Debate contributions by Matjaž NEMEC

Madam President, dear colleagues, since the last Council meeting, the list of brutal violations of the international order and law has grown significantly. The Trump administration abducted Maduro, is seriously threatening the Iranian regime, is announcing an aggressive takeover of Greenland. At the same time, it is maintaining close relations and cooperation with the Zionist Prime Minister of Israel: the one who will go down in history as one of the most brutal leaders of our time; the one who continuously destroys the international order and institutions such as the United Nations and their role. How much more are we willing to tolerate? My message to the European leaders of tomorrow's extraordinary summit is: the era of merely noting, condemning and urging leaders such as Trump, Netanyahu and Putin to respect international law and to act for something greater than their own ego and greed is over. So, colleagues, stop condemning, start acting – bolder, stronger and united.

Mr President, Honourable High Council! Today's debate on Georgia is no longer just a warning, it is a description of the reality that the country is very quickly moving from democracy to authoritarianism. The regime systematically undermines the opposition, criminalises civil society, attacks independent media and abuses legislation to silence critical voices. Democracy does not die overnight, it dies when repression begins to be called law and fear is called order. Elections that do not meet international standards, are not merely technical shortcomings, are a political decision, and such elections are incompatible with a potential Member State of the European Union. Despite the repression, the Georgian people persist, protest peacefully, persistently and courageously. When power betrays democracy, it is our duty to stand by the people, not by the authorities. And it is imperative that the Union also react in the area of visas if the situation does not improve. Good luck to Georgia.

Mr President, dear colleagues, Europe faces the most demanding geopolitical moment in decades. Long-standing partners, including the United States, are stepping back. We struggle to build new alliances, especially to the east. Mercosur comes to mind. Internally, we are deeply divided. Some traditional supporters of a democratic and united Europe, are now aligned with increasingly extreme and destructive forces. Our double standards responding to conflicts are also eroding our credibility. The world around us is becoming more unpredictable, fragmented and dangerous. Unity and responsibility are no longer optional; they are a political necessity. The Western Balkans remain on the agenda, yet without a tangible process. EU enlargement is a strategic investment in peace, security and the future of our continent, and a political promise of our stability, reform and shared values. Meanwhile, the Middle East continues to witness ceasefire violations and escalation of violence. The EU must clearly stand for international law.

Mr President, dear colleagues, there is no ceasefire, if one side breaks it over and over again. The UN warns that, since the beginning of the truce, Israel has violated the ceasefire in Lebanon more than 10 000 times in one year, and in Gaza, in the last 60 days, more than 700 times. How can there be peace when the killing continues, including of children? How can there be peace if systematic violence goes unpunished in the West Bank? How can there be peace if there is an occupation and apartheid persists? How can there be peace when the genocide continues? We must not turn our eyes from the Middle East. The violation of the ceasefire must stop. The killings and the severe human rights violations must stop now. What we need is a meaningful political process that will bring about real, just and lasting peace. The EU has leverage, but it refuses to use it. The sanctions are on the table and must be implemented. The EU can play a role if it is so chooses. It must now.

Madam President, dear Minister, dear ministers, tomorrow the European Parliament will vote on the European Union's budget for the next year. A deal was successful in the early morning hours on Saturday 15 November. This is a good deal for Europe and a good deal for our citizens. Iides to sincerely thank the many people responsible for the result, but especially my opinions, you, Commissioner, and the Danish Presidency. extreme financial pressure and the negative margins of the European Union administration, together we did it. In particular, I welcome the fact that the European Parliament's negotiation team teams together, united along the way. The final outcome includes significant results of available resources for key EU programmes, and also, very importantly, key European institutions – particular those fighting for the rule of law and our most fundamental values that the Union is based on. Madam President! Let me now continue in Spanish. The European Union budget is not just a list of figures. It tells us what kind of Europe we want, what kind of Europe we want to build and who we want to help. Next year, total spending will amount to almost €193 billion. But the most important thing is what the money will actually be used for. The key message from Parliament to our citizens is to put environmental protection, science and research at the forefront. We are strengthening the Erasmus+ programme for young people. We are also significantly increasing resources for addressing crises in our neighbourhood and for humanitarian aid. An important part of the agreement is also the additional staffing of institutions to protect the rule of law and the fundamental values of the Union, such as the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Data Protection Supervisor and the European Ombudsman. This budget is not just a technical document, it is above all a promise: a promise that Europe will not turn a blind eye to challenges, but will invest in people's knowledge, in health, in youth, in humanitarianism, in solidarity, in our common future. This week we have a long way to go. We will adopt a budget that strengthens the European identity as a space, especially a space of opportunities, security, creativity and values. We set this as a goal and we succeeded in achieving it. And together.

Madam President, the meeting of European leaders has brought mixed conclusions. On the one hand, I welcome the first ever discussion on housing, which together with the cost-of-living crisis is one of the most important issues for our citizens. The Commission must now follow up as soon as possible with a concrete plan for affordable housing. Unfortunately, on the other hand, the summit completely forgot about Sudan. It was also a missed opportunity for a more decisive European response in the Middle East. As the occupation and violation persist, Israel continues to carry out attacks even after the ceasefire. Since then, at least 240 Palestinians were killed. Is this what peace looks like, dear colleagues? Europe must not turn away its attention from the region, but it must use its leverage to take meaningful action, including sanctions. Otherwise, Europe just talks about engagement while events move without us.

Madam President! Today, the European Union is facing an issue that goes beyond a single scandal. If it is established that the Hungarian Government has carried out spying activities within the institutions of the European Union, then we are talking about more than an incident, but an act that undermines the very essence of our common project. These are the trust and values on which the Union stands. It is particularly worrying that these activities took place at a time when Olivér Várhelyi, today a European Commissioner, was serving as the Hungarian Ambassador to the European Union. That connection seriously calls into question his independence and integrity and is contrary to the duties of office laid down in the Treaty on European Union. But it's not just a matter of one person's actions. It is part of a broader pattern – Viktor Orban’s policy of systematically destroying the rule of law, media freedom and loyalty to European values for years and using EU membership as a tool of its own influence. That is why I want to be clear today. It is time for an open debate on Hungary's role in the European Union, including its membership, and whether its conduct is still in line with our common values. That is why the European Union must protect its independence. It is time for serious reflection if Commissioner Várhelyi is still worthy of our trust.

Mr President, dear Minister, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, thank you to Mr Halicki. I listened to all the speakers carefully. With many I can agree and some less. However, I believe that we share a vision with many of you of a better Europe – a more social Europe that delivers for its citizens and that is effective. This Europe is not about individual partial interests, but about a common one, and Europe is strong when it is united. This is our next challenge at hand, finding a compromise that will be based on those principles. Dear colleagues and shadow rapporteurs, I want to thank you for the very constructive work and cooperation so far. I believe tomorrow we will get strong support for the Parliament's position ahead of the conciliation talks. I look very much forward to these discussions and I am hopeful we will find an agreement that will be a good one.

Madam President, dear Minister Wammen, dear Commissioner Serafin, dear colleagues, today we will debate on our priorities for next year’s budget of the Union. This is an important moment for the Parliament where we set our policy priorities, and how to finance them. Our common approach reflects our common values. In addition, it sets the course for the future of Europe as we see it. We are of course part of the globalised world, with many ongoing conflicts, including on our borders. We are also exposed to geopolitical events. We also have to respond to the urgent challenges, including cyber security. In the last years, the EU adopted several ground-breaking legislative initiatives, such as the Digital Services Act, the Digital Market Act, or the Artificial intelligence Act, just to name some of them. Consequently, we tasked the EU institutions to implement these initiatives and monitor their application. But to be able to do that, the EU institutions must be able to do their job. And for them to be able to do so, we must give them sufficient resources. If we can talk the talk, but do not walk the walk, we put all our institutions in a difficult situation. And the Union at risk. Dear colleagues, our key priorities are reflected in our budget proposal. And considering the difficult overall financial situation of the EU budget, we are being very responsible in planning it. And I believe that our proposal demonstrates just that. Our position is very focused, very reasonable and targeted to real needs. However, certain difference between our institutions remain. But we have a common task to deliver for our citizens. It is them we serve. Not ourselves. As the rapporteur for other sections, my message is clear. We must enable our institutions to have enough staff to deal with their increased tasks and responsibilities, and mandatory expenses. But also they need to be able to protect themselves from the new realities, such as cybersecurity issues. More efficient and safe EU institutions are in our common interest. So, dear Minister Wammen, dear Commissioner Serafin, I am sure we will be able to find a common ground that will be based on the real needs for each of our institutions. They are the backbone of the EU, working for our citizens, but also the Member States. And that the result in the end will be a good one. I look forward to today’s debate and I thank you for your attention. Thank you also to my colleagues.

Madame forebearer! Honourable Commissioner, Honourable High Assembly. In a few days, we will mark a year since the tragedy in Novi Sad, when 16 people lost their lives under the ruins of the canopy. The tragedy has finally exposed the disintegration of state governance, where responsibility disappears under the weight of political propaganda and lies. Historical protests throughout Serbia over the past year are a clear sign that the nation is no longer afraid. These protests are not an expression of chaos, but a call for justice, freedom and democracy. Instead of honest dialogue, the authorities respond with violence, thousands of arrests, political trials against students, teachers and other civil servants. Instead of responsibility, conspiracy theory and manipulation. Instead of investigations, silence of institutions. The Serbian authorities have captured institutions, the judiciary, the media in a network of fear and corruption. But in Serbia there is an alternative, a pro-European opposition and thousands of citizens who believe in Europe, democracy and a free future. Their and our joint appeal is clear. It is time for early, free and fair elections. This is the only peaceful and democratic way out of the current crisis.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the eyes of the world must not turn from Palestine. The promise of the ceasefire in Gaza has been broken at least 80 times, at a cost of lives, hopes, and in law itself. We need more than pauses in violence; we need an end of the occupation and all hostilities, including in the West Bank. Those responsible for the genocide and war crimes must be brought to justice in-line with international law. Accountability is non-negotiable – sanctions must be imposed. Lasting and just peace can only be built on the foundation of justice. Urgent humanitarian aid must flow. The crossing must be open and the medical workers and journalists protected. We must protect the very lifeline that keeps children alive and gives families hope, such as UNWRA. Let us choose courage over cruelty, law over impunity, and a future where every child, Israeli and Palestinian, can grow up free from fear. The time to act is now.

Dear High Council! The consequences of October 7, two years ago, will be recorded in the history of humanity as one of the darkest and most cruel periods that our generation has done and tolerated. Hamas' attack is worthy of all condemnation, there is no doubt about it, but Israel's disproportionate response to it, with the unequivocal and tireless erasure of life in Gaza that still persists today, is a completely perverse act and a serious crime against humanity. Peace talks are taking place again these days to finally stop the killing in Gaza and return Israeli hostages to their relatives, and they deserve our full support. But my message remains clear - it is the Union's moral duty to recognise and act. The Holocaust is not an excuse for decades of apartheid against the Palestinian people, and October 7 is not an excuse for genocide in Gaza.

Madam President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, I want to thank everyone for this important debate today. While I cannot agree with everything said today, the discussion showed why and how this reform is still important for the EU. Although the EU visa policy is not the only element of the common migration framework, it remains an important part of it, and the suspension mechanism should also serve as a broader political instrument, but one that is used only if and when this is truly justified. There must be clear consequences when third countries fail to meet our European standards. Ahead of tomorrow, I encourage everyone to vote in favour of this reform. The EU is truly turning an important new page with this law, and I look forward to seeing it come to life.

Madam President, Commissioner Brunner, dear colleagues, tomorrow Parliament will vote on the reform of the visa suspension mechanism – one of the key elements of the common EU visa policy. In June this year, under the Polish Presidency, we reached an agreement on a compromise that will allow the temporary suspension of the EU visa-free regime with a third country under updated, flexible and more modern rules. Currently, the EU visa-free regime applies to 61 third countries worldwide and, until now, the temporary suspension of visa-free travel was only possible for limited reasons, mainly related to migration or security risks. While we have always defended a common visa policy, we have to reject attempts to use the suspension mechanism primarily as a migration management tool. Nevertheless, an evident gap has existed between the preconditions for abolishing visas in the first place and, on the other hand, their temporary reintroduction when circumstances require it. Dear colleagues, the world around us is more unstable than at any time since the Second World War. With more than 110 armed conflicts ongoing across the globe – some at Europe's very borders – we are facing new geopolitical realities and constantly emerging challenges. At the same time, Europe remains the most visited continent in the world by tourists and continues to receive a high volume of business travellers every year. The EU visa policy is therefore not only one of the key pillars of the Union's image in the world, but also one of its strongest foreign policy tools. A tool to promote European values abroad, it must serve as leverage as well. In times of global crisis, we must be able to respond collectively as a Union, so visa policy can no longer remain immune to these realities. For the first time, thanks also to this Parliament, the EU will be able to suspend visa-free travel in cases of serious violation of international law or human rights. Furthermore, the Commission will have greater flexibility to target only specific categories of passports throughout the suspension period. When a foreign government seriously breaches international law and shows no respect for human rights, its government officials and diplomats should no longer enjoy visa-free access to Europe. At the same time, the general population should not normally bear the consequences of the government's actions. But let me be clear. I will use the example of Israeli soldiers committing war crimes in Gaza and even boasting about it on social media – it is against our values and immoral to welcome them with open arms in Europe as tourists. Dear colleagues, with this agreement, we are finally modernising the visa suspension mechanism so that it reinforces our commitment to human rights and international law. The mechanism must serve as a tool to discourage third countries from undermining the international and humanitarian values that the European Union stands for. When the temporary suspension of visa-free travel with third countries is being considered, the European Commission will now also have to assess how this may affect civil society actors. Finally, dear colleagues, let me thank all my colleagues for their support and the Polish Presidency for the excellent cooperation during the negotiations. I very much look forward to today's debate.

Mr President. Dear Commissioner Serafin. Dear reporter Halicki and, of course, Minister Wammen. Welcome to the European Parliament. Thank you for presenting the Council's position on the draft general budget of the Union for 2026. With today's debate, we are entering a difficult period of seeking a European budgetary compromise, but we have a responsibility to European citizens in particular, to reach an agreement in the end. The European Union budget is under tremendous pressure, especially Chapter 7 on the financing of the European institutions. The high deficit is not the result of a natural disaster, but of a conscious political decision, because the MFF was not sufficiently strengthened during the revision process, despite the needs and commitments. That was, of course, a mistake. In Chapter 7 alone, the deficit will therefore be almost one billion euros, and we will, of course, have to reactivate a special flexible mechanism to fill the gap. Dear Sir/Madam, The Commission's amended draft budget follows the principle of limiting the increase in spending to a maximum of 2% and, of course, a stable staff policy. Despite the aforementioned financial resources, procrastination can cost us too much. Of course, we cannot and must not afford to do so, so we in Parliament will push for the removal of some of the Commission's proposed cuts so that the institutions can carry out their fundamental mission for the benefit of the Union and of all its citizens. Given the extremely difficult geopolitical context, the new challenges and the wide range of new Union legislative initiatives, proposals for cuts by the Commission are already jeopardising the efficient work of the institutions as well as their ability to comply with their legal obligations. I welcome the Council's approach to the Commission's proposal, which has not opted for additional cuts. This represents a real financial bottom for some European institutions. The Member States' approach to the budgetary framework for the European Parliament is also positive, which I consider very constructive. Our ambition, esteemed, has always been focused on the fundamental mission of both legislatures. That is why, also in the light of the geopolitical situation, we need to reach an agreement on a moderate budget for the European Parliament next year. As rapporteur for the other departments, I will strive to ensure that the other institutions of the European Union are adequately supported financially so that they can carry out their work and mission effectively. My personal foundation and fundamental goal is to keep everyone safe from cyber-attacks, including the employees who work there. New safety risks and the extremely rapid development of artificial intelligence require, of course, action by all of us. So, I would like to see an agreement on how the institutions can deal with these challenges in the most efficient way, including with adequate financial resources. I am thinking in particular here: The Court of Justice of the European Union, the Court of Auditors, the European Data Protection Supervisor, as well as the European External Action Service, to name but a few. I am convinced that we will work together to achieve these priorities and that in the end, with the help of the Danish Presidency of the Council, of course, we will be able to find a satisfactory solution for all three of us in the conciliation negotiations.

Madam President. Dear citizens of the Republic of Serbia! First of all, let me express my deepest respect and appreciation. You give hope and strength to all of us who believe in democratic institutions, freedom, the rule of law and peace. The battle, which lasts much longer than the last 10 months, added a new dimension in November last year, namely strength and strength. You, your perseverance and unity, are the change that the state needs to resist the systematic pogrom of democracy, persistent corruption and accounting with all critical voices at the forefront with civil servants, professors, media, deans and everyone else. Hundreds of attacks on journalists over the past year, dozens of imprisoned citizens, and political control of the last independent media outlets have been recorded. All condemnable acts of the political summit call for action by the Union as well, and not only in vague, worrying responses. How long will we continue to fund a regime that works against its people? Let us stand firm on the side of the people who want free elections and a better European future. Repression is the last weapon of those who know they have already lost power.

Madam President. Colleagues, Commissioner Marta Kos. Yesterday, for the 30th year in a row, we paid tribute to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide and talked about the tragic past and the importance of reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and today we are discussing its future. I am convinced that the path to reconciliation lies precisely in Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress towards European Union membership. The country's progress in the process of rapprochement reflects the will of its people, who want to be part of a community of European states, orderly, peaceful democratic states of the European Union. We need to help and support her in this endeavour. Part of this is that we do not close our eyes to serious threats. After thirty years, Bosnia and Herzegovina is once again haunted by the spirit of nationalism and secessionism. One man, Milorad Dodik, stands at the forefront of a funeral procession that would bury the efforts of a state emerging from a crunch of schism. In the face of a serious threat to the peace and statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we must stand side by side with all the forces in Bosnian society fighting for peace, equality and coexistence of all nations. The Union must adopt sanctions against Dodik quickly, decisively and without falsification.

Madam President, dear colleagues, people in Gaza and in the Middle East are still being killed every day in hospitals, in refugee centres and in the lines for humanitarian aid. We may have now narrowly avoided the escalation last month in the Israel-Iran conflict into a full-scale war, but the region remains far from peace. The people are still suffering with very little hope. A ceasefire must be achieved now. The review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement confirmed violation of Article 2. Next week the EU foreign ministers must urgently come to a decision on concrete measures: suspend the agreement; sanction those responsible for war crimes; stop trade with illegal West Bank settlements; impose an arms embargo on Israel; ban Israel accessing EU funds and programmes; and protect international law and institutions. Europe must act now. If not, EU leadership and institutions, including our foreign ministers, will be criminally responsible for their complicity under international law. Not in our name.

Dear Madam President, Honourable High Assembly. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, we remember more than eight thousand Bosnian civilians killed in cold blood by Serbian troops from Bosnia and Herzegovina before the eyes of the world. It began with rhetoric dangerously similar to that used today by nationalists against minorities. But Srebrenica was only the culmination of the genocidal campaign led by the then Serbian authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina against the Bosniaks. Previously, many massacres of innocent civilians had only raised empty calls for a ceasefire with the international community. Only the genocide in Srebrenica, which has been taking place in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a long time, finally awakened the international community. At that time, we intervened decisively, and after three years, we just stopped the killings of innocent people. We said: Never again. Nowadays, Europe is falling apart again. Which Palestinian place's name will have to be written in blood in the history of our humanity in order to move from words to deeds again? By attaching new symbols to jackets like this, we will not wash our consciences, revered. The obligation to prevent genocide must not be just a dead letter - we must act now. We are also committed to this by the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica. Good luck, European Union.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the horrors in Gaza continue. Innocent children and families are hunted for food, shot as targets every day by the Israeli army. Their only crime is hunger. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been murdered. Hospitals, schools, refugee centres are almost completely destroyed. Yet this is still not enough for some European leaders, including the Commission President and you, Ms Kallas. Enough is enough. The EU needs to immediately suspend the Association Agreement. On Monday, this must be the conclusion. We also need to sanction the extremists in the Israeli Government. Five Western countries have done it, including the UK and Canada. Where is the EU? When, Ms Kallas, will you follow? Seriously, what more needs to happen? We need a weapons embargo and an end to trade with the settlements. Yet, instead of diplomatic pressure to stop the genocide, Europe is deaf and blind. This is not just disappointing; this is morally sickening. Peace and justice now.

Mr President, Commissioner, Mrs Marta Kos. In a flood of bad and worrying news from around the world, today's debate on Montenegro's progress towards the European Union is a bright exception and a positive story. It remains the leading country on the path of European integration among the countries of the Western Balkans, with a coherent foreign policy with the Union, a commitment to international law and significant progress in the areas of media freedom, electoral law and the fight against corruption and organised crime. This is also felt by the citizens of Montenegro, who are largely in favour of membership of the European Union and where the supporters of anti-European sentiment have failed to incite wider public opinion. And that is exactly what we, the honourable Commissioner, colleagues, are and must fight for in the European Parliament. For a future of peace, stability and cooperation, not division and exclusion. That is why the enlargement of the European Union to the Western Balkans is our only common option and future. The path to membership is not only a political ambition, but a commitment to a wider society based on trust in European values and standards. I wish Montenegro a successful continuation of the reform process.

Madam President. The Rule of Law Report has received increasing attention over the past year. Unfortunately, not so much because of progress in the rule of law, but because violations continue to occur in many Member States, on the one hand, and because, on the other hand, the Union itself does not respect its own rules and European legislation, for example in the case of controls at Schengen borders or because of its duplicitous attitude towards conflicts. Unfortunately, this is also due to the indecisiveness, apathy and often duplicity of the European Union – led, of course, by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – especially when established violations of the rule of law and human rights are not followed by appropriate sanctions. There is a paradox in this question. The rule of law is only a tool for their Trojan horse. This is not about genuine intentions, but about trampling, such as the independence of the judiciary, media freedom and independent institutions. Therefore, dear colleagues, it is time to move from words to deeds. Of course, to protect the rule of law here, at home – with us in the European Union.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the words of the Slovenian President, Nataša Pirc Musar, still echo out. They embody the experience of the collective historical memory of the Slovenian people. The EU was born as a peace project from that same pain. And today we must collectively again stand up for peace. So, dear colleagues, according to the EU, in the next two days 14 000 babies will starve to death unless Israel unblocks the delivery of food and water. Still, 10 European Member States failed to sign Monday's call for Israel to let humanitarian aid into Gaza. How is that possible? If we cannot unite over something as basic as food and water, we completely lose our humanity. But even this is too little and too late. We must suspend the Association Agreement, impose sanctions, stop the arms trade. We demand a ceasefire. We demand peace now!