Speeches

The future EU budget must reflect citizens' expectations and support investment where it is most needed: in people, communities, our common future. In my view, the new MFF must have as its central pillar supporting young people and broadening access to programmes such as Erasmus+, the engine of education, cultural exchanges and European identity. Every young person in every Member State must have a real chance to benefit from these opportunities! It is also vital to strengthen support for women entrepreneurs by giving them the tools to succeed and contribute to Europe's competitiveness. Equal opportunities in business means progress for the whole of society. For Romania, it is essential that the future budget continues to pay attention to cohesion policy and agriculture, two areas that support the development of regions and support millions of European farmers. Romania exceeded this year the milestone of 100 billion euros received from European funds since joining the EU, and cohesion and agriculture funds have contributed decisively to Romania's economic development. We need a more modern, flexible and result-oriented budget that is able to respond to current and future challenges but retains at its core the principles of solidarity and fairness among Member States.

Role of cohesion policy investment in resolving the current housing crisis I supported this report because it brings concrete solutions, not abstract debates. With European cohesion funds, we can build homes for young people and families who today spend over 40% of their income only on rent or mortgages. In the last few years, housing prices have gone up by almost 50% across Europe. For many young Romanians, buying a house has become nearly impossible: and two out of three say they postpone this step because of costs. And yet, cohesion policy currently dedicates only 2% of its budget (about 7.5 billion euro) to housing, when the real need is at least 270 billion per year. This report asks for more ambition: doubling European funds for affordable housing, investing in social housing and energy-efficient renovations, creating a European platform together with the Investment Bank, and using public buildings that today stand empty to give people a decent home. For Romania, this means real chances for our young people, security for families, and stronger communities. A home is not a luxury, but a right, and it is our duty to make it possible.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, as we debate this strategy, Europe is facing a drama: Women die in their homes and homes. My country, Romania, was recently shocked – a young woman stabbed in the street by her ex-husband in front of her three-year-old child. On behalf of the aggressor there was already a protection order and multiple complaints. There are 51 women dead this year alone. Clearly, we have gaps in our protection systems. We cannot build equality on the foundation of fear. The right to life is the foundation of any strategy. Romanian women, European citizens, demand immediate action, aligned with European objectives. We need a permanent, interconnected European mechanism to create a register of aggressors with a history to prevent cross-border mobility and recidivism, and we call for a specific budget line in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to finance specialised services and shelters. Tragedies can be prevented. Europe must honour its commitment to a secure future for all women.

Madam President, thank you for the opportunity to talk about such an important topic. Madam President, dear colleagues, I remember, Commissioner, when I was Minister for the Family in Romania and you Minister for European Funds, how many beautiful things we have achieved together for women in Romania, and I am absolutely convinced that you will put this experience that you have at the service of all women in Europe. We women are used to receiving a lot of flowers and promises around March 8, including in the form of beautiful projects that, unfortunately, I can say, remain dusty in certain drawers until next year. However, I want to assure you that we are not blasphemed, nor do we give up, but we will fight together for our aspirations and especially for women who have fewer opportunities. It seems unrealistic, but in 2025 we still need to talk about the protection of women's rights. We still have issues of representation: Few women take part in decisions that are of direct concern to them. We need to impose gender quotas for women's access to political and administrative leadership positions. Together with the European Commissioner, as Minister for the Family, I have proposed in Romania a law whereby women, 30% women, are included in all boards of directors. The answer was a disarming one. I answer in the form of a question, but we will have so many women (...)

Mr President, dear colleagues, there is a political earthquake in Romania. The President of Romania has resigned and we have more than three months since the public agenda is occupied only by uncertainty. But we must not forget the real earthquake, the land movement that can hit us anytime. I don't want to cause panic, but it's a warning from specialists: 7 out of 10 Romanians live in areas with seismic hazards. There are children who study in insecure schools, families who sleep in fragile blocks, patients who go to hospitals to be treated in public danger. And yet, in the last 5 years, in Romania and Bucharest, one of the most exposed cities, almost nothing has consolidated. In March, it will be 48 years since the last major earthquake. Yes, there is one billion euros allocated, but this money covers only 55 buildings, i.e. only 5% of what is needed. Bureaucracy is stifling vital measures. European funds are underutilised. And let's not forget the most important thing: this money is not for concrete and walls, it's for protecting people, it's for life. That is why I make a clear call: Europe, which has assumed the protection of its citizens, must act now: additional funds, simple mechanisms, real prevention, and local authorities to make full use of the financial resources of the European Union!

Madam President, in Romania, 70% of young people consider that stress at work exceeds their mental health. They work but can't buy a house. They want a family, but they don't have secure jobs and careers. Faced with these challenges, many ask 'what future do we have'? What do we tell them? They have to work harder or, worse, they have to leave their countries in search of a better life. As the former Minister for the Family, Youth and Equal Opportunities, I know the positive effect of policies and investment in people. We know that with €26 billion from Erasmus+ and €96 billion from the European Social Fund Plus, many young people have had the chance to develop professionally, but it is clear that these programmes need to be complemented with sustainable solutions, including funds for affordable housing, mental health and family support. These measures are not optional, but mandatory for a Europe that respects its values of fairness and inclusion.

Mr President, the future of Europe is at risk. The population of the European Union is getting older. We are in demographic decline despite the population growth over the past two years. The average age of the population is over 44. We need urgent action to increase the birth rate and the European Union must do everything possible to support Europeans to become parents and support their families. The European Parliament must build unitary legislation to support the birth rate with targeted measures for young families and those with many children. I propose that we recognise the concept of a large family with more than three children and think of a long‑term project to support them.

Mr President, last Friday, just passed, marked the European Day against Trafficking in Human Beings, a day that reminds us how fragile safety is for many women and children in Europe. Unfortunately, trafficking in human beings, which is closely linked to domestic violence, continues to be a serious problem. We see at the European Union level that important steps are being taken. A revised Anti-Trafficking Directive was adopted, with stricter measures to combat new forms of exploitation, including online. Programmes such as the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme support victims and seek to prevent trafficking in human beings. However, it is not enough and it is clear that we need better coordination between Member States and more efficient use of funds, including through the Recovery and Resilience Facility. It is vital that we invest more in education, prevention and, above all, in the real protection of victims, and that those who commit these crimes are brought to justice, because that means doing justice: protect the vulnerable and leave no victim without a voice.