Speeches

Mr President, I welcome the EU decision to reiterate its commitment to the Western Balkans getting closer to our Union during the recent summit in Slovenia. However, I deplore that the summit did not bring any breakthrough or concrete next steps in that sense. I believe we should accelerate the enlargement process. This is crucial as a loss of credibility of the EU in the Western Balkans threatens to increase foreign influence in Europe, notably given Russia’s and China’s interests in the region. I fear the lack of a decision to open negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania can accelerate this process of growing external influence. In a world of fragile and changing alliances, this enlargement could be a further guarantee of proper development, stability and peace on our continent.

Madam President, 10 years after the Arab Spring, Tunisia continues to face serious political security and economic challenges. The country is greatly affected by political instability and the health crisis. With the decision to suspend the assembly and the constitution, President Saied has struck an even stronger blow on Tunisian democracy and now holds almost all executive, legislative and judicial powers. In this growing unrest, which could lead to violent civil confrontations, we call today on Tunisian President Kais Saied to enter into a peaceful dialogue with the country’s major political parties and civil society representatives to find a way out of the political crisis in the country. In parallel, the EU institutions and the Member States should maintain their support for the democratic aspirations of the Tunisian people.

Mr President, since 2013 the European Union has, politically and financially, supported Myanmar’s process towards democratic transition. Regrettably, since February’s coup, the situation has been extremely aggravating. Murders, arbitrary detentions, forced displacements and the use of collective punishment, the violation of freedom of religion and the increased oppression of Christians are but a few examples of the abrupt deterioration of the political climate in the country. We cannot remain idle. This is why I am calling on the Council to keep imposing targeted and robust sanctions, while ensuring that these do not harm the people of Myanmar. The international community must relentlessly condemn countries backing the junta militarily and economically and must continue to take additional action to help Myanmar citizens fighting for democracy.

Madam President, the global phenomenon and challenge of online disinformation gained visibility over the recent years. The 2016 US presidential elections, Brexit and Russia’s hybrid war against Ukraine are only examples of this growing trend. New serious cases of foreign interference and disinformation are being revealed every month. For instance, there is now the migration crisis from Belarus, which aims at weakening our community of democratic countries, and especially Poland and the Baltic states. Indeed, Lukashenko’s regime is instrumentally using human rights issues in the context of the migration crisis on the border to defame Poland and other Member States. All these events highlight the crucial role that online platforms play in spreading conspiracy theories and disinformation. I believe this issue is especially relevant today as we are legislating on the Digital Services Act. Against these growing threats the DSA should be designed to improve content moderation on social media platforms and to stop illegal content and disinformation from spreading. At the same time, we need to protect citizens’ freedom of speech and different views which fuel our democratic debate. As the shadow rapporteur of this legislation, I believe we should find the right balance between freedom of speech and fighting disinformation, while preventing over-removal of content online.

Madam President, the United Arab Emirates is a key partner and ally of the European Union in the Arabian Gulf. That is why we are deeply concerned about the persecution of human rights defenders in this country. I deplore the reports that Ahmed Mansoor has been subjected to forms of torture or ill treatment while in detention. Indeed, prolonged and indefinite solitary confinement can be defined as such. I call on the United Arab Emirates’ authorities to live up to their international obligations, and urge the removal of Mr Mansoor from solitary confinement. Fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech and expression, but also a fair trial, should always be respected. Finally, while maintaining high—level political dialogue, the EU – and especially the High Representative – should continue actively raising human rights concerns with the United Arab Emirates.

Mr President, the COVID—19 pandemic has unveiled new and unexpected threats to public health, but also highlighted and exacerbated existing weaknesses in the healthcare system of many Member States as well as beyond EU borders. It has demonstrated how a public health problem can affect the proper functioning of all European sectors and has shown that efforts to combat health emergencies require better coordination at EU level. Looking at this from an internal market perspective, the regulation on serious cross—border threats to health issues raises three important issues: supply chains, procurement and data sharing. Mainly, the pandemic has exposed the limited diversity of suppliers and over—reliance on a few particular supply chains. Such vulnerabilities need to be addressed by encouraging broader participation of small and medium—sized enterprises in joint procurement procedures. The EU should pay particular attention to providing technical assistance and reducing administrative burdens, to boost SMEs’ engagements in the process. Last but not least, the new regulation should ensure that data sets are equally accessible and usable across the EU for better coordination. I do hope that the proposed solution will contribute to the improvement of operational coordination in the EU. In this regard, I support the creation of the Health Emergency Response and Preparedness Authority.