Speeches

Madam President, thank you very much. More than 150 years ago, the transatlantic slave trade was abolished and 12 million people were liberated. Even so, it still exists today. The International Labour Organisation estimates that almost 30 million people are currently victims of forced labour globally. This is totally unacceptable. People are being exploited, and many of these companies just want to carve gold at the expense of workers. We will never accept this. Forced labour is not just a horrific violation of human rights. It distorts competition and disadvantages companies that take responsibility for fair conditions in the supply chain. Despite the lateness of the Swedish right-wing government during its presidency, we can finally push through a law that tackles forced labour and unfair competition, because human rights must be a priority for us. The Democrats' message is clear: Businesses should assume their responsibilities, respect human rights, and we should put an end to modern slavery and forced labour.

Mr President, thank you very much. Europe is at a crucial stage in history. War is burning on our continent. Conflicts are raging around the world. Far-right forces are trying to divide and weaken our societies. Russia has tried to break cohesion by triggering gas prices and spreading disinformation. The food bag is getting more and more expensive. Ten years of real wage increases have now been eaten up by inflation. It is in times like these that the EU must continue to stand for stability, security and strength. We believe that European countries and peoples should work together on these issues, where we need each other to jointly solve societal problems. The EU budget must contribute to a Europe that holds together socially, politically and economically, to a Europe that increases security, breaks fossil dependence and fights gang crime.

Mr President, thank you very much. We live in an uncertain time. Authoritarian leaders and movements make our world more dangerous. Russia has tried to break European cohesion by turning off the gas crane, spreading disinformation and increasing the level of conflict in our societies. Alexei Navalny was a true democracy fighter who stood up to the last breath for his convictions and our common democratic values. Pro-Russian far-right forces are now trying, together with established parties and leaders, to divide and weaken our societies. Their grip on economics and politics must be broken. The future of democracy depends on the whole of society mobilizing in the struggle for democracy and freedom. Both our history and our times teach us one thing: The defenders of democracy must never be silent.

Mr President, thank you very much. A good school system is based on competent and committed teachers who are allowed to focus on the students' needs. Firstly, we must move away from burdensome administration and unnecessary bureaucracy. The second is that the resources should go to support the students and the school and not be allowed to end up in the pockets of private companies. Sweden is currently the only country in Europe to allow profit withdrawals from the publicly funded school. Control, administration, rating inflation have followed in its tracks. It is of course possible to have freedom of choice in school without private interests and venture capital companies. Therefore, we Social Democrats believe that democratic control of the school must be regained. We will increase the status of teachers, raise the learning outcomes of students. That is why we Social Democrats also raised the salaries of teachers in government. We strengthened the quality of education and increased opportunities for skills development. We know that teachers are doing a fantastic job today, but they need to be given even better opportunities to accomplish this important task. That is why Member States must now take their responsibility and invest in schools and the teaching profession. One thing is for sure. In order to succeed, we cannot be allowed to have private profit interests in school. It doesn't belong there.

Madam President, thank you very much. The term of office has brought many important reinforcements to the working environment in Europe. We have pushed through stronger legislation that better protects workers from asbestos, a new occupational safety and health strategy in Europe and better conditions for seasonal and emergency workers. Now we will also make decisions on enhanced protection against carcinogenic substances and hazardous chemicals such as lead and diisocyanates in the workplace. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the rapporteur, Mr Wilhelmsen, and my colleagues in the Committee for their good cooperation. Despite the great success of the mandate, we still have a long way to go to protect Europe's wage earners. In Sweden, 62 people died in workplace accidents last year. This is the highest figure in 12 years. Every year, more than 200,000 workers in Europe die as a result of work-related illnesses caused by asbestos, quartz dust and chemicals harmful to health, among other things. The vision of zero fatal accidents at work should permeate everything we do. But it must also include life after the end of the working day. No worker should be exposed to health risks that have consequences later in life. Training and skills requirements for those working with hazardous substances will be strengthened with the help of the social partners. We're going to stop cheating on the working environment. Stricter requirements for safeguards in public procurement. Fraud with the work environment should never be able to give competitive advantage. We Social Democrats will always stand for a policy that puts workers' health above corporate profit-seeking. Our goal is clear. No one should be at risk of getting sick or dying because of their work.

Madam President, thank you very much. Diplomacy is a prerequisite for building bridges and for building a common future. And we need a foreign and development policy that empowers women, young people and minorities. We must live up to our global commitments, and it is not just about standing up for human rights, it is about our own security and our own security and legitimacy. If we don't, we will fail. Europe's voice must be strong and clear, and we must be brave enough to stand up for our values even when it is most uncomfortable. And it is also important not to give way to right-wing extremists who seek division instead of cohesion. For us Democrats, this is obvious. The EU's voice should be a voice for justice, for peace, for human rights. We must be the strong voice the world needs. Madam President, we must act here and now!

Madam President, thank you very much. Where there is money to be made, criminals also seek it. Crime has become entrenched in the European labour market. This is a reality. In Europe, criminals run companies that not only push the rules, they crush them completely and trample on the shards. But now we need effective coordination across Europe to bring order to our workplaces. Continuing as usual is not, and cannot be, an option. We must stop the exploitation of people, create well-functioning labour markets and thus also break new recruitment to the gangs. The European Labour Authority (ELA) has an incredibly important role to play in reconciling Member States' fight against labour crime. The involvement of trade unions in this work is fundamental, if not decisive. They must be given the necessary support and mandate to carry out checks and information that may lead to prosecution. The review must therefore take into account the diversity of national inspection systems and the fact that, in some Member States, they are also responsible for inspections, as highlighted in Parliament's resolution. We will use every tool, authority and agency to fight crime. Criminals should not be allowed to take a dime from our growth and well-being.

Mr President, thank you very much. [] The EU budget that can really make a difference for ordinary people. But that requires us to be able to prioritize. The EU budget can and should never compensate Member States for low-tax policies. We must use the EU budget for the crises and efforts that no single Member State can make on its own. That's when we really make a difference. That is when we can create development and create more jobs across Europe. So if the EU is also to become a credible partner, we must not cut back on international engagement when it is most needed. We know that it is children and women who suffer the greatest consequences from limited access to humanitarian aid, and that humanitarian action actually saves lives. Prioritising this is not a matter of charity, but of our common future and our common security. Mr President, thank you very much. The EU needs a budget that is on the side of ordinary people. It is our task to ensure that it contributes to a more equal and equal Europe.

Madam President, Contrary to what many people claim, there is a huge force in the EU budget. But then we must also prioritise those areas that can make the biggest difference to ordinary citizens. Vi vet att konsekvenserna av Rysslands hänsynslösa invasion av Ukraina kommer att prägla vår vardag för lång tid framöver. And in times of war and inequality, it is, as always, the most vulnerable who pay the highest price. Our common task is to create a more equal Europe. Nevertheless, the Member States must assume their responsibilities. Otherwise, we will not succeed in our ambitions. This includes support for Ukraine. That is why, Madam President, the EU budget must have a clearer focus on our common challenges and what no single Member State can do on its own. And our priorities ultimately determine on which side we intend to stand for the future.

Madam President, thank you very much. The basic rule in the EU should be that asbestos must never be handled without full permits, the necessary knowledge and adequate protection measures. We are now taking several important steps to ensure that poorer health and safety at work can never be a competitive tool in the European labour market. Although we have a ban on asbestos throughout Europe, asbestos is still the single largest work-related cause of death both in Sweden and in the rest of Europe. Madam President, there are no safe limits for asbestos exposure. The EU is facing an absolutely necessary renovation wave. The management of asbestos and thus the need for safe asbestos removal will therefore increase. We can never accept that people should have to put themselves at risk with the removal and handling of asbestos. This moment is historic, Madam President. This is also important for all workers in Europe.

Madam President, thank you very much. The climate crisis is a fact. Earth's temperatures are increasing, and more and more countries are hit by extreme heat, forest fires and floods. Through the UCPM and RescEU, the EU has a strong and solidarity-based coordination of responses to crises. On the other hand, the EU lacks a common standard for firefighters who are at the centre of crises and who save lives on a daily basis. When firefighters from different Member States come together in a crisis, we cannot be sure that they have the same training, the same skills or compatible equipment. That's why I'm deeply concerned about the notions of what it means to be a firefighter. The WHO has classified the occupational exposure of firefighters as particularly carcinogenic, and we should do the same. Firefighters are 300% more likely to be affected by cancer. A list of professions considered to be carcinogenic would help employers to identify and facilitate the implementation of appropriate protection measures and training. Without common rules and requirements, the EU's crisis response risks becoming ineffective and life-threatening for both firefighters and our citizens.

Mr President, thank you very much. Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights are principles that must never, or anywhere, be compromised. Living up to these principles is fundamental for Europe. The situation of Turkey's minorities is alarming in many cases. Human rights and the protection of minorities are crucial in the relationship between Turkey and the EU. This report is therefore welcome. It is clear and sends an important signal to those in power in Ankara. Turkey must act! Fully implementing the recommendations of the Council of Europe and judgments of the European Court of Human Rights is an issue that concerns not only Turkey but also us in the EU. Only in this way can we build a future where all people are respected, where all voices are heard and where all rights are protected.

Madam President, thank you very much. The Global Goals provide guidance on how to collectively take on the future. Although some progress has been made, we are far from finished. Poverty and inequality are on the rise in our world. For example, hundreds of millions of children and young adults do not have access to education. The number of people in modern slavery is increasing, and it is to a large extent the rich countries that have contributed to this negative development. This is not only worrying – it is unacceptable. Delivering on our promises and global commitments is a matter of legitimacy and credibility. It is also a prerequisite for our security. That is why I am concerned when Member States, including my own country, Sweden, are cutting aid and international work at a time when we actually need it the most. But there is hope. The direction is set and we need to deliver. We can and must do more for sustainable development in the world around us, because that is also good for Europe.

Mr President, thank you very much. We are going to vote on a groundbreaking piece of legislation that puts pressure on companies to take human rights and the environment into account. In the 21st century, this shouldn't be particularly groundbreaking, but it is. Companies operating in developing countries must respect human rights, the environment and the rule of law, not least in order to achieve the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda. It is not the size of the companies but the size of the damage caused by the companies that is essential. Therefore, more companies need to be covered by the legislation. The influence of trade unions is extremely central to strengthening this legislation. We need effective and proportionate sanctions against those companies that violate human rights and harm the environment. Now it is important that we bring this to a close in order to create a future that protects people and the environment, and where those who misbehave are held accountable for their actions.

Madam President, thank you very much. Across Europe, there is a shortage of skills. Inequality and inequality in the labour market persist, and the situation is directly acute. Companies bear witness to this, and it is this issue that will ultimately determine our competitiveness for the future. In this context, Sweden is no exception. But there, the right-wing conservative government is failing the country's wage-earners as they cut back on funding for education and skills provision. This is totally irresponsible! If we are to seriously cope with the skills shortage, we must dare to prioritize and make education available to an increasing number of people. It doesn't help with a lot of powerpoints and theories. Concrete action and solutions are therefore needed. First, companies must take their share of the responsibility. The validation and recognition of skills needs to be improved. A well-functioning social dialogue must be guaranteed in order to ensure the supply of skills, in accordance with the needs of the sectors. The European Year of Skills is this year. The issue of skills supply is not a cost issue, but rather a question of investment for the future. It is time to move from words to action.

Madam President, thank you very much. The EU's development work is important both for us and for our partners around the world. The cooperation has helped more people to get out of poverty and improve their living conditions. But in order to maintain the leadership jersey, we must live up to our promises and use the means that have been decided. It is a question of legitimacy and credibility. I am very concerned that many organisations are now being cut off from funding. I see this not least in Sweden, where the right-wing government has sharply cut back on aid and support for civil society. The right is attacking non-profit organisations at a time when we need them the most – this is totally unacceptable! This is why the EU must continue to push for development with a focus on equality, education and climate transition. Without cooperation with non-profit organisations, the EU's development work will lose momentum.

Mr President, thank you very much. There is an enormous power in the EU budget and, together with the Member States, we can definitely make a difference for ordinary people. But then we must be able to prioritize, and that determines on whose side we actually stand. Inequality is tormenting our continent and we cannot allow the weakest in society to be sidelined this time too. The EU plays an important role. Joint efforts will make things easier in the future, but it will take time. Here and now, after all, it is the Member States that must take responsibility for those who have the absolute hardest time. I'm worried. While ordinary workers find it difficult to put food on the table, the Swedish government chooses to watch. There is no plan to face the crisis. Clear priorities are therefore needed. What is good for our employees is also good for Sweden and Europe. That is why the EU needs a budget that is on the side of ordinary people.

Madam President, thank you very much. Let me begin by expressing my sympathies to all those affected in Turkey and Syria. The devastation is unimaginable, the testimonies painful. A few days ago I received the news that a friend's son had died in this catastrophe. Fikri Töre is one of tens of thousands of victims and the rescue operations continue day and night. The international presence is crucial. Let us not forget the situation in Syria. The country is devastated after many years of war. This has hit civilians particularly hard. Aid to Syria is hard to come by on devastated roads. In many cases, the houses have already been bombed. The pictures from the region speak for themselves. Aid to Syria must be intensified and the needs here are enormous and humanitarian aid is needed to save lives. The Swedish Government is the President of the European Union. I expect it to take the lead and deal with this with the solidarity and humanity required at this time.

Mr President, thank you very much. Everything is based on the employee's influence in the workplace. Democracy makes our employees feel better and have influence over their lives, both at work and from home. But it also strengthens the sustainability and competitiveness of companies. Today, our workplaces look very different. Employees' influence over their own work is affected by the changing labour market we have. It is not obvious that a workplace today is characterized by union strength and collective agreements. That is why we need to ensure that workers are informed and consulted on all decisions affecting their working situation in a timely manner, regardless of where they work from. Trade unions must be informed and involved throughout the decision-making process with the employer and at all relevant levels. We must put democracy, co-determination and influence at the centre of our workplaces. Mr President, trade union rights are human rights.

Madam President, thank you very much. There is a crisis in Europe, and the EU has shown its power to act at this stage. We have invested hundreds of billions in increasing energy production. We are supporting Ukraine financially and militarily and we are pushing down electricity prices. Cooperation and solidarity in the EU are key to overcoming this crisis. But we also need to be aware of our limitations. Because in this serious crisis, it is our countries that are pulling the heaviest load. It is the national welfare systems that our citizens rely on. It is at national level that the electricity subsidy is financed. It is important that we have a discussion about the EU budget and how we can make it work better. But we must understand that what we do in Europe must complement what is done in the individual Member States. Because here and now, it is our countries that support our citizens. This is where we can quickly get help to the most vulnerable groups. I am convinced that this is where our common resources make the biggest difference in this situation. This should guide the debate on the EU budget.

Mr President, thank you very much. Today, inflation broke new records in Sweden and it is Putin who bears the main responsibility. But the energy crisis is also a European failure. The market simply does not work. This requires more radical solutions, a fundamental reform of the EU electricity market. All our proposals will aim at lowering electricity prices. At the same time, we also need to support households. With its breakdown, the Swedish government has put many Swedish households in an impossible situation. That is why we Swedish Social Democrats want to introduce an electricity bill and help the whole of Sweden to cope with electricity costs this winter. Unlike the government, we understand that people north of Dalälven also have it tough. We Social Democrats do not close our eyes to the failures that the market is now showing. We must act decisively when our citizens are under pressure.

Mr President, thank you very much. The EU is the world’s largest donor of aid, but with current policies, both climate objectives and global sustainability goals are out of reach. At the same time, crises are piling up: wars in Europe, floods in Pakistan and the famine in the Horn of Africa. It is important that this Parliament takes a stand in favour of an ambitious development policy. We understand that more needs to be done. At the same time, we have a government in Sweden that concludes castle agreements disconnected from reality. When the world is on fire, they choose to cut off Swedish aid. It is a government that is failing its sustainability goals, that is failing the climate, that is failing its election promises and that is now failing the world. I am glad that the EU is taking a different path. We continue to stand for solidarity, to develop and make aid more effective.

Mr President, thank you very much. There is an enormous power in our budget, and together with the Member States we can definitely make a difference for ordinary people. But then we must be able to prioritise – and that determines on whose side we actually stand. Inequality continues to plague our continent, and we must not allow those who are already wronged to stand back even in this crisis. The rich can always afford butter. The EU plays an important role. Joint efforts in energy, research – they will make things easier later on. But it takes time. Here and now, after all, it is the Member States that must take responsibility for those who have the most difficulties. With a new Swedish government concluding agreements on castles, I am worried to say the least. The drive to reduce job security and insure the sick goes before helping ordinary people. The ‘Castle Government’ exists for its own. For society to be kept together, everyone must be helped out of the crisis in both Sweden and the EU.

Madam President, thank you very much. Poverty is not a law of nature. Inequality, social and economic inequalities are the work of man. It is gradually tearing Europe and our societies apart. The gap is widening and the rich are getting richer. Today, I would like to pay particular attention to women and children and to those workers who can barely afford to put food on the table – those who are actually day workers in practice. Many women in Europe are unemployed or work part-time and are usually also paid less than men. At the same time, millions of children live below the poverty line and in exclusion in Europe. That is why we must start from a policy that equalises the growing conditions of children. For this to be possible, there needs to be political will, a progressive redistribution within the Member States. We achieve this by creating more jobs, offering good education, secure employment and trade union organisation, and a better safety net for those who need it most. Combating poverty is our shared responsibility, from the European level to the local level. Europe can do better.

Madam President, thank you very much. Poverty cannot be banned. While the right is attacking poor people, we Social Democrats believe that it is poverty and inequality that should be combated. The current situation should be seen as a direct consequence of our history and the extensive structural oppression and discrimination to which Roma have been and continue to be subjected today. Romans have been tortured and persecuted throughout their history and have been on constant flight. Roma women and children are among the most vulnerable individuals, and here we need to do more to protect these groups. At the same time, governments are abusing and inciting minority groups – and so is the case here in the European Parliament. The situation of Roma is alarming and is now further aggravated by rising inflation and energy prices. When crises like these occur, it is always the weakest groups that are hit the hardest. Now all Member States must comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights and human rights. The Commission bears a major responsibility for launching infringement procedures against Member States that violate our common values. Together, we must ensure that no one is hindered from the right to housing, education, basic security in the event of illness or unemployment, health care or self-sufficiency. We need a better strategy to eradicate poverty and combat social exclusion. Effective solutions require full commitment at European, national and local level to find common solutions there to solve the situation of Roma and to give them the opportunity to participate on equal terms. We must recognise the discrimination faced by Roma, and together we will take responsibility for a more solidarity-based and fairer Europe. We know that Europe can do better.