Speeches

A Uachtaráin, I welcome this legislative own-initiative report, which calls for an ambitious and long-awaited revision of the European Works Council Directive. The EWC Directive sets out important provisions on the right to information and consultation of employees on matters of transnational character in large undertakings, which are fundamental parts of EU social policy. They are also key elements to a prospering and healthy economy. As we see from ongoing strikes in the United Kingdom, ensuring proper workplace relations is key to a productive business and economy. We only have to look at the statistics. In 2020, in the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, lockdowns across the EU hit Member State economies heavily and employment fell. However, employment fell by only 2.8% in Member States with well-developed industrial relations systems. There is a message there. These states perform better, and far fewer workers lost their jobs because of good relations. For this reason, I support my colleagues in their call for reform of some elements of the EWC Directive. I think the report takes a reasonable and pragmatic approach to improving compliance and enforcement, and this will have a wider benefit for the economy overall. So I compliment the rapporteurs on doing a very good job. This could lead to far better industrial relations and prosperity for Europe as a result. (The speaker agreed to respond to a blue-card speech)

A Uachtaráin, okay, so we have a problem with China. We have a problem with our friends in the US. But our biggest problem is with ourselves. As Commissioner Breton said, we’ve been too naive. My friend Esther de Lange said, ‘we need to be smart and flexible’, and therein is the solution. We have allowed galloping regulation to stifle our industries and drive them out of Europe. Who’s to blame for that? Ultimately, politicians, because politicians are supposed to rule. So we’ve got to get hold of it here in the European Parliament and get rid of regulation that’s not helping us to be competitive. And ministers in governments across Europe have to get hold of the civil servants who are gold-plating regulation, making it even worse than it is here in Europe. When we have done that and dealt with it, and got a good knife and got rid of all the necessary regulation, then we can talk about dealing with our friends in the West and those in China.

Mr. President, thank you very much for giving me the floor. Sad news from Ukraine reminds us that we need to redouble our efforts – both militarily and economically – to help Ukraine win the war and also to cut off all economic ties with Russia. We are also celebrating, of course, the single market, which has been a huge success, but side by side with that has been growing regulation and red tape. Businesses across Europe – especially SMEs – are overburdened with this. We have been talking about it for a long time, but we haven't done enough. So I think that’s a priority for us over the next number of years: to reduce red tape to the minimum so that our businesses can grow. ‘Fit for growth’ should be our policy in relation to industry and businesses for the next decade.

A Uachtaráin, over the past three years, the European Union has overcome extraordinary obstacles in our fight against COVID-19. Unfortunately, this winter has again been exceptionally challenging for our hospitals. We are witnessing public health systems across the EU become overwhelmed and exhausted as a result of the recent surge of COVID-19, flu and RSV patients. Earlier this month, Ireland reached record levels of overcrowding, and it is clear that we are at crisis point. Consequently, the surge of respiratory infections has had an effect on our medical supplies. It is vital that we take action and that our supply of medical products are assessed to ensure access to medicines for all patients in need. I also highlight the importance of coordination at European level. What we have learned over the past years is that a public health problem affects the functioning of all European sectors. It is time for swift and immediate action.

A Uachtaráin, a number of years ago, I organised quite a number of public events in relation to cyberbullying, which was very prominent at the time. Hopefully things have improved and the opportunities for bullying are limited, if not eradicated. Of course, the whole use of digital apparatus has grown, particularly amongst young people. Indeed, from the time they’re in the cradle, young people have some type of digital device. As we saw, 75% over the age of six play video games. All that is positive. But I think it’s great that the Commission and Parliament are coming together to limit its negative effects – things like glorifying violence, things like grooming, things like encouraging gambling. And I think collectively we can do a great service to our young people and also, indeed, to the industry itself so that it does what it is supposed to do: provide clean entertainment to our young people.

A Uachtaráin Roberta, a Phríomh-Aire agus a chairde, Sweden takes on the Presidency of the Council at a time of great flux for the EU, as we face numerous political, economic and security challenges. Almost one year ago, Putin’s tanks rolled into Ukraine and began this bloody war of aggression. The war in Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities in our critical systems and triggered an unprecedented energy crisis inside the bloc. We must futureproof our energy system. I call on the Swedish Government, during this Presidency of the Council, to draw on Sweden’s long-standing reputation as a climate leader and to bring forward measures that allow for the efficient production, storage and distribution of energy to citizens and businesses across Europe, guided by the energy-efficiency-first principle. In particular, I sincerely hope that during the Swedish Presidency, Parliament and the Council can work closely to secure an agreement on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, of which I am the lead negotiator on behalf of the EPP Group. This file is particularly unique and addresses a fundamental pillar of achieving our climate goals: the built environment. Difficult decisions will have to be made, but as legislators, it is our responsibility to look at our long-term interests regardless of political gain. Disinformation about the EPBD is already starting to circulate and the EU institutions and Member State governments must take action to set the record straight. It is my hope that the Swedish Presidency can be a leader in this area and I look forward to close cooperation over the next six months to deliver a strong and effective EPBD.

Madam President, here we go again. I was pleased to support this report from my colleague. And on the outcome of the Committee of Petitions’ deliberations during 2021. The focus this week in the Parliament has been on increasing transparency, and rightly so. I believe that the work of the PETI Committee should be emphasised and publicised further. The Treaties confer on all citizens the right to submit a petition on any matter within the EU’s competences that directly affects them. This provides an important avenue for EU citizens, which I have successfully used myself, on behalf of some constituents. We must ensure that EU citizens are aware of this right. To be effective, measures aimed at improving transparency and their outcomes must be communicated clearly to citizens. I welcome the acknowledgement in the report also that when citizens do petition the committee, their request must be dealt with in a timely and consistent manner. And finally, I just want to compliment yourself, President Dita, for the manner in which you handled today’s voting session. It could have got out of hand. It could have become very boisterous if you hadn’t handled it so firmly. And also it does no harm to see you dealing firmly with colleague ‘snowman’ Dzhambazki and basically make him put away his snowball. Happy Christmas to you all.

Mr President, I am in favour of an improvement in the 2021-2028 multiannual financial framework. Less than two years ago, the multiannual financial framework was adopted. Most of the flexibility and limitations of the framing have now been used in the wake of the recent crises. In the report, Parliament wants a comprehensive review during the first quarter of 2023 to ensure sufficient flexibility to react quickly in a crisis and in response to the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The report highlights the inconsistency of the easing and reorganisation of the flexibility of the budget. The report also reinforces Parliament’s importance as an institution in the EU’s framework budget.

A Uachtaráin, on 25 November this year, Europe commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor genocide in Ukraine. I was pleased to support this resolution, which remembers and expresses solidarity with the people of Ukraine who suffered in this tragedy. The treatment of the Ukrainian people during the Holodomor goes against the most basic of human rights – respect for human life, human dignity and freedom. As Putin wages his war of aggression against Ukraine and pursues a revisionist historical narrative aimed at disproving Ukraine’s independence from Russia, it is essential that this Chamber acknowledge the suffering of those in the Holodomor. In my own country, the Irish Seanad recently recognised the Holodomor as an act of genocide. Words matter, and this acknowledgement is particularly important for the survivors of Holodomor and the families and relatives of the victims, as Ukrainians witnessed – once again – Russian brutality and violence against their country.

A Uachtaráin, we don’t have conclusive evidence of who carried out the Nord Stream attacks. We have our suspicions. But whoever did it hadn’t reckoned with the resilience of Germany, who announced that they were going to build four or five LNG terminals and are actually opening one on Saturday. In marked contrast to my own country, where we have a Shannon LNG project in the pipeline for 10 years, and it’s still awaiting a decision and planning – a national embarrassment at this stage. Also, we may not have conclusive evidence of who carried out the cyberattacks on our HSE last year in my country, but thankfully, as a rapporteur for the cybersecurity file in the European Parliament, we had a shadows meeting this week and we have come to a good arrangement which will help, as Andreas Schwab said, to have cross-border cooperation in fighting hackers. Finally, I want to say we do know who’s carrying out the attack on the Ukrainian electricity infrastructure. And it’s barbaric and it’s disgraceful. And I hope that we will follow the example of Andrzej Halicki and supply many more generators, hopefully funded by MEPs as well as others, to the Ukrainians to get over this winter and to win the war.

A Uachtaráin, the current humanitarian situation in Ukraine is sobering. And as the winter sets in, the Ukrainian people are preparing for the worst. The health system is facing its darkest days in the war so far. Russia has been targeting the country’s infrastructure, leaving millions without electricity, heating or water. The attacks are relentless and temperatures are freezing. Since the beginning of the war Russia has indiscriminately attacked hospitals. Already, more than 1 100 healthcare facilities have been damaged and 144 completely destroyed. This will have an impact on the health of Ukrainians for years to come. There is no Christmas or New Year truce planned for Ukraine. This will be an extremely tough winter. We must continue to support Ukraine with generators and heating systems. In this regard, I would like to compliment my colleague Andrzej Halicki for his initiative in supplying generators to Ukraine, and maybe as a collective of MEPs, we could fund more generators for Ukraine in the New Year. That would be wonderful. Infrastructure, rehabilitation of schools and hospitals will be vital. Our collective support for Ukraine is crucial to ensure its recovery and reconstruction. Slava Ukraini!

A Uachtaráin, 30 years have passed since the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, and it continues to be the UN’s most important instrument for minorities’ rights. It provided the essential framework to ensure that minorities’ voices can be heard and for diversity to be embraced. ‘United in diversity’ remains one of the main pillars of European values. While in many ways we have been successful in upholding these values, it is the unfortunate truth that there is still much work to be done. Individuals from various minority groups still face discrimination, harassment and exclusion on a daily basis, and this is horrible. Although it is important to celebrate this incredible milestone today, we must also ensure that it is being implemented effectively and that any gaps in its implementation are filled. On the topic of linguistic minorities, I would also like to shed light on my own country, Ireland. Earlier this year, Irish gained full status as an official EU language. Gaeilge is the official first language of the Irish State, but unfortunately holds no official status in Northern Ireland. Irish is the language of Ireland and in my view it should be awarded the status to reflect this on the whole island. Is linne an Ghaeilge. Go raibh maith agat. Nollaig shona.

A Uachtaráin, Putin's unjustified invasion of Ukraine continues and, consequently, Europe is grappling with the unprecedented increase in the cost of living. Households across all Member States are struggling to stay warm this winter and to pay their bills. We are at a crisis point and the reality is that without immediate action, the situation will continue to worsen. The EU must ensure that concrete measures and supports are put in place to protect businesses and households from inflation. We cannot allow Putin to weaponise our energy supply. It is imperative that we are pragmatic in our approach to tackling the crisis. I previously expressed my support for the introduction of windfall policies, but we should keep emergency interventions such as price caps separate from the overall market design. We can provide investor certainty and protect consumers by incentivising long term contracts such as contracts for difference and power purchase agreements. This both removes the risk for investments and also protects consumers from price spikes. Of course, in the long term we must prioritise our transition away from fossil fuels and the swift deployment of renewable energy.

A Uachtaráin, the EU and ASEAN are each other’s third largest trading partners after China and the US. But so far, the EU has only free trade agreements with two ASEAN members, Singapore and Vietnam. As a member of the delegation for relations with the countries of ASEAN, which I like very much, I was happy to attend the fifth EU-Vietnam interparliamentary meeting last week to discuss the state of play of the trade and investment relations. Fostering open and fair trade with the ASEAN region, based on mutual economic and shared values, should be a strategic priority for the EU. We must ensure that European businesses, including SMEs and consumers, can benefit from the dynamic market of approximately 660 million consumers that the ASEAN region represents. I welcome, in particular the EU’s global gateway strategy to support the development of infrastructure and investment in smart, clean and secure links in digital energy and transport sectors globally. Finally, diversification and having resilient supply chains must be at the top of the EU’s agenda, and ASEAN will play a big role in that and hopefully there is a very successful EU-ASEAN summit.

A Uachtaráin, it’s always interesting to listen to the perspectives of MEPs who go and visit a country and to hear what they have to say. And in that regard, it was interesting to listen to colleagues speaking about Georgia. Obviously, because of the war in Ukraine, things have changed dramatically, and more and more countries in an eastern neighbourhood see not just their economic viability, but their actual viability per se, as being guaranteed only by joining the European Union and that is something which we should be proud of, but something we should facilitate. And I think in relation to countries like Georgia, they should be given a time-limit by which they reach the standards required. Having countries like Georgia and Moldova and others on a list ad infinitum, stretching them out, is not fair to them. So, there should be a time limit by which they’re told: you reach these targets by then, otherwise, you wait for another ten years. But you need some type of certainty, and I think that’s what Georgia needs now, because they would be very valuable Members of the European Union.

A Uachtaráin, thank you, Prime Minister, for joining us today to share your views on the future of Europe. I welcome you to this timely debate. We are currently at a critical juncture for Europe and for European democracy, facing significant challenges both internally and externally. Looking internally, events within the European Parliament over the recent days have shaken our trust in our institution. Allegations that have come to light of possible corruption cases involving MEPs and Parliament staff are deeply troubling. There is no place for corruption in European democracy, and these developments will warrant a period of deep reflection and reform. Beyond our plenary Chamber we are facing unprecedented challenges in Europe. War in Ukraine and the ensuing energy and cost—of—living crisis pose new tests for the EU and call for further cooperation between Member States. As citizens and businesses worry this Christmas about keeping the lights and heating on, we must ensure that the EU continues to deliver for its citizens. Unity is more important than ever. As leader of a small European Member State I am confident that you understand this, Prime Minister. Ireland and Slovenia are alike in this regard. As small Member States we share a common understanding that together we are stronger than apart. Indeed, Slovenia joined the European Union during Ireland’s Council Presidency in 2004. Having witnessed the enormous benefits that European Union membership has delivered for my country in terms of economic, social and cultural opportunities, it was a pleasure to hear that Ireland played this small role in Slovenia’s journey. Looking forward, the shared challenges we now face are significant: no single country can handle these alone. There is huge strength in unity and I hope to continue to see Slovenia and Ireland grow together within the EU.

A Uachtaráin, permitting and licensing procedures remain one of the biggest hurdles in achieving mass deployment of renewable technologies. Procedures differ in Member States. We have more cross-border cooperation on complex energy projects. Without action, we would likely see more and more unnecessary time wasted in getting the required bureaucracy in order. In the Renewable Energy Directive, I tabled an amendment to introduce a Fit for 55 label for public interest renewable energy projects, which would allow the granting of a priority status in national law for such projects and thus speed up the whole permitting and planning process. The war has changed the trajectory of EU energy policy and there is now a much greater need to ensure our regulatory framework can react to our needs. This legislation certainly goes in the right direction and it includes many positive aspects. However, in order to unblock the pipeline of projects that are waiting for approval, existing permitting procedures should also be considered to be of overriding public interest. This is hugely important.

A Uachtaráin, the Energy Charter Treaty plays a key role in energy policy across Europe. However, in the absence of any substantial update of the ECT since the 1990s, it is clear that the modernisation of the Treaty is due. I welcome efforts by the EU and its Member States to drive the modernisation process of the Energy Charter Treaty, particularly on investment protection standards and the fostering of sustainable development. I also welcome the position to end protections granted to investments in economic activities considered to be significantly harmful and that undermine the EU’s climate objectives. It is clear the Energy Charter Treaty is in need of reform, particularly given the current energy crisis and the fight against climate change. I therefore call on the European Commission and EU Member States party to the ECT to support its modernisation and to ratify the modernised treaty.

Mr President, I am pleased to support this proposal for the development of a European Financial Architecture. It will play a crucial role in ensuring that the European Union fights against poverty and inequality. It will ensure that work is done towards the UN's post-established development goals and that global climate change is halted. This plan will ensure that EU countries and the institutions work together to achieve policy coherence. It will also ensure the effective use of public money. This plan will refer to the development of EU policy in the aftermath of the pandemic and the consequences of the Ukrainian war. The development of a European Financial Architecture will enhance the EU's insights and its impact on the financial world.

A Uachtaráin, the Digital Decade Policy Programme is a key step towards the EU achieving its objectives for the digital transformation of society and the economy. The path to a Digital Decade Programme reinforces the EU’s position as a digital leader and promotes human—centred, inclusive and sustainable digital policies. The past number of decades has seen significant developments in the internet, the digital economy and electronics, and the Digital Decade Policy Programme will ensure the EU achieves its aims for an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation. This programme ensures that at least 20 million ICT specialists are employed in the EU by promoting the access of women to this field. The programme will also ensure more than 90% of SMEs in the EU will reach at least a basic level of digital integration. I am therefore pleased to support the path to a digital decade.

A Uachtaráin, Ireland has urgent and significant concerns regarding the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations. There are real issues with the implementation of the directive that need to be addressed. The regulations introduce new certification requirements. However, substantial and immediate certification bottlenecks mean that Ireland could face considerable shortages in key medical products in the near future. This places patients’ lives at risk and our healthcare system under strain. If these bottlenecks are not addressed by the May 2024 deadline for certification, there is a risk that one in four med—tech products currently in use could be discontinued. At a time when Europe should be building up homegrown industry and investing in innovation, without some adjustments to the implementation of this regulation we risk losing med—tech firms to the US and other markets outside the EU, and thus losing out on investment and competitiveness in this area. The Irish Government is calling for a legislative proposal to prevent the loss of existing safe and essential med—tech products.

A Uachtaráin, Afghanistan is about to endure its second winter since the Taliban’s seizure of power in August 2021. Since then, the rights of women have been trampled on. Conflict, violence and human rights violations have become an inseparable part of the lives of ordinary citizens. The country’s economy is in a shambles and a major food crisis is escalating. Life has become particularly tough for female scholars and students. Thousands have fled to neighbouring Iran and Pakistan and have applied to organisations that help academics to find posts in other countries. However, fewer than 10% have been successful as visa wait—times continue to be a challenge for many. I have encountered the same difficulties as I have tried to help a lady academic and her family escape the clutches of the Taliban. I urge the EU to take immediate action to secure the lives and careers of Afghanistan’s women and scholars, and I call for a more coordinated response to protect those most vulnerable.

A Uachtaráin, having attended COP last week in Egypt, obviously the main focus was on climate change, which of course was the primary purpose. And I think we did an awful lot of that. But we did have an opportunity to engage also with human rights activists in Egypt, and their stories certainly were very strong and very compelling. And we did promise that we would bring these to the attention of our colleagues here in the European Parliament, which this debate allows us to do. Some people would say maybe that events like COP and maybe the World Cup in Qatar shouldn’t take place in those countries, but I think if we utilise it to ensure that we aren’t mugged, that we bring back the messages and act accordingly, then we can turn that into a benefit, because if you don’t go to a lot of countries where there are human rights issues, then the number unfortunately that you’ll be going to will be probably very limited. But definitely it’s good that we have the opportunity to bring back the message: Egypt must step up to the plate and reduce a lot of these human rights and human abuses which are too prevalent altogether.

A Uachtaráin, despite recent victories in Kherson, Ukrainians are facing a bleak and bitterly cold winter. Russia is hammering Ukraine with missile fire, targeting critical infrastructure with one of its heaviest waves of attacks since Putin launched his brutal invasion nearly nine months ago. We in the EU are providing financial, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. But it is also Ukraine that is supporting us. We see the tremendous resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people as they fight every day to defend our shared European values. It is for this reason that I welcome the Commission’s proposal for an 18—billion—euro Ukraine support package for 2023. It is essential that we streamline our financial assistance to Ukraine and ensure that we are providing the economic support needed in an effective and responsive manner. The next months and years are unpredictable and I welcome the flexibility this proposal provides. We must do everything we can to support Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!

Madam President, the crisis we find ourselves in is mainly driven by our overreliance on imported fossil fuels and exacerbated by the terrible situation in Ukraine caused by the terrorist state of Russia. I believe our upcoming work on market design should focus on targeted improvements as opposed to widespread changes. We can provide investor certainty and protect consumers by incentivising long-term contracts such as contracts for difference and power purchase agreements. This both removes the risk for investments and also protects consumers from price hikes. We should ensure that markets incentivise the development and roll out of energy storage technologies and green hydrogen to provide the backup to the system currently provided by fossil fuels. Targeted measures to support the growing number of vulnerable consumers is absolutely vital, and these will grow in number – and next winter, because next winter is probably going to be much worse than this winter. In the meantime, I welcome what Commissioner Simson made reference to – the development of interconnectors. I welcome the construction of the Celtic interconnector between Ireland and France. Interconnectors like these across the EU will shield us from crises in the future and make renewable energy more reliable and cheaper for consumers. In the meantime, we must act now to help those vulnerable consumers.