Debate contributions by Irena JOVEVA

Mr President. What do a resident of one Nordic Member State and a resident of, say, one Mediterranean Member State have in common? Both are citizens of the European Union and both should be guaranteed equal social security. Well, it's not. This is because the Union does not have sufficient competence in this area. A truncated sentence, but unfortunately true, until in some other areas it is not. We are only putting competences at the forefront today, as some people see fit. We also loosen the rules, as some people like. An illustrative example: the recently presented Union Preparedness Strategy. The basic treaty clearly excludes the possibility of financing the military, but a possible way has been found around by allowing Member States to borrow. So yes. We also need this kind of flexibility and this kind of will, or above all, in social Europe. Joint procurement of medicines to make them accessible to all, quality jobs with decent pay, securing finance, implementing the Pillar of Social Rights. I really hope that the Commission will pursue this and do something about it. Not because it fits some, but because it has to fit everyone. The fact that there will no longer be this huge gap between two people, each from their own part of Europe – one unrelated to physical distance.

Mr. President! The United States has decided to strike a severe blow to liberal democracy by ending the financing of independent media. Radio Free Europe, but also Voice of America, Russian Medusa, Belarusian Belsat and many others, just where people need it most. Why do the U.S. do everything it does? With such questions, even if they are in place, we do not solve anything. Let's try this. How can we fill the vacuum when we can no longer rely on the US for democratic ideas? Some of you talk a lot about the military, even about weapons, but too often, unjustifiably, much more effective, soft power is overlooked. The Soviet Union fell without a bullet, with the help of Radio Free Europe. It is therefore in the interest of the European Union, of course, to support these independent media. But let's also look beyond the press, on the web, where public opinion is increasingly being formed. We are losing the information battle against authoritarian regimes. Not just outside the EU. I mentioned Voice of America, do we still remember Voice of Europe? We need to fight false narratives more vigorously. We may have lost our ally, but democracy remains our most powerful weapon.

Madam President! Dear colleagues! The first 100 days of the new Commission were marked by a turbulent geopolitical environment. The new US administration has shaken the rules-based order of the world. I really do not want to be too critical because I firmly believe that we urgently need to work together in the European Union, but these last 100 days have once again confirmed that we need radical reforms of the Union's action towards greater efficiency. And in practice, in addition to a few Commission proposals, we have not moved anywhere in recent weeks, while competitive forces can turn a lot upside down in one day, and so can we. The proposals on urgently reducing energy prices, increasing investment in technology and measures to increase the competitiveness of the European economy are absolute steps in the right direction, but I fear that they are not ambitious enough and too late. Now is the time for more decisive action and the European Union still has ample room for manoeuvre. There is, of course, a lack of political will and of the Member States finally realising that national interest is intertwined with the strength and unity of the Union. I agree with the unification of the European army and common sources of funding, but this should not mean neglecting other areas. We need investment in infrastructure, energy and, above all, in people. This is the European Union's best defence.

Madam President, and then there was darkness. And then we reached the point where a person – a human being at least – has no words left. Not even someone who, despite the darkness, clearly sees what is happening. Someone who will never turn a blind eye, who will never sway their position, who clearly and loudly speaks about facts. The fact is that after Israel once again cut off electricity to Gaza, nine out of ten people no longer have access to safe drinking water. Nine out of ten. The fact is that after Israel once again halted the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the genocide is only escalating. Generations are being wiped out before our eyes. And still the powerful are turning a blind one or worse. If those of you who had even a shred – just a shred – of humanity in you, you would not look away. You would not excuse the inexcusable. You would do something that should have been done long ago. You would deliver.

Madam President! I will again pay tribute, in this case Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová, because they absolutely deserve it. Seven years ago, they paid the highest price, the price of living, for one thing only: exposing corruption through investigative journalism. Unfortunately, they're not the only ones. You act in the public interest, you die because of the narrow personal interests of corrupt and morally perverted people. At that time, the protests after the murders took away the Fico government. One that is now back in power, marked by the brutal demolition of independent media, prosecution and civil society. Exactly those systems that expose corruption. This method of operation has unfortunately been accelerated in the recent period and with the discontinuation of the program USAID It will only get worse. To those of you who are impressed by this ideological enthusiasm, it will be disastrous to have access to information in the autocratic regimes of Belarus, Russia and others in the former Soviet orbit. The information vacuum will be filled by various portals Voice of EuropeThe dream of a democratic future will die. Let us therefore remember the anniversary of the murders, the values for which the EU should stand, the full implementation of the legislation adopted in the area of media freedom and the closing of the US gap in promoting independent journalism around the world, which fights against corrupt authorities.

Madam President! (microphone switched off at the beginning of the speech) It's a blockade. An opaque crowd – growing in size and determination. These are the streets of Serbia today. This is Serbia, which will no longer be silent, except for those stunning fifteen minutes of silence, which has never been so loud. A message that has never been so clear. Young people are the driving force of change. Day after day, week after week in Serbia since November and are no longer alone. The relay was taken from them by younger and older people. High school students, teachers, professors, parents, war veterans, peasants, pensioners, civil society, all united in the desire for a comprehensive change of system, to the foundation infused with corruption and clientelism. Because they care because they refuse to be part of a system that has been destroying their dreams for years, their future. (part of speech in a language other than an official EU language)

Madam President, there are no words. No words that would sufficiently express how absolutely appalled I am by the statements from the American President. Throughout history, American involvement in the Middle East has only worsened the situation by prolonging conflicts with military engagement and lack of coherent strategies. Meanwhile, the EU has been, rather unsuccessfully, trying to resolve resulting humanitarian crises. Enough. This time, the EU has to take a stand and not be bullied into the unimaginable transitions of the world, including not supporting ethnic cleansing and permanent displacements of people from their land, their homes, to create a new American playground. We need to help create regional alliances and not conflicts. And while many of you are turning a blind eye – or worse, are even glad to see it – maybe you'll understand this: if 'all bets are off' and 'all hell breaks out', the shock waves will reach the European Union. This is not just about the region; it's about the very fabric of humanity.

Madam President! Colleagues and colleagues! It is great that we have this debate about uniting Europe against actors hostile to the Union. There seems to be no shortage of these lately. I always say that we can only be strong and independent if we are united and act as one. But the defence of the European Union does not just mean an increase in military expenditure. To some extent, of course, I understand the need for these capacities, after all, I also want an independent Union in this area, but lately, it also seems that this is the only thing we are talking about. We are only talking about the common debt in the context of defence. What about the necessary investments in infrastructure, energy independence, preparing measures for a changing climate, increasing competitiveness, improving living conditions for people. Therefore, in the light of everything that is happening around the world, let us finally unite and take decisive action, which we have been discussing for decades. Enough narcissism, little differences, enough distractions and enough ideology. And lastly, I am thinking primarily of those loud self-proclaimed patriots who, because of their ideology, would rather represent the interests of others than the European Union. Top nationalists, really.

I didn't do a personal attack just for, you know, a report on you, or anyone else. I think that we need informed people for democratic society to function. Disinformation can only be destroyed by those who know how to distinguish it from the truth. When people will be informed properly and not trust manipulators, then we will be on our way to know also how to distinguish those things.

Madam President, I stand here astounded that we've reached a point where we must debate the enforcement of our own laws. The DSA is not an optional guideline, okay? It carries the full weight of democratic legitimacy, crafted with care to balance all interests, and overwhelmingly supported here in this House and by the Council. Where does our sovereignty lie if the enforcement of our legislation hinges on the decisions of foreign tech giants? They cannot pick and choose compliance based on convenience or leverage their governments to pressure us. Let me get this straight: the DSA does not oppose free speech. It protects it. Just like other EU laws, it ensures free speech thrives within the bounds of legality. Because there are illegal acts that we – I hope – all recognise: child pornography, terrorist content, copyright infringements and hate speech inciting violence. These are lines drawn by society applicable to everyone, regardless of faith or creed. To those spreading disinformation about alleged EU censorship, I say this: take a big step back and you will still be able to legally lie and spread disinformation, but be aware that today's lie for political gain may be tomorrow's tragedy.

Mr President, it has been long, harrowing, unbearable and devastating 471 days. Long overdue, but here it is – a beam of hope. Even though it's the most hopeful I have been, I'm still worried, especially about the statements made by Benjamin Netanyahu. He is constantly stressing the ceasefire is temporary and his willingness to return to fighting in new, more forceful ways, indicating he is keen to finish the genocide he started. Meanwhile, we are also watching the Palestinians returning home or, you know, what's left of it. Not only is there no resemblance of life there – there isn't any means for life. So its recovery will be a long and excruciating process, and we need a sustainable solution, a true two‑state solution without any illegal occupation by Israel. Moreover, we need to ensure significant and sufficient humanitarian aid to help, heal and rebuild. It is the very least we must do. And we must not forget the tens of thousands of people that were killed in this war deserve justice. The ones responsible must and will be held responsible. Show the same level of care, colleagues.

Mr President. What do the most common violations of labour rights, social dumping and unfair competition have in common? Abuse of subcontracting practices through complex and non-transparent subcontracting chains. Can you imagine your life without construction, agriculture, tourism, transport? These are precisely the sectors in which abuses of labour practices occur most frequently and within which this exploitative business model is becoming increasingly widespread. Even if we have the European Pillar of Social Rights as a safeguard, this is still happening all too often across the Union because we do not even have minimum standards in place for labour market intermediaries. And this allows them to engage in misleading employment, illegal wage deductions, recruitment of workers into exploitative situations and excessive use of precarious forms of employment. To this end, the Commission should draw up European legislation guaranteeing labour rights and increasing the transparency of labour market intermediaries. At the same time, it must ensure that what is most common to all in the Union is social security, justice and a decent life.

Mr President! Underestimation, colleagues. We are underestimating the risk of social networks having an impact on the results of elections. With enough advertising money, you can reach a lot of people who wouldn't otherwise. Meanwhile, more and more people are getting news, such and different, only through social networks, not so much, unfortunately, through professional media. The recent case in Romania is only the most pronounced or extreme, but not the only one. The autocratic regimes of foreign countries abuse the openness of our society and use it against ourselves, together, of course, with domestic populists who are willing to sell the interest of the state for their own power. But the Commission cannot be fooled; We have legislation on online advertising, algorithms, which obviously does not work. This is not censorship, it is not necessary. All that is needed is a clear disclosure of these cases. So who's behind a post? In order for a democratic society to function, you need informed people. Disinformation can only be destroyed by those who know how to separate it from the truth. Let's not underestimate that. Truth is the only thing that needs advocates.

Mr President, I used to believe that the European Union embodies its core values, but how can anyone still believe that? What we are witnessing is crimes against humanity. Israel went as far as to making targeted deadly attacks on UNRWA staff and property, and when that didn't make them leave, they decided to ban them. Still, the EU's silence and failure to condemn Israel's actions means we are de facto supporting it. I'll admit, I was hopeful last week that the EU will stand united in backing of the ICC ruling to issue arrest warrants against senior Israel leaders and Hamas officials, as we portray ourselves as defenders of the rule of law. Yet, once again, the deeply rooted double standards have prevailed. You should be ashamed. And to all of you who still pick and choose when and for what you uphold EU values, there is no decision to be made. Do better colleagues and be quiet when the children are sleeping, not when they are being killed.

Madam President! History repeats itself. This is always my first thought when following the development of destructive propaganda rhetoric, which is increasingly being used by extremists. The purpose is clear: separation, destabilisation of a democratic society. This same hostile ideology with the same ideas and the same way of communicating was once pushed to the extreme after painful lessons. But now they have successfully sneaked back from the edge to the center, where, in addition to using artificial intelligence to spread their ideology, they discredit at the same time as disinformation everyone who does not think like them. It is a coordinated, well-funded, transnational propaganda campaign to expand and assert authoritarianism, if not worse, in Europe. At the time of the rise of Nazism, they did this by taking over radios, today they do it through social networks. And they're right. The choice is really ours. So do you really want this to become a mainstream rhetoric and normal again? I don't.

Mr President. Health - unfortunately for most of us taken for granted until it is no longer there. If the decline of the physical is still observed, the decline of the mental is too often not detected or even ignored. It's a big mistake. We politicians and society as a whole, because we have still not provided adequate awareness and education, because our public health systems still do not provide mental health services accessible to all, because we have still not provided sufficient funding for mental health activities. The stigma remains. At the same time, there is still a lack of qualified staff and a frighteningly high number of suicides, rising, especially among young people. I sincerely wish all of us that today's debate will not be just a symbolic celebration of World Mental Health Day, but will indeed lead to a comprehensive European strategy covering all these areas. It's okay if you're not okay. But it's not okay to fight in silence because you don't get the help you need. It's not okay.

Mr President! No matter how many times we have heard in this Chamber that we want a progressive and competitive European Union in which prosperity prevails. Absolutely! But how will we ensure this as long as it is difficult, if at all, for our citizens to afford a roof over their heads? It is unacceptable that the European rules currently in place only protect the profits made in the housing market instead of protecting people. Of course, I am pleased that we are going to have a Commissioner for Housing and Energy, but I am really concerned about the poorly designed mission letter, which focuses only on the energy renovation of buildings. Of course, this is important, but it will not solve the housing shortage. First of all, we need a strategy to encourage public and private investment, a plan to provide social housing and affordable housing. This and more will be needed to transform housing from luxury back to the basic fundamental right of everyone.

Mr President! Recent floods in Central Europe. Fires in Portugal, Greece, drought in southern Italy, Spain. The whole of Europe, the whole world, in fact, is facing climate change or its terrible consequences. And we have to remember that every year it will only get worse. I'm sorry. Over the past term, we have done a lot to be more responsive to crises. I am not saying, we have improved the mechanism, purchased joint fire-fighting planes, included several countries in the European mechanisms. Solidarity is the foundation of the European Union, and it is precisely these disasters that really show this. But repairing the consequences is too slow and it is more difficult to repair the damage than to prepare for natural disasters so that they are not so devastating. We need to look the truth in the eye. Climate change is the truth. Natural disasters as a result are the truth, and the solution is not to water down the famous "Green Deal", as some argue, but to increase the European Union's dedicated funds and invest in countries adapting their infrastructure to reduce the threat and consequences at local level for those most affected by these disasters, of course.

Madam President! Do you know what I'm holding in my hands, colleagues? Fourteen pages of dead, murdered babies. I didn't even come to those children who had at least their first birthday, let alone adults. Because – all pages are 649. And this is data only until the end of August. And only for those who have been able to identify them. And that's 34,344 dead, 11,355 children. In fact, there are thousands more dead. And where are those still alive, but with dire consequences. And those who are dying because of the collapse of the health system, and those who are unable to get food. And us? Most of you are still pretending to regret what is happening, while at the same time claiming that the Israeli Government has that right. When I hear this in this house, I am ashamed to be a part of it, although in reality it should be ashamed of all those who do not want to see genocide. I am ashamed of you, but I will not be silent until I can bring with me a list of sanctions against the State of Israel instead of a list of children who have died when I address this institution. At least that.