Speeches

Mr President, we all know that this latest escalation of the conflict in the Middle East began with Hamas's heinous terrorist attack on unarmed Israeli civilians. Some of them were brutally murdered, some of them were previously brutally tortured, women were raped, and some of them were taken hostage with considerable support from the people of Gaza. Relativising these heinous crimes or trying to dissolve them in some context, which unfortunately is also happening in the European Parliament, is something utterly reprehensible. We all want the conflict to end with a ceasefire, but it cannot be a ceasefire that only allows Hamas to arm itself again. A permanent ceasefire is only possible if all remaining hostages are unconditionally released, Hamas surrenders and the Gaza Strip is completely demilitarized. This is the only way to protect the civilian population in Israel. This is the only way to protect the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, it has been a month and a day since the largest massacre of Jews since the Second World War. Hamas terrorists, with the support of ayatollahs from Iran, killed, tortured and kidnapped civilians, women, children, the elderly. This is not a romantic fight for freedom. These are disgusting, barbaric, terrorist acts. Israel has the right to defend itself. It's not just a right, it's a duty to defend its people. Hamas, Islamic Jihad and similar terrorist groups must be destroyed. Without it, there will be no peace and no long-term solution to the Middle East situation. Let's look the truth in the eyes. We must put an end to the policy of appeasement towards Iran. It is high time to impose the toughest sanctions against the biggest terrorist sponsor in the Middle East. The situation is equally serious on the streets of European capitals. Anti-Semitism, whether from the right, from the left or from Islamists, must not get any space in Europe. We must not allow Hamas and Iran to subvert our society.

Mr President, I am very happy for today's debate on water and the direction of the investments needed to ensure access to water across the EU. We can't survive without water. While we as humans can adapt to more carbon dioxide, we cannot survive without water. I come from the Czech Republic, a country nicknamed the roof of Europe, because it falls into three basins, and all the water that rains in our country immediately drains away from us. If we want to ensure sufficient water in all Member States, we must take measures that are appropriate to their geographical conditions. The basis is the retention of water in the landscape and the restoration of groundwater. I consider their depletion and plundering to be unbelievable credulity. The next step is to invest in water infrastructure. The losses in it are huge. Finally, there is cost-effective wastewater treatment and the use of treated wastewater where possible. We in the European Parliament must not succumb to the temptation to regulate every detail, but to focus only on the essentials. This is the only way to help Member States take the measures that are needed.

Mr President, tap water is not a matter of course in the world. As well as wastewater treatment at the same level as we have in the European Union. I am very happy for this and I hope that we will continue to do so. The Nils Torvalds report goes in the right direction in principle. However, there are things that can disproportionately affect only some Member States. Typically, those whose territory largely falls under so-called sensitive areas. This can result in wasteful investments in relatively new treatment plants without significantly increasing the quality of the water they discharge back into rivers. What's even worse is that someone will have to pay for it. I don't want them to be consumers. We must ensure that water services remain socially accessible to all citizens. That is why, together with Alexander Vondra and Pietro Fiocchio, we have tabled amendment 253, which addresses this problem, and I am asking for your support.

Madam President, Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and drone attacks on granaries and warehouses continue to show us that Putin is not shying away from anything. Targeted threats to global food security are a tool of hybrid warfare by which Putin seeks to weaken our assistance to Ukraine and tie to himself states that are dependent on imports of agricultural commodities. And we must not give in to this extortion. Ukraine, Europe and Turkey must find a solution to continue to safely export grain from Ukraine across the Black Sea without the participation of Russia, while at the same time we must strengthen land capacities. However, I would also like to appeal to the countries neighbouring Ukraine to further refrain from unilateral actions restricting imports from Ukraine. At the same time, I call on the Commission to finally address this situation, which is only playing into the hands of Putin and his propaganda.

Mr President, it is in the vital interest of the Czech Republic, but also of the whole of Europe, to support Ukraine in every way so that it can fight back its territories and thus bring Russia back to its borders before 2014. I am glad for all the promises, but especially for the real deliveries of military equipment by individual states. At the same time, we must continue to support the export of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural crops to the world, because even with these trade funds, Ukraine can function. But what I am most pleased about is yesterday's decision by NATO leaders on a simplified approach for Ukraine in the management of NATO accession. We, as the European Union, should also proceed as quickly as possible so that, when the war is over, Ukraine can be admitted to the European Union without undue delay.

Madam President, I am glad that the states have found an agreement with the Commission on the import of Ukrainian grain and will allow transit through their territories. It is important that the Solidarity Corridors continue to operate unhindered so that Ukraine can trade in agricultural crops. It is the only way they can finance the running of the state and the fight against aggressive Putin. The European Commission must work on measures such as control and support of transports or the possible withdrawal of surplus raw materials from the market through pan-European intervention purchases and their use for humanitarian aid. The way out of the current situation is a pan-European solution. In no way, however, are unilateral prohibitions and selective compensations that destabilise the market even more. Our support for Ukraine must not be threatened and undermined.

Mr President, farmers are key players in the green transition because they care most about our nature and landscape. Their management has a direct impact on the state of soil and water. As conservatives, we support and will always support their involvement. But we must keep in mind that we cannot kill farmers with crazy bureaucracy, add more tasks to them and distract them from their primary task – food production. But the European Parliament and the Commission are not listening to our farmers. Frans Timmermans, the main architect of the green transition, does not go to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, although his ideas have a significant impact on farmers. By the way, we can see what is happening in his Netherlands today. The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety also takes on board the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on issues related to the green transition in agriculture. At the same time, it has absolutely no idea what agricultural practice is and how it will affect the agricultural sector. Or they don't care. The fight against CO2 is important for everyone, but no one is saying that farmers can help us. We just have to listen to them.

Mr President, the sexual orientation with which someone is born does not affect anyone, nor does it affect the colour of their hair or eyes. There are over 60 countries in the world where homosexuality is a crime. Recently, Uganda passed a similar law. For something as self-evident as love between two people, gays or lesbians face life imprisonment or even the death penalty. This is something that must be absolutely unacceptable to all of us. We must condemn such laws unequivocally. Fundamental human rights must apply to everyone around the world.

Mr President, the situation in Moldova shows us how imprudent it was for the EU to focus only on itself and its own problems and to ignore its surroundings. The rejection of further integration, albeit not explicitly mentioned, has led to frustration among the populations of countries that have long sought EU membership. This frustration stirs up anti-European sentiment and often means a shift of part of society towards Russia. We see this in Serbia, for example, and Moldova is similar. A small landlocked state just outside the EU, where a long-standing frozen conflict with the pro-Russian part is taking place. We need to give Moldova a clear vision of rapid EU accession and we need to take this seriously, because we will not get more chances to keep democratic countries around our borders. Democratic principles and the maintenance of common values are far more valuable than 100% transposition of all European legislation.

Mr President, Mr High Representative, the United States and Canada are our biggest and closest allies and partners, in all areas: common defence, security, economy, culture, innovation. Nowadays, Russia's imperial aggression and China's increasingly confrontational behavior must be held together much more as the West. And most importantly, we must not allow any, if only hints of trade disputes or perhaps even trade wars. I'll just go back to what's happened here several times. Unfortunately, we do not have a trade agreement with the United States. I think it's a mistake, but it's already happened. Are we going to deal with these trade relations with at least smaller sectoral agreements? You were talking about two deals. I think that's too little. Are we making any more? Basically, we're talking about what we can do next. But any confrontation with the United States is not in our interest. And what will be our next reaction to the IRU (Inflation Reduction Act)?

Mr President, Commissioner, the measures proposed by the Commission and even our parliamentary resolutions are a good start to getting rid of dependence on imported fertilisers and on Russia. There are many sources of organic nutrients that are not used to their full potential, such as manure, digestate and sewage sludge. The processing of organic nutrients into fertilisers is an opportunity for farmers to reduce their dependence on fertilisers. Equally important for the soil is the movement of livestock through pastures and their manure, which adds nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Our main objective should be to enable farmers to use the widest possible range of natural organic matter they inject into the soil. Our big task is also to work on removing unnecessary legislative and administrative burdens and improving the functioning of the European fertiliser market. The budgetary reserve should be prioritised for investment in research into alternatives to industrial fertilisers and precision agriculture. This is the only way to improve the condition of the land and ensure sufficient agricultural production.

Mr President, one year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, information has emerged about a new planned Russian offensive. We're hearing about what's happening in Moldova. Putin is able to do anything to get at least a small hint of victory, and he was able to explain to the Russians why tens of thousands of ordinary people had to die. Recently, we heard a statement from the leader of the Wagner Group, Prigozhin, that he has a plan to achieve La Manche. If even these words don't force us to increase our military assistance to Ukraine, then I don't know what it should be. The Czech Republic has already provided Ukraine with a huge amount of military equipment and we will continue to help as much as we can. On the other hand, we read the opinions of some countries, such as Switzerland, which not only refuse to help Ukraine, but actively block the help of other countries. Such actions must also be loudly rejected. As well as condemning those who are able to sacrifice our safety for a few euros or francs.

Mr President, at its forthcoming meeting, the European Council will also address irregular migration, which has regained momentum over the past year. In the Czech Republic, but also in neighbouring Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, the number of intercepted migrants illegally crossing the border increased by hundreds of percent year-on-year. The Czech Republic responded by increasing the number of controls at the Czech-Slovak border, which have worked and are now being terminated. At the same time, the Czech Presidency managed to achieve the unification of visa obligations with the countries of the Western Balkans, which will limit the arrival of migrants along this route. There is therefore a clear need for further discussion on the protection of the external border and on cooperation with source countries. And here I am talking about the need to condition our development aid and cooperation on synergies in the field of migration. I also hope that the debate on mandatory quotas for the redistribution of refugees is over, because it has become clear that countries that have long protested against this system have now received far more refugees as a result of Russia's aggression in Ukraine than other countries have in the past.

Madam President, Bucha, Irpin, Dnipro – these are the most famous cases of atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine. They are the most famous, but they are certainly not the only ones. There are many more cases where the Russian military terrorizes and kills civilians. These atrocities must not go unpunished. We must establish as soon as possible the International Criminal Tribunal for the Investigation and Prosecution of the Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine and bring the perpetrators to justice. Putin, Shoigu, Lavrov, and other senior Russian officials, as well as allies of Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Lukashenko, and representatives of the Iranian regime, should certainly stand before this tribunal. All those involved in planning, preparing and leading the invasion of Ukraine.

Madam President, I would like to begin by expressing my sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones because of the Russian missile attack on a dwelling in Dnipro. Once again, it turns out that Russia is not attacking military targets, but rather is killing civilians, spreading fear in an effort to provoke another wave of migration towards Europe. For the same reason, Ukraine is still facing intense bombardment of energy infrastructure. Let us not delude ourselves that Russia's call for peace is sincere. Russia's only effort is to destroy Ukraine and scare the democratic world. We must continue our support with both military supplies of additional weapons and financial assistance. Only in this way can we sustain Russia and help Ukraine.

Madam President, right now millions of people in Ukraine are suffering from a lack of heat, light or drinking water. Among them, young children, pregnant women or the elderly. As a result of Russia's massive attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, we are witnessing a humanitarian crisis that Europe has not remembered for years. I am glad that the European Union is putting its hand to work and showing that we are not leaving Ukraine. Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are state terrorism, with which dictator Putin is trying to bring the Ukrainian people to their knees. Despite all the assumptions before the war that Kiev will fall in a matter of days, Ukrainians have been bravely defending themselves for ten months against an aggressor who commits war crimes on their territory, murders innocent people and literally wants to smash the country to pieces. We must persevere and continue to help Ukraine. This is in the interests of the security of the whole of Europe.

Madam President, the Iranians have been protesting against their government for more than two months. They protest against a regime that imprisons them and kills innocents. Against a regime that threatens other countries with destruction. Our task must be to point out these actions, not to keep silent, but to stand up for those who have resisted. We can watch hundreds of thousands of people protesting in the streets, but also brave athletes who, with their gestures, clearly show their opposition to the Iranian government. This is despite the fact that they are the most visible and are at risk of being imprisoned. We must reject efforts to establish trade relations with Iran or even to reduce sanctions. Iran has not changed. Our attitude towards him must not change either. The European Union must help all those who oppose the regime and, on the contrary, condemn all those who cooperate with it in any way.

Mr President, we must persevere in helping Ukraine, of course because of Ukraine, but also because of peace and security in Europe. The energy crisis is affecting different countries in different ways, but we must not let Russia divide us because that is its goal. We must not give in and give in to Putin's nuclear threats at any cost. We stand firmly behind Ukraine, its territorial integrity and it is our duty to help in the fight against the Russian aggressor. The threats of the Russian dictator, the proclamation of fake referendums and illegal attempts to incorporate Ukrainian territory into the Russian Federation are clear proof that military assistance to Ukraine is working. When Putin saw that Ukrainians were able to liberate Ukrainian territories, he hardened his rhetoric and actions. The proof is the mobilization he carried out in Russia, or the military movements of Russian troops towards the place of war conflict. Putin cannot win the war. And we can help him lose. It is precisely by persevering in helping Ukraine that we will not be blackmailed and will show that we are strong and united.

Mr President, first of all, let me express my condolences to the family of the late Mahsa Amini and to many other families whose relatives were murdered during the protests. The Iranian people are once again demonstrating the need for change in the country. The current political course is completely unsustainable. In particular, I would like to pay tribute to the Iranian women who have taken to the streets all over the country. They deserve our support and respect. We must do everything we can to support the opposition and the demonstrators who are courageously fighting against the regime's brutal repression. They fight for fundamental rights and freedoms. Without our help, Iran will continue to export terrorism, seek to acquire nuclear weapons, and threaten neighboring countries. A firm message must be sent to the current regime that their violent acts of repression will not escape justice.

Mr President, let me first of all thank all the firefighters, soldiers and volunteers who participated in the firefighting during the summer, including the great fire that also affected the Czech Republic. A large part of Europe has experienced droughts and fires this year. It is true that even today, in early autumn, there are still parts of Europe where it is very dry. But that does not mean, as the title of today's debate suggests, that we should further step up our efforts to combat climate change. We must first of all adapt to climate change, work with those measures that we have already taken, but certainly not raise the already high ambitions, the result of which is completely unclear even in view of the current events, when energy and food prices are rising. Our ambitions must match our capabilities to meet the basic needs of citizens and, above all, not to incite negative sentiments in society that could lead to a move away from democracy. A few specific measures. We need to support the Civil Protection Mechanism in order to have sufficient capacities, e.g. to fight forest fires. We need to return water to the landscape, restore ponds and be efficient in land use. But we must not tie farmers' hands with unreasonable regulations, and we must give them room to adapt to changing conditions, for example by allowing them to grow new varieties with a higher tolerance to drought or moisture, or by allowing crops to be bred using new breeding methods. Thanks to these measures, we will be able to cope with weather fluctuations while ensuring food security and environmental measures.

Dear President of the European Parliament, Madam President of the Commission, Prime Minister Fiala, I would like to thank you very much for the presentation of the Czech Presidency's plans. I think they are perfectly in line with the problems that Europe now has to face. It is clear that two themes will be key and both are related to Ukraine. The first will be the reconstruction of Ukraine, because a functioning and prosperous country on the eastern border of the European Union is important not only for the Ukrainians themselves, but also for us, the members of the European Union. Approving Ukraine's candidate status is a good first step, but concrete recovery plans are needed. The promises of aid that we hear from many states must materialise in the bank accounts from which we will pay for the restoration. Ukraine is also linked to the current energy crisis that Europe is facing. This is what this Parliament has been warning about for many years. How many times have we warned about the risk of building Nord Stream 2? We now need to work urgently to ensure that we have enough affordable energy for our citizens. We need to stop deluding ourselves that we will still be able to choose which resources we like and which we consider to be poorly green. Our main task must be to mobilise all available resources, at least in the short to medium term. This is already the case, for example, in Germany, which is expanding electricity generation from ‘dirty’ coal-fired power plants. In doing so, it has the possibility to use carbon-free nuclear energy. We have to use the core. We need to invest in its development, in new types of modular reactors. Today at noon we will vote on the objection to the taxonomy. This vote will show who is interested in the citizens it represents. Who cares if citizens will have something to heat, shine or how to recharge their electric car. Because without the nucleus and the gas, we can't provide enough energy.

Madam President, Commissioner, it has become clear lately that organic production will play an increasing role in the years to come. This is demanded by consumers, this need is also seen by politicians and officials who set the rules of farming on agricultural land. However, the increase in organic farming must be natural. Both the supply of and demand for such production must be consistent. At the same time, we must bear in mind the need to produce enough food for our population, which is even more important now at the time of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As the ECR shadow rapporteur on this report, I must say that the rapporteur has managed to draw up a balanced document that takes into account all aspects of organic farming, including any risks that we need to eliminate. In particular, I consider it essential to carry out an impact assessment of the new legislation, to ensure that the introduction of organic farming is in line with market principles, to call for the use of innovative techniques, such as breeding, and to provide flexibility for individual Member States and their different starting conditions. We have managed to incorporate these conditions into the report, which is why the ECR faction will support it in the vote.

Madam President, I am glad that we are all in agreement here, naming the Russian invasion in the right words and calling Putin the culprit of the war. It is also good that we all perceive threats both in the form of a large migration wave and the threat of food insecurity. We agree on the name of the problem, less on the way to solve it. The Czech Republic now hosts more than 300 000 refugees on its territory. It provides arms and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and our prime minister, together with Polish and Slovenian leaders, has personally supported President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev. We support the toughest possible sanctions in order to put an end to the war as quickly as possible. This is the key solution. We support an end to Russian oil and gas imports so that we do not have to deal with the influx of millions more refugees and the imminent famine not only in Ukraine, but also in North Africa and the Middle East. Here is the difference between the Member States. While many are helping, like the Czech Republic or Poland, others, like Germany or Hungary, are unwilling to sacrifice even the euro and fear slower economic growth, sending millions of euros to Russia every day to buy more tanks. If we want to stop this war and end the rise in food prices, we must act quickly. We must act hard and we must act together. The resolution we will adopt tomorrow will not help us much. Only real actions will help.

Mr President, Commissioner, today, almost at the end of 2021, we are standing here to approve a new form of the common agricultural policy, which should have been in force since January this year. It should have been approved two years ago to allow Member States to set rules based on it. So we're two years late. There is no longer room to argue whether it could be more green, or vice versa, whether it should be more helpful to farmers. Unfortunately, we have come to a situation where the only way out is to approve the resulting compromise. Not only because our farmers need to know the rules they need to manage, but they also need to have time to prepare for them. Agriculture does not work in such a way that the European Parliament approves something in the morning and in the afternoon others will work according to these rules. In agriculture, there are still laws of nature that some of you sometimes try to fight. Please support this compromise, helping both nature and allowing our farmers to farm and provide enough affordable food for our citizens.