Speeches

Mr President, I am delighted that President von der Leyen has designated 2022 the European Year of Youth. It is a fitting response to the challenges that our young people faced during the COVID—19 pandemic and goes to show that every adversity can create a new opportunity. There is no doubt that this Parliament needs to follow through on our promises to provide a new vision for young people which is green, digital and more inclusive. This year, young people will be a clear priority across all EU policy and funding areas. The pandemic has been extremely difficult in many ways, but for me it has also highlighted the important role that sporting clubs play in the fabric and history of local communities, especially in rural areas. We also need to pay attention to young people in disadvantaged areas, who particularly benefit from organised activities in their locality. I look forward to the launch of the Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve (ALMA) project for the disadvantaged young people. Let’s make 2022 a year to remember for our youth.

Madam President, it is entirely right to discuss animal welfare with competent authorities, businesses, civil society, scientists and most importantly our farmers. Farmers are on the front line of many core issues we face today, from climate change to animal welfare. We must not lose sight of the fact that this is a livelihood for millions of people to which farmers are deeply and emotionally committed. EU animal welfare legislation is one of the most advanced in the world, with some of the highest standards. However, we cannot hide from the fact that they are not implemented adequately in some Member States. I fully support practical steps in improving animal welfare standards in Europe, and for the most part, this motion contains many positive aspects in that regard. Ireland has gone above and beyond EU regulations in ensuring animal welfare during transport, and we stand as one of the leaders in Europe. Yet, with the disadvantage of our geographical location as an island in the north-west of Europe, some of the proposals brought forward today would effectively deal a hammer blow to thousands of our farmers. This is not acceptable. Also, some proposals would bring with them negative effects for animals. It’s all well and good making proposals, but if the implementation is not possible, and certainly they are not for some proposals, it is both the animals and our farmers that will suffer. This is particularly true for Irish farmers – who having made Trojan efforts to be leaders in this area – will be disproportionately affected by its negative effect. Such an outcome cannot be countenanced.

Mr President, the unprecedented protests in Kazakhstan at the beginning of the year saw some of the deadliest violence in the country’s post-Soviet history. Sparked by an almost 90% jump in car fuel prices in the oil-rich west of the country, protests spread with surprising speed as citizens across the country rose against the regime simultaneously. During clashes, security forces received orders to shoot live ammunition and, declaring a state of emergency, the President called for help from a Russian—led military bloc. Since last I spoke on the harsh restrictions imposed on the rights to peaceful assembly in Kazakhstan almost a year ago, little has changed for the better. The violent unrest that began with peaceful protests has left an estimated 225 people dead. Shocking. Arrests of activists continue and the regime appears determined to crush this movement. The crimes against civil society and human rights in Kazakhstan demand a firm response from the EU. It is time to impose personal sanctions against leaders involved in the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations. The EU, together with the international community, must immediately initiate a proper investigation into the crimes committed and the disappearance of citizens during the two weeks of rallies. We must demand that the Kazakh authorities release all political prisoners and completely withdraw foreign troops. Since the country’s independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has been an important partner to the EU. It would be nice if it were possible for this to continue for the benefit of the lovely Kazakhstan people.

Mr President, Europe has been a leader in many areas, but in the global digital race we are lagging behind. The world economy is changing, and the digital sector will be pivotal in Europe’s geopolitical standing and will be a key driver of economic growth, and also in helping us to achieve our climate change goals in a manner that ensures prosperity. How businesses, consumers and governments access, utilise, and share data is at the core of digitalisation and will ultimately determine how the EU adapts to a new global economic complexion. The DSA is a landmark proposal to regulate the digital space, to protect fundamental rights of users and provide clarity to businesses as to their rights and obligations. In this regard, it will allow European digital companies to reach new customers and compete internationally. It is a not a new problem, but the pandemic has exacerbated the spread of disinformation, especially in relation to vaccines. This is something that every democracy should pay particular attention to. Disinformation spreaders now have a well-oiled machine to spread their harmful lies, the consequences of which will continue to create an augmented reality for many citizens. The DSA will help to tackle harmful content, which might not necessarily be illegal, and the spread of disinformation. It will also increase transparency for consumers and strengthen the rights of users on big platforms. At the same time, it will lead to more effective removal of illegal content, increase transparency for consumers, and strengthen the rights of users who have been mistreated by big platforms. Finally, the message has to be that, when it comes to new generation technologies, Europe must be a fast mover, not a laggard.

Mr President, the peaceful demonstrations that took place in Cuba on 15 November were a courageous effort to force the communist government to make a democratic change. This call for Cuba to transition to a more open civil society has been invigorated recently by a number of factors: namely, the widespread hardship brought about by the pandemic; a surge in the use of social media bringing together different groups such as the opposition group Archipelago; and a new generation that is hungry for change – change that has been far too long in coming. Around 600 dissidents were already detained in Cuba prior to the demonstration. But this did not deter the group Archipelago from calling for a new protest. I commend the bravery of these groups. Here in Parliament, not too many years ago, we presented the esteemed Sakharov Prize to the Ladies in White – a brave group of women who carried out peaceful protests in response to the brutal rounding up and imprisonment of 75 dissidents in Cuba in 2005. That day they told us, ‘we believe in ourselves, but we rely on you’. I was saddened to hear that a member of this group, Aymara Nieto, is currently imprisoned. Indeed, President Sassoli highlighted yesterday – while presenting the Sakharov Prize to Aleksei Navalny – all the previous Sakharov Prize winners still in prison all over the world. Perhaps in 2022, the European Parliament and Commission could organise an event of major proportion to highlight the plight of all Sakharov Prize winners still imprisoned. What do you think, Mr Commissioner? I call for the immediate, unconditional release of all those detained for the exercise of their rights of freedom and expression and peaceful assembly, and I urge the Council to adopt sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations in Cuba.

Mr President, I’m always sceptical about the introduction of bans, especially by politicians who aren’t directly affected by them. I had the same idea about this, but then I looked at the situation in reality. I found out, for instance, that Fossett’s, a great Irish circus that has been touring for over 130 years, did not oppose a ban on wild animals being introduced in 2018 in Ireland as they had voluntarily stopped performing with wild animals in 2005. We have, of course, a full or partial ban in 23 Member States, and it actually makes sense at this time to move to a full EU—wide ban because, while some have expressed concern that a ban of this sort will damage the circus industry, I think the example of Fossett’s says otherwise. The public at large is no longer comfortable supporting the use of wild animals in circuses and high animal welfare standards, in fact, attract customers. This year, I worked, as the PPE shadow rapporteur, on two files in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) regarding citizens’ participation in EU decision—making. Particularly now, during the Conference on the Future of Europe, it is vital that the voices of EU citizens are heard. The Stop Circus Suffering campaign has collected over a million signatures on their petition to date, exceeding the threshold required for a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI). We must ask ourselves, why didn’t the organisers of this petition create an ECI? Perhaps it is because, while we have had six successful ECIs to date, including most recently on the use of cages for farmed animals, unfortunately you have to ask the question, how much of an impact have they had? To encourage citizens’ engagement and prevent disillusionment, the Commission must do better in engaging genuinely with valid ECIs. It’s clear that animal welfare is a priority of many EU citizens and we have a duty to express their will.

Mr President, the emergence of new variants has caused much worry. Yes, it has been almost two years since COVID-19 emerged, but it has also been two years of experience and lessons learned. President Ursula von der Leyen has said that we need to be prepared to act quickly and that we need to have the right tools in place for the public. This could not be more true. More than ever, we need a strong EU response to address new variants. To do this, we must address the elephant in the room: increasing vaccine deployment in the developing world. While we have done a lot, we need to urgently remove bottlenecks in the sharing and administration of vaccines, but not just this – the sharing of information and know-how also. Without redoubling our efforts in this area, we risk seeing emerging variants with every letter of the Greek alphabet, with all the devastation that comes with them. I was happy to see that our President mentioned the need to spare no effort to overcome vaccine hesitancy and fight disinformation. It fills me with immense pride at how much Irish people have accepted their social responsibility in taking the vaccines. However, disinformation on vaccines will have long—term implications in society, eroding public trust in governments and creating a conspiracy-theory infrastructure that has successfully consumed individuals who would otherwise never have gone down this dangerous path.

Mr President, youth is a time for friendship, education, recreation, exploration and development. For almost two years, instead, we have asked our young people to stay at home to protect themselves and the rest of society, and they have stayed. We have all suffered, but young people have suffered the most in some ways. Now, as we face the future, we have to make every effort to ensure that the next generation has a good future. So I welcome the plan to have a European Year of Youth in 2022. This will make a significant contribution to the promotion of the European Youth Goals, including tackling youth unemployment, and improving mental health services. The European Year of Youth will make a significant contribution to the initiatives already underway for young people, including Erasmus and, of course, the green and digital transition. 2022 is also an important year for the Conference on the Future of Europe. We want to hear from everyone, young and old. Participate. Make your voice heard.

Madam President, while I am very pleased to speak this evening on this very important file, I must say that I am a bit disappointed that there isn’t a full debate, and especially that the shadow rapporteurs haven’t had an opportunity to contribute as the cooperation I got from them in this report was as good as I’ve witnessed since I came here in 2009. And especially, of course, as the renovation of the EU’s building stock is a key Green Deal priority, not just as a way to reduce CO2 emissions, but also as a driver for sustainable growth and job creation. For example, the construction sector is the largest generator of jobs per million euros invested. With goals to renovate 35 million buildings by 2030, supported with funding of EUR 672 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, this should provide massive economic opportunities. Addressing the energy performance of buildings should be a precondition for every Member State’s decarbonisation plans. Unfortunately though, the simple fact is that, taken together, current submitted long—term renovation strategies by the Member States will not allow us to achieve 2050 climate neutrality. Reaching our climate targets without decarbonising our living and working spaces is just impossible. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is the main EU—level legal instrument for decarbonising Member States’ building stock. This implementation report focuses on the latest changes to the EPBD that were introduced in 2018 and transposed in 2020. We can see a marked difference in ambition level between Member States’ long—term renovation strategies. This results in a problem of compatibility among the plans. The later submissions include links with national recovery plans adopted because of the COVID—19 crisis with the latest EU policy initiatives, such as the Renovation Wave. To address this, the report proposes a standardised template that Member States could use to ensure they address all requirements of Article 2(a) on harmonised objectives and requirements. With Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), there is a gap between real energy performances and calculated performances, which is a source of confusion for users. Our report recognises that there is a need to integrate the building renovation passport, the digital building logbook and the smart readiness indicator with the EPC. Member States should provide a clear link between their national long—term renovation strategies and adequate initiatives to promote skills and education in the construction and energy efficiency sectors. Fit for 55, more broadly, will need a new influx of skilled workers, but renovations will need particular attention. We also highlighted the success of one-stop shops for the critical role they can play in giving advice, coordinating works and connecting potential projects with market players, including smaller-scale projects. The one-stop shops should advise and support both single family homes and multi-unit buildings and also provide support for accredited installers. The revised EPBD needs to encourage smart buildings technologies and foster a data—centric approach, including initial design, as well as staged and deep renovations. This includes the materials used in construction. In this regard, it will be pivotal to create a framework to leverage the use of data to improve actual energy consumption. Finally, I would like to thank colleagues in the Secretariat, research services and the Commission, as well as the shadows, whom I have mentioned already, and advisers for their very good work on this report.

Madam President, in recent months, the Anglophone crisis has entered a new phase with a drastic escalation of violence in the English speaking regions. Having acquired more sophisticated weapons, clashes between Anglophone separatist groups and Francophone government security forces have increased in frequency and severity. Furthermore, a total lack of investigation and prosecution for crimes committed by both sides has created a climate of impunity. The impact of this crisis on civilians has been devastating, with over 3000 lives lost to date and my colleague, Barry Andrews, indicated one a few moments ago. A huge casualty in this conflict has been education, as separatists have chosen schools as their bases and camps and enforced a vicious boycott, depriving 700 000 children of their right to education. The response to the urgency has been a military one, with troops deployed in the Anglophone regions since 2016. Instead, there should be a strong focus on dialogue and accountability for the crimes committed on both sides in the Anglophone regions. I urge the European Union, along with the African Union and the United Nations, to continue to work to end this catastrophe through mediation. Without dialogue there can be no peace.

Mr President, violence against women can take many forms, from coercive control to physical abuse. Earlier this month, my colleagues and I were delighted to welcome Sarah Benson of Women’s Aid Ireland to the European Parliament. The charity was a very deserving recipient of the 2021 European Citizen’s Prize, in recognition of the frontline support that they have provided since the outbreak of COVID-19. Figures show an increase of over 40% in calls to the charity’s helpline after March 2020. The figure is stark, and even more so when you remember that many instances of domestic abuse go unreported, due to the stigma and shame imposed on victims. My own country of Ireland signed the Istanbul Convention in 2015, and I am pleased to say that we ratified it in March 2019. Many policy and legal improvements were made leading up to the ratification, but that does not mean we should stop here. Recent progress includes the commencement of Coco’s Law, which criminalises the taking and distribution of intimate images without consent. While I believe that we are seeing real and positive change, violence against women inside and outside the home in Ireland and across the EU remains far too common. We must continue to fight to end it.

Madam President, I love sport for sport’s sake. But sport is an important economic sector in the EU also – over 2% of the Union’s GDP in fact. While this should not be forgotten, sport has a more significant role to play in society beyond GDP. I think this has been made even more apparent since the start of the pandemic. As a former president of the Gaelic Athletic Association, an Irish international amateur sporting organisation, I’ve seen first—hand the true value of sport. It has a unique ability to embed itself in a local community, providing a social and physical outlet with economic and physiological benefits. It acts as a glue that galvanises a common bond and helps build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities. The memories and friendships created by sport are lifelong, but so are the lessons in equality, discipline, inclusion, perseverance and respect that it instils. I would like to thank the rapporteur, Tomasz Frankowski, for this report, which brings important ideas to the forefront of the EU’s sports policy. In fact, as a successful international soccer player for Poland, Parliament is lucky to have Thomas’ perspective on this topic. I agree that there is a need to adopt a more holistic approach to sport, and involving more stakeholders in the process is the most effective way to do this. I also believe that an EU sports coordinator will help enhance a value—based sports model. The EU should have a greater coordinating presence in sport and be willing to fund many projects and, above all, to promote equality in sport so that – as the Commissioner said – everyone has a chance in a meritocratic system, both male and female.

Mr President, philanthropy is an important vehicles for supporting and advancing many of the core values of the European Union institutions. Indeed, philanthropy plays a key role in helping to support and uphold community cohesion and our shared values across the European Union. Many individuals alongside charitable and philanthropic organisations support endeavours from which we all benefit, including improving educational attainment, raising health care standards, advancing scientific development and tackling climate change. However, while goods and services can travel freely across the EU, philanthropic support does not have such an easy passage to our continent, whether studying, travelling or running a business in Europe, national borders have become a thing of the past. Yet philanthropy does not yet benefit from the full opportunities that a single market creates. There are a 147 000 public benefit organisations across Europe, with an annual giving of over 60 billion. However, only a small percentage of these funds make it across internal European borders. Establishing a single market philanthropy would enable greater levels of citizens action, while at the same time complementing EU funds, expertise and activities. In saying this, we are seeing steps being taken in the right direction. The decision of the European Commission to include a partnership with philanthropy in its proposal for the InvestEU fund, of which I was honoured to be a rapporteur, is most welcome. In 2019, we held a debate in this chamber where a strong, cross-party alliance emerged for the need to support the untapped potential of philanthropic foundations and civil society organisations across the EU. Since then, the need to establish a single market for philanthropy has only strengthened. Philanthropy can help solve problems that are now more interconnected than ever before, but it could also be more effective if it enjoyed a better operating environment and better protection mechanisms. I want to see philanthropy continue to support European values and collaborate with key stakeholders across society and across borders to tackle rising inequality and help connect with citizens and their needs. A single market for philanthropy has the potential to build upon the existing ambitions of the InvestEU fund and to deliver on the economy that works for people. To do this, there is need for an EU study on philanthropy. Currently, only two countries in the world, the Netherlands and the US, are engaged in regular macroeconomic research to estimate the overall philanthropic contributions of households, legacies, foundations, companies and charities. As it is such a valuable figure representing European solidarity, we should engage in generating qualitative data on this phenomena for the whole European Union. Let’s take the opportunity to mobilise our resources and deliver change.

Mr President, Ireland joined the EU in 1973, forever changing our country for the better, economically and socially. We have graduated from being a benefactor to a contributor and we are proud to do so, as the rising tide lifts all boats. Having benefited hugely from being a part of this Union, we embraced enlargement of the EU – provided, of course, that candidate countries share our values and meet the necessary conditions of membership. The EU was founded on respect for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. Earlier this week, we debated the rule of law crisis with the Polish Prime Minister. It should be clear to all that EU membership comes with not only far-reaching benefits, but also responsibilities. Discussions with our close neighbours in the Western Balkans have been ongoing for some time now. I warmly welcome the Slovenian Presidency’s efforts to ensure these discussions progress in a meaningful way. Progress is both in the interests of the citizens of the Western Balkans and in the strategic interest of the EU, and offers the perfect antidote to Brexit. It is positive to see the Western Balkan countries renew their commitments at the Western Balkans Summit, to carry out necessary reforms to closer align to EU standards. Each is at a different stage of the journey, and it’s important that EU support and dialogue continues while tangible progress is being made. It was good to see the cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Three million doses have been provided to the Western Balkans, with more to come. The EU is the region’s closest partner and principal donor, and I look forward to the strengthening of relations and, most importantly, the setting of a projected accession date for these countries of great potential.

Mr President, the UN climate summit in Glasgow is just around the corner, and it is disappointing to hear that expectations for progress are low, even in the year when the effects of climate change are so apparent. We’ve seen floods, hurricanes, wildfires and killer heatwaves growing in frequency and intensity with spiralling impacts on economies and societies. The cost of adaptation in the future will far exceed the cost of action now. This is why the green transition is fundamental for our future economic development. The key word here is ‘transition’. This must be managed responsibly, but it cannot be used as a means to reduce ambition to serve short-term interests. Too often, this is the case with national governments. The European Union was critical in building the coalition needed to conclude the Paris Agreement in 2015, which I was honoured to attend on behalf of Parliament. Success in Glasgow may again depend on EU leadership. We all took hope from the accomplishment in Paris but, tragically, annual global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. At this point, we were supposed to come back and increase ambition. Instead, we do not see the global political will for a variety of reasons. We’ve discussed at length the deepening energy crisis, and with hostility between the US and China, the two top greenhouse gas emitters, the EU must ensure it takes the lead in Glasgow. Europe must act, but Europe must not act alone. The other big emitters must step up to the plate.

Madam President, we often say in the EU that the future is green and digital, but we cannot take these transformations for granted. Therefore, I was pleased to see both issues high on the agenda of the Council once again. The recent rise in energy prices is, of course, of huge concern. This is a global problem, but Europe has been particularly exposed due to a combination of factors. We must reach the EU’s 2030 goal of cutting emissions by 55%. That is without question. But, in the meantime, the lights must stay on. That means diversifying our gas supply immediately, something my country, Ireland, may need to revisit, and something rightly articulated by President Ursula von der Leyen here this morning. In delivering our climate targets, we must ensure the transition to clean energy is as smooth as possible in terms of energy costs and security. Increased energy efficiency and accelerated deployment of renewables will be key in this regard. While the vital role the digital world has to play in communications, education and business is clear, with other areas it is less obviously relevant. It has been very positive, therefore, to see the wide—ranging impact of the digital transformation being recognised in the work of Parliament through the mainstreaming of digitalisation across our policy work.

Mr President, I empathise with disillusioned Polish citizens who have bravely taken to the streets in protest at the actions of the Polish Government and repeated here today by you, Mr Prime Minister. It affects us all. Comparisons to the German Constitutional Court are being used as a smokescreen. In real terms, what you are saying is that the executive in Poland is above the judiciary. Correct me if I’m wrong, Prime Minister, but as a loyal member of the EU, as you have recently said, how can this mean your government believes in the rule of law? The simple fact is that by declaring cherry-picked articles of the EU treaty incompatible with the Polish Constitution, you stand over a direct challenge to the unity of the European legal order. Your country receives four times more from the European budget that you put in – about EUR 16 billion. My country and others are net contributors. Ponder that Mr Prime Minister, because they might get tired of your antics.

Mr President, April 2021 marks the 27th year since the Rwandan genocide, one of the first genocide atrocities in history. I’m appalled to see the steady increase of repression and blatant disregard for human life exhibited by the government of Rwanda. The trial and recent sentencing of Rwanda critic and political opponent Paul Rusesabagina is emblematic of the government’s manipulation of the justice system and verifies that the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front continues to target those perceived as a threat to the government. Paul Rusesabagina has been a vocal critic of the President of Rwanda, an action not unlike a death sentence for politicians or opposition candidates. I call for increased dialogue with Rwanda to put greater emphasis on respect for human rights and the rule of law. The Rwandan government must honour its obligations under the Cotonou Agreement, which specifies that respect for human rights is an essential element of EU-ACP cooperation. Rusesabagina has always denied any involvement in the attacks for which he’s been tried, and his trial has been riddled with irregularities and evidence of political interference. Every person accused of a crime should have their guilt or innocence determined by a fair and effective legal process. In the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, the world undertook never to turn aside again as similar crimes against humanity transpired. We must honour this commitment. We must continue to fight for fairness for Paul Rusesabagina.

Mr President, the events of 1 February this year turned the clock back on the steady process of democratic transition in Myanmar. Since the coup, as the authors have pointed out, an estimated 1 120 people have been killed, including at least 75 children. Military authorities have arrested over 8 000 people, including hundreds of politicians, activists and civil servants. The human rights record in Myanmar is appalling, and the violence and human rights violations committed by the armed forces against ethnic and religious minorities is deeply concerning. Myanmar is home to around 135 major ethnic groups, who are constantly discriminated against. The Rohingya people, for instance, have faced decades of discrimination and repression, which my colleagues have strongly condemned in the number of resolutions over the years. I welcome the recent sanctions imposed by the Council against members of the military and their enterprises. However, we in Europe must continue to send strong messages of support and solidarity to the citizens in Myanmar, who long for a democratic future for their country. These sanctions must be expanded. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees, including journalists. The democratic elections of November 2020 must be fully respected and the civilian government immediately reappointed. The military junta has replaced democracy with its authoritarianism: relative peace with a brutal reign of terror. In partnership with the UN and ASEAN, we must redouble our efforts to bring this repressive and callous junta to an end.

Madam President, understanding the future of energy systems is extremely challenging, and as policy makers, we must not sell simpler narratives to win public support. We have a responsibility to every citizen to work in their best interests, and that means switching to clean energy – but it also means keeping the lights on in the meantime with transitional fuels. The solution is the accelerated deployment of renewables and improved energy efficiency to reduce reliance on volatile markets. How Europe handles the energy transition will not just determine our economic future, but it will determine the very social cohesion of the entire Union. We cannot allow a situation where the most vulnerable are left with rising energy costs, nor can we strangle our economy as we equip ourselves with green energy. Member States must pay particular attention to those in danger of energy poverty. Permitting requirements and incentive schemes for renewable energy are dealt with at national level and Member States must do more to fast track positive energy projects. In Ireland, this is a major problem, and I call on the government to ensure that renewable projects procedures are streamlined, particularly offshore wind, and sufficient attention paid to grid development so that this energy can be utilised. By their very nature, wind and solar are intermittent. Yes, the future is green, but this future will only be reached if we allow for a sensible transition.

Mr President, last May, the European Union took a strong stance against the Lukashenka regime when we imposed a package of sanctions on him. Now, he wants to put pressure on us as a revenge. We awarded the Sakharov Prize to the democratic opposition in Belarus in 2020. We have a responsibility to the winners of this award. We are not going to surrender to Lukashenka. The opposition in Belarus has shown great confidence, resilience and enthusiasm. But in particular, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has a special place in the hearts of the Irish people. Sviatlana spent three summers in County Tipperary as a teenager, and visited us again last summer, as leader of the democratic opposition in Belarus. I would also like to mention the case of Artsiom Miadvedski, a political prisoner who adopted me. Miadvedski and the other 700 political prisoners should be released.

Mr President, Europe and the United States have always been allies, but it is no secret that, under Donald Trump, with the US acting more unilaterally, this friendship became much more difficult manage. With President Biden, a man who believes in multilateral solutions, there is a renewed sense of hope for improved relations. The US is in the process of redefining itself on the international stage, and the EU must take this new approach into consideration as we move forward, working together on areas of common interest, not just about deepening trade, but also on defending democratic principles, human rights, cooperation on cybersecurity and, of course, the planet’s greatest challenge: climate change. I agree with increased interparliamentary cooperation in particular in this regard, but we must also stand firm on matters of importance to Europeans. Lastly, we are now entering a crucial phase with the Northern Ireland Protocol and we heard yesterday the brash words at the Tory Party conference. However, it has heartened me to hear the strong words from President Biden on the protocol. An Irishman never forgets his roots, and Joe Biden is very proud of his Irish roots. Maith thú, Joe.

President, as President Ursula von der Leyen said yesterday, a year ago we did not know when COVID-19 vaccines would be available, or even if we would be able to develop ones at all. But thanks to EU research, collaboration and funding, today we have a very successful vaccination campaign, and we have shared half of the vaccines we have produced with the rest of the world. Of course, the EU and the Commission deserve high praise. In Ireland, over 90% of adults are fully vaccinated. This is very high, even compared to the European average. According to the Chair of the Irish Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccination, the reason we have so high rates is because of high quality information, trust in public health advice, and a scholarly population. Therefore, public doubt about vaccination is not a major problem. As my colleagues have said, transparency is very important. If people know clearly about the work the EU has done to tackle the pandemic, they will understand when they are hearing fake news from the Eurosceptics. If they have accurate knowledge about the results of COVID-19 clinical trials, they will be able to make the right decision. I know that vaccines cannot be found so easily in other countries. So, does the Commission know whether vaccines are being wasted in Member States or are outdated? Does he have anything to do with this? Thank you to my friend Dolors for raising this topic and asking the questions.

Madam President, Kenya’s Kakuma camp is currently a permanent home to more than 200 000 refugees and asylum seekers, coming mainly from the border regions plagued by conflict and growing instability. The camp provides a safe haven for many people forcibly displaced from their countries as a result of persecution, human rights violations, conflict, etc. It has notably served as a place of refuge to many members of the LGBTIQ+ community, who may face the death penalty in their own countries – an appalling vista in this day and age. However, in Kakuma, temporary living circumstances have morphed into permanent ones, with no mechanism for review or change. With appalling living conditions, substandard housing, poor roads, inadequate water and poor sanitation, the camp is not a sustainable long-term solution to the displacement of people, nor was it ever meant to be. The Kenyan Government has made several attempts in recent years to close the camp. However, with various solutions pursued, it is essential that protection services for asylum seekers and refugees are provided. It is essential that protection services for asylum seekers and human rights are upheld. Failure to establish and follow a carefully planned roadmap to closure would lead to an all-out humanitarian disaster. Following a two-week ultimatum from the Kenyan Government to the UNHCR, Kenya has formally committed to closing the camp by June 2022. The Government plans to voluntarily integrate refugees back into their countries of origin in safety and dignity. However, in doing so, the root cause of this displacement needs to be addressed, and that is the crisis and conflict in the region. The EU must recommit to prioritising timely conflict prevention, mediation and dialogue on the continent. Cooperation between Kenya and its neighbouring countries needs to be reinforced on political, security, humanitarian and development issues. In 2022, the EU has allocated EUR 14 million in funding for humanitarian projects in Kenya, mainly for assisting refugees. Other EU resources that support Kenya, such as the European Development Fund and the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, need to be focused on development objectives. The implementation of a roadmap on the next steps to ensure the humane management of refugees from the camp is vital. However, the bigger issue of regional stability must be dealt with urgently. I urge the EU to step up its efforts as a mediating partner in support of sustainable and long-term socio-economic development in the region. Cooperation on peace and security challenges is an essential aspect of the relationship between the EU and Africa.

Madam President, although the United Arab Emirates (UAE) portrays itself as a tolerant and rights-respecting country, the plight of Ahmed Mansoor, the country’s most celebrated human rights activist, portrays a different image. Ahmed Mansoor is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for posts on social media about human rights violations. He has been confined to an isolation cell since his arrest, deprived of basic necessities and denied his rights as a prisoner under international human rights law, to which the UAE claims to adhere. Ahmed Mansoor is part of a long list of so-called prisoners of conscience in the UAE, imprisoned for exercising their legitimate freedom to speak out against the government. The EU and the UAE have developed a strong diplomatic relationship centred on common political and regional interests. That’s good. However, regular dialogue between the EU, its Member States and the UAE on the issue of human rights must also be upheld. The UAE is the first country in the Gulf region with which the EU set up a comprehensive dialogue on human rights. It is imperative that the EU continue to monitor the human rights situation in the country and consistently address judicial developments and the UAE authorities at various levels. Meaningful human rights targets must be adopted and a list of individual cases made public in order to foster a genuine and results-based discussion on human rights during the EU’s dialogue with the UAE. Although the country has made some strides in recent years to improve its human rights record and portray itself as a modern, progressive, tolerant and rights-based nation, the case of Ahmed Mansoor is utterly disappointing and affirms that there is a long way to go to truly achieve this recognition.