Debate contributions by Vangelis MEIMARAKIS

It has been understood that this war must end with peace initiatives. But the winner must be the one who does not forcibly try to impose the difference of borders, but culture and peace. And that is why we believe that the European Union must be at the negotiating table, at the same time as peace initiatives, so that we can end this war with the victory of civilization, the victory of peace.

Madam President, once again we are called upon to vote on the annual report on the European Union's Common Foreign and Defence Policy, which I am voting for. This time, however, it is of great importance, as Europe has put defence and security at the top of its priorities, following the adoption of the White Paper by the European Parliament. In this direction, we are forced to make huge strides in order to gain the time we have lost. Because for years I and other colleagues have been repeating in Parliament's plenary that we need further deepening in the field of defence, so that the Union can act with a single voice and with a strengthened position at the negotiating table. Because of the circumstances, we now understand and come to the conclusion that we need to act quickly, finding resources for our defensive armor. However, instead of this being done gradually, with correct forecasts and timetables, we now have to do miracles, and these extraordinary resources are lacking in other areas. The conclusion is one and must be understood: It is better to prevent and prepare step by step than to appear as if conditions are imposing on you and to impose incomplete policies, which are often sloppy, requiring prudence and efficiency.

Mr President, Commissioner Kubilius, I am pleased that you are here with us today as the first Commissioner for Defence of the European Union, because, consider, ladies and gentlemen, that since 2006, the Government of Greece of New Democracy, in which I was Minister of Defence, has been calling for the creation of a Commissioner for Defence, the adoption of the escape clause in defence spending and a deterrence and protection force. How can I not be happy, then, today, when 20 years later, the Union is supposed to be implementing these proposals at a rapid pace. That is why I welcome the European Commission's plan, which will give the Union the autonomy and independence it needs and the possibility of protecting its borders, which are not only on the eastern side, but also in the wider region of the South-Eastern Mediterranean, which we must never forget. And to be clear: Europe is not the continent of war. It is the center of peace, development, prosperity and freedom. It is a fact, then, that a further defence and deterrence policy will enable our Union to act united on the international stage, to have a single foreign policy, to have a strong presence at the negotiating table and to take it seriously. Thank you very much.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I have listened very carefully to the speech of the Vice-President, Mr Margaritis Schinas, and I fully endorse it. We are the only party, the EPP, which has a special committee on this issue, and together with Mrs Zovko and distinguished colleagues we present concrete proposals. Because it is a fact that we are going through a period of instability, wars and crisis of the principles and values that we stand for and promote. Nowadays most societies are multicultural, and therefore often multi-religious. In these societies peace cannot be secured without mutual respect and coexistence between religions. Therefore, the role of religion and interreligious dialogue is of particular importance, as well as the policies that we will follow in the next five years, aiming at the harmonious coexistence of religions and, by extension, of peoples. In this context, our discussion today focuses on the denial of the instrumentalization of religion and religious intolerance. It is a fact that the political discourse that has a religious background incites intolerance and racism that afflict interstate relations, but also social cohesion in many European countries. The approach, therefore, of problems with knowledge and respect for diversity, but also with humanitarian motives, will create bridges of understanding, cooperation and harmonious coexistence of peoples. We have nothing to fear from this dialogue. On the contrary, the promotion and respect of religious sentiment are prerequisites of interreligious dialogue, which must respect man and highlight the religious sentiment inherent in human nature.