Debate contributions by Seán KELLY

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir Kubilius, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has upended European security, bringing conventional warfare back to our doorstep. Hybrid threats like cyber-attacks and disinformation now target our institutions. For too long, Ireland has overlooked security and defence. While we remain committed to military neutrality, it does not equate to vulnerability. Securing our territorial waters and airspace is crucial, and the Government is prioritising the much-needed investment in our defence forces. That is why I support Ireland's increased ambition in terms of urgent investment in primary radar, naval expansion and air defence. These are not luxuries: they are fundamental to our national security. At the same time, Ireland's commitment to neutrality remains steadfast. But neutrality must be fit for purpose for the 21st century. That means contributing meaningfully to European security and contributing in areas in which we have a considerable degree of experience and expertise – like peacekeeping, for example. It's time to get off the fence and get on with defence.

Thank you again, I, like my EPP group, was very happy to vote for this report. The ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is both heartbreaking and unjustifiable. The escalation of conflict, including the occupation of Goma by M23 forces, has led to severe violations of human rights, including the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and recruitment of child soldiers. These actions are not only a violation of international law, but are also catastrophic for innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The resolution calls for concrete actions to bring peace to the region, including imposing sanctions, halting arms transfers and demanding that Rwanda ceases its support for M23. I believe this resolution sends a clear message that we will not tolerate further human suffering and that we stand in solidarity with the people of the DRC in their fight for peace and justice. That’s what I want, Mr. President, thank you so much and goodbye to you.

A Uachtaráin, I voted in favour of this resolution to address the concerning political situation in Georgia, where democratic backsliding and increasing repression have undermined the country's European aspirations. The ruling Georgian Dream party, following a rigged election in October 2024, has consistently violated fundamental rights, including by repressing peaceful protests, suppressing media and targeting political opponents. Georgia's path toward European integration must be preserved and we must stand firm with its people in their pursuit of a democratic and prosperous future. The EU must act decisively to ensure Georgia's Government respects democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights. This resolution is a clear message of solidarity with the people of Georgia and their rightful aspirations for European future.

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Commissioner, I agree with what you have said. We are faced with a very important question. Should same sex couples and their children receive the same recognition and protection of their civil status across all EU Member States? The answer is clear: yes. This is about ensuring equality and fairness for all families across Europe. This is not a question of ideology, but simply a question of fundamental human rights. The European Union is founded on the principles of equality, dignity and freedom. When a same-sex couple legally marries in one Member State, or when their child is legally recognised as theirs, that legal status should not dissolve at a border. A family is a family, whether they live in Dublin, Warsaw, Madrid or Budapest. Yet today, many same-sex couples and their children find themselves in legal limbo simply because they move between Member States. A child recognised as the legal offspring of two parents in one country may suddenly find themselves without legal guardianship in another. This is not just an inconvenience. It is a violation of their rights, creating insecurity, fear and unnecessary suffering. Worse still, this legal uncertainty directly infringes on one of the fundamental pillars of the EU: the right to free movement. What freedom is there if crossing a border can strip away a person’s legal relationship with their child? No EU citizen should have to choose between their right to live and work anywhere in the Union and the legal security of their family. Yet that is precisely the choice some families are forced to make. This Parliament has a duty to defend all families. EU law must guarantee that civil status documents – marriages, partnerships, birth certificates – are recognised borders across, regardless of the gender of the parents or spouses. The European Court of Justice has already affirmed that all EU citizens, including same sex families, must be able to move freely without discrimination. Now we need our legislation to reflect this. We must ensure that legal rights are already granted by one country, are not stripped away by another. This is about legal certainty, respect for human dignity and the freedom of movement that is the heart of the European project. Families should not have to fear crossing a border. Children should not lose their legal parents overnight. We have a responsibility to ensure that love, commitment and parental care are recognised and respected no matter where in the EU they exist. Let us choose the path of equality, dignity and fundamental rights. Let’s stand up for our children everywhere in the EU and recognise them in every single Member State.

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisnéir agus a chairde, the security and resilience of our digital networks are more vital now than ever, and the European Union's ability to reduce these dependencies is under close scrutiny. I have raised the issue of Ireland's vital role in global communication infrastructure before. Ireland's waters serve as the gateway for over 75 % of the northern hemispheres undersea cables, making us a strategic hub for transatlantic data traffic. This makes us uniquely vulnerable to disruptions in this infrastructure. We cannot underestimate the importance of safeguarding these undersea cables, which are essential not just for Ireland's connectivity, but for the economic stability and security of the entire EU. The protection of our communication infrastructure is not just a national issue; it is a European one. We cannot afford to be over-reliant on external providers, particularly in such an uncertain geopolitical climate. We need a coordinated EU approach to ensure the security of our undersea cables and to invest in the resilience of our satellite infrastructure. I welcome the Commission's commitment to investing EUR 865 million to improve digital connectivity, including quantum communication networks and undersea cables. But as we implement the Commission's work plan for 2025, we must prioritise the protection of these strategic assets. Bímis ar an airdeall, níl aon am le cailliúint, go raibh maith agat a Uachtaráin.

Mr. President, thank you very much for giving us the floor. As you said, this discussion is very important. There are those who are against Mercosur, but they are against everything. But there are also many speakers here this morning who are pro-trade but say they cannot support Mercosur in its current form. That would reflect the position of the new Irish Government – made up of a coalition of Renew and EPP – and I think it needs to be addressed very strongly by the Commission. There are issues like deforestation, sustainability, production standards – especially in Brazil – and then the effect, especially on beef farmers, who feel that they will be decimated if Mercosur goes ahead. So the Commission has a job to do to convince them otherwise, give them proper compensation, if that is needed, and also look at a package that might include other issues that they are concerned about, especially the reform of the CAP, etcetera. Commissioner Šefčovič, you did a great job in relation to Brexit. Now is the chance for you to step up here. I am very confident you will!

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, while it's regrettable that President Trump would withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, it's not surprising. Indeed, he did so the last time. But there are two points I would like to make. Number one: it should encourage us to redouble our efforts; to reach our targets and not reduce them, as some say we should do, and also encourage partners around the world to do the same. The second point I want to make is: I was at COP around the last time when the US withdrew, and I remember John Kerry made the point then that while Trump would withdraw, an awful lot of the 50 states in the United States were already on a trajectory to meeting their commitments and that would not change. I wonder, would the Commission have the same view of that at this particular time? And finally, in relation to the WHO, one of the points President Trump made was that there was a huge disparity in what the US was contributing, both voluntary and assessed, as opposed to China. And I think he is right, and I think we should use this opportunity to put a focus on China to fill the void until the WHO have the United States back again.

A Uachtaráin, even though I come from Ireland, far away from the borders of these three countries, I am very conscious of the suffering of the people on those borders. And I admire their solidarity and resilience. Solidarity, first of all, with Ukraine, taking refugees and supplying Ukraine with energy when Russia are bombing their infrastructure. Also resilience in resisting the horrible practice of weaponising refugees by Belarus and Russia and sabotage of undersea pipelines and cables. Also, particularly, last weekend, three small countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, cutting themselves off forevermore on reliance on Russia in terms of their energy. But I hadn't thought of the suffering of businesses. No investment, no tourism. And for that reason, we must stand by them and the European Regional Facility for the Eastern Countries must be a priority for us.

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir Šefčovič, I think it is very easy to criticise the Commission and some people do it and they get elected as a result. But as a Parliament, we have an obligation to work with the Commission to deliver for the people of Europe, and there are three areas I just want to highlight. One: simplification. It has to happen, but a lot of the simplification is not the regulations we are passing here in Europe. It is the bureaucracy that is added at Member State level, and that has to be tackled at Member State level and not like Viktor Orbán, blaming Europe for everything. So it's not one in, one out – it's one in, twenty-seven out – and then we might make progress. Secondly, in relation to ending our dependency on foreign third countries, especially Russia and China. That is a key aspect. We have got to industrialise Europe: start-ups, scale-ups and 'stay-ups' – start, scale and stay in Europe. That's going to be vital, and then we will be judged on that in five years' time. The final point is we cannot change the targets in relation to climate change. We must do it in a just competitive, transitional way.

A Uachtaráin, I think we've learned some very harsh lessons in recent times – overdependency on third countries for vital supplies. Russia, in the case of energy, which thankfully we have dealt with quite effectively, and now, unfortunately, the US, our traditional friend and ally in relation to AI chips. But I think because they're our traditional friend and ally Commissioner Virkkunen is absolutely right – we must use all diplomatic means to bring them to reality, number one with their best customer in relation to AI, and number two, there is a grave danger that affected countries could turn to China, thus strengthening China's position in AI and undermining US goals. Anybody with a head can see that does not make sense. Finally, I want to say it's fantastic that we now have InvestAI in the European Union – EUR 200 billion to give us self-sufficiency and develop our own. So well done to Ursula von der Leyen and the Commission.

A Uachtaráin, I am totally in favour of enlargement of the European Union. In fact, it is far too long since Croatia joined over 11 years ago. But countries must come up to standard if they want to join the European Union, and that is questionable in relation to Serbia. Particularly in relation to the protests which students and others are taking part in now for some time, since the collapse of Novi Sad railway station undertaken by a Chinese state consortium. So, that being the case, I think the Commissioner is right. Not only must they make changes in terms of law, but they must make changes particularly in relation to action, and violence against protesters who are entitled to freedom of assembly is not part of what we stand for. So I think the Commission has to say to the Serbian State, 'We are going to pause negotiations in relation to your accession until we are satisfied that the standards have been reached,' because one Putin puppet, Viktor Orbán, is enough in Europe.

Madam President, digital and cryptocurrencies present an important opportunity for Europe, provided we establish the necessary safeguards. We must strike the right balance between regulating to enhance consumer protection and promote financial stability, while ensuring we do not hinder innovation or impede the financial inclusion that cryptocurrencies can offer. The MiCA Regulation demonstrates Europe's willingness to lead in establishing best-in-class regulatory frameworks. Recent events, such as the collapse of the FTX in November 2022, have shown why proper standards are essential to protect our citizens from irresponsible, and even fraudulent, market behaviour. However, the new Trump administration's pro-crypto stance provides an opportunity for us to reflect. We hear from the crypto industry that the US is now becoming a more attractive jurisdiction than the EU, with its regulatory approach expected to be looser than ours. On this I make two points. One: here in Europe we must approach this industry with the same competitiveness lens we apply to all sectors. It is vital to monitor the impact of our regulations and remain adaptable enough to amend them if needed, ensuring we maintain the right balance. Two: those in the crypto industry eyeing Trump's America with enthusiasm might reflect on the Trump coin debacle before this week's inauguration. Be careful what you wish for! Ultimately, the cross-border and decentralised nature of cryptocurrencies demands international cooperation to address clear regulatory gaps, as was stated by the Commissioner and my colleague Markus Ferber. So let us collaborate closely with our global partners to establish clear and enforceable global standards.

(The microphone did not pick up the start of the speech) ... talk about this important topic, the desertification of the world. And depending on who you're listening to, between 20 % and 40 % of land is threatened with desertification, particularly in places like the Sahel, Gobi Desert, South America. I think it’s good that the European Union is now emphasising that deforestation, in particular, has to end in any free trade deals we'll be doing. Within Europe, we will be shortly discussing the next CAP and, obviously, protection of the soil, nature restoration are going to be key in that. And I would make one suggestion: Give every farmer in Europe a minimum of 50 trees native to their own area to set on their farm. This would help to restore nature, protect the soils and be a small step to end desertification. Let’s move forward gradually, as the castles are made together.

Madam President, after three hours in the Chamber, I finally get the podium. A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, the Digital Services Act is a powerful tool to protect democracy and ensure that social media platforms operate responsibly. However, its potential will only be realised if it is properly enforced. Right now we are falling short and the consequences are evident, not only for our democracies but for our most vulnerable citizens: our children. Minors are not just passive users of social media. They are active participants, often engaging with technology designed without their safety in mind. Algorithms prioritise sensationalism and addictive content, exposing children to harmful practices. inappropriate material, and exploitative advertising. Loot boxes that mimic gambling, influencers pushing vaping and targeted ads for unhealthy products are just the tip of the iceberg. Recent studies show that nearly 60 % of children aged 8 to 12 have encountered harmful content online. Behind these numbers are real children whose well-being and development are being undermined by the greed of platforms that prioritise profit over protection. Platforms must be held accountable for their algorithms, their recommendation systems and their content moderation, or lack thereof. Protecting democracy and protecting minors must go hand-in-hand.

Dear President Commissionerduring the last mandate, the Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli oversaw good progress in the field of disability rights. Now it is crucial that the new leadership continues to advance disability rights in Europe and ensure that the 100 million people living in Europe with disabilities are given the equality they have been promised. A good first step was the mention of policies dedicated to accessible housing for persons with disabilities in the proposal on the setting-up of a special committee on the housing crisis. The inaccessibility of housing is a key reason for older and disabled people having to leave their homes against their will. Let this mandate achieve higher levels of skills and employment of persons with disabilities and better accessibility overall. I am also pleased that in Ireland, our Taoiseach Simon Harris is fully committed to delivering for people with disabilities, and of course his brother Adam is doing wonderful work in the field of autism. Let’s work together for people with disabilities and Happy Christmas for all of you.

Mr President, I have long been in favour of EU enlargement, and I am pleased that Ursula von der Leyen has stated that she will strive to promote this enlargement during this mandate. As for the countries in the Western Balkans, they have made a lot of reforms to join the EU and if they join, it would give the EU a new image compared to the bad image and disappointment we had when the UK left. There are two very important conditions for joining the EU. The first is that the economy would be sufficiently strong without compromising the competitiveness of other countries, although they will receive much aid through the integrated funds and so on, and the second is that the rule of law would be firm and indeed strong in those countries. However, we would all be happy if they could join the EU as soon as possible.

Madam President, it is important to caution against the increasing move we are witnessing towards protectionism. Take the US president-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. A 60% tariff on Chinese imports, combined with smaller tariffs on others, could cost American and European households thousands annually while driving inflation, reducing disposable income and ultimately harming businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic. The transatlantic relationship remains the largest economic partnership in the world. EU-US trade alone supports over 16 million jobs and accounts for nearly a third of global GDP. It is not in our interest, nor the United States', to risk this with trade barriers or tariffs. With Trump threatening 20 % tariffs on EU goods, this could lead to a trade war, and the trade war will only harm our shared prosperity. As we face increasing threats to security from Russia and to our competitiveness from China closer cooperation between the EU, US and UK is not planetary – it is essential. Let's work for that.

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir Mac Raith, only a month ago, Russia emerged as the real winners of Georgia's parliamentary elections, after alleged widespread Russian disinformation likely led to Georgian Dream's claim to victory. In Moldova, evidence suggests that Russia was behind cyberattacks, ballot-box stuffing, vote rigging, illegal transportation of voters to the polls and the purchasing of up to 300 000 votes. We turn to Romania and the facts are sobering: hundreds of TikTok accounts set up by Russia, activated to support Călin Georgescu, and thousands of accounts activated two weeks before the first round. The sophistication of Russia's web of mis- and disinformation to upend political processes is a threat to democracies everywhere. As Russia attempts to pick off European countries one by one, it is also time for Ireland to reflect on our own resilience against foreign meddling. It would be a mistake to think that Ireland is immune to Russian attempts to influence public discourse. As the host country of the European headquarters of many social media companies, including TikTok, Ireland has a large part to play in ensuring their compliance with the Digital Services Act. TikTok must be held accountable for any infringements of the act if found guilty, and I express my full trust in Coimisiún na Meán to carry out a thorough investigation.

A Uachtaráin, dear Commissioner, the Assad dictatorship was one of the most vicious and most brutal regimes the world has experienced over the last 50 years. Now, as the country is still reeling from the events that have taken place there, the stories of the cruelty that Assad and his father imposed on their own people, come to light. The international community should reflect on their actions in Sudan, where limited support for the civilian government played a role in the country's descent into civil war. A vacuum of power now exists in Syria, where the different rebel factions may want to grab as much land and power as they can. It is the time for the UN, the EU and the Arab League to step up and assist the Syrian state in actualising a peaceful transition with fair and free elections, where all minorities and religions can be equal. I urge our European partners to demonstrate dignity and compassion towards Syrian refugees. There is still a long journey ahead for Syria, but a great step forward has been taken by the ending of the Russian-backed Assad's reign of terror.

Madam President, tackling the rise in energy prices must be an economic and social priority. Families are struggling to heat their homes and European businesses are finding it harder to stay competitive. To address this, we must first identify the root causes of high bills. The recent energy crisis has shown us the dangers of our reliance on volatile fossil fuels. The cost of imported fuels dictate Europe’s electricity prices, undermining our competitiveness and leaving us exposed to geopolitical price shocks. Plus, taxes and levies account for a significant portion of our energy bills. While some are essential for infrastructure and renewable investment, we must ensure efficiency to relieve the burden on consumers and industries as far as possible. The solution to the first part of the problem is clear: we must reduce and eventually eliminate the role of volatile fossil fuel markets in setting out electricity prices. In Ireland in October, the day with the most renewables on the system had an average price of nearly EUR 90 lower than the day with the least renewables on the system. Our competitiveness can no longer be at the mercy of external energy supplies. At the same time, we cannot ignore another key challenge: Modernising our electricity grid. I look forward to working with incoming Commissioner Dan Jørgensen to ensure that Europe delivers affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all in a modernised grid. Finally, thank the outgoing Commissioner Kadri Simson for all her good work, cooperation and friendship. My heart is with you and I am with you.

Commissioner, my friends. God to you. In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, Europe must revitalise its competitiveness to remain a global leader. Among the challenges we face is ensuring a resilient and competitive agricultural sector as we transition towards a more sustainable economy. This starts with providing farmers with a stable and predictable framework to thrive in without excessive bureaucracy. Simplifying EU regulations, reducing reporting burdens by least 25 %, and fairness in the food supply chain will give farmers the space they need to innovate and grow. Energy costs are another key issue. Farmers depend on affordable energy, but current price disparities with global competitors place them at a disadvantage. Prioritising investment in renewable energy infrastructure, cross-border grids and storage technologies is essential not only for farmers but also for rural communities that rely on them. A sustainable economy will ultimately be the most competitive if Europe adopts forward-thinking policies. We can strike the balance between sustainability and competitiveness on August 8th. You're right, Commissioner.

Yes, we are committed to democracy, we are committed to diplomacy, and we recognise that President Trump was elected by a majority in the United States. So our group, I think, will be working to recognise that, to try and find where we have common interests. And particularly, I think, Mr Trump will have to reflect on the situation in Ukraine now that North Korea has joined in the war. That changes, I think, the dynamic substantially. But also, if we do not have collaboration with Mr Trump, then we will have to be more sustainable and more independent as a bloc ...

Madam President, this debate is especially timely, and I thank former Prime Minister Niinistö for his excellent work. A new reality is upon us. A second Trump White House is now confirmed and this reshapes our security landscape. This morning, the focus is on military preparedness and safeguarding Europe's security. In addition to this, we also must recognise the potential substantial funding gap in military assistance to Ukraine, should President Trump follow through on his campaign pledges. This gap is significant. We must therefore ask the question: is the MFF still fit for purpose in 2024? As my colleague Mureşan said, we need an urgent review and reassessment to ensure that Europe can meet our security demands, while also responding to the impacts on global trade that Trump's isolationist and protectionist agenda may cause. This will have a major impact on key EU sectors, like steel, agriculture and manufacturing. Additional contributions may well be necessary to safeguard Europe's security, while sustaining, and even expanding, support for these vital industries. Finally, I welcome the report's highlighting of the need to protect our critical infrastructure, especially our subsea cables, which carry 97 % of global communications and around € 10 trillion in financial transactions daily. With three quarters of northern cables passing through Irish waters, we have a unique responsibility. Ireland is committed to safeguarding these vital assets through collaboration with our EU and other partners, because in these challenging times, our security is deeply intertwined.

Mr President, I have supported this resolution because Taiwan deserves meaningful participation in international forums. While UN resolution 2758 of 1971 recognises the People’s Republic of China, it does not resolve the status of Taiwan or confer sovereignty on China over Taiwan. Taiwan, a democratic and vibrant country around the world, plays a crucial role from healthcare to technology. Its peaceful elections and global cooperative perspective should be reflected in its engagement with international organisations such as the WHO and ICAO. It is not only fair, but it is also essential that we support Taiwan’s engagement to respect international law and democracy.