Debate contributions by Irena JOVEVA

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.