Debate contributions by Mārtiņš STAĶIS

Dear Chair, Dear colleagues, Drones are no longer the future. They are needed today not only for our defence forces, but also for our civil security, because what we see is Russia's attacks on our infrastructure; Example 2:am to paralyse European airports. That is why Europe must be ready to react quickly and effectively. Latvia is an example of how one small country can become a drone powerhouse. Together with our allies, we have created and are leading the International Drone Coalition, which already provides hundreds of thousands of drones and billions of funding to Ukraine today. Our local companies are developing investments that are then used by the whole of Europe. Thus, for example, the Belgian government plans to commission anti-drone air technology produced in Latvia by Latvian companies so that Belgians can protect their airspace. Latvia offers the largest drone testing infrastructure in our region - the Selonia landfill. It has also created a drone centre where new technologies are tested together with scientists and also taking into account the experience of Ukraine. And this there is only one example of the path Europe can take. We simply need to develop our drone technologies and ensure the protection of our citizens.

Mr President, dear colleagues, this report matters because we no longer live in a safe world. On Europe's eastern flank, we see it every day: the violation of our airspace, cyber-attacks, sabotages and disinformation. And these are not just 'cyber threats', as some like to say, they are deliberate acts of aggression, mainly from Russia – meant to scare us, divide us and test our resolve. This report focuses on what actually works: stronger drone defence, electronic warfare, better protection of our skies and real tools to counter hybrid attacks. Europe must also be able to defend itself reliably and without illusions. For four years now, we are witnessing full-scale war in our own continent. People in Ukraine are dying every day. If we do nothing, war will spread. If we show strength, this can stop. I believe that it's that simple.

Madam President, esteemed colleagues, after a long discussion, the European Defence Industry Programme is finally coming. Europe can be truly independent only if we take our destiny in our hands. Without strong defence, we risk letting other powers like the US, China and Russia decide Europe's future. This is the clearest lesson from Trump's one‑sided EU trade deal and this so‑called 'peace plan' in Ukraine. We keep getting bad deals and our allies are becoming less predictable and our adversaries more aggressive. Europe is strong in diplomacy, but diplomacy can only take us so far if it is not backed by real military strength. So, stronger defence is not a luxury, it is a must. With a joint defence project across the EU, we can produce what Europe truly needs: drones and munitions, a communication system and transport vehicles. Colleagues, EDIP is a good instrument to make Europe stronger, safer and more independent, but it should be only the beginning.

Dear Chair, Dear colleagues, Too slow and too late, but Europe seems to have finally understood: the sooner we get rid of Russian gas and oil, the sooner this Russian war machine will also be suppressed. Latvia renounced Russian gas 1,000 days ago. And look at what is happening to European countries that have not done so, such as Hungary and Slovakia. I imagined this feeling of humiliation for Hungarians and Slovaks – and these are the peoples who have suffered a lot from this evil empire – when they saw their corrupt politicians going to Moscow to kiss Putin’s hand, instead of having used this time to make sure their countries were energy independent. And to all European political pensioners who are trying to tell us that ‘we already think Russia will change and we traded so well’, I would like to remind you where these brought us Noardstream projects and dependence on Russian oil, at a weak Europe and at Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Europe simply fed this imperial monster in the hope that it would not attack. So a non-cent evil empire – Russia must be defeated and only then will there be peace and security in Europe.

Madam President, honourable Members, the people of Belarus do not stand with Lukashenka, and they don't stand with Putin either. And we share their dream of freedom and a country where the government serves its citizens, and does not imprison them, where the Belarusian language is celebrated, not suppressed, where allies treat Belarus with respect, not as a platform to start wars or for nuclear weapons. We want to see Minsk stand proudly among the free capitals of the European Union, if that is the will of the people, and the day when Belarus competes in ice hockey under the white-red-white flag of free Belarus. But Lukashenka stands against this, and Putin seeks to export this current Belarus model to Georgia and to as many countries as he can. Because the Kremlin fears freedom, because freedom proves that change is possible even in Russia. Long live free Belarus! Zhyve Belarus!

Madam President, dear colleagues, Russia is collapsing: over 1 million soldiers dead or wounded; more than 11 000 armoured vehicles, tanks, have been destroyed; and billions of euros lost. War spending now consumes almost 40 % of the state budget. Yet, after three and a half years, Russia still has no victory in sight. That's why the Kremlin has changed its tactics. Unable to win on the battlefield, it now seeks to divide and intimidate Europe by financing corrupt politicians, spreading disinformation and striking our infrastructure to test our readiness. So, Europe must respond with decisive action: frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine; provide long-range weapons capable of striking deep inside enemy territory; apply Ukraine's drone-war experience; and rebuild our defence industries. Above all, we must discard peacetime thinking. This is how we will secure the victory.

Dear Chair, Colleagues, Today we hear a disclaimer here that these are already a few drones. Well, who doesn't?! It's human to make mistakes. Maybe next time everything will fall into Ukraine. I listen and see in which country’s information space some live – obviously Russian. Russia hates the Western world. Russia hates a united Europe. Instead of the European Union, Putin would like small, ludicrous vassal countries managed by greedy autocrats, and our indecisiveness feeds this beast in the east. That's why he's testing us. Until recently, some drones fell in the Baltic States. Twenty Russian-Iranian drones have now attacked Poland, and hundreds of drones and missiles kill Europeans nearby, in Ukraine, every day. Here in Parliament, there are Members who go to Moscow to kiss the ring of the dictator or demand that Ukraine stop its attacks on the Russian war machine, the energy infrastructure. And that's disgusting. Only European unity, only heavier sanctions, only more weapons for Ukraine, only Ukrainian attacks deeper into Russian territory is our chance to prevent more war. And Russia must be defeated.

Madam President, dear colleagues, I too dislike the one-sided trade deal with the United States. I too dislike watching Europe quietly accept the shifting world order, or the next sudden decision from the US President. We can shout in the sky, tear our eyes out, or hold an endless non-confidence vote, but nothing will change if we do not understand one simple truth: any Commission will have its hands tied if Europe depends on others for security. Our values are the strongest in the world, but our muscles are weak, so relying on America's shield comes at a price for Europe. Only a Europe able to defend itself will be treated as an equal by Washington or by Beijing, so defence must come first, the better trade deals and influence will follow.

Madam President, colleagues, crises are part of Europe. But when disaster strikes, it's not a governmental official who knocks first at your door – it's your neighbour. And that is where true preparedness begins: in trust between people; in the strength of local NGOs and community groups, who know the names and needs in their neighbourhoods. They can organise training, build resilience from the bottom up, and often they are more trusted than government institutions. We see this in Finland, where networks like Vapepa link citizens and state, and across Europe, like in Latvia, where the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation works to build local resilience. We must support the human infrastructure with recognition, with resources and with a seat at the table, because resilience starts with the person next door, not the system above. So let's include strong support for NGOs in the EU preparedness strategy as well.

Madam President, dear colleagues, our threat has one clear name: it's Russia. And that's why NATO countries have to do more than just make a stand. Ukraine is leading by example with courage, with strategy and with a refusal to back down. We all saw what Ukraine achieved when it reached deep into Russian territory, and destroyed the very bombers that had been terrorising its cities and people. Most of us cheered, but not all. Some here travelled to Moscow to cheer with the aggressor, and some still attend events that twist truth and excuse the war crimes. The rest understand the stakes, but a one-size-fits-all defence strategy is not going to work. It's time to focus. If one house is on fire, you don't split firefighters across the whole neighbourhood. You concentrate resources where the threat is greatest. And in this case, it's the eastern flank. It's not about building 1 000 tanks that stay parked in Western Europe. It's about sending 100 tanks where they are needed, where Europe's security is truly tested. To protect Europe's future, we must invest in the Baltic Defence Line and support all frontline countries. This is smarter and cheaper than spreading resources across all countries. Defending Europe means defending the most vulnerable edge: Europe's border with Russia. That must be our shared mission.

Mr Preisdent, if someone from Belarusian opposition spoke here today, they would be risking for freedom, safety and family well-being. In Belarus, the government doesn't just go after those who speak out inside the country, it also punishes those who voice their opinions, even here in the European Union. Simply travelling to the EU or speaking up can lead to jail time and losing everything they owned. This is one of the regime's many tactics. Take Aleksandra Herasimenia, Olympic medallist. She was sentenced to 12 years in prison and had her property take away just for protesting peacefully. Her story. Just one of the thousands. Belarus is losing what little independence it has left. Putin may soon take full control, turning this country into a base of new wars. That is why standing with the people of Belarus who want freedom is more important than ever. (the speaker finishes in a non-EU language)

Madam President, this report should mark a turning point. We welcome the progress made: higher defence budget, stronger EU- NATO cooperation and increased support for our defence industry. But it is not enough. 2 % GDP target for defence is a peacetime goal. There is a war in Europe. Shouldn't we invest much more in defence? Countries on Russia's border, we allocate at least 5 %. Latvia, for example, is doubling its army and building Eastern Shield and Baltic Defence Line to secure our borders with Russia and Belarus. We are asking for more support, not for ourselves, but to defend European borders and our shared values, peace and democracy. Russia must be defeated right now in Ukraine. If we fail, we will be forced to stop Russia within our own borders. Ukraine needs 0.25 % of GDP on military aid, as it was proposed by Ms Kallas. Thank you for supporting this target in this report. But now every European country must act. This is not just about individual nations. It is about defending all of Europe. Winter is coming. Ukraine has already found ways to create a smart and efficient military industry that produces cost-effective, advanced technology. This means Europe can follow this example. More investment, more cooperation and stronger defence. Europe must act now before it's too late.

Madam President, Europe is a giant in chains: wealthy, powerful, yet paralysed. Objective reality and data show that there is no need to despair. Quite the opposite. We have given Ukraine EUR 134 billion. That sounds like a lot, but it's just 0.2 % of our GDP. If the US steps back, we can raise that to 0.4 % without difficulty. The Baltics, Finland and Denmark already contributed nearly 1 % – a small price for lasting security – and our economies have only become stronger as a result. We can make Russia pay. Let's seize 200 billion of frozen Russian assets and direct them to Ukraine. Madam President, the European Commission must make a decision on this right now. Dear colleagues, the numbers don't lie. We are 450 million Europeans. Russia has just 140 million people. Our economy is 12 times larger. We have everything we need to defend ourselves and others. The only step left: removing the chains we have placed on ourselves.

Dear Chair, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland are currently protecting the external borders of the European Union. Colleagues, that's a fact. The regions of Latvia – Latgale and North Vidzeme – are the first bastions of freedom and democracy in Europe. Already after the borders of Latgale and North Vidzeme, there is Mordor – an aggressive, tyrannical territory that wants to subjugate its neighbours. Of course, living next to the aggressor is neither profitable nor profitable. Economic cooperation is not possible. Attracting private investment is also difficult. At the same time, we need to strengthen our borders to deter the aggressor from invasion. We are building the Baltic Defence Line in Latgale and Northern Vidzeme, thus militarily protecting the external border of Latvia and the European Union as a whole. Therefore, colleagues, we are not praying. The economy of Latgale, Northern Vidzeme and other border regions and strengthening the well-being of citizens are in the interest of all of us – Europe. This would be Europe's contribution to its security and defence against the aggressor. Rafael Fito, the European Commissioner responsible, has already expressed his support for specific support programmes for Europe's border regions. I also call for the support of the European Parliament.

Mr President, dear friends, yes, we Latvians see Russia differently because we live beside it. Just imagine an apartment building. We – Latvian and Estonian neighbours – live in the same floor and are improving our house day by day. But behind the door, on the east side, there is our unruly tenant living, Russia, who is aggressive, who is drunk, destructive. Our Ukrainian neighbour suffers the most. Every time they rebuild, Russia comes, steals, destroys and vandalises. Russia has attacked Ukraine 24 times in the last 300 years. So, today they continue to terrorise our floor, but tomorrow, they will come to yours. And if you don't stop them, they will burn down the house. So, the history shows: ignoring the fire won't save you – it only lets the flames spread. That's why our unruly tenant deserves a very hard lesson.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues every day 1 500 political prisoners in Belarus – teachers, students, journalists, parents, wake up in the cells not for crimes, but for daring to dream of freedom. Among them Dzmitry Kuchuk, leader of the dissolved Belarusian Green Party, sentenced for six years in prison simply for standing up for his beliefs. Since the stolen elections of 2020, the Lukashenka regime has turned Belarus into a prison, crushing dissent with torture, blackmail and fear. Here's what we must do: hit the regime where it hurts and target Belarus' lifeline, its economy. Sanction potash, oil and other key exports, close every loophole that fills Lukashenka's coffers, crush enablers and hold these cronies accountable, freeze their assets, deny them visas, and support the Belarusian people – fund independent media, human rights defenders and activists, and support the families of political prisoners. Europe must fund humanitarian aid and offer asylum to families who flee persecution. If we fail to act decisively, we send a green light to every dictator watching. Please support this resolution – and Zhyve Belarus.

Mr President, Dear Commissioner, The Baltic Sea is threatened by Russia, in particular by the Russian shadow fleet. We can only imagine what would happen if, as recently as in the Black Sea, a Russian tanker crashed in the Baltic Sea and large-scale oil spills occurred in the Baltic Sea. Such a disaster would be irreversible for my region. The marine ecosystem would have been destroyed, and for several generations our beautiful beaches would in principle have been finished for decades. NATO has already responded by sending patrol vessels. The European Union must now do its homework and the Baltic Sea must be protected. And what does that mean? Establishment of trained, equipped response teams that can take immediate action in case of oil spills; Baltic Sea States Co-operation Scheme for Coordinated Action and Storage of Oil Spill Prevention Equipment in Strategic Areas Close to High Risk Areas. As long as Russia is not defeated, but sails in the Baltic Sea, we must be prepared for the worst scenario.

My question is, what more can American and Chinese platforms do to continue to undermine democracy in Europe? Should they eliminate fact checking entirely or promote hate speech more aggressively, or maybe interfere more bluntly in our elections or design algorithms that expose our children to harmful content? Perhaps Elon Musk, who allegedly gave a Nazi salute twice yesterday, can convince you that it's time for strong and decisive action to stop these unhinged tech‑oligarchs.

Mr President, our children are not for sale. As parents across Europe, we must be confident that the platforms our children use are safe, not a tool for exploitation or harm. And unfortunately, TikTok failed this test. This platform bombards children with addictive algorithms and toxic content, material that would never be allowed in China, where strict time limits and educational videos protect young users. So why should European children be treated with less care? But the danger does not stop there. TikTok has become a tool for spreading disinformation, even influencing elections, as we saw in Romania. Now, TikTok has published an expensive ad in Politico, promising billions in investment for security and privacy. But trust isn't built on PR campaigns – it's built on actions, and TikTok has repeatedly failed to deliver on this front. Europe must take a stand. If TikTok refuses to respect our rules on privacy, safety and transparency, it has no place in Europe.

Madam President, dear colleagues, so Putin's goals go beyond destroying Ukraine. He seeks to break the unity of the West and destroy our values. Russia's first weapon is fear. Through arson, infrastructure attacks, cyberattacks, assassination plots and disinformation, Russia spread fear in our societies. A frightened person is easy to intimidate. The second weapon is greed. They use politicians who are willing to accept any peace on Putin's terms just to resume their personal business with Russia. A greedy person is easy to buy. We must respond to these tactics with strength, tougher sanctions, defend critical infrastructure and combat disinformation on every level. Supporting Ukraine is central to defeating this threat. But let's not keep fooling ourselves by vague and obscure terms such as hybrid threats, just so we have an excuse not to act. We must call Russia's actions by their true name: state‑sponsored terrorism.

Madam President, thank you Mr Niinistö for this report. I appreciate that it was written by President of Finland. As much of what we Latvians know about civil defence readiness, we actually learn from Finland. This is a special week for Latvians as we are not only celebrating our independence, but also remembering our freedom fighters. Our national guard has launched a new campaign called 'My Latvia. My Responsibility.' Mana Latvija. Mana atbildība. It speaks to responsibilities we have as a citizens toward our country. When I became the mayor of Riga, we introduced something entirely new to the city: an exercise on what to do in the event of a military attack. The Niinistö report calls for this type of training and exercise culture to be introduced across the EU. Most importantly, it reflects our key responsibilities ensuring that our community and institutions are resilient against any kind of threat because it's our Europe, our responsibility.

Dear Chair, Dear Members, Dear Members, The 19th century was an era of empires, the 20th century is an era of states, but in the 21st century it is cities that play a much greater role. Three quarters of Europeans live in cities. They are driven by our growth and also innovation. If there are brave leaders in the city, they take decisions faster and more efficiently than national governments. Cleaner air, lower utility bills, safer traffic and better quality of life are the goals pursued by modern, purposeful cities, so the opportunities for city dwellers to decide for themselves about their future need to be broadened. The European Union's investments must also reach cities without the intervention of governments. Governments do not always have an understanding of the needs of city dwellers, and city dwellers become hostages in government conflicts with city municipalities. More autonomy in attracting European investment would enable cities to plan and determine their own future development. Europe can only achieve its goals of economic growth and a citizen-friendly living environment by actively involving cities where both people and knowledge are concentrated.

Madam President, dear colleagues, today the people of Ukraine are showing incredible bravery in the face of brutal aggression. Hungary, like Ukraine, Latvia and other nations, suffered under the oppressive occupation of the Soviet Union – an evil empire that once dominated its neighbours. The same evil has been reborn in Russia. Nations that remember this history are standing firmly with Ukraine. However, Hungary vetoes our crucial support for Ukraine and your alliance with Putin, Mr Orbán, is weakening Europe's response. Mr Orbán, you value your unequal friendship with war criminal Putin over supporting the Ukrainian people. Or perhaps you agree with your adviser's remarks calling resistance to Russia irresponsible? Ukraine's fight is about protecting the security and values of all of Europe. The EU must stand firm in its support of Ukraine and, Mr Orbán, you must decide which side of history you want to be on.