Debate contributions by Stephen Nikola BARTULICA

Dear Chairman, colleagues, we are again looking at another large Brussels package, this time digital, beautifully packaged, and inside full of new procedures and hidden cargoes. They present it as simple, but we know very well what it looks like in practice. Any reform that supposedly reduces bureaucracy eventually creates even more bureaucracy. We are talking about better use of data. But we know what that means, even greater state interference in the private sector and in our privacy. The government adopts the European Media Freedom Act and establishes a new media agency that will monitor the public space under the cloak of so-called transparency and wants to control political processes and fully manage the narrative. We need less regulation, and if we continue this way, we will only become users of other people's technologies, not their creators. Brussels increasingly believes in control and less in freedom.

By imposing the so-called green agenda, the European Union is destroying its own production and industry and trying to frighten people with the climate disaster narrative. Climate alarmism has taken hold, but common sense will eventually prevail. The European Commission is not able to protect Europe's borders or solve, for example, the migration crisis, and it thinks it can save the planet. It is absurd that Europe, which produces only 7% of the world's emissions, behaves as if the fate of the Earth depended on it. While the European Union deals with plastic caps and limiting fossil fuels, the rest of the world is ridiculing it. China, the US under Trump and other countries do not care about the green agenda and continue to grow as Europe stifles in its own bureaucracy. Just one example, the poorest state of Mississippi in America has almost surpassed one Germany. This is no longer politics, but a new religion, a green religion, which does not save the planet, but destroys Europe. Go green, go bankrupt.

One year after the tragedy in Novi Sad, we are having another discussion about the situation in Serbia, but there is no progress, as if we were spinning in a circle. Serbia has made no significant progress in the past year. The government continues to refuse to recognise core values. As far as Croatia is concerned, it still refuses to acknowledge the aggression of the 1990s. Serbian society seems to be trapped in old myths about Greater Serbia. They didn't give up on it, unfortunately. There is a lack of cooperation and transparency in finding missing persons. And as far as Croats in Serbia are concerned, they have no near rights, as Serbs do in Croatia. It's time to finally change that. Therefore, Croatia should behave sovereignly as a winner from the past years and better rights of Croats in that country should be protected. I'll keep pushing for it.

Thank you for that question. My view, in principle, is that hate speech as a legal concept is almost impossible to define. We also have many examples of abuse of this concept; for example, the former German Minister of Economy Habeck, I believe from The Greens, reported over 700 cases of hate speech. These German citizens are now awaiting trial because of something they said, perhaps critical or insulting to him. So I think people in power are inclined to misuse this concept and this should be prevented.

Thank you for the question. I don't impose any false thesis. I am delighted with every success of Croatian start-upHowever, I cannot support that our government continues to fund the so-called. fact checkers. We need to learn lessons from the past. So, very much is being censored, still, on digital platforms and unfortunately the Government accepts the principle that it will determine to some extent what citizens are allowed to read and not allowed to read. That's not the role of government, you know. Let the citizens choose for themselves what they want to read and watch, and then they can make their own judgments.

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, the European Union is in trouble. Particularly worrying is the excessive control of social networks, where behind the story of security lies the desire for censorship and manipulation of political processes and even elections. As a sovereign state, Croatia must not be allowed to be imposed externally by rules that restrict freedom of speech, freedom of choice and other freedoms. For example, the notion of hate speech is almost impossible to define precisely. In practice, it's a speech that people at power hate. For example, in some countries, citing scripture can be hate speech. Ladies and gentlemen, Europe is turning into a bureaucratic watchdog who does not build, does not allow innovation, but actually hinders the digital future. We sink into bureaucratic chains and ideological chains.

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, when talking about Serbia, we must speak realistically, not about the wishes left in this high house. First of all, it should be said that in Serbia, politicians still nurture old myths and live in a parallel world. It is not only a question of Vucic and the change of power, a deeper catharsis of the entire society is needed, which does not recognize its responsibility, especially in the aggression against Croatia in the 1990s. That is why I will repeat once again, for the normalization of relations and for the European path, Serbia needs to acknowledge the responsibility of the 1990s and not only with words, but with concrete actions to show that it has launched a new chapter. This means the payment of war damages to all victims of the Homeland War in Croatia. We have heard a lot of words, a lot of declarations, etc., but concretely in politics only deeds, concrete deeds are valid, and therefore another message to the opposition - leave the Greater Serbian rhetoric and acknowledge your responsibility from the war of the 90s.

Dear Chairwoman, colleagues, this year we are marking several important anniversaries. A terrible crime has already been mentioned in Srebrenica, but we also have 30 years of the Dayton Accords. I would also mention the 30th anniversary of the military operation Storm in Croatia, which not only liberated Croatia, but also enabled peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As far as the European aspirations of this country are concerned, I would say the following: The best guarantee that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains in the Western circle is to strengthen the Croatian people, who have been under great pressure for 30 years. On the one hand, the concept of the ‘Serbian world’ and, on the other hand, the influence of Islamic states who tirelessly invest in the country. So there is a future in Europe, however, we should be aware that within Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Croatian people are the best guarantee that it remains truly European.

Dear Chairman, I would like to thank my colleagues. Peace through strength, ‘peace through strength’, must remain the principle guiding our defence policy. Croatia proved this truth during the Homeland War when it managed to liberate the country from Serbian occupation and this principle applies to all of us today. We see on the example of Ukraine that sanctions and other measures are not a solution and cannot deter the aggressor, so on the one hand it is good that European countries will now allocate more for defence. It's been a long time and we have to say hello. However, the question is how this will be financed. I have no confidence that the European Commission is able to lead this effectively. This should remain the responsibility of the national states. This is not the time for new borrowing or an increase in the European budget.

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, it is in the Croatian interest, as well as in the European interest, that Montenegro be a moderate pro-European country, but it has unfortunately been backsliding lately. The concept of the Serbian world has already been mentioned. It is the source of many troubles, it was and still is today. We also see the toxic influence of the Serbian Orthodox Church in that country. We need to talk openly about the future of this country. So far, this government has not shown the strength to face the truth of the recent past. And in the end, the message is the same as Serbia, until Montenegro demonstrates its readiness to pay compensation to the victims of the Homeland War, we cannot take its European ambitions seriously.

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, totalitarian ideologies destroyed Europe during the twentieth century. The end of World War II brought Croatia a new captivity. The new evil has replaced the other. This was followed by mass murder, the looting of private property and the expulsion of innocent people. What are the lessons today? Unfortunately, Croatia has not succeeded in prosecuting any communist crimes. That is why today we remember the victim of this totalitarian regime. The people will not be reconciled until the truth is known. There are over 700 mass graves in Slovenia alone. So I will continue to do everything to give Croatia a decent place – a museum for the victims of communism. Young generations deserve the truth and should persevere in it. History is not the same for everyone in Europe.

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, this report fairly objectively illustrates the situation in Serbia. We all know that this is not a country of liberal democracy of the European type. She is still trapped by her national myths and nothing changes. As far as Croatia is concerned, there is no normalization. Again, there is no normalization until Serbia acknowledges its responsibility for the aggression of the 1990s and agrees to pay war damages to the victims. This is the minimum it can make as a sign of reconciliation. And the message at the end to the students: it is good for you to stand up for European values, and that means reconciliation with Croatia and recognition of guilt for everything that was done to our people in the 1990s. These are the same European values. So there is no trust without recognizing the truth, and the truth can sometimes be bitter, but without it there is no progress.

Dear Chair, Commissioner Kadis, colleagues, in principle, the Ocean Pact can look good on paper. So, nothing is controversial in the goals, but in the implementation we have a lot of problems. We see this in the European Union. So, let me repeat once again the fact that we import over 70% of the fish we consume. So we didn't strike the right balance. Our competitors don't follow the same rules. We have a problem with unfair competition. On the other hand, on the internal level we have the thinking by some groups that fish can experience pain, stress, fear and the like. What about the fishermen? What are they experiencing? I would say that the opposite is true, they should be the center of attention, not the suffering of the fish.

Dear Chairman, colleagues, the same people who brought Europe into this situation today, the vulnerable situation, certainly not the ones who can save Europe, we need urgent change. When it comes to competitiveness, we listen to big statements and wait for new studies, but I have a simple suggestion. Europe should set up its DOGE, the European Unit for the Efficiency of Governments. Following the model of the Trump administration, we see how tax money of our taxpayers can be saved. The European Union has actually assembled an extraordinary propaganda network of NGOs and lenient journalists paid by our taxpayers, often working against the wishes of our citizens. In the end, 800 billion new euros for defence is not the way, especially if we are going through joint procurement, we have seen from Covid in which direction it leads.

Dear Chairman, colleague and colleague, U.S. President Trump is not the biggest problem for Europe. And before his return to power, Europe's share of the world economy has been declining - for years. Why is this happening? There's more than one reason. One of them is certainly hyperregulation in Brussels. It is impossible to continue in this way. Then I would say that if Europe does not urgently abandon the green agenda, we run the risk of becoming irrelevant. It has been stifling industry for years and it is simply impossible to regulate relations in our countries in this way. As a sign that things are not working well, I will only mention the fact that Europe imports over 70% of the fish our people consume. Seventy percent. So, we are not able to even nearly accomplish what we need for everyday life. Europe urgently needs change. We can't go on like this, and these tales of declarations of action certainly don't cover the reality.

With the purchase of Twitter and the creation of the X platform, Elon Musk has taken the level of freedom of speech to a new level. While the EU wants to restrict freedom of speech through its acts and determine what is true for all of us. Today, users on X are those who create content and news that are checked in real time and that are relevant. I hear that the European Federation of Journalists has announced that it will stop publishing on X. Well for them, the left-wing activists who play journalists are masked anyway. The so-called fact-checkers they are an extended arm in the member states. They determine what will be said, how, when and who will, on top of that, what is true and what is not. To the extent that Mr. Zuckerberg recently had to apologise. And at the end of the precedent, the annulment of the elections in Romania, shows to what extent it all leads. It is not just censorship that is sufficient, it is also necessary, when necessary, to cancel the elections.

Dear Chairman, Colleagues and Colleagues. This morning we are hearing many about what children's rights are, and it all stems from the fact that no right is actually guaranteed if they do not have the right to be born. So, we have a lot of hypocrisy in this home and it should be said clearly and loudly that children are not protected today, 35 years after this charter. In addition to not having the right to be born, therefore, unborn children are not protected in Europe, I must say that we indoctrinate our children every day in schools from an early age, therefore, it is a form of emotional abuse. It should finally stop, and the sexualization of young children. So, it was enough to listen to these hypocritical rhetoric. We need to say clearly and loudly that some animal species are also more protected in Europe than unborn children.

Dear President, colleagues, I will once again emphasize that officials in Brussels are alienated from the real needs of people. They have the ambition to micromanage the daily lives of millions of people. They are not chosen and do not answer to anyone. They have become an end in themselves, unfortunately. The most basic question is not what is best, but actually, who will decide what is best. However, there are signs that Europe is waking up. Demonstrations we have seen from farmers point to this. They said it was enough. In practice, experts who are allowed to give their opinion on proposals for new laws are allowed to do so only if they do not contradict the postulates of the new climate religion. It should be made clear that the green agenda threatens jobs and prosperity in Europe. And finally, a message to the fishermen. I will do everything together with the European Conservatives and I will insist on policies that work for you, make your life easier and are in line with common sense.

Dear Chairman, it is good that we have a discussion today on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is known that recent floods have caused a great tragedy in that country, especially in the areas of Donja Jablanica, Jablanica, Kiseljak, Fojnica and Konjic. So far, 22 people have been killed. There may be more of them, still searching for the living. I express my condolences to all and our thoughts and prayers are with the people in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a good thing that the Croatian government quickly approved EUR 10 million of assistance and that Croatian civil protection participates in rescuing people affected in the area. As for the reason why this tragedy occurred, it should be said that this quarry above Donja Jablanica worked without permission. So, we still see the consequences it can cause when local government manages resources in an irresponsible way. Croatia will always be there to help Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards the European Union. This is, in fact, a priority for our country and it should be emphasized once again that the Croatian people are the best guarantee that this country continues to keep its course towards the west. We know internally that there's a lot of controversy, trouble. In a way, the country is dysfunctional, unfortunately, but the Croatian government is still there, and we are to provide every assistance necessary to withstand these difficult circumstances. So, to the Croats a special message, we will be your voice here in the European Parliament, we know that the circumstances are not the most favorable, but we will do everything to speed up, in fact, your path towards the European Union.

Dear President, Dear Prime Minister Orbán, I would first like to thank you once again. Your support is remembered when Croatia should have joined the European Union. However, today, as far as Hungary's priorities are concerned, I must say that Serbia, as a candidate country, is not ready for membership and is far from it. As long as he does not acknowledge his responsibility for the war and tragedy of the 1990s and agrees to pay war reparations, the country has no place in the European Union. However, today you have become a political target in this House and it is simply because you misunderstand what European values are. So you dared to defend Christianity. Today you said you stand up for a God-fearing Europe. You are right, Europe is in crisis because of a lack of, in fact, awareness of the depth of the importance of Christian heritage. You are able and courageous to witness it. Therefore, you have our support and continue to fight to the end.

Dear Chair, colleagues, the new Digital Services Act gives the European Commission new powers, in fact, without precedent. So here we are facing new pitfalls and a great deal of space is opening up for the abuse of power by censors who can't wait to control what people are allowed to read. So we can't kill democracy to protect it. Some include parts of Scripture in hate speech, for example, so will it be illegal hate speech today? The very concept of hate speech is very vaguely defined and opens up opportunities to be interpreted in various ways. So we see great dangers that ordinary people will not be able to express what they think. We must learn lessons from the experience of the totalitarian regimes with which Europe has had, unfortunately, work, and obviously these impulses have not disappeared. Therefore, we refuse to accept this new act and warn in advance of the great dangers it brings.