Speeches

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, believe me if I say that I wish the Slovenian Presidency every success, because its success will be the success of the entire European Union. I have no doubt that Slovenia has the capacity and experience to do a great job, provided that you, Mr Janša, opt for collaboration with this Parliament, with the Commission and with the fundamental principles of the Union. This Parliament is directly elected by citizens. Here you see representatives of very diverse political ideas, and we can only serve citizens if we all make an effort to respect and listen to each other. Only by reaching agreements, without ever renouncing the fundamental values of the Union, can we take forward the necessary laws or policies, such as the Recovery Plan, the reform of the common agricultural policy or the purchase of vaccines. The rule of law is a fundamental element in such cooperation. And let me tell you that it is not a good sign what happened last week in a meeting you had with the European Commission to discuss the rule of law, a meeting that was used to attack the opposition in your country. You know that respect is fundamental in our task: respect for differences of opinion, so that we can move forward together in diversity – this is the only way to build Europe; and respect for the truth, protecting freedom of the press as an indispensable pillar of democracy. The six-monthly presidency of the Union coincides with the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence, which has been a model of transition in a country with great capacities and contributions to the common project. All the more so that Parliament has a responsibility to ensure that this legacy is not lost. We will not only be vigilant with the rule of law, judicial independence and freedom of the press. We also have an obligation to ensure the proper use of European funds and, therefore, you should leave here today with the commitment to appoint a delegate to the European Public Prosecutor's Office. You have warned of the problems in the delays of justice, because it is in your hands to be able to resolve this issue. So don't wait until tomorrow to announce the appointment. Do it today, right here, and it will give peace of mind to the Slovenes and the Slovenes, and also to this Chamber. Because what we want here is for no one to be left behind, nowhere in Europe. Because we are in this together, the presidency's motto says it: ‘Together. Resilient. Europe”. That's what we want. I agree with the statement of your priorities: recovery and resilience, strengthening the rule of law and European values. Are you really committed to this? On that path he will agree with us. We European socialists share the priority of advancing enlargement in the Western Balkans and we hope that significant steps can be taken in this regard. But don't forget about immigration reform, which is urgent and must be supportive, balanced and fair. And another priority is the future of Europe: the Conference on the Future of Europe ⁇ I applaud it ⁇ . In September, the first citizens' panels will finally be organized and all voices must be heard. By the way, you talked about how we can improve Europe's voice abroad. I'm telling you: ending the unanimity rule. Mr Janša, you have the opportunity to exercise service leadership not only for the two million Slovenes and Slovenians, but for 500 million Europeans and Europeans. It's a big responsibility. Do not waste it, for the sake of your country and, above all, for the sake of the Union.