Speeches

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the chances of Romania entering the Schengen area, at least by air, have increased as a result of the adoption of a more flexible position by the Netherlands and Austria. Romania's accession to the Schengen area by air is an advantage for our country and a first stage in the process of full accession to the free movement zone, because Romanians deserve to be in Schengen. Romanian citizens will move more easily to other states in the Schengen area, earning a right they deserved. Romanians in the diaspora can return home more easily, benefiting from the many existing airports in Romania, which are now in the process of modernization. Romania will be able to transport more easily in the Schengen area products of utmost necessity, parcels or even use emergency transport using the air channel. Our country will hopefully become more attractive for investments, foreign investors and tourists. After almost 13 years of waiting, there is finally a change that many considered impossible, a hard-won step forward, a right of Romanians that no one can and should question.

Madam President, dear colleagues, we have a few months until the next European elections and things are looking worrying. In the face of losing credibility, it takes courage and leadership to convince citizens to vote. Citizens need to see the strength of their vote, they need to know the European political parties, but also their common candidates for the leadership of the European Commission. At the same time, I propose a ban on political trajectory at European level. Too many MEPs elected in a European political family have migrated to another European political group. Through their decisions, they have undermined the credibility of the European elections and betrayed the trust of citizens. Europe and the European Parliament must set the tone and regain trust in European democracy. With more transparency and clear rules, we can ensure that citizens trust the way the European Union works. Our joint proposals presented here add to the efficiency of the European Parliament elections and, in this context, I propose that we support them together.

Madam President, dear Prime Minister, dear Deputy Prime Minister, Romania and Bulgaria deserve to be accepted to the Schengen Area, and this needs to happen fully, and it needs to happen now. It is unacceptable for our two countries to be left out, even though we fulfil all the Schengen criteria, and we have efficiently protected the European borders for so many years. We live, dear Prime Minister, in a difficult region, but we have always defended European values and the cohesion of our Union. We did that during difficult times in the Western Balkans. We helped build a safe Black Sea region, while maintaining a good relationship with Turkey, Georgia and the countries in the Black Sea. We are proving it once more today with the support provided to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Romania and Bulgaria are not second-rank Members, and people should stop looking at us this way. That is why I call upon the EU leaders to support our accession to Schengen all the way: by having a vote by the end of the year, in order to show that respecting the rules in the EU pays off.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear fellow Members, Europe is in crisis. It's not just a statement, it's a fact. The European Union today does not have the resources to face the current challenges, whether we are talking about the war in Ukraine or rising prices, whether we are talking about migration or the digital or green transitions. The European Union's budget for next year is simply insufficient for our shared ambitions. While our global competitors are pumping huge sums into their economies, supporting their SMEs or farmers, Europe is on the brakes of populists and has a purely bureaucratic approach. I reiterate the European Parliament's call for a swift revision of the long-term European budget so that Europe has the necessary resources. In the 2024 budget, the European Social Democrats requested and obtained an increase in funds for agriculture, especially for young farmers, additional funds for education, research and youth, financial resources dedicated to the transport sector, with reference to the north-east of Romania and the infrastructure in the Danube area, support for emergency intervention mechanisms, but also for programmes dedicated to health, financing the enlargement of the Schengen area, including Romania and Bulgaria, protecting the external borders and securing our external action, especially in the Republic of Moldova, supporting social and support policies for the most disadvantaged. These core objectives of the Union need to continue to be adequately supported. The figures have no value if the implementation of programmes and projects does not lead to a better life. We call on the European Commission to increase the quality of its actions so that people can directly feel the benefits generated by the EU budget.

Mr President, dear colleagues, I am proud to represent Alba County, Transylvania and Romania in the European Parliament and to fight for our country as Quaestor, the most important position Romania currently holds in the European legislature. I believe that our country must have a strong voice in the European decision-making process. I want to assure Romanians, and especially the citizens of Alba County, that they have in me a MEP who advocates for their rights, for the allocation of additional European funds, for the preservation of cultural heritage, such as the one in Alba Iulia, the Apuseni Mountains or in the area of Blaj, Aiud, Cugirul or Sebeș, for supporting Romanian states and young people, for respecting the dignity of Romanians in the European Union. It is up to us to seize European opportunities to develop our communities. Unfortunately, in too many areas of Romania and Alba County this opportunity was not used properly, although we have positive examples in certain localities. My door always remains open to all those who campaign for a strong Romania in the EU and for Alba County, truly modern and European.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, by the decision of the European Commission to recommend the start of accession negotiations with the European Union for the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, an important, historic step towards the reunification of Europe is being taken. The citizens of the two states thus receive a message of support and solidarity that is absolutely necessary in order to be able to continue to fight for European values and against the permanent aggression carried out by the Russian Federation. As a Romanian, I am very happy to see that our brothers from the Republic of Moldova are getting closer to being with us again, this time in the European Union. I am glad that the message sent a few weeks ago by the European Parliament itself, through the resolution approved by our legislature, which we have recorded and supported, has been taken into account by the European executive. It is now time for European leaders to approve these requests without any further delay or conditionality. At the same time, by conferring the status of candidate country to Georgia, we ensure that around the Black Sea we build a basin of European democracy. Together we manage to make the European Union the home of all the states in Central and Eastern Europe.

Mr President, Commissioner, we have a duty to protect European taxpayers' money and to ensure that European resources reach the real beneficiaries. We can do this through more transparency, clear rules, well-trained staff and better coordination. In this regard, we welcome the annual report of the European Court of Auditors, a key institution for the proper functioning of the European Union, which thus proves that European democratic control mechanisms exist. Imagine what Europe would have looked like without such verification and control tools. At the same time, we must mention that difficulties have arisen in the implementation of programmes with European funding, in the context of the overlapping of several funding mechanisms. That is why we call for better means of prevention and information, but also for greater willingness on the part of the European Commission to explain and present also to the European Parliament how it uses European funds. We need close cooperation between all European institutions so that we implement joint programmes and ensure that our resources are used efficiently, fairly and transparently.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Europe cannot afford to withdraw and isolate itself from global problems, because what we are ignoring today can become a problem tomorrow. The lack of a firm response to the case of the Russian Federation, the absence of a coherent strategy on China, the weak strategy in Africa and the Middle East or the postponement of the enlargement of the European Union show our common limits. We need clear decisions, unity at European level, precise intervention tools and extremely categorical responses. A true geopolitical Europe will start accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, will clarify the process of integration of the Western Balkan countries, will support the path of peace in the Middle East and will find solutions to combat migration in partnership with the states of origin. We need a bolder foreign policy, better coordination and an active role at global level. This is why we need to show a clear position on the terrorist attack committed by Hamas in Israel. We must firmly and clearly reject terrorism, antisemitism and hate speech. Let's move beyond image games and re-establish the serious and coherent role of the European Union.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the Schengen area is constantly evolving in order to meet the security needs of the Member States. Digitalisation of the process and updating of legislation are normal steps in the process of adapting to new requirements. As the Social Democratic Group responsible for the European budget, I have requested and obtained over the last three years the allocation of additional funds for the protection mechanisms of the external border of the European Union and the implementation of the Schengen acquis. A recurrent and specific request was linked to the immediate accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area, an element explicitly included in the European budgets approved in recent years as a result of negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council. Even if the budget allocated to the Schengen area has increased, even if there have been dedicated funds and projects for Romania and Bulgaria, even if the two states implement to the highest standards the requirements of the free movement zone, further accession to the Schengen area is unfairly refused. This can also be seen in the implementation of the regulations debated today. You know the conclusion: expand the Schengen area with Romania and Bulgaria.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear representatives of the Council, dear colleagues, the European Parliament, in particular the Social Democrats in this House, are clear in saying that we need an urgent revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework. The European Union needs a budget that can provide adequate answers to the current needs and challenges, while preparing us for the future. We need a budget that protects EU citizens, allows us to deal with global competition from non-democratic countries, win the war in Ukraine and face the challenges in the Middle East, maintain world peace, fight terrorism and hate speech, and protect our way of life. This is not just a statement. With only 1% of our combined national budgets, the European Union, including Member States, will become irrelevant, fragile in front of the Russian Federation, incapable of dealing with the impact of the inflation and of the war, of achieving a fair digital and green transition, or increasing the standard of living for our people. The Social Democrats in the European Parliament are not going to accept peanuts from the Council, and would use all means available to push for a citizens-oriented budget. That is why we asked for more funds for key policies in the field of health and education, for the Civil Protection Mechanism essential in dealing with disasters for agriculture and energy – in order to keep prices low, help young farmers and protect vulnerable consumers – for international actions, in particular the Republic of Moldova or Ukraine, or for border protection and the Schengen enlargement with Romania and Bulgaria. We also were clear in saying that we need to tackle the impact of inflation on EU programmes, in particular on our youth and educational Erasmus projects. Unfortunately, Europe is paying more for interest rates to the banks than for our flagship programme. Contrary to what populists would say, the Parliament is not asking for more money, but sufficient funds for what Member States and the Commission have already pledged without even consulting us. Member States already received a reduction of 22% of their contribution to the EU budget, due to the success of the European own resources. What we are saying is that for 2024, we need a budget that brings hope in Europe and convinces our citizens that the European election can offer them the possibility to build a better, united European Union.

Madam President, obviously, like the other speakers earlier, everyone has certainly come up with a speech that has already been written. But now, as we speak here in the plenary of the European Parliament, as mentioned earlier, two people have been killed in Brussels in the event of an attack. An attack that was claimed by an assailant, who in the film he made, claims membership in the Islamic State. This shows the need for a clear response from the European Union and the Member States in everything that means actively combating religious extremism, anti-Semitism and hate speech. We cannot ignore such events. We cannot sit here in this building and simply ignore what is happening outside the European Parliament. So, on the one hand, we express our condolences to the families and, at the same time, I hope that we realize even tonight the need to react coherently and to come up with rapid measures because, whether we are approaching the elections for the European Parliament or not, if we do nothing, at the end of the day, the citizens will punish us by their vote.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the internet must be a safe space for our children. We need to find a balance between the opportunities and freedom offered by the online environment and the challenges related to the internet. What is illegal in society must also be illegal in the online space. We can no longer tolerate our children falling victim to online bullying, being manipulated by malicious people, or being subjected to inappropriate content and their data being used illegally. As I proposed in my report on the digitalisation of education, endorsed by the European Parliament, we need youth- and children-friendly digitalisation. Through digital education, child-friendly tools, counselling and support mechanisms, but above all by empowering digital platforms and internet providers, we can make the digital space safe again. Children are naturally attracted to innovation and we cannot keep them away from technology, but it is our duty to explain to them how they can use the Internet for their own benefit, in a safe, enjoyable and even useful way. Certainly, by acting at European level, we can find solutions to all these challenges.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the Republic of Moldova is ready to take the step forward towards the European Union, and this must be confirmed by a positive report this autumn by the European Commission, which will quickly start the negotiations for accession to the European Union. The citizens of the Republic of Moldova are waiting for this message of support from the European Union, in the difficult context they are experiencing, as the implementation of the next package of necessary reforms will be difficult and costly. At the same time, there is a need to supplement the European funds for the Republic of Moldova, including through the allocation of pre-accession funds. These new European resources must reach citizens with a view to raising the standard of living and developing their communities. Last but not least, all interconnection projects between the Republic of Moldova, the European Union and Romania must be financially supported. This means that all the steps by which new economic ties are created, in the field of energy or culture and education, by which the influence of the Russian Federation is limited, are real solutions to support the European path of the Republic of Moldova. After decades of propaganda, the battle for the minds and values of Moldovans is still ongoing. Let's win it for good!

Madam President, Commissioner, Secretary of State, dear colleagues, the long-term European budget no longer meets our current needs. We don't have enough money for our common goals. A rapid revision of the long-term budget is needed to respond to new economic and political realities and demands. It is unacceptable that we are currently spending more on interest at banks than we are allocating to our flagship ‘Erasmus’ programme. The European budget must be an engine for economic growth, capable of generating a better standard of living and the sustainable development of all European regions. The challenge of the European budget is, in fact, a struggle for what kind of Europe we all want. If we want a strong, cohesive and fair Europe, we need a budget consistent with our collective ambitions. Unfortunately, there are anti-European voices who want a smaller Europe, fragile in the face of our external competitors and unable to cope with the Russian Federation. If these voices gain ground, existing EU-funded projects in all our communities will disappear. Let us convince European governments to accept a revision of the European long-term budget that translates the European Union's priorities effectively and responds to new challenges.

Madam President, dear colleagues, I was supposed to speak today about the future of Europe and the Franco-German proposal to reform the EU. But what happened today, on the occasion of the opening of the academic year in Romania, prompted me to change the theme. An extremist party decided to politicize education by promoting fascist political propaganda materials in universities, which incited hatred and directly attacked the teachers of the National School of Political and Administrative Studies. This type of manifestation, assumed by extremist leaders, is contrary to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, but also to the principles of autonomy and freedom of expression, which characterize the academic environment. As Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Education Committee, I stand in solidarity with my fellow teachers from the SNSPA, and with the university's students, and I call on the European Commission to react publicly to these types of anti-democratic actions directed against education. Any step back in protecting freedom of thought in academia means a step back in protecting democracy and European values.

Mr President, dear colleagues, we need to democratise access to European information. We need to raise awareness of the European Union, explain to European citizens what their rights and obligations are, improve access to European democratic mechanisms so as to bring the European institutions closer to citizens. Europe must be accessible everywhere, both in European capitals and in smaller communities, for example in the villages of the Apuseni Mountains. It must be accessible for those with high incomes, but also for those with low financial possibilities. The European Union is us and must become ours again. It is the only way to prevent anti-Europeans and pro-Russians from gaining ground in the upcoming European Parliament elections. In this respect, together with my colleagues from PES Activists Romania, I started an extensive information campaign on how the European Union works. I also continue to support the need to introduce courses on the European Union in all schools in the Member States. We need to show the importance of the European Parliament and the significant stake of the June 2024 elections for our common future and that of the citizens we represent.

Mr President, colleagues, in managing the crisis that we are facing, the European Union and the United States have to strengthen the transatlantic partnership by developing their cooperation on all levels. This includes being prepared together for the challenges raised by the new economy and technological transitions. In this regard, the future of our economies depends on our access to critical raw materials and minerals. We have to make sure all European countries have access to the opportunities offered by these materials. We also need to develop exploration and exploitation capacities in the Member States that have such resources, like it is the case of my country, Romania. But most of all we have to develop manufacturing capacities in Europe while protecting our supply chains from our global non—democratic competitors. Partnering up with the United States seems an adequate solution. That is why we have to accelerate the process while being transparent and open about our common goals.

Mr President, dear colleagues, Ukraine's grain is essential for meeting global needs, for keeping prices at acceptable levels and for Ukraine's economy. But we cannot put all the pressure on the frontline states alone. In the case of Romania, a state that makes considerable efforts and ensures the transit of more than half of the Ukrainian grain, the export capacity through its ports will be doubled through the efforts of the government. However, common European mechanisms are needed to implement this process. The grains must reach where they are needed, not be stopped on the road by traders greedy. I call for the creation of a European transit mechanism for Ukrainian grain, from producer to final consumer in developing countries. The European Union must be involved and finance product monitoring, transport, grain quality, trade and export operations in their entirety, while providing frontline countries with funding for transport activities and supporting local farmers. We need solidarity from Europe with border countries.

Mr President, dear colleagues, parts of the drones used by the Russian army in attacks aimed at destroying Ukraine's port infrastructure were discovered on the Romanian bank of the Danube last days. The situation calls for the attention of the European authorities, which must have a common and clear reaction on this issue. The European Union must be firm in expressing its solidarity with Romania and protecting our common European borders. That is why we have called in the European budget for next year for additional funds to protect our external borders and to assist the people terrorised by Russian attacks even a few metres from their homes. Many people are thinking about leaving the area, while their businesses are affected and tourist activities are stagnating. Europe must avoid depopulation of border communities, which are essential in assisting Ukraine and in the future reconstruction process. The European Union must be ready to apply the European Treaties and act with concrete measures to protect all European citizens.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the European economy depends on SMEs. Over 98% of businesses in the European Union are small and medium-sized companies, produce over 70% of the value added of the European economy and generate tens of millions of jobs in all Member States. Unfortunately, this data is often ignored. The small entrepreneur is left to fend for himself, while others benefit from billions of euros through state aid and preferential access to European funds. The chances for an entrepreneur from Blaj, Ocna Mures, Roșiorii de Vede, small communities to succeed are much lower than for an entrepreneur from the major European capitals, and the possibility for him to succeed, if he is from a vulnerable group or from a smaller community, decreases exponentially. That is why we need to find a way to support SMEs, to help them take advantage of the internal market, but at the same time to increase interaction with all that means performing companies in Europe. I propose a European Pact for SMEs to develop entrepreneurship education, create accessible regulation and also succeed in creating a fund dedicated to start-ups at European level.

Mr. President, Romanians can no longer wait for the whims of the right-wing politicians in Vienna. This resolution makes it very clear why last year's veto violates citizens' rights and European law. Through our amendments, we show the negative impact on the environment and the internal market, highlight the discriminations created and ask for Romania's accession to the Schengen area by the end of the year. The cost of the blockage must be compensated. The culprits must pay, as happens when Member States violate European law. This resolution also takes on board the arguments of the 2015 petition ‘Romania asks for Schengen!’, which we initiated and which was then supported by more than 50,000 people and the European Parliament. And here we are, today, once again demanding this right, asking the Commission and the European Parliament to defend the European Union, including by challenging Austria's veto in court. Now or never.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the European Investment Bank is a key institution for the European Union that allows us to boost investment and trigger the implementation of new projects that create jobs and have a positive impact on our economy. According to a recent report, the EIB Group will create almost 1 million jobs by 2026 and add more than 1% to the European economy. Nevertheless, more work needs to be done to expand the impact of the EIB. In 2022, three countries – Italy, France and Spain – have used the majority of the funds available, which shows the need for EU widening. For example, my country – Romania – got, in 2022, only EUR 1 billion, in comparison to Italy that got EUR 10 billion, namely almost twice more in percentage of the GDP. At the same time, we need more transparency on project selection, human resources management and impact assessment. The EIB should be an inclusive bank, allowing access to funding for SMEs and start-ups, applicants from rural areas and small towns, or beneficiaries from vulnerable groups and disadvantaged regions. Last and not least, the EIB should finance the frontline countries in developing their infrastructure and dealing with the challenges faced by the war in Ukraine.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the NATO Summit in Vilnius is crucial to show our unity and ability to defend our common interests against any threats. The conclusions of the summit must provide a firm and unequivocal response against Russia's barbaric aggression. We need the strengthening of NATO's military presence on the eastern flank, security guarantees for the Republic of Moldova and the Black Sea area, extensive cooperation with Ukraine and a clear plan for our common security. In this context, Romania can be a hub for NATO, especially in the area of defence industry. That is why it is essential to strengthen our logistical and production capacity, from the necessary raw materials to the qualified human resource, using intelligently the funds allocated for defence. An example would be the modernization of arms factories in Cugir. Without NATO, any state in the region could be Ukraine. Our security depends on the future of NATO, and close cooperation between the European Union and NATO is vital.

Madam President, dear colleagues, in less than a year we will have the elections to the European Parliament and here we do not currently have a new European electoral law, although we should show citizens that the European Union has evolved and that the European project does indeed have a future, including from this perspective. What the European Parliament has proposed is clear: provides a common regulatory framework, offers the prospect of common European lists with a fair representation of all Member States. We also have more legitimacy with that proposed project and that is why we expect the Council to conduct these negotiations with the European legislature. The proposal also makes clear the references to European political parties and we need them to gain more visibility and also to have a representation of them in everything that the electoral process means, but also a presence in what it means to vote for the European Parliament. We also need to involve the European diaspora and there are clear things, mentioned there, that we need to discuss in such a way as to give a European perspective to this electoral process, but also to our Union.

Madam President, the European story of Cyprus shows that everything is possible and that the European Union allows states to live in peace and overcome the most difficult moments. In fact, you are a model for the future accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union. If Cyprus has managed to overcome its internal divisions, then even the European path of the Republic of Moldova cannot be stopped by the petty interests of the Transnistrian authorities. I take the opportunity to strongly call for the start of accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and for the pre-accession funds to be made available to this state. At the same time, coming from a country that ensures the protection of the EU's external borders and has a good relationship with Turkey, I fully understand the challenges that Cyprus faces and we can only urge the adoption of common positions that ensure real solutions and stability in the region. We need to bring Europe together around our democratic values and mutual respect and understand that the important topics on the agenda of each state must become topics of interest for the whole Union.