Speeches

Madam President, the enlargement of the European Union is widely regarded as one of the greatest geopolitical achievements and in our strategic and security interests. However, I cannot agree with the one-sided narrative, which assumes that future enlargement can only be successful if it is accompanied by a change in the basic treaties and the abolition of the right of veto in certain policies. Nor do I agree with the report's assertion that citizens' demands in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe can only be met through the transfer of competences to Brussels. According to a legal analysis by the European Council, up to 300 out of 326 citizens' recommendations can be implemented within existing competences. Colleagues, we are facing a number of internal challenges and external threats. The European Union must find a solution effectively. Doing what he is competent for, instead of wasting energy on areas where he is not competent. Above all, however, we need political will to continue to serve our citizens and protect their interests.

Mr President, I welcome this debate because it is time for us to speak a few hard truths. The fact is that the EU's policy towards the South Caucasus can best be characterised as a policy of diplomatic neglect and strategic failure. When Azerbaijan attacked Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020, European Union Member States, including the Slovak Republic and Prime Minister Robert Fico, sold weapons to Azerbaijan despite the embargo. When Azerbaijan starved the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, we signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Aliyev regime. We have even ignored evidence that the gas Aliyev sells to us is probably Russian. When the Aliyev regime imprisoned human rights defenders ahead of sham presidential elections, Charles Michel congratulated Aliyev on his victory. And what are we doing now that Aliyev and the leaders of the regime are questioning the very territorial integrity of Armenia? Colleagues, these are serious moral and diplomatic and strategic failures. The same failures to respect our own principles have been exploited by Vladimir Putin. Our values and principles are not our weakness, but our strength. That is why we now need to finally show a clear stance towards the Aliyev regime, including through sanctions, so that we refer to and deter aggression rather than allow it. At the same time, we need to deepen relations with Armenia, in particular in the areas of trade, security and defence, and to support democratic reforms.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, let me begin by thanking colleagues from across this House for cooperation on this resolution. The cruelty of the Lukashenka regime knows no bounds, and we continue to observe that the treatment of political prisoners in Belarus continues to worsen. The arrest of family members, in particular wives and mothers, is a new low even for this regime. Maryna Adamavich, Tatsiana Sevyarynets, Darya Losik and all their loved ones must be released. This evil needs to stop! The European Union must continue to strengthen its sanction regimes against Lukashenka and his henchmen. We must also do more to speak out for the political prisoners on the highest level, and to support their family members through different mechanisms and schemes. Finally, we must ensure that all these crimes are thoroughly documented, and Lukashenka and the representatives of the regime will be one day held accountable. Thank you very much and zhyve Belarus!

Madam President, at the end of 2021, we engaged with a group of MEPs in the project and reported anti-Semitic content. However, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube only pulled around 11% from the reports. In shock, we approached the management of these platforms, but with no result. Since then, the Digital Services Act has entered into force. However, we are still learning about scandals with a lot of toxic content. The Commission asked the Platform for an explanation, but again we have no answer. After Hamas attacked Israel in October last year, anti-Semitic content on social media, especially on TikTok, has become increasingly widespread. The spread of toxic content is also greatly helped by so-called attention economy algorithms. These, in order to generate profit, lock people into information bubbles and thus multiply this toxic effect. I have long pointed out that this is a major problem that not only undermines democracy, but spreads disinformation, and at the same time endangers people's mental health. That is why I pushed for these algorithms to be classified as high-risk in the AI Act, which ultimately became the position of the European Parliament. Unfortunately, in the trilogue, the European Commission and the Council did not support this view of the European Parliament. I wonder how, then, we intend to intervene, as social platforms clearly do not accept their share of responsibility and we have wasted the AI Act?

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, from Africa to the Western Balkans, we see the cost and corrosive impact of Chinese investments. They undermine countries’ finances, human rights and the rule of law. Colleagues, the democratic world is facing a serious security threat from this totalitarian regime, and we need to act accordingly. First, we must move faster to deliver the necessary investments. Second, we must intensify our coordination with democratic allies. Rather than aid dependence, investments are the best way to ensure sustainable economic development and to strengthen democratic governance. They are vital to our economic competitiveness, whether by improving connectivity or securing access to critical raw materials. Moreover, they are key to addressing the root cause of mass migration.

Madam President, dear colleagues, I welcome Parliament's strong stance on the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. Just this year alone, reports mention a variety of tortures the practitioners were forced to endure: wearing a straitjacket, being shocked with an electric baton; sprinkled with chilli peppers, having their feet burned, being force-fed with mustard oil or deprived of food and sleep. Several women were sexually assaulted and we shouldn't forget about the sickening act of forced organ harvesting. Dear colleagues, let me speak frankly. For more than seven decades, the CCP has terrorised people across mainland China and continues to commit gross crimes against humanity. Yet, as the EU, we have sanctioned four minor officials for human rights abuses in Xinjiang. I am sorry, but this is a weak and insufficient response to the wide scale of crimes being committed by this regime every day. It is time that the EU is more principled in its approach towards the CCP. It is the lack of principled policies that led us into this current security peril. A good start to addressing it is to hold the CCP and its henchmen accountable for crimes committed against humanity.

Madam President, I am very pleased that we have the opportunity to discuss this very important topic. Skilled labour shortages are a phenomenon affecting all Member States. The worst are specific sectors such as healthcare, the care sector, but also the construction and information sectors. I have been working with representatives of the care sector in Slovakia for a long time and the situation is really alarming. The ageing of the population and the flight of workers to Western countries, which will offer them a higher financial reward, exacerbate the situation. Carers, whether formal or informal, are the basis for decent care for the elderly and people with disabilities. However, there are desperately few of them, and those we have are underappreciated and tired. They are often in worse health than the people they care for. We have a CARE strategy, we have commitments to ensure the retraining of workers or a lifelong learning strategy. However, none of this will attract new workers unless the conditions of their profession, including financial remuneration, are dignified. Therefore, I would like to ask whether the European Commission is planning concrete initiatives to attract workers to the care sector, where the situation is truly alarming. 'Cause we're all gonna need care someday.

Madam President, honourable Commission, as the beginning of this report says, the European Union is founded on respect and reverence. This, of course, must apply to human rights, freedom, democracy or the rule of law. However, I reiterate that respect and reverence must also apply to the principles on which the European Union was built. One of them is the principle of subsidiarity, and thus respect for the division of competences between the European Union and the Member States. Again, this report itself grossly encroaches on the exclusive competence of the Member States in the areas of family law, education or the protection of life. Not to mention, it calls on the Member States to ratify the Istanbul Convention, which has long been a source of much controversy. If we want to achieve full respect for rights and principles, we must first set an example. That is why I propose to start by respecting the limits given to us by citizens and defined in the European Treaties. As the old Latin proverb says: Keep order and order will keep you.

Mr President, I am pleased that the European Parliament is dealing with the issue of transparency in the funding of NGOs. I consider the work of the third sector to be very important. It can often deliver help more efficiently and quickly to people where they need it. In the context of this report, I would like to reiterate that church charities are often unable to apply for funding from the EU budget because of the setting of criteria. I find this unfair, as these organisations are many times more effective in helping people and it is mainly a waste of their potential. This is especially true for those in need of help. On the other hand, I am critical of the selectivity of the allocation of European funds, as organisations that push a certain ideology are often funded, which I totally disagree with.

Madam President, colleagues. Commissioner, for over seven decades, the Chinese Communist Party terrorises and oppresses Tibet, from suppression of all fundamental freedoms to mass surveillance, forced labour or the cruel internment of a million children in so-called boarding schools. These acts only have one clear aim the destruction of Tibetan identity and culture, and that of other ethnic and religious groups and minorities across mainland China. The European Union must stand clearly with the oppressed, both in words and in deeds. Those responsible must be held accountable, not least by imposing targeted sanctions for these crimes against humanity committed by the CCP. Colleagues, let me be clear about one more thing. As the CCP continues to worsen its oppression at home, it also becomes increasingly aggressive abroad. These two processes work hand in hand. The CCP continues with this terror because it faces impunity. Therefore, standing for the oppressed is both our moral duty and also a step towards protecting our own interests and safety.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Commission, Council, let me begin by thanking colleagues from across this House for the cooperation on this very strong resolution. The cruelty of the Lukashenko regime knows no bounds, and we continue to observe that the treatment of political prisoners in Belarus continues to worsen. This is why I am particularly concerned about Mikalai Statkevich, but also all political prisoners who are beaten, tortured, denied basic medical care. I also want to use this opportunity to mention other political prisoners with whom their family members have had no contact and communication for a long time, including Viktar Babaryka, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Maksim Znak, Maria Kalesnikava, Ihar Losik, Pavel Sevyarynets, Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Andrzej Poczobut and the Nobel Prize laureate, Ales Bialiatski. This evil needs to stop. The European Union must continue to strengthen its sanctions against Lukashenko and his henchmen. But we must also do more to speak out for political prisoners on the highest level, to support the families of the political prisoners and Belarusians fleeing from the regime’s persecution. My message is simple: release, Mikalai Statkevich, release all political prisoners and stop this cruel repression! Zhyve Belarus!

Madam President, thousands of people in Slovakia's squares are protesting against the abolition of the Special Prosecutor's Office and further interference in the criminal area. Together with them, I insist on justice for all. Prime Minister Fico, it was you personally who first approached the European Commission. When the answer and full squares do not suit you, do you try to distract attention and blame the opposition? The key to the solution is in your hands. It is enough to stop these destructive steps and return to the negotiating table in the National Council. I also reject your allegations that I support Slovakia's withdrawal of EU funds. As a representative of the KDH, a party strong in the regions, I will always fight for Slovakia to effectively use EU funds to move our cities, municipalities and regions forward. And I have always opposed using the withdrawal of EU funds as a punishment against voters when we do not like or someone does not like the outcome of the election. However, I would like to point out one more point here. In the past, attacks by this Parliament too, in the context of the protection of the rule of law, have all too often been directed towards policies that fall within the exclusive competence of the Member States. Unfortunately, this has undermined the legitimacy and authority of the European Union in this area. I therefore appeal again and again for strict respect for the principle of subsidiarity. The future of the European Union, of which Slovakia is a part, is also based on this.

Mr President, colleagues, the totalitarian regime of the Chinese Communist Party represents the single biggest threat to our freedom and security. We continue to pretend that we can cooperate with China, but even on the issues like the climate change, the CCP actions are destructive rather than constructive. This is why we can no longer afford to hide our heads in the sand. The CCP is open about its intentions. Our policy must be clear: we must hold the CCP accountable for its crimes against humanity, and we must continue to work with our partners in strengthening our response to the economic and security threats it poses. Failure to do so can have catastrophic consequences, not only for the people of China, but also for all of us.

Mr President, dear colleagues, Commissioner, let me thank colleagues across this House for their cooperation and speedy conclusion of negotiations of this file, which reflects the urgent need to implement its provisions. In today’s world geopolitical context, it is essential for the EU not to be dependent on few suppliers, especially those which pose a security threat to the Union, like the totalitarian China. I believe that coordination and cooperation with our allies and strategic partners are key to successful implementation of this act. This is why I initiated a joint declaration of legislators from around the world to work together in ensuring secure, ethical and sustainable access to critical raw materials, which will be published later today. In this context, I also encourage the Commission to conclude more such partnerships and to add a critical raw materials component to existing and future agreements with third countries.

Madam President, Commission, colleagues, let me start by thanking my dear friend Anna Fotyga and all colleagues for excellent cooperation on drafting this resolution. I believe the strong text is a testimony to this House’s steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the protection of human rights. I fundamentally condemn the brutal murder of Tamaz Ginturi. Let me be clear: this horrific act, as well as all acts of murder, kidnapping, illegal abduction and torture of Georgian citizens are the direct responsibility of the Russian occupation forces. They would not happen if not for the occupation of Georgian sovereign territory. This is why all those responsible must be held accountable, including through targeted sanctions. But above all, Russia must cease its illegal occupation. We stand by Georgia; support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of its people; and condemn all efforts by Russia and its proxies to undermine these goals.

Mr President, Commissioners, colleagues, the totalitarian regime of the Chinese Communist Party has destroyed Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and freedom. This is a fact. Moreover, the assault on the judicial independence and abuse of the law to crack down on pro-democracy activists has been central to Beijing’s strategy to silence all democratic opposition in Hong Kong. In the last years, this House has passed multiple resolutions about the deteriorating, situation in Hong Kong. But they have been met with a frustrating lack of response from the Council and the Commission. That is why I want to remind colleagues that the deterioration of the freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong also directly impacts us, as the growing evidence of sanction invasion through the city continues to show. Colleagues, it’s time for the EU to act. The existing Council conclusions need updating and implementing. We must insist on the immediate release of all people detained under the NSL and for the ending of the political show trials. Finally, it is time for John Lee and other Hong Kong and Chinese officials to be held accountable, including by imposing EU targeted sanctions.

Madam President, the mental health pandemic is an increasingly prevalent problem. In particular, uncertain times have contributed to it, both in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical challenges we are facing. This is also associated with an increase in mental health problems in the work environment. The rapid advent of technology and the pandemic have accelerated ... (Chair interrupted the speaker) ... transition to teleworking. However, this has not only advantages in the form of flexibility, but also disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the longer hours spent working, the blurring of the boundaries between work and private life, and in particular the constant connectivity to online tools and the reachability of the worker. It is therefore no wonder that 46% of European citizens experience emotional or psychosomatic problems that we need to tackle effectively. Of course, in addition to the questions concerning the future instruments that the European Commission is planning in this regard, I am interested in one more question. Ensuring a better work-life balance is one of the keys to managing mental health problems associated with the working environment. However, in many Member States this does not apply to families where parents work on different shifts, for example on a continuous basis or on different days of the week, and as a family they are sometimes unable to meet for the whole week. Therefore, I would like to ask whether the Commission intends to support efforts towards synchronised leisure, which is demonstrably beneficial to families and promotes a work-life balance.

Madam President, this is how, a year ago, I was involved in the project of reporting anti-Semitic content on Facebook and Twitter. The results were shocking. Within 24 hours, only 2% of the reported defective content was downloaded. Today, one year after this project and with an effective Digital Services Act, it seems that the situation has not yet improved much. This is particularly alarming in the context of the current geopolitical challenges and the spread of hate speech on terrorist or violent content. I appreciate that the Commissioner has already approached several platforms and asked them to comment on information on compliance with the Digital Services Act. These online platforms, which among other things use the algorithms of the so-called attention economy to increase profits, simply cannot turn a blind eye to their responsibilities and legal obligations. I therefore support the Commission in taking steps that I believe will be taken and effectively followed up on the Digital Services Act.

Madam President, I welcome and support the establishment of the Strategic Technologies Platform. This is the right step towards more investment in our strategic technologies. In doing so, we are also pursuing the objective of greater competitiveness and less dependence on third countries, especially when it comes to undemocratic regimes such as China. I regret that, in the end, the proposal was not as ambitious as expected. It does not provide a package of money for strategic projects. For the time being, however, it will act as a guarantee that projects supported by existing EU funds are progressing towards meeting the objectives of our strategic autonomy in critical technologies. As rapporteur for the Critical Raw Materials Act, I also appreciate the fact that the European Parliament has linked these two pieces of legislation and their objectives.

Madam President, I welcome today’s vote on the Ukraine facility, and I would like to thank the rapporteur, Michael Gahler, for his work. Europe must continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. At the same time, our support for Ukraine needs to be predictable and strategic. Furthermore, we need to ensure that our support to Ukraine focuses on immediate needs, but has in view the future reconstruction of Ukraine and its European aspiration. Finally, we need to ensure adequate checks and mechanisms are in place to safeguard the accountability of our funds.

Mr President, I welcome the adoption today by my colleagues of the report on the European Media Freedom Act by such a large majority. This act introduces many provisions that will help journalists and media pluralism and independence in general. At the same time, it ensures transparency from ownership and sufficient information for users. This is particularly important in a context where attacks on independent media are multiplying, misinformation is spreading and many journalists who properly carry out their investigative work are in danger. In Slovakia, this resulted in the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. The media is a pillar of democracy. It is therefore our duty to create an environment where journalists can bring balanced and objective information, where they will be protected as journalistic sources. It must be safe not only for them, but also for their families.

Mr President, I particularly welcome today's vote in favour of the adoption of uniform rules on trade and economic defence, which I have been advocating for a long time, including as shadow rapporteur. They are our other important tool against the political-trade coercion that China is constantly exerting not only against its neighbours, but also against third countries, and also against the European Union, as has been shown in the case of Lithuania. I am convinced that only our united and persevering action can prevent the unprecedented continuation of China's divide-and-rule policy. This is also extremely important for Slovakia given our secondary dependence on China, for example through our automotive industry, which creates a risk to economic security.

Madam President, what we are seeing today is the ethnic cleansing of the Christian Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh by the Azerbaijani regime. Almost the entire population has fled. They left behind a home and all their possessions. This is a huge humanitarian disaster and the EU must help. However, it is unacceptable that the EU still considers Azerbaijan as a strategic partner given the current unprecedented situation. I therefore repeat my call for a review of our relations with the dictatorial regime in Azerbaijan and for support for Armenian democracy and Armenia's overall efforts to achieve peace and security. In my opinion, if the EU were a real leader and made full use of its strategic position in the region, we could have avoided this great human misfortune and suffering.

Thank you, Commissioner, for being with us. I have two questions. The first question is, after our ban of combustion engines by 2035, Chinese electric vehicles have flooded our markets and you have already answered to a couple of colleagues what measures the EU is taking in order to protect our interests. But my question is, is the Commission ready to review this ban? Should this be the only way how to protect our economic interests? Second, Beijing has quashed Hong Kong’s freedoms and autonomy, which also has a major impact on its standing as a financial and trade hub. There is even strong evidence that Hong Kong is being used by Russia to circumvent our sanctions. Isn’t it time to finally review Hong Kong’s autonomy, as was requested by this House on multiple occasions, including the agreement on customs matters, the status of Hong Kong’s office in Brussels or its membership in the World Trade Organisation.

. – Commissioner, ensuring access to critical raw materials is crucial for European industry, especially in the context of the current geopolitical challenges. Ultimately, it is about people's livelihoods. Without materials like lithium or cobalt, for example, our automotive industry has no future. Critical raw materials, and thus the Regulation on access to them, are also essential for the success of the green or digital transition. I was surprised that, in this situation, the President of the European Commission spoke again today about plans to amend the European Treaties. Here I want to make it clear that already today the European institutions have sufficient competences to address the economic and geopolitical challenges we face. Unfortunately, we have not dealt with the situation for too long and have neglected it. Today, it is absolutely crucial to reduce our dependence on countries such as China, which pose a security threat to the Union. Opening up the European Treaties will not solve anything in this situation. Instead, we should focus on working with our allies, building new strategic partnerships and ensuring adequate funding for strategic projects.