Debate contributions by Matej TONIN

Mr President, dear colleagues, the war we are witnessing today is not a technological revolution; it is a structural one. Drones have transformed the battlefield into a permanent zone of exposure, where movement, logistics and even survival are constantly contested. But one lesson from Ukraine is clear: drones do not replace traditional military capabilities; they reshape them. Drones are powerful force multipliers for artillery, air defence, armour or MAS. At the same time, we must be aware that over-reliance on drones without the resilience of traditional military capabilities creates dangerous vulnerabilities. This is where Europe must act – not by chasing individual technologies, but by building integrated systems, by ensuring that European industry sustains potential war efforts. War has changed: scale and cooperation now decide about our survival. Europe must adapt now or we will be defeated in the future.

Mr. President! In this house and in this European Union, we often talk about equality and freedom. The question is whether it is the same for everyone. The European Union finances many, very different things, and rightly so. But lately, it has been a well-known example of organisations defending the family, human dignity and also the sanctity of life, such as World Youth Alliance Europe, or the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe, which are increasingly being squeezed out of European funding. Not because they violate anything, but because they are clearly ideologically inappropriate. This is not a Europe of dialogue, but a Europe of exclusion. That's why I'm asking for a very simple thing. Equal criteria, transparency and choice for everyone, not just the first class. Europe must be a home for all, including those who believe in life and the family.

Thank you very much for your commitment and thank you for listening to these women. And you will most likely come to my conclusion that we do not need to burden the entire European Union with this issue. But if there is a problem in Poland, then it is your duty and the duty of Nika Kovač and all the others who support these things to be strongly engaged there, to collect hundreds of thousands of signatures, as necessary, to file an amendment to the law in Poland, and to put the appropriate pressure and work there to ensure that Polish women get what they may be in Slovenia and the Netherlands. You have work to do in Poland, not in the European Union as a whole.

Madam President! We all know that peace is the foundation of everything. Peace is a prerequisite for the functioning of all social subsystems, be it the economy, health, education, pension system. And long-term peace for our children can only be secured by credible deterrence. Credible deterrence can only be achieved if the right defence capabilities are in place. What is the cost of these real defense capabilities? Nowadays, two percent seems to be too much for some on the left. But let's not forget that during the Cold War, we gave more to defend ourselves, about four percent of GDP, and yet we built extremely robust social systems that helped us establish a high level of our standard of living. Today, our European security depends on our American allies. We need to build our strategic autonomy. Therefore, EDIP is a tool to build a more robust European defence industry and EDIP means together, more efficient and European. And those who oppose a more robust European defence are actually opposed to peace and support Putin.

Mr President. North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan. These are just a few of the countries in the world where the massacres of Christians are taking place. In a way, our mother Europe seems to be deaf to persecuted Christians everywhere in the world. It is not unimportant that as many as 380 million Christians around the world today face various forms of discrimination and persecution because of their religion. In Nigeria alone, 41,000 Christians have been killed in recent years. Freedom of conscience and religion remains one of the fundamental values of the European Union and the least I expect from the European Commission is to finally appoint a special envoy to promote free religion outside the European Union, which has not been there since 2024.

Mr. President! What are the consequences of enlargement for existing members and for new ones? Positive in any case, and it is truly amazing how much time is spent discussing what the consequences will be. Definitely positive. The new members, of course, get additional funds because they can strengthen their development, but the existing members get, above all, new markets where they can sell their excellent products. And economic analyses have shown that after the 2004 enlargement, when ten new members joined the European Union, existing older members gained the most in net output. So the arguments of the French Member, how France is a net contributor and that this is bad for France, simply do not stand because, thanks to enlargement, France and all the older members have gained above all. More than all new members. Enlargement is positive.

Mr. President! Twenty-one years ago, a major expansion took place, of which Slovenia was a part. And last year, calculations were made on who gained the most from the enlargement of the European Union, taking into account all existing old members, as well as those new ones. And France was among the three countries that gained the most from enlargement. So, I would like to know why you are opposed to something that is good for France because it brings a lot of economic benefits.

Madam President! Do you remember in 2004, 21 years ago, when Slovenia joined the European Union? It was the star of the entrance at the time, developed, modern, advanced. Where is he today? Unfortunately, things are going backwards, and I have to say that Slovenia is becoming a kidnapped country today. Let's just look at the police case. The police were led for two years by an illegally appointed director whose task was to clean up the police, all those who do not agree with the current government. The result is an attack on the opposition, house searches without serious grounds and criminal charges and investigations by the opposition. Things are going on. The Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, which detected irregularities with the Prime Minister, is also under attack. And the third thing: This is followed by a change in the judiciary, which opens the door to politics. Slovenia is becoming a European patient.

Madam President, in today's debate, we are seeing how Russia is mocking and deliberately provoking the EU. Putin is doing so because we are a democracy and because he knows our rules of engagement. Russia knows that NATO aircraft carrying out air policing can only shoot down Russian aeroplanes if NATO aircraft are attacked. The Russians are exploiting our rules of engagement so that they can use their propaganda machine to portray Europe as ineffective and slow. If they want to attack the EU, then they have made a strategic mistake. They have wasted the element of surprise. When the moment of truth comes, Europe will be better prepared for Russian threats.

Dear Vice-President, dear colleagues! Today we have devoted a great deal of time to complaining about how the single market does not work and how powerful the 450 million market is. Yeah, it's true. We need to go to concrete actions, we need more speed. What does concrete action mean? Namely, we promised the so-called 28th regime, where a company established in Slovenia can practically work anywhere in Europe. We are waiting for this to happen. Today we are far from it. A company established in Slovenia has a number of obstacles to operating in Austria, Germany or any other European country. These are the concrete things that the Single Market needs, not just to remove bureaucratic barriers, but to take concrete measures so that businesses can do business. As is the case, for example, with telephones, where the single market is very clear. I can use my phone at home, anywhere else, and I expect the same for businesses.

Madam President. The protests. The right of assembly is the most normal thing in all Western European democratic countries, so it should not even come as a surprise to the Serbian Government. You can distinguish a Democrat from an autocrat very quickly by how he handles the protests themselves. The democrat will resort to dialogue, and the autocrat will resort to violence. If anything, I've been worried about President Vučić's nervousness lately. Recently, he even afforded to accuse Slovenia and Croatia of pacts against Serbia, on a completely innocent basis, because Slovenia and Croatia are allies in NATO and in the European Union. I think it conveys a lot. And that is why we in this house must also send a clear message to the protesters that we are on their side and on their democratic right.

Madam President, dear Commissioners, dear colleagues, it seems that we are waiting for the war in Ukraine to end on its own, or for President Trump or the Pope to bring it to an end. None of this has happened. The war will end when Putin realises that he has nothing to gain on the battlefield. That is the reason for our unwavering support for Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine is the path towards peace. History teaches us a clear lesson: an aggressor does not stop by choice, but only when confronted with limits. The unity of this House is more important today than ever. Europe is stronger when we stand together. Our response must be clear. Putin will not stop on his own. Only together we can stop it.

Madam President. Dear colleagues! It has been a year since Mr Draghi poured us pure wine, what the European Union and all of us need to do in order to continue to be a relevant player in the international arena and to continue to be an economic and economic power. It's been a year since then. Let's ask ourselves what really happened this year. Mr Draghi recently performed again in Italy in Rimini, where he poured pure wine again. Time is running out, time is running out. Somehow you will have to stop talking a lot and do a lot more work. It is the duty of all of us, of this House here, of the European Commission and also of the Member States of the European Union. Because if we just keep talking, not working, then we're just going to be a tourist zone for China and America.

Madam President! Commissioner! Colleagues! I come from Slovenia, which in the past was the victim of violent and extensive wildfires. In Slovenia, more than half of the area is made up of forests, so fires in inaccessible areas are practically a constant, constant threat. I am also a volunteer firefighter. Slovenia, which has a population of two million, has 165,000 volunteer firefighters, 50,000 of whom are operational firefighters. I am saying this because I want to emphasise that for effective firefighting we need a sufficient number of firefighters, as well as the appropriate technique. And it is firefighters who play a key role, especially volunteer firefighters, who are crucial for resilience to natural and human-induced natural disasters. They are the first to respond. They're the ones who know the area. I firmly believe that a genuine union of readiness cannot exist without clear recognition of this human capital. The European Union should also financially encourage volunteer firefighters and, above all, immediately eliminate all bureaucratic obstacles to volunteering. People who make themselves available also need the right technique. In recent years, Slovenia has strengthened its air component in firefighting. It is the air forces that can make a significant contribution to extinguishing fires in inaccessible areas. I expect the European Union to increase the range of available techniques that members could share.

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, North Macedonia has been an EU candidate since 2005, with 20 years of efforts towards membership. During this time, the country has demonstrated real dedication, enacted many important reforms and moved closer to the EU. Yet we must be clear – enlargement must remain a merit-based process. Countries that deliver results and respect democratic values should get a clear and fair EU response. The next step is to adopt the constitutional changes requested by the EU Council in July 2022, including the formal recognition of the Bulgarian community. I call on all political parties in North Macedonia to engage constructively in this process. This step is not just a technical one; it reflects the European principles of inclusion, respect for diversity and minority rights. Let me also stress that bilateral issues should not block the start of the negotiation process, especially since Member States have the final say. Enlargement is one of the EU's strongest strategic tools. Let us not undermine it because of a historical disagreement. We must focus on the present and find a way forward. At the same time, we should not forget that enlargement is not simply a political priority – it is a strategic choice. It delivers economic benefits both for existing Member States and for new ones. Therefore, advancing North Macedonia's EU integration is not only in the interest of the country itself, but also in the interest of the European Union as a whole. I cross my fingers that we will have soon North Macedonia as a full member of the European Union.

Dear Commissioner, Vice-President, dear colleagues. In Slovenia, we have some folk wisdom that holds true, even in the field of defence and security. Namely: together we are stronger and the group is as strong as the weakest link. NATO is a defence alliance that offers collective security to all countries, and collective security has always been cheaper and more powerful than the security that each Member State provides for itself. But collective security only works if each member of the Alliance fulfills their homework. Only if the commitments are fulfilled can we count on the realisation of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an attack on one is an attack on all. And that's why we can count on all NATO members to come along in the event of an attack. Or, as US President Bush once said in Vilnius, any attack on Lithuania would be considered an attack on the United States. For smaller countries, such as Slovenia, this is a key guarantee. Assurance that we will not be alone in the event of aggression and terrorist attacks.

Madam President! Dear Commissioner, Chair-in-Office, dear colleagues. War is evil, and war takes the future away from the younger generations. And it is our duty to do everything we can to stop the war in Ukraine. It is also our duty to do everything possible to stop the future war on European soil. But rewarding Putin for his crimes will never guarantee lasting peace. To indulge authoritarian leaders because of our naivety to solve everything through diplomacy is only a guarantee of a new war. The only thing authoritarian leaders understand is power. If we stop Putin in Ukraine today, then tomorrow we will avoid another war in Eastern and Northern Europe. The price to stop Putin in Ukraine is 0.25% of European GDP. Europe can do that. It is a question of political will. Is 0.25% of GDP really too much for lasting peace? If we stop Vladimir in Ukraine today, he won't knock on our door tomorrow.

Mr President. I come from Slovenia, a country that was once part of Yugoslavia with Serbia. Ironically, in a way, practically on the eve of the end of the Second World War, when we thought we had dealt with totalitarianism once and for all, we are still engaged in establishing basic democratic standards. When communism fell in Yugoslavia in the 1990s, we were convinced that freedom and democracy were self-evident. They're not. Serbia is once again fighting for freedom and democracy. Student protests in Serbia are a symbol of all this. Fundamental European values are being defended. More and more people are on their side. It is a grassroots movement that deserves our support. The European Union must be clear. It is no longer just a progress report, it is a question of the credibility of our Union. The road to the Union does not lead through authoritarianism and clientelism, but through the rule of law, free media and responsible power. The European Union owes clear support to those who are fighting for European values in Serbia.

Madam President! Dear colleagues, Commissioner! Peace is the desire of all of us. Sometimes it seems that it is absolutely self-evident, sometimes so desired, but difficult to reach. And peace is the foundation that ensures the functioning of all social subsystems, from the economy, health to social. Recognising that peace is not self-evident, the EU's ReArm programme to build credible deterrence was recently launched. A strategy to ensure internal security for the effective prevention of organised crime was also presented today. This time, however, we also have before us a strategy for a Union of Preparedness, which creates the basis for us as a society to be fully prepared for the crises that await us in the future. I would add that MEPs have also set up a special interparliamentary group on resilience, disaster management and civil protection. This trio therefore ensures that Europe is better prepared for all crises tomorrow.

Madam President! During the previous mandate, European policies and the economy were guided by the foundations of the ideological green transition. The consequences are known to everyone today. In recent years, electricity and gas prices have risen to record levels and remain high despite stabilisation. The Clean Industrial Deal we have on the table today is a pragmatic response to the madness of the green transition of the previous mandate. It is a shift towards a sensible green transition, which is necessary for the European economy and also the population to survive at all. In order for the European economy not only to survive, but also to remain competitive and relevant, we need to ensure that: Firstly, affordable energy, where the European Union's energy strategy must be based on a diverse energy mix. So, in addition to renewable energy sources, we also need to include nuclear energy. Secondly, we need to cut red tape substantially, not gradually, but immediately. Thirdly, security must be ensured, because war is the most expensive. It is also in the interest of the economy that the security of the European Union is guaranteed. Only an economically strong player is also a geopolitically relevant player.

Mr President, Commissioner, esteemed colleagues, now more than ever, we need a true European Defence Union. Today we face a key moment for our defence under the REARM Europe plan. While I strongly advocate for this initiative, we must recognise that we are at least three years late in addressing our defence needs. Europe must reclaim its own security. We are at the beginning of an important journey to develop a European army. Together we can turn our vision into reality, but this will require strong commitment from all of us. This is not just about buying equipment. It's about coming together. We must address challenges with a united military force. We need to significantly expand our military capabilities. Yes, challenges will come, just as they did with introducing a common currency – the euro. But today, the euro is a pillar of European stability. Tomorrow we have to add a European army.

Madam President! The vice-president! Commissioner! Dear colleagues and colleagues! In Serbia, we follow the strength and determination of young people. They do not demand the authorities, they demand a different future, they demand European Serbia. Serbian students are the voice, hope and conscience of the entire Balkans. Authoritarian tendencies, manifested in corruption, abuse of power and influence over the media, are not only a problem for Serbia. This is a trend that occurs throughout the region. Politicians with authoritarian tendencies connect with each other and even help each other. Corruption kills. It is a key message of the Serbian youth. Corruption kills. Literally. Corruption kills the creative charge of society. Corruption kills the rule of law. European values and democracy are not something that is given forever, not even in the existing members of the European Union. The Mayor of Ljubljana Zoran Janković offered unconditional support to Serbian President Vučić in an open letter a few days ago. It is a completely wrong message at a given moment, which can be understood and read as a denial of the problems Serbia is facing. If anything, then Serbia needs a European future. It is our duty, the duty in this house, to help Serbia along this path. It is the duty of the Serbian Government and the President to solve problems in a European way.

Madam Vice-President, Commissioner. I want a cleaner planet and I want a real green transition. Nuclear power is the key to all of this. And if the European Union wants to promote nuclear technology, then firstly, nuclear safety must remain at the heart of our efforts. The European Union must continue to promote cooperation on high nuclear safety standards. Secondly, investment in research and development is essential for Europe's secure and reliable energy supply. The Euratom programme already funds key projects such as ITER and supports the development of fusion technology. But we need even more funding for new emerging European start-ups that are developing new innovative nuclear solutions. Thirdly, the development of human resources must be a strategic priority. We need new education programmes for nuclear technologies that will prepare future generations, generations of nuclear experts. And the fourth. Europe needs to support the development of supply chains for nuclear materials and equipment. Europe needs to secure stable supply chains for highly enriched uranium, medical radioisotopes and key components for new reactors. Dear colleagues, supporting nuclear energy means building a future in which Europe is energy-secure, climate-responsible and technologically advanced.