Debate contributions by Tomas TOBÉ

Mr President, apologies, but of course, it is a bit embarrassing to follow this institution's vote on the Mercosur agreement taking the Commission to court. But with that said, we should now have a very important topical debate on migration. The EPP Group, we stand for protecting European borders and we need to tackle illegal migration. We do take responsibility for delivering exactly that. For years, Europe failed to act, not because solutions were missing, but because political courage was. That changed with the migration pact; a decisive step towards regaining control. Let us be honest, this pact was delivered despite the resistance, both from the far left and from the far right. They opposed it, they tried to block it and they chose making speeches over solutions. That was and still is irresponsible. I think the task is rather clear: decisions now must be turned into action. The deadline for implementation is approaching fast. Citizens expect results, not excuses, not delays. Let us be absolutely clear: without effective returns, there is no credible migration policy. Last year, only one in five people staying illegally were returned. That must end. If you do not have the right to stay in Europe, you should not stay in Europe. That is why the new return regulation must be strong and enforceable. We need a truly European system and our visa policy must be used strategically. Visa access is a privilege, not a right. When cooperation works, it should be rewarded. When it does not, there must be consequences. Cooperation with third countries is essential. Finally, Europe must protect its borders. The revision of the Frontex mandate must make the agency stronger and more operational to crack down on smugglers and counter the weaponisation of migration. Colleagues, this is about responsibility. This is about control. This is about delivery. The EPP Group is ready to act. Others can choose abstractions, but Europeans can expect results because we intend to deliver them. I am truly convinced that there are enough colleagues in this House that are ready to be responsible. We now have a Commission that has delivered the proposals that we need to regain control of European migration policy. Now, it is time that this institution can show that it is more mature than it has shown in the last vote.

Mr President, colleagues, Europe is standing at a moment of decision. The threats are real and they are growing week by week, day by day. Russia continues its brutal war against Ukraine and Europe must stand firm. We can no longer outsource our own security. We must take responsibility for our own defence. But colleagues, the military threats are only one side of the coin: the other side is the attack on our democracies – disinformation, foreign interference, Russian troll factories and bot networks. Authoritarian regimes are investing massively to destabilise Europe, to weaken us from within. These operations are also made easier when Chinese and American digital tech giants fail to take responsibility. Let us be clear: they are actually providing the infrastructure, and this is a very dangerous cocktail. Today I present my report on a European democracy shield. I think it is time to make clear that Russian bots are not free speech, and we must protect our elections and build resilience in our societies against disinformation. Because defending Europe means defending both our borders and our democracies.

Madam President, colleagues, this is not the moment for hesitation. It is not the moment for half measures, not the moment to retreat into narrow interests. This is actually the moment to stand together, to show real European leadership and to act decisively. Please, Council, show that – even if you are not present now. We must get the Mercosur agreement done. We must make Russia pay for its war of aggression against Ukraine with the frozen Russian assets. We must seriously invest in defence. We must cut red tape and bureaucracy so that Europe can compete, innovate and lead again. And we need, of course, to take back control over migration and secure our borders. Colleagues, we live in extraordinary times, and extraordinary times demand responsibility and courage. Now is the time to make Europe stronger, safer, and to defend our freedoms today and for future generations. Long live Europe!

Mr President, Vice-President, colleagues, I think we all can agree that Europe should not only adapt to the digital age, we should shape it and we should lead it. But if we are honest, I think the European Union today remains too slow where speed is needed, and also too fragmented, where unity is also vital. So now is, of course, the time to move faster, to cut the red tape that strangles innovation and makes us lack when it comes to competitiveness, but that also hampers ordinary life. And that is why I really think that this digital omnibus is very much welcome. And I would like, actually, to thank Vice-President Virkkunen for her personal engagement on this, because we need to simplify the rules on data, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, and the General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR – at least in my view, is perhaps the very symbol for where we have overregulated and not really found the correct balance. Of course, data protection is important, but today's design hinders us from combating organised crime, providing administrative burdens for business and, as the Vice-President said, has made us all very tired of constantly accepting cookies. We should be able to come together and deliver on this in this House. For the EPP, it is clear that we want a competitive and prosperous Europe in this digital area, because digitalisation is not only about data, code or platforms, it's actually about people and the freedom to express, to create, to connect – and that is the foundation for free speech and democracy.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, as rapporteur, but also from the EPP, we welcome the European Democracy Shield. We see this as a commitment to defending our democratic values and also strengthening trust between citizens and institutions. But perhaps the most important message is to Russia, and other hostile actors and to those supporting them: stop interfering in our elections. On the communication, Commissioners, I see this as a good starting point, and we are willing, in this House, to work with you. But I want to be clear that we want to see more reform, more drive and more actions. Firstly, on the external communication that we are doing, we need to be more proactive and strategic. This is not only about defending us against disinformation, we also need to be clear that we want to promote our values. Secondly, on Europol and Frontex, I think that what we need to see is a clearer commitment to counter hybrid threats. Thirdly, on the proposal for the centre, I think we need to make clear that we have a clear legal basis, that it is independent and that we also have proper funding. For me, in general, this is about protecting free speech, protecting independent media, building resilient societies so that we can stand up to actors that are actually here to destroy Europe. We will not let them win.

Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, colleagues, the launch of the annual migration management cycle is a concrete step towards implementing the migration pact, which is important, but it is also about finally taking back control of migration in Europe. It is always important that we, amongst ourselves, debate migration issues, but I would actually say that what's really important now is also that we start to deliver results on the ground. Here my message is: we have the tools. That is the message that should be clear for the Commission, but also for all the Member States. Now it is time to start to also use them. Of course, we have further work to do. We need to deliver on the return regulation. We need to deliver on the safe third country concept at least. The EPP will be responsible. We will make sure that this institution will be ready to negotiate with the Council when the Council is ready because this is the part that needs to be added to the migration pact. That will lead to a more fair and balanced approach to handle migration in Europe. I think it is important for us to remember where we were ten years ago. Well, in 2015, we did not have a fair system. Let me just take one example from my own home country, Sweden: in 2015, we had 160 000 persons in one year seeking asylum in Sweden and Sweden is in the northern part of Europe, I need to remind you. How is that even possible? I think it is important that we see this as a European issue, that we take responsibility also in solidarity together. I think that the citizens, rightfully so, should ask for us to take this responsibility and EPP is ready to do exactly that.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, eight years have passed since the brutal assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, and I think it is fair to say that impunity has not ended. Yes, there have been some reforms and yes, it is positive that the Commission is engaging with the Maltese authorities, but it is also clear that this is not enough. That is also clear in the recommendations that we can see for Malta. But perhaps the main question is: where is the justice for Daphne's family? That is the main question that needs an answer in the end. The current government in Malta needs to understand that belonging to the European Union means upholding the core values: democracy, accountability, and also rule of law. Without that, Malta will continue to risk not only your credibility, but the very democratic soul. And to our S&D colleagues from Malta, I think you actually could be also proud of EPP colleagues from the nationalist parties. One of them is even president of this House – this House that actually is the best House, I would say, for democracy and rule of law. Be proud of that instead and give Daphne Caruana Galizia, give her the answer, give her family the answer that you are, in a way, sweeping under the carpet.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, we need to make Europe more safe – now and for future generations – because organised crime is on the rise across Europe. Our common task is quite clear. We need to crack down on the criminal networks. At the heart of this work are the brave men and women in law enforcement – those who safeguard our citizens and communities, sometimes by even risking their own life and safety. It is high time that we acknowledge their dedication and sacrifices, making sure that police and law enforcement are better protected. But, to be frank, sometimes when I listen to the left of this House, it seems that you are more engaged in criticising the police officers than actually combating the criminals. We as EPP instead say that we must provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to crack down on crime, turn Europol into a truly operational police agency and strengthen our cross-border cooperation between law enforcement. We should pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and got killed in the line of duty with a European Police Day. We must realise that criminality is a threat to the whole of society, to ordinary life, and to the internal market, to economic growth and to rule of law. From EPP, European citizens can trust that we will make sure that we use the full power of European cooperation to push back on this, and we call on the Commission to deliver.

Madam President, Europe is under attack. Russian fighter jets and drones are violating our skies. Our critical infrastructure is being targeted. This should not come as a surprise to anyone – this is straight out of Putin's playbook. For more than a decade, my home country, Sweden, has faced Russian airspace violations. In the Baltic Sea, Russia has targeted critical infrastructure. Putin's violations have become bolder, more reckless, more dangerous. We have to unite to defend ourselves with real capability and force, strengthen our common defence, invest in tanks and ammunition. But it is also obvious, colleagues, that we have to do more to strengthen our capability with drones. This is, frankly speaking, more than a drone shield that we need to invest in. I, therefore, would like to urge all Member States and the European Commission to seriously consider how to tackle this new Russian threat. This is about protecting our Union and our citizens, and making clear that Europe will never bow down to any aggression.

Madam President, democracy is the promise that every voice matters, that every citizen can shape their own future. Today, that promise, our European democracy, is under attack – from foreign interference, from disinformation, from cyberthreats. The enemies who want to destabilise Europe are many – it is not only Russia – and they are determined, but Europe is not powerless. With the European Democracy Shield, we can rise to defend what is most precious to us. The shield must be something more than a protection. It should be a pledge that elections in Europe will remain free and fair, that truth is stronger than lies, and that no voice of our citizens will be silenced – and also that we can stand up for our values around the world. Colleagues, for me, I see the Democracy Shield as a symbol that should give a clear message: that your vote counts, your freedom is safe, your future belongs to you. So I hope that we, together, can deliver the Democracy Shield not in fear but in confidence, so that Europe is tall, strong and free. Now we call on the Commission to, of course, deliver, but I would say even more important: be bold and be courageous, because this is about protecting European democracy.

Madam President, Europe needs strong borders and a controlled migration policy. This requires a unified approach with clear and strict rules. Ten years ago, Europe failed to manage the migration crisis. Our laws were ineffective and Europe was fragmented. We cannot keep repeating those mistakes. That is why the adoption of the migration pact in the last mandate was such a crucial step forward, breaking years of political deadlock and enabling us to start taking back control of migration. But colleagues, let's be honest: if the far right or the far left had had their way, we would not have a common approach. We would still be in the same broken system. I think the citizens can rightfully demand that Europe has a stronger response to migration, and that is why the EPP is committed to protecting our borders, returning those who do not have a right to stay in Europe, and strengthening control. It is easy to criticise from the sidelines. It is harder to deliver real solutions. But that is what the citizens expect and deserve, and that is what we will keep delivering.

Colleague, thank you for your question. I disagree: what we see now is a Europe that is taking responsibility. Of course, we do not like tariffs. We never like tariffs; we never like taxes in the EPP. But of course, we're in a situation now where perhaps one of your favourites, President Trump, wants tariffs. He wants these taxes. Can you show me another deal that has been made that is better than the one that Europe has just done? On migration, I must say, in the last mandate, we took responsibility. We made sure that we got a migration pact in place. And now we are taking back control of migration. That is taking responsibility for Europe!

Madam President, thank you very much. Madam President. Colleagues. We moderates went to elections in a free and secure Europe. It's been a long time since it's felt as important as now: Russia's war against Ukraine, an erratic Trump and escalating trade conflicts, the situation in the Middle East, a China on the rise. We have major problems with organised crime, illegal migration and global economic insecurity. Now is the time for responsibility and delivery, for safety and security, for competitiveness, jobs and prosperity. We need a strong Europe that stands together. All of you who want to divide Europe, because who do you really work for? A big responsibility rests on all of us now. From the side of the Conservatives and the EPP, we stand ready. Step up the fight against criminal gangs, cut more EU bureaucracy, complete more free trade agreements and take back control of migration. We need to invest in our own defence capabilities and safeguard strong support for Ukraine. I can promise you that I, the EPP and the Moderates, will work for a freer, safer and stronger Europe today and for future generations.

Mr President, colleagues, in Slovenia, the Government have abolished the national remembrance day of the victims of communism. Now, some colleagues on the left refuse to support this resolution. This is not about facts. This is about choosing party affiliation instead of respecting the victims of communism in Slovenia. The horrible mass graves are real. This is not only disrespectful for the victims, I would say that it is dangerous. I would also like actually to turn to my dear colleagues in Renew. Please take a hard look at Slovenia, where your Prime Minister now is even considering taking Slovenia out of NATO. Put your focus on that instead of helping him sweep history under the carpet. Mr President, the EPP will reject the postponement and we will ask for a roll call vote.

Madam President, Commission, Prime Minister, first, I'd like to say that you have my deepest respect for your leadership on Ukraine. From a Swede to a Dane, mange tak. I would also like to state that the EPP have very high expectations of the Danish Presidency. We need a stronger defence – S&D Group, please, your Prime Minister is here, welcome to this debate – from the EPP Group, we need a stronger defence. We need to tackle and combat organised crime. We need to take back control of migration and we need to make Europe more competitive with more growth instead of decline. Therefore, we need to deliver on the omnibus proposals and also make sure that we sign more free trade agreements. Prime Minister, if you deliver on this, you will have an ally in the EPP. We will support you and we will work with you. And I would say that I hope that the voice of the Danish Government, the Danish S&D, would also be the voice of S&D in this House, because then we could really get things done. We wish you luck and we would like to cooperate with you. Good luck.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, today we need to address something that is extremely worrying. We have come to a point where we need to be crystal clear. We have a serious problem with the rule of law in Spain: corruption, abuse of power, weakening of institutions. This House and the Commission can no longer stay silent. The escalating corruption scandal linked to the Spanish Prime Minister, his close relatives, his party and government are, frankly speaking, unacceptable, as are the attacks on the free press, law enforcement bodies and the judges and prosecutors investigating these scandals. Colleagues, the rule of law is not something that is optional. It does not apply to certain cases or to certain Member States. It is a foundation of our democracy and we need to defend it all over Europe. The people of Spain deserve more than an apology. They deserve a serious commitment to rooting out corruption at the highest level of government and real accountability, because in democracy, no one – no one – is above the law. When public trust is broken, there is only one way forward; if something like this would happen in my home country, Sweden, the Prime Minister would resign and call for elections. Please, Mr Sánchez, Prime Minister, the fiesta is over.

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, the people of Hungary have the right to live free in a democracy that upholds the rule of law, respects their dignity and protects the fundamental freedoms of all citizens. That is actually what sets Europe apart: a union of freedom. History has taught our continent the fundamental importance of defending these basic rights and values, and Hungarians know all too well the horrors and oppressive regimes that seek to destroy these liberties. The current government of Hungary should work for the people, not to enrich themselves. Colleagues, opposition is rising in Hungary, and Orbán is clearly afraid, desperately trying to silence dissent and ensure that he and his corrupt inner circle can cling to power. They are doing everything they can to limit freedom of speech, restrict freedom of assembly and prevent people from determining their own future. It could not be clearer: Hungarians deserve better, a free and prosperous nation. Hungary's place is in Europe, and the EPP will always stand on Hungary's side. We call on the Commission and the Member States to defend the fundamental freedoms of the Hungarian people and to prevent the kidnapping of Hungarian democracy.

Madam President, colleagues, the Schengen Area is one of the EU's greatest achievements. For 40 years, it has meant freedom, prosperity and opportunity to millions of people in Europe. Schengen drives our economy and competitiveness and unites us as Europeans. Without it, we would be weaker and poorer. But let's be clear: the freedom of Schengen can only survive if we protect it, and the growing threats to our internal security needs a strong European answer. The EPP Group calls for a pact for security. We see three major security challenges. Firstly, migration and border security: we need to regain control over our external border. This means fully implementing the migration pact and ensuring effective returns of those who do not have the right to stay in Europe. Secondly, the rise of cross-border organised crime: Schengen is for citizens, not for criminals. We cannot allow the freedom of Schengen to be exploited. Europol must be transformed into a truly operational police agency, with more tools and resources. Thirdly, we need to be ready to counter hybrid attacks from hostile actors. We have seen how migration is being used as a weapon to undermine our borders and to destabilise our union, and here we need to face those threats and we need to do it together. Security must be a top priority – because a safe Europe is also a free Europe, with a strong Schengen.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, Europe is facing major threats to our internal security. Organised crime is on the rise, hostile state actors are attacking our critical infrastructure and sometimes migration is weaponized at our external borders. This is why the EPP has called for a European security pact to protect our citizens. We welcome that the Commission is now taking crucial steps because this will be needed now to make Europe safe, but also safe for future generations. The new internal security strategy sends a clear signal that Europe will defend itself against threats – foreign and domestic – and it's also a clear signal to EU citizens that safety needs to be a top priority because without security there is no freedom. Now, we must also move from words and make sure that we deliver on the content of this strategy. I can assure you, Commissioner, that the EPP is fully committed to achieve this. We will push in this House to make sure that Europe steps up the fight against organised crime, that we tackle illegal migration and that we protect ourselves against hybrid threats. To make it clear: we want a Union for citizens, not for criminals.

Mr President, colleagues, global instability is on the rise, and I would argue that many European companies are falling behind. We must start to act now. We need to strengthen our competitiveness. The Omnibus package is a first good step in the right direction. This is not only about protecting jobs in Europe; it is to make sure that we again can have growth – growth which is needed to secure that we have wealth in our continent. The EPP Group calls on all constructive forces of this House to support the 'stop-the-clock' proposal. Clarity and breathing room are needed for our SMEs so they can grow and innovate. That is basically what is on the line in the vote today. So please vote 'yes' and make sure that we can work together to make Europe competitive again.

Madam President, dear colleagues, as was mentioned, this court ruling came today, only a couple of hours ago. The EPP Group, we are clear in our commitments to the rule of law and democracy, and we fully support the work of our European courts. Let me also point out that this week, here in Strasbourg, we will have a debate on transparency and anti-corruption policies in the European Union. But I do not think that this Parliament should make a habit of adding additional debates on specific court judgments, especially not on the same day that they have been made. I think this has been our position in the past. It will be our position also for the future. Therefore, we are against the Greens' proposal.

Madam President, Vice-President, a clear EPP priority for the coming years is to make Europe safer and more secure. We need reforms that ensure an independent, free and prosperous Europe, speedy investments in security and defence, and we also need to pave the way for economic growth and job creation and keep cutting red tape. Citizens also rightfully want to have a European migration policy that is firm, fair and enforced. The EPP called on the Commission to take decisive action in the first 100 days. We now welcome that we have concrete proposals on the table. But this is just the start. In Parliament, the EPP Group will push to make these initiatives even more ambitious. We need a new European security architecture. We need it actually now, I would say. The omnibus needs to be a true game changer for our European companies. The new regulation on returns must come with strong and effective measures to ensure that those who do not have the right to be in Europe should be returned. And future initiatives – for example, the internal security strategy and the strengthening of Frontex and Europol – will be crucial to protect our Union and citizens. Europe must step up and the EPP is ready to do the task.

Madam President, Commissioner, the migration pact was a crucial step in taking back control of Europe's external border and also creating a framework for a more European common approach on migration. I would like to thank the constructive political groups in this House who actually made that happen in the last mandate – extremely important. But one major thing still remains and that is returns. Too many people without the right to stay in Europe are still in Europe. I would say it's quite hard to actually find Member States across Europe that are effective in their work that a no actually means a no. So, as the EPP, we have been calling for this proposal and we welcome it because we cannot have a system where people that are denied asylum can simply move to another Member State to avoid being returned. There must be clear rules, firm obligation and real consequences for non-compliance. I think this proposal in general creates now the common framework that we need. It closes many of the loopholes and it puts forward also a legal framework for return hubs. These are key messages that ensure that the people that do not have the right to stay in Europe also must leave Europe. But this is only a starting point. Negotiations must make this proposal as strong and effective as possible. Our system demands results and I think that those days of wishful thinking are over. Now we need a policy that is in contact with reality and from EPP we are ready to deliver and we are ready to get to work.

Thank you, colleague Wolters, for your intervention. I understand that S&D is not welcoming this proposal, but I think it is extremely important for our competitiveness and that we understand that we need also to grow our European economy. That is actually also good for sustainability and for our climate goals – we have the most ambitious climate policy on our continent. And my question is – to S&D – you ask to work with us, we are ready to work with everybody here. But the question is, what is S&D actually ready to change in the current proposals? What is it?

Mr President, Europe is falling behind in growth and competitiveness, and in these uncertain times, we must act decisively and, of course, try to boost our economy. Europe needs a game changer and the Omnibus proposal is a step in the right direction, but more is needed. Growth, not bureaucracy, will drive our economy forward and power the green transition. To deliver, we need two key things. First, clarity and breathing room for our European companies. The 'stop-the-clock' proposal must enter into force as soon as possible. That is why EPP is calling for a faster approach under an urgent procedure. Second, we have to deliver on content. We can do more to simplify this legislation and the EPP will push for further measures in the upcoming negotiations. We can, and we also call on all constructive forces of this House to join us in this. Europeans expect us to protect their jobs and improve their lives. The EPP is ready to lead and try to unlock the potential of our economy. This is also what is best for climate and for sustainability. I would argue that a growing European economy is the best climate policy that we could have. On our continent, we have the highest standard and also the most ambitious climate policy in the world. Taking down European economy is counter-productive. So the big debate here now, and especially I'm turning to my friends and colleagues on the Left, now the question is: will you stand for growth and jobs or red tape and bureaucracy? Europe cannot afford to wait. It is time to act.