Debate contributions by Krzysztof HETMAN

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. European farmers have repeatedly demonstrated their revolt against excessive administrative burdens and complicated procedures in an extremely strong way. I am therefore pleased that their voice has been heard to some extent and that rules simplifying procedures that increase flexibility will enter into force as of next year. Here, Commissioner Hansen is to be thanked for his great sensitivity in this area. Under the simplifications introduced, a farmer will only be able to be subject to one check per year. We are extending the exemptions from GAEC7 so that farms up to 30 hectares are not subject to controls or penalties. The possibility of financing new crisis payments from Pillar 1 will also be removed, protecting the funds earmarked for basic income support for farmers. And all these changes are undoubtedly expected and much needed, but still insufficient. We need a system that is efficient but friendly at the same time. The farmer must not be treated as a potential criminal, he must be a partner. The administration should support it, not overwhelm it with the need to keep a number of records, fertilization, chemical treatments, deadlines for the use of nitrogen and natural fertilizers, which are not adequate to the weather in recent years. Meanwhile, on Thursday, farmers will once again take to the streets in Brussels, who in a gigantic demonstration will oppose, among other things, overly complicated and, above all, unfair procedures. Meanwhile, the farmer's place is on the land, not on the street. We do not allow this form to be their only chance to secure a dignified and stable future.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, The UN Climate Summit has shown that we need a policy that can combine environmental objectives with economic development and competitiveness. We must remember that the energy transition and emission reductions are driven by specific industrial sectors, jobs and the competitiveness of the European economy. Europe needs a reality-based climate policy that not only blindly sets ever more ambitious reduction targets, let us add ill-considered ones, but above all supports its domestic industry. Without investment in innovation, modernization of production facilities and deregulation of regulations, our companies will not be able to face global competition. Moreover, the outcome of the Summit confirms that many countries outside Europe are not making equally ambitious commitments. This means that European companies may find themselves in a situation of unequal competition. That is why we need effective market protection mechanisms, such as a carbon border tax, so that our companies are not penalised for the high standards we impose on ourselves. Finally, the transition must also be just for heavy industry, energy and transport. These are sectors that employ hundreds of thousands of people across the Union. If we do not provide them with financial and regulatory support, we risk losing jobs, relocating production outside Europe and weakening the European economy.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, First of all, I would like to pay tribute to the rapporteur, Andrzej Halicki, for his work on the draft budget of the European Union for 2026. This budget responds to Europe's most important challenges. One such challenge is undoubtedly safety. For Poland, as a frontline state, strengthening the EU's eastern border is crucial in this context. Therefore, it is extremely important that we provide support for border services to the monitoring system and protective infrastructure. It is also crucial that the 2026 budget provides unprecedented support for the European defence industry and dual-use items. So we are talking here not only about support for the arms industry, but also about support for small and medium-sized enterprises and local governments. It is a huge achievement that the European Union has changed the paradigm of thinking and recognised that the budget is a key tool to strengthen our defence capabilities and cybersecurity. Thanks and congratulations to Commissioner Serafin for this. Europe must be strong, united and ready to act. And this budget for 2026 prepares us for such a European Union.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, We have great announcements when it comes to the common agricultural policy, simplification and flexibility. After all, farmers will have less bureaucracy. They will spend more time in the field and less at the desk, filling out various types of documentation and applications. That's great news. We've really been waiting for this for a very long time. Farmers have been waiting for this for a long time. As well as reacting more quickly to emergencies. And we are also speaking in this room today, during this debate on the empowerment of farmers. What does it look like in practice? In practice, it looks like today European farmers, especially Polish farmers, are not able to sell their agricultural products. They are unable to cover the cost of their production. So what is the position of our European farmers we are talking about? Especially when we want to allow a situation in which products from Mercosur countries or Ukraine will come, when competitiveness in one single European market, the agricultural market, will be completely undermined. A situation in which our European farmers will not be able to compete in any way with these products, when those farmers in those countries will not be subject to the production rules to which European farmers are subject, including as regards phytosanitary rules. Food security is one of the pillars of European security, alongside military, energy and economic security. And we either want to seriously support European and Polish farmers, or we want to simulate actions, as Mrs Ursula von der Leyen does.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Yesterday, there was an unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. This situation clearly shows, as never before, that the discussion on Europe's security cannot be just an abstract concept, but must take the form of decisive and very concrete actions – actions here and now to strengthen our ability to defend and respond to threats on our own. The European single market can be a powerful tool for this. However, we urgently need to improve its functioning, especially in defence-related areas. Regrettably, regulatory fragmentation, regulatory complexity and inconsistent implementation of internal market rules continue to undermine the Union’s competitiveness and ability to react quickly. I therefore call for simplification of procedures, the creation of a common space for the European defence industry and a better link between the Single Market Strategy and the Security Strategy. We need to ensure swift implementation and a level playing field, including the inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises in the European defence supply chain. It is also necessary to guarantee the free movement not only of goods and services, but also of strategic components, dual-use technologies and critical infrastructure. Security cannot be treated as an isolated sector. It must be an integral part of the single market policy. The single market of the European Union is the foundation of our economic community. But today it must also become a pillar of our common resilience and security.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. I have this deep conviction and feeling that, for the first time in a very long time here in the European Union, in the European institutions, we have responded in a real way to the challenges and expectations and needs that we hear from individual communities, citizens and professional groups in our Member States. Ladies and Gentlemen, on the occasion of this mid-term review of cohesion policy, we have taken very good decisions here together on the issue of redeployment, the transfer of this money to defence, especially when it comes to dual-use goods. These are very important measures for our companies, which will increase their competitiveness, and the money transferred to defence can be a new lever for the European economy. Ladies and Gentlemen, the second extremely important element, which we would like to highlight as a priority, is the issue of the energy transition, clean and cheap energy, safe, available at prices that will be accepted by entrepreneurs and households at the appropriate level. Ladies and Gentlemen, another issue is the recognition of the issue related to the eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, because they all face huge challenges, threats and uncertainty. I wanted to thank you very much for that. Another issue is water resilience and sustainable water management. Another priority, extremely important, taking into account all the events that we have in the European Union when it comes to floods and droughts. Finally, the issue of flexibility and simplification in cohesion policy. We must implement this law as soon as possible. We still have to vote on this in plenary so that all these very good changes come into force on 1 January 2026.

Madam President, Commissioner, Ladies and Gentlemen, European Union citizens, businesses and industry are interested in affordable, stable and reliable energy supplies. In recent years, mainly renewable energy sources have been developed. And rightly so. But the focus was actually only on generating energy, and the grid's energy management system was forgotten. The essence of this problem was shown by the blackout in Spain and Portugal, where it was based only on electrification, not taking into account other energy sources. The discontinuation of gas infrastructure financing was a mistake and should be revised. The current grid architecture requires modernisation, integration of transmission, electricity, natural gas and hydrogen systems, including through the use of a coherent management system for all energy sources. This means integrating technologies such as energy storage, demand-side management systems and grid automation. I would also like to stress the importance of cross-border connections, which make it possible to build an integrated energy market in the European Union. There will be no question of huge investment outlays, which are estimated to be even more than a trillion euros by 2040. Therefore, in connection with the ongoing work on the multiannual financial framework, we should develop new financial instruments dedicated to these goals, so that the development of modern electricity networks becomes a strategic priority.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. At the outset, I would like to emphasise that cohesion policy has been supporting rural areas in the European Union for many, many, many years. But I am pleased that today we can talk about how cohesion policy can more effectively, more quickly and at a greater level support the resolution of those problems that affect rural areas, such as transport exclusion, the improvement of road, educational, health and cultural infrastructure, support for the development of entrepreneurship, and above all this problem, which we have been facing for many years, in many parts of the European Union in rural areas, namely depopulation. If we want cohesion policy to really solve these problems, we need to make one fundamental decision, namely to trust people, those who live there today, and those who make decisions and know best what social expectations and needs are. It is they downstairs, there in their local governments, in their small homelands who know best what they should spend this money on. Let's give them that opportunity. For the first time in the history of the European Union. Mr President, I am glad that you understand these problems. Let's give them a chance to decide what they want to spend the money on. Which problems they want to solve first. They will repay, they will repay the beautiful projects, they will repay the wonderful tasks that will be accomplished for the European funds that all of us, including the Commissioner, the President, will be able to boast about. Let's trust people. Let's give them a chance to finally decide for themselves how they want to spend the money they work and work for, which goes to the common budget of the European Union.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Food prices in the Union have been rising since the beginning of 2022. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has destabilised the market, initially by preventing food supplies to many countries, and later by uncontrolled inflows of certain agricultural products into EU countries such as Poland and Romania. In order not to be exposed to strong market shocks and sudden price increases, Europe must be independent in this strategic area of agriculture and must strive to reduce production costs. Unfortunately, European agriculture faces many problems. Since 2005, the number of farms in the Union has decreased by around 37%. European farmers need more support, less administrative burden and high demands, as well as a fairer approach to international trade, in order to compete with producers outside the Union and make their products more affordable. EU legislation should be screened for its impact on agriculture. Otherwise, farmers may not be able to bear the burden imposed on them, which will further deepen our dependence on food.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Ukraine must be independent, sovereign and democratic. Ukraine deserves our respect for how it defends itself, but it also deserves peace as soon as possible. But for a peace in which the conditions she will accept and which will be beneficial to her. And for this peace, for independence, for the sovereignty of Ukraine, we are also responsible. We must show determination by supporting Ukraine militarily and humanely. We need to rapidly rebuild the European arms industry to effectively deter Russia and prove to it that if it wants to continue this war, we will consistently support Ukraine. If the place of Ukraine is the European Union, then only after the normal passage of the entire negotiation process. Finally, I warn against excessive and too rapid liberalisation of trade with Ukraine. In the long term, this will harm both Ukraine and the European Union and will not be understood by, among others, European farmers and entrepreneurs.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The European water resilience strategy is great information, it is very much needed. If we want to restore and protect the disrupted hydrological cycle, provide clean and affordable water for all, promote the circular economy, increase the level of investment, and support agriculture and industry in water management, which build our food and economic security, then mistakes like in the ETS cannot be made. We will achieve these goals only through a system of incentives and rewards for those who pursue these goals. Commissioner, please use incentives, not penalties. The latter absolutely did not work. Let's not push the responsibility on local governments, farmers and companies. That's not the way.

Madam President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I would like to thank you. Without an energy-intensive industry, we cannot talk about European competitiveness. We can't develop our defenses, we can't become more innovative. However, it is in this sector that the huge challenges of decarbonisation or the current geopolitical situation lie. It is therefore necessary to provide it with maximum support. This could be done, inter alia, by introducing a mechanism to reduce energy prices for the sector. We therefore need to revise the ETS. We also need to bear in mind that some industries, due to their specificities, cannot be fully electrified. In this context, it is necessary to maintain the possibility of using natural gas. I would like to give you an example related to the chemical industry. I am often terrified of the discussions that are taking place in this Parliament. We are talking about maybe buying some products from Russia, maybe from Africa – and if not from Africa, then from South America. However, there is no conversation, or not enough conversation, about buying them in the domestic chemical industry, building its competitiveness and building its strength here.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, In the debate on the vision for the future of agriculture, the voice of farmers should resound. Last night I asked one of them what the future of agriculture should be like, and he mentioned it to me in 5 points. 1. Shortening supply chains and strengthening the position of the manufacturer. 2. Farmers must have easy and simple rules to process their production. 3. Production costs should be reduced, including through a revision of the Green Deal. 4. Protect the internal agricultural market from agreements such as Mercosur and over-liberalisation of trade with Ukraine and further such agreements. 5. Simplify and regulate the rules in the area of agricultural activity, because farmers should work in the field, not sit behind a desk and fill in piles of documents. And from me, Commissioner: I believe that this vision you have presented lacks a possible enlargement of the European Union to other countries and the impact of this enlargement on the agricultural, European and Polish markets. Without this element, this vision, in my opinion, will be incomplete.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The current geopolitical situation in the world makes the issue of energy security one of the key aspects. In this context, accelerating the transition away from Russian gas and other Russian energy resources becomes even more urgent. It is necessary to increase investment in renewable sources, but also in nuclear energy, which will allow us to diversify energy sources and increase our energy independence. At the same time, we need to revise the Green Deal, the ETS and move away from ETS2. Otherwise, energy costs will completely deprive Polish and European industry of its competitiveness. To meet these challenges, Poland is taking a number of actions, such as the construction of an LNG terminal in Gdańsk, which will enable the collection of natural gas from various directions of the world and significantly strengthen the energy security of Poland and the region of Central and Eastern Europe.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, I must admit that in recent months I have listened more and more to the voice of European industry, especially the energy-intensive industry, which has presented a number of problems that it has to face in dealing with the enormity of environmental regulations and requirements. The fight for the environment is important and we want Europeans to breathe clean air. However, the price for this cannot be the death of European industrial production. This would benefit only the third countries that would most happily take over our domestic production, which in turn would undermine not only our competitiveness but also our security. Energy-intensive industries need urgent support to cope with high energy costs, complex regulations or unfair global competition. In order to reduce the cost pressure on our industry, we need to focus on deregulation and investment support. It is time to adapt to the changing reality in which we must now put our security and a strong economy first and postpone ETS2.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, The European Defence Union must become a reality. The European Defence Union as an economic alliance must be a new flywheel for the European and Polish economy. But for this to happen, all means must be involved, both European, national and private. We talked a lot about the private ones here today. But, Commissioner, if we do not sort out the certification and accreditation of all defence-related products in the broadest sense, unfortunately we will not be able to use this potential of private entrepreneurs in such an important matter as defence. And the second element is the issue of preferential loans that entrepreneurs must obtain, but without this bureaucracy and bureaucracy, which brings with it European funds from the budget of the European Union. If we can involve private business, private entrepreneurs, other means, I am convinced that the European Defence Union will be a real success for all of us.

Madam President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I would like to thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, Firstly, we should warmly thank the European Commission for its response and the possibility of using European funds for the reconstruction of areas damaged by natural disasters. Thank you for supporting the citizens of the European Union, including in Poland, through these measures. Secondly, attention should be paid to all kinds of disasters that have affected the European Union in recent years, starting with the pandemic, through the consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, or recent natural disasters, fires, floods. All this assistance is implemented thanks to cohesion policy funds and it is worth remembering this in a situation where we are discussing its future. And it is worth mentioning those who question the need for cohesion policy after 2027. And the last thing, however, in this discussion about the new budget, about the new financial perspective, we must talk about such a tool that will immediately react to such events that occurred, among others, in Poland. It is December today, the floods were in September, and we are still discussing this, while people need the support and sense of agency of the European Union immediately.

Madam President, thank you very much. In today's many debates, the word "competitiveness" has been used very often. Meanwhile, energy costs are one of the factors that kill this competitiveness of companies in the European Union. How are European companies supposed to be competitive when they pay four times more for energy than their counterparts outside the European Union? They are no longer fighting for competitiveness. Today, European companies are struggling to survive. The lime industry, the cement industry should immediately start receiving compensation for the increase in indirect energy costs. Otherwise, they will relocate their production outside the European Union. How will the European fertiliser industry compete today with cheap Russian fertilisers that are flowing into the European Union, given gas prices in Russia and the European Union? Today, many words have been spoken by the new European Commission, but we will know it by its actions, not by its words. I hope that they will provide this support to all energy-intensive industries in the European Union.

Madam President, thank you very much. Data cable networks, power grids and pipelines are critical submarine infrastructures on which the stability of our economies and our security depend. Unfortunately, in the current geopolitical situation, there are more and more acts of sabotage or hybrid acts on this type of infrastructure, which also did not bypass the Baltic Sea. They are aimed at destabilizing the functioning of states and provocation. In the face of such threats, close cooperation between the European Union and NATO is crucial. I am pleased that the NATO-EU Task Force on the resilience of critical infrastructure such as transport, digital and energy infrastructure was established in 2023. Mapping vulnerabilities and assessing risks are important in this context. But what about other critical infrastructure? Ports, built and already built wind farms? We must act in advance on this type of hybrid action against the destabilisation of Europe and the Western world. And today we must say to ourselves clearly and distinctly: today the Baltic Sea, and in a moment critical infrastructure in Poland and throughout the European Union.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I would like to thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I must admit that I am astonished by the hypocrisy of the Law and Justice representatives who use the lectern in the European Parliament to spread untruth. We heard here today about the Polish railway company PKP Cargo, whose financial situation, among other things, threatens its further functioning. The dramatic situation is the result of a series of erroneous decisions and inefficient management of this company in recent years, i.e. those when the indivisible power in both the company and the supervising ministry was exercised by people of Law and Justice. They led to the lack of new contracts, a decrease in real revenues, an increase in operating costs, an increase in debt and a progressive loss of financial liquidity. In such a dramatic situation, the new company authorities are making every effort to provide employment opportunities for the dismissed employees in other companies. They actively support all affected employees by the previous authorities of the company and think about their future. Therefore, from this rostrum, I would expect the representatives of Law and Justice to apologize for the situation in relation to the company's employees and take responsibility for the state in which they left it.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I would like to thank you. Regions and cities play a huge role in the green transition. They also work constantly for their own development and to ensure the well-being of their inhabitants. There is no doubt about it and we have so far many good examples coming from our regions and cities. Unfortunately, we must tell ourselves frankly today that some of the challenges facing our regions and cities simply overwhelm them. I am talking here, for example, about those areas that rely heavily on economic sectors that will soon have to undergo radical changes due to the green transition. In order not to lead to a complete collapse of these regions and the problem of unemployment, adequate support is needed. Speaking about the role of regions, how important their actions are, we must also make it clear that regions are the pillar of cohesion policy and that this should remain the case. It is the regions that know best their strengths and weaknesses and are able to respond quickly to emerging challenges and needs. Therefore, our goal should be to further strengthen their role in cohesion policy and even further decentralisation, allowing decisions to be taken even closer to the citizen, for which the Structural Funds should be spent. We need to pay more attention to the specificities of individual regions and give them greater confidence in the use of European funds.