Speeches

Mr President, despite ongoing discussions on how to promote our economic security and resilience, we still do not have a clear vision of how to deal with our dependence on totalitarian regimes. Already in 2014, following the Russian annexation of Crimea, we agreed to diversify our energy sources. We saw this as a step to protect our economic and security interests. Unfortunately, Europe did the exact opposite of what was agreed. We have increased our dependence on Russian energy sources. Even today, three years after the start of the brutal aggression against Ukraine, which causes human suffering and death on a daily basis, we still see a similar scenario. We call for diversification, but only in the last year have we increased our imports of Russian LNG. Such double-facedness weakens us in times of greatest geopolitical challenges. If we can't achieve our goals, we need to acknowledge and address them. Don't stick your head in the sand, it's just a ball to the sweep of the extreme. Today we need a principled foreign policy. It is our strength, not our weakness.

Sorry, I think we are in the European Parliament and not in a biology class. I am talking about ideology interfering in the competences of the Member States – an ideology which believes that it is above the law. The international treaties, the EU treaties, set very clearly what is the competence of the Member States and what is not. And the only thing I am asking is that we look for solutions for the problems of the children – which I believe we definitely should – but such solutions must be in line with European law. I hope that you believe in the rule of law. I do believe in it and that's why I believe in such solutions.

First of all, regarding surrogacy, even this Parliament has recognised it partially as human trafficking, an inhuman and criminal act. Secondly, many Member States ban surrogacy. And my answer to your question is that I called on the Member States to look into the solutions of the individual children and problems of access to their passports or free movement or their ability to stay in a country. But we cannot breach and interfere in the competences of the Member States. The solutions are there, but this proposal by the Commission, which we have seen, brings the solution by breaching the competences of the Member States, and we cannot agree with that.

Mr President, unfortunately, the regulation on the recognition of parenthood has been very controversial from the outset. We have brought this to the attention of the European Parliament and it has been blocked by some Member States in the Council for this very reason. I have been asking for a long time: Do we want to find a real solution to the problems, or is it about who asserts their ideological superiority? Yes, it is a fact that in some countries, in some cases, problems arise, for example, with a passport or compulsory residence or residence permit and residence permit. However, gross interference in the agreed competences of the Member States is certainly not the solution. Family law has always been, and must continue to be, in the hands of the individual Member States. Moreover, we have so far received no response to our concerns that the Regulation will open the door to child trafficking in the practice of so-called surrogacy. Therefore, let's look for practical procedures on which we can agree. We do not solve the problems by pushing the ideology and encroaching on the exclusive competence of the Member States. Because the constant pushing of a text that is controversial from the outset will not lead to an agreement, but will lead to polarisation. And that is the last thing the European Union needs today, in today's difficult situation. The Union should focus on what it has been given and not solve the problems that we left to the exclusive competence of the Member States. (The speaker agreed to answer two blue card questions)

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, for years I have been actively addressing the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and others persecuted for their beliefs in Nigeria, particularly Christians. While our work in this House already helped to return freedom to Rhoda Jatau and Mubarak Bala, it is imperative that we reiterate our support to Yahaya and advocate not only for his release, but also for the end of persecution of religious minorities. Nobody should be punished because of their faith, let alone be executed for it. The state of religious freedom around the world is rapidly deteriorating, and Christians, as well as many other groups, are facing oppression and persecution. What is happening in Nigeria and in many other countries is also our responsibility and I would here like to ask colleagues and the Commission to act. I therefore urge the Commission to reappoint the position of Special Envoy for religious freedom outside the EU, and equip it with sufficient resources and tools to protect religious freedom across the world.

Seven years ago we learned with horror about the brutal murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. I never thought that such a thing could happen in a free and democratic country. It is extremely important not to forget this tragedy, which triggered other events in Slovakia and activated many citizens. Today we celebrate our seventh anniversary, which forces us to look again at media freedom and the protection of journalists in Slovakia, but also in Europe. Media freedom is one of the cornerstones of democracy. The media should be an instrument for the common search for truth and for the protection of freedom of speech. Truth circumscribes freedom and gives it a special purpose: to protect human dignity and rights. We must not allow any body of law to create an environment that creates a fertile ground for hatred, threats and interference with media freedom and threats to journalists. Let me add the words of the Holy Father Francis: ‘Freedom of journalists and the media strengthens the freedom of all of us.’ In 1988, at a candlelight demonstration, in 1989, during the Velvet Revolution, we stood in squares in Slovakia for these values. We appreciate the message of courage of many in Slovakia, but also in the former Central and Eastern Europe, because freedom is not given and deserves our protection and support every day.

Madam President, freedom of religion and belief is a cornerstone of human dignity and a fundamental right that must be upheld universally. Since 2017, the government of Algeria has systematically persecuted Christian and Ahmadiyya Muslim minorities. Hundreds of individuals were arrested for their religious beliefs and activities. Many places of worship have been forcibly closed. To illustrate the severity of these activities, in the past seven years, the Algerian Gendarmerie has forcibly shuttered over 50 churches of the Protestant Church Association. This troubling reality is not an isolated case but a part of a broader, alarming trend of an increase in attacks against religious groups and non‑believers. That is why it is requested, and strongly requested, to proactively and robustly respond, in line with the Article 10 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Protecting these rights is not just a responsibility, but is a moral imperative.

Mr President, in the 30 years of Lukashenka's rule, thousands and thousands of people have been illegally sentenced, imprisoned, tortured and even disappeared. Unfortunately, many of my friends, including the leader of the Belarusian Christian Democrats, Paul Severinca, are also in prison just because they want freedom. Lukashenko is involved in the crimes of the Putin regime, seeks to weaken the European Union by instrumentalizing migration, but also serves as an accomplice in crimes such as forcible removal of children from Ukraine to so-called Belarusian holiday camps. One of the last bastions of resistance to the authoritarian regime is the churches. This is what dictator Lukashenko is focusing on right now. I would therefore like to condemn from this place his attack on all the churches and religious communities that are currently taking place thanks to the new law in Belarus. In just a few days, we will witness the so-called special election operation, in which Lukashenko will become self-proclaimed president for the seventh time. However, we already know that these elections will not be free and we will not be able to recognise their outcome. That is why we need to think about how to tighten sanctions against Belarus and how to support more opposition, which stands on the side of freedom and democracy.

Mr President, Commissioner, in the current difficult global context, the advent of Donald Trump gives us new opportunities for fundamental solutions to protect our economic and security interests. The United States was, and will remain, our closest ally. We have long neglected transatlantic relations, although the reality has clearly shown us that it is crucial to break away from unreliable third countries, authoritarian and totalitarian regimes such as Russia and China. Instead of looking for differences and criticising the United States, we should be aware of who our true democratic partners are. Transatlantic relations are precisely those that we must promote and improve as pillars of the protection of democracy, collective security, but also freedom of speech, conscience and religion. I believe that, despite some of the President's statements so far, we will find common ground, whether it be security, peaceful solutions in Ukraine, or mutually beneficial economic relations.

Mr President, the threats posed by TikTok are certainly not new. For a long time, I have also drawn attention to them and called on the European institutions and the Member States to intervene. Many states have banned TikTok. Many institutions have blocked it on their devices, and the European Union still relies on TikTok perhaps once, one day, to comply with our law. How long will we watch the Chinese Communist Party through this network destroy the mental health of our children and give them toxic content? How long will we tolerate their attempts to undermine democracy? Colleagues, yesterday was too late. My repeated calls to the European Commission have not been reflected. Even if the Commission were to address the serious threats posed by TikTok, we might not need to address the situation in Romania today. Let us finally understand that if we want to protect democracy and the health of our children, we must act against this network. Otherwise, we will further undermine the already fragile trust in institutions. And we know that it is necessary for democracy today, like salt.

Madam President, dear colleagues, I want to thank all of you across the parties to support the people of Hong Kong and all those oppressed by the Chinese Communist Party. I am sorry that once again, this evening, we must discuss the worsening oppression in the city. Jimmy Lai, and the 45 pro-democracy activists, do not belong in jail. They represent the best of Hong Kong: its spirit and its love of freedom and democracy. Therefore, I want to call on the new European Commission – especially the new High Representative – to stand strong with the people of Hong Kong and to hold responsible those destroying the city's freedom and autonomy. The evasion of EU sanctions through Hong Kong shows us why the city and its people must matter to us. It is both a moral obligation and a security necessity to stand with Hong Kong.

Madam President, on 17 November we commemorate the struggle for freedom and democracy and the fall of the totalitarian communist regime in what was then Czechoslovakia. It was the desire for freedom, fidelity to the truth and courage of many that brought people of all generations to the streets in November 1989. I sincerely wish all of us in Slovakia, in Europe and throughout the world the perseverance and courage with which many great and unobtrusive heroes have demonstrated their struggle for freedom. To be able to stand on the side of freedom, which is not self-evident, and to be a role model and a support for all those who still struggle for their freedom in their countries. May the truth be the light that guides us at all times.

Madam President, we are all concerned about increasing religious intolerance across Europe. According to the OSCE, more than 792 hate crimes against Christians were committed in 2022. In 2023, we witnessed an alarming increase, with more than 1,000 incidents in France alone. In the last month alone, there have been nine other arson attacks on churches in Europe. We also note with concern the increasing intolerance in universities, workplaces and even the media. Much of today's public discourse is about equality. However, it seems that when it comes to those who do not want to hide their faith, these rules do not apply. Christianity and Judeo-Christian values are the foundation, the cornerstone of our Western civilization. Christians were at the centre of our own struggle for freedom and for peace. Today we need a return to these values more than anything else.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Commissioner, during these days, the People's Republic of China is commemorating 75 years since its establishment. But despite all the regime propaganda, its track record is clear: 75 years of terror, oppression and suffering similar as we observed in the Soviet Union. Dear colleagues, this House as a first EU institution recognised our naivety towards this regime, and has been fundamental in shifting the European Union's attitude towards the totalitarian regime. This is why I sincerely welcome tonight's debate and resolution, and I want to thank colleagues all across the parties for their cooperation. The totalitarian regime is committing crimes against humanity against Uyghurs, Tibetans and other ethnic groups, and sowing its terror and oppression across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. This is why we must continue to call for the release of Ilham Tohti, Gulshan Abbas and all those countless names imprisoned by the regime, and hold the regime accountable for it. As the regime continues to commit these crimes at home, it is no surprise that it is also behaving increasingly aggressively towards its neighbours, against Taiwan, and acting against our own democracies and freedom. History teaches us that these regimes always turn their domestic terror into later aiming towards external aggression. This is why speaking out for Ilham Tohti, Gulshan Abbas and the countless others is not only morally right, but it is also fundamental to defending our own freedom, peace and security. In this context, let me also come back to one matter we are currently observing in Parliament, namely when PRC officials are trying to access our meeting rooms and our meetings. This is absolutely not allowed and absolutely not possible – especially when Members of this House are still sanctioned, we can no longer allow PRC representatives to interfere with and humiliate our Members. On the contrary, we must stand united in defence of human rights.

Mr President, the situation of the car industry in Europe is more than worrying. The impact on people's livelihoods and on our economic security is even more frightening. The automotive industry is the driving force behind the Slovak economy. Up to a quarter of a million people work in the automotive industry and this sector. I consider the ban on cars with an internal combustion engine to be a big mistake that we made and for which I did not vote. And today I call for its revision. It is important to have ambitious green targets, but they must be realistic and, above all, they must not come at the expense of our economy and industry. Because of our bad decisions, Chinese electric vehicles are flooding our market today. I consider the deepening of dependence on China to be one of the biggest risks, as Chinese investments have always proved problematic in all the countries where they were made. That is why I draw your attention from the beginning to the possible negative effects of the current Slovak government's orientation towards Chinese investments. Such is the case, for example, of the Gotion battery plant in Šurany. Again, I ask: Does the Government of the Slovak Republic reflect the needs of car manufacturers? Or are Chinese investments meant to serve someone else's interests? It is time for the European institutions and the governments of the Member States to stop gamble with our economic security and focus on creating economic goods that serve the people.

Madam President, dear colleagues, torture, forced labour, denial of medicine and solitary confinement are just some of the gross human rights abuses being perpetrated against political prisoners in Belarus by Lukashenka and his illegitimate regime. Their crime? A patriotic desire of people for a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Belarus. Patriots like my good friend, the Co-Chair of the Belarusian Christian Democrats, Pavel Severin, who has now spent more than 12 years in and out of Lukashenka's prisons and has not been allowed to see his son growing up. I welcome the recent release of the 70 political prisoners. However, let us not to be fooled. There are still over 1 300 political prisoners in Lukashenka's jails, held in appalling and even life‑threatening conditions. In fact, the whole of Belarus remains a prison guarded by the regime and their masters in the Kremlin. Dear colleagues, as we start a new mandate, let us ensure our continued and unwavering support for the Belarusian people. Zhyve Belarus!

Madam President, (Beginning of an off-microphone performance) ... natural floods, but all the mayors and paramedics who are trying to help these people. Unfortunately, such extreme weather events are increasingly becoming part of our daily lives. We therefore need to reassess whether the existing tools to strengthen our resilience and preparedness are sufficient and, if necessary, rethink and set up new strategies. It is in these situations that European solidarity is of great importance. It can provide us with support and an opportunity to coordinate this situation with other Member States. At the same time, we must do everything we can to help these people as soon as possible. He who gives quickly gives twice. I therefore also call on the Slovak Government to try to help these people affected by the natural disaster as quickly as possible. And to use all domestic, but also European, means to do so.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Article 23 is the final nail into the coffin for fundamental human rights and free society in Hong Kong. Beijing, together with its lackeys in the Hong Kong administration, have destroyed the city’s freedoms. They broke international agreements and they have either locked up or forced to flee the brightest of the city’s citizens. What has happened in Hong Kong is both a telling example of how the totalitarian regime works, but it is also a warning for all of us. The daily attempts to undermine our democracies, including in this House, shine true light on these regimes and its aims. This is why we need urgent EU action on Hong Kong, particularly holding accountable those Chinese and Hong Kong officials like John Lee, responsible for the destruction of the freedom in the city. Moreover, we need stronger protection of our citizens, including dual nationals targeted by Chinese transnational oppression. At the very end, let me express sincere gratitude to all colleagues, and especially to Reinhard Bütikofer, for all their cooperation over the past four years in standing up for freedom in the face of the totalitarian CCP. Working across political divides, the European Parliament has become a leading voice for a changing EU stance towards the CCP, one that is more principled, that protects our democratic institutions and societies, that defends our economic security, and, above all, that stands up for those countless voices oppressed by the Communist regime. Let me say a big ‘thank you’, but let me also take this opportunity to urge the Commission and the Council to finally step up too.

Mr President, while the Commission and the Council continue to pretend that Azerbaijan is the EU’s strategic partner, the regime in Baku continues to oppress its own people, threaten its neighbours and thwart efforts towards regional peace. Today there are 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan. I welcome the release of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, but the regime must not be allowed to pull the wool over our eyes. Dr Ibadoghlu remains gravely ill as a result of imprisonment and requires immediate surgery. All the trumped-up charges against him must be dropped, and he must be allowed to travel abroad to undergo medical treatment. At the same time, after the ethnic cleansing of Christian Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, the regime continues to threaten Armenia and thwart efforts towards sustainable peace. This reality is all the more haunting today as we commemorate the anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. The world failed to act in 1915, and it failed to act again this year when over 100 000 Armenians had to flee their homeland. The phrase ‘never again’ cannot be just empty words. We must use our diplomatic and economic strengths to ensure that Baku returns to peace and stops oppression at home. It is time to stop dreaming about the strategic partnership. Face the reality and act in accordance with our values and principles.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the governing Georgian Dream party has once again reintroduced the act on agents of foreign influence. The plain fact is that this law, currently in the Georgian Parliament, is the same text withdrawn because it violated Commission recommendations on Georgia’s candidate status. It is the same text modelled on that one of Putin’s Russia. Rather than strengthening transparency and the fight against the malign influence of Kremlin and other authoritarian regimes, the proposed law will undermine the work of civil society and independent media. Should this law be adopted against the aspirations of Georgian people, and in violation of the Commission recommendations, then our response should be clear. First, we must freeze any opening of accession negotiations of Georgia. Second, any future financial assistance to Georgia must be made conditional on scrapping this damaging law. And finally, I once again call on the Council to impose targeted sanctions against the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili and free Misha Saakashvili.

Madam President, according to the ILO, on any given day in 2021, there were 27.6 million people used as forced labour. In the Chinese province of Xinjiang, around 1.5 million people have been sent to concentration camps. Millions believed to be used as forced labour in making different products that end up on our markets, from cotton to solar panels. For too long, we ignore these facts, thus becoming morally complicit in these crimes. This is why I welcome both the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the ban on products made with forced labour. I particularly welcome the risk-based approach so that our efforts can focus particularly on high-risk sectors and geographical areas, especially those like Xinjiang or Tibet, where State-imposed forced labour takes place. This way, we can also strike a balance between targeting the perpetrators and ensuring that our companies are not burdened by excessive administration. It is crucial that the ban hits those responsible for perpetrating and profiteering from abuses, rather than our small businesses. The new legislation is not perfect, especially after countless negotiations and compromises. It is, however, an important first step in ensuring that we stop profiteering from the suffering of others. Human dignity is and must always be our number one priority.

Madam President, it is absolutely crucial that, when assessing the rule of law in the Slovak Republic, the EU institutions strictly adhere to the principle of subsidiarity and do not interfere with the exclusive competences of the Member States. It is here that we have recently adopted a regulation to strengthen the protection of media freedom. Protecting media freedom means protecting democracy and freedom. And we must demand this in Slovakia as well. We follow the bullying of journalists, we follow the trampling of justice. Such steps lead to the unfreedom that we know well from the times of totalitarianism, but also from the times of swordsmanship. They also threaten EU funds that are meant to serve the good of the people, and we must not allow this development in Slovakia.

Mr President, horrified, outraged and disappointed. The fundamental human right is the right to life, and the fundamental pillar of our free civilization is freedom of thought, conscience and religion, not the so-called right to abortion. At the same time, we are all well aware that cultural ethical issues fall within the exclusive competence of the Member States. I reject this gross undermining of our treaties and our agreed competences. Colleagues, you who push this agenda at a time of serious economic and geopolitical challenges, at a time of increasing poverty, are you aware that the result of the European elections will be an increase in votes for populists, extremists and anti-system parties? Citizens will no longer believe in the European project, which aims to protect peace, the dignity of the human person, security and prosperity. Moreover, this initiative will never receive the support of all Member States, but will seriously jeopardise the much-needed and fragile unity in the European Union. Together with the Conservatives and Christian Democrats, I stress that we will return to Europe the values on which it was founded.

Mr President, I supported the AI Act from the outset. It represents a huge success and a fundamental step in the adaptation of this fast-paced technology. My main priority for the negotiations on the regulation was a strong human-centric approach. Artificial intelligence must always be focused on man, his good and the protection of his dignity and rights. It must simply be a good servant and not a bad master. I also support an approach based on assessing the risks that a particular type of AI can pose to people, their fundamental rights and democracy. I am convinced that the agreement reached on the text will protect our citizens and support our businesses and innovation, as it will give them clear rules and thus legal certainty. It also serves as an example for other countries. Indeed, AI technology knows no borders and we need to work with our democratic partners to mitigate its risks and exploit its full potential.

Mr President, did you not hear me before? Thank you very much. The protection of journalists and media freedom are increasingly pressing issues, not only in the context of escalating attacks and pressure against the media, but also, for example, the Slovak government's attempts to curtail media freedom. Clear rules must therefore be put in place to protect journalists and their sources. I also appreciate the strict rules on transparency of media ownership and funding. Free and pluralistic media are one of the cornerstones of our democratic society, and attempts to limit them are one of the first signs that something is happening in a given country. Let's not let it ever end like in Slovakia with the murder of a journalist and his fiancée. That is why I voted in favour of this regulation and I believe that it will provide an essential important framework for the media to be free and for us citizens to be able to rely on it.