. The Sahel region has been mentioned many times. The problem is that the potential for migration is increasing. It's not just Niger, it's very clear. The restoration of constitutional order in the region now seems almost unattainable. Across the region, there are countries that, as advertising says, include traces of a state. But only in traces. Even more alarmingly, the coupists – and this is what is very important to me – simply refer to those with whom they cooperate with Europeans as European collaborators. Let's face it, we are facing a trend that the Union has so far not been able to really cooperate to curb. My question is very short: Europe is interested in a stable, responsible Africa. Cooperation between equals is the future of African relations, and that is why we are always working wherever we are. Will the External Action Service be able to make a difference in the future, regardless of what it has done so far?

Mr President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, the general experience of the scientific reports show that we live in a time of unprecedented religious intolerance globally. Unfortunately, in 2021, as many as 40 countries of the world people have been killed, abducted for their faith. At the same time, since 2019, the Commission unfortunately hesitated for three years with the appointment of the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of the freedom of religion outside the EU. This undermined, clearly – this is my own experience – the EU’s international credibility. Dear colleagues, around 84% of the global population identifies with a different kind of religious group, according to the Pew Research Center. The basic human right of the freedom of religion is still not fully integrated into EU diplomacy. We’ll still need to set milestones in dialogue with the churches, religious communities and their organisations active in this field in the EU and the third countries. According to Article 17 of the EU Treaty, the EU institution conducts substantial and transparent dialogue with the religious communities, either. In reality – we know it very well, however – it is not structured dialogue as such prior to any substantive EU decision-making. It is not a legal framework that is missing. Rather, the EU leadership refuses knowledge of the decisive impact of religion in individual society. Without this, decision-makers are unable to understand the importance of religious freedom. A visible result, today, is that we hold this debate in the very end of the plenary session, on Thursday afternoon. We need the presence of the colleagues, of course. Thanks for everybody who is present. I think it is really a simple shame. Let me recall the free expression of religion is not a matter of religion, but it is a human right. In fact, it is even deeper – it is one of the anthropological question.

Thank you for your reply, Commissioner, and I absolutely agree with him, and in these endeavours I believe that the Commission has always been supported by my group. I would like to stress that Africa has all the opportunities - and we must underline this here - that make the continent the 21st. It can make it the leading region of the century, Europe's number one strategic ally. But one thing that needs to be emphasized is that an extremely young and fast growing population is an opportunity that needs to be taken advantage of. This requires that young people in Africa receive adequate education and vocational training. It will be up to the next generation to make the strategic decisions that will make Africa a true winner in the 21st century.

Mr. President, please. More than three years have passed since the Commission published the EU Strategy for Africa. It promised a partnership for the green transition in Africa, digitalisation, job creation, peace and migration management. The question rightly arises: Have we fulfilled our promises? Is Africa a safer place? Have we been effective in tackling the root causes of migration? Today, 15 of the world's 20 most unstable countries are in Africa. Since 2020, our strategic partners such as Ethiopia, Sudan and Nigeria have been stranded in or on the brink of civil war. Madam Commissioner, what can we do to bring the work of the last five years to a truly tangible conclusion next year? What can we do to ensure that young Africans can contribute locally to the development of their communities instead of emigrating?

Mr. President, please. As Head of the 2022 EU Electoral Mission, I have been able to follow political developments in Lebanon closely to this day. Allow me to make two statements about my experience: It is a false promise that the European Union will be able to solve Lebanon's problems. Lebanon does not need a European education, but it needs a great deal of cooperation, but it needs to happen on both sides. For this to happen, however, the Lebanese political elite elected last year must finally complete their task. The first step is the presidential election, after a year's delay. Those who block this process and stand in the way of much-needed vital reforms must have the means – and the constitution – to prevent it. Dear fellow Members, The resolution of the situation of Syrian refugees is an issue that cannot be postponed for a long time, as it appeared here in the conversation. The European Union must help refugees to return home, but today neither the political nor the humanitarian situation in Syria is suitable for this. But we must be clear that Turkey and Lebanon will take action on this issue sooner rather than later. It is therefore better for us Europeans to sit at the table and not on the menu. Let's get thematic, let's not let them get thematic.

Mr. President, please. Disabling an entire country and ten million EU citizens simply cannot be a political goal in any way. This motion for a resolution attempts to do so, albeit indirectly. It radically interferes in the negotiation process between the Hungarian government and the European Commission, thus rejecting constructive dialogue and compromises reached. The real unscrupulous political cynicism is that, despite the progress made, they demand that Hungary should not receive EU funds under any circumstances. It is a particular tragedy, of course, that in this political depression Hungarian companions were found. They also question Hungary's ability to hold the presidency in 2024, thus attacking the Council's institutional system. It is fortunate that this is not decided by the European Parliament because of its lack of competence. The plan makes any kind of confidence building even more difficult, almost impossible. It seems that there are always politicians who use Hungary to increase their political recognition, and here we can say that they are making false statements. How much sobriety is there in this House in the face of an increasingly excluded, dissociative madness? Because it's crazy. Actually, that's the question today. We need to find a solution, ladies and gentlemen. Hungary has endured a lot of things so far, and it will endure this too!