Debate contributions by Seán KELLY

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.

Mr President, the motion for a resolution is not only a political statement on the situation in Azerbaijan, but a moral statement. We need to respond to Armenian ethnic cleansing, continued military aggression and Azerbaijan’s blatant disregard for human rights. The European Union must protect democracy, and the rule of law and those values must be constantly respected. We must not only condemn these actions, but also act on them. We must hold Azerbaijan to account. We would use this resolution to reaffirm our commitment to human rights not only in words but also in action. And now I'm going to take the shot.

A Uachtaráin, protecting our oceans is essential to Europe's sustainable future. The EU's target to designate 30 % of European seas as marine protected areas is an important and necessary step in safeguarding marine biodiversity. We should also ensure 10 % of these are strictly protected to allow for regeneration. We have a responsibility to put marine conservation at the forefront of our efforts to tackle climate change. In this regard, I support the swift enactment of Ireland's Marine Protected Areas Bill, a key piece of legislation that will shape the future of marine conservation in Ireland for generations. Additionally, and in an Irish context, our oceans hold immense potential to power our renewable future through offshore wind energy. With the right incentives and with respect for environmental protections, offshore wind can support biodiversity and enhance marine ecosystems by providing clean, sustainable energy. Ireland is in a unique position to lead and deliver in this regard.

A Uachtaráin, I think this is a very timely debate, because we are looking at a situation which we have made for ourselves. We are in a rush to regulate everything. We have ensured that some industries, and particularly steel, are no longer viable. But I was encouraged by the points made by Commissioner Dalli, where she pointed out the reality of the situation, but also the opportunities in terms of the ETS, Just Transition Fund, Innovation Fund, electricity market, reskilling, upskilling, reducing the administrative burden and CBAM to turn the situation around. If we don't, we're going to have a situation where we won't have any heavy industries like steel and aluminium, but also we won't be able to reduce emissions because, as she pointed out, 70 % of wind turbines need steel. So it's a win-win by having more heavy industry in Europe rather than importing from unstable regimes like China, etc. If we don't, we won't need any Net Zero Industry Act because we'll have net zero industry. The choice is ours.

(Start of speech off mic) ... as devastating forest fires ravaged parts of the Amazon. While the immediate flames have now subsided, the scars left behind remind us of the critical importance of this vast rainforest, not just for South America, but for the entire world. The Amazon, often referred to as the lungs of the Earth, plays an essential role in regulating our climate by absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide. When these forests burn, not only are we losing valuable ecosystems and biodiversity, but vast amounts of stored carbon are released back into the atmosphere, further intensifying the effects of climate change. The fires we have seen, while not an everyday occurrence, have highlighted the ongoing threats the Amazon faces. Though some fires may have been linked to natural cycles and weather phenomena, it is undeniable that human activity has played a significant role, as rightly pointed out by Commissioner Schinas. It is a wake-up call, reminding us that the Amazon, with all its biodiversity and climate regulating functions, is vulnerable. As policymakers, we must ensure that international cooperation remains strong in protecting this vital resource. While the fires may no longer be front-page news, the underlying challenges persist and we cannot become complacent. The Amazon is vital for the health of our planet and future generations. The recent fires are a reminder of the fragility of this vital ecosystem. And while the worst may have passed, the need for action remains, as the Commissioner pointed out, both in terms of the climate but also for the indigenous peoples who are constantly being pushed out of their natural homes. This has to stop also.

A Uachtaráin, we are witnessing a deeply troubling development in Iraq with the proposed amendments to the personal status law. These changes would effectively place family matters – including marriage, divorce and child custody – under the jurisdiction of religious courts rather than civil law. This move undermines the principle of equality before the law, as enshrined in Iraq's own constitution, and would lead to disturbing discrepancies along religious lines. This is a significant step backwards for women's rights in Iraq. It threatens to increase child marriage, domestic violence and inequality, perpetuating a cycle of suffering for women and girls. Already, 22 % of unregistered marriages in Iraq involve girls under the age of 14, some as young as 9. This is appalling and we must condemn it in the strongest possible terms. The EU cannot turn a blind eye to this issue. Women's rights are human rights, whether it is in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Mr President, (the microphone did not pick up the start of the speech) ...and if I go beyond that, turn off the microphone. I want to support my colleagues, especially Miriam Lexmann here and the other authors, Petras who have accurately demonstrated what is happening in China with regard to the Uyghurs. Of course, this is not the first time that we are talking about the Uyghur situation in this Parliament, with the right to be talking about it again tonight, in particular the case of Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas. They are imprisoned without cause and we should push them to let them go free. China and the EU also have a close relationship when it comes to trade, and we should use this trade to push China to grant civil rights to Uyghurs and even to be fairer to us when it comes to trade as well.

A Uachtaráin, the 2024 report highlighted a number of shortcomings that we should be addressing: judicial independence, media freedom and anti‑corruption are just some of the areas where we see significant breaches of the rule of law. In Ireland, we have implemented a number of measures to improve our national judicial systems. However, we are only one Member State, and this is only one aspect of the rule of law. To affect change across the Union, we need to address the repeat offenders who make little or no effort to reduce their own violations. This will be the challenge faced by Irish Commissioner‑designate Michael McGrath as he starts on his portfolio. Over the past several years, we have seen Hungary breach multiple aspects of our core values again and again. Corruption is rampant, transparency is seriously lacking, independent governance is in serious danger. Prime Minister Orbán's most recent law on the defence of sovereignty exemplifies this. It is against the concept of democracy and the practice of fundamental rights, and it constitutes a breach of the rule of law. Now Hungary has the influential role of the Council Presidency. Orbán spoke earlier today about improving the EU and making it great again. This populist rhetoric is nothing short of hypocritical. We need to stand against these breaches and against Hungary's lip service.

A Uachtaráin, I was pleased to vote in favour of this resolution to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist regions affected by severe natural disasters in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France. These disasters have inflicted devastating damages, with estimates reaching billions of euros, and have profoundly impacted the lives of countless citizens. While this resolution gives our support for a critically important financial response to the situations in these Member States, we should be clear that it is also a powerful expression of solidarity and support from the European Union to its members, as we have seen countless times over the years. It underscores our commitment to stand by those in need during times of crisis. By approving this mobilisation, we are sending a clear message that the EU is united in its resolve to help our fellow Europeans rebuild and recover. In conclusion, my vote today reflects the commitment to solidarity, resilience and proactive measures for a safer Europe.

A Uachtaráin, this is not the first time we have debated Sudan here in the European Parliament. It's ongoing, unfortunately, and the situation isn't getting better. Indeed, every Sunday in my home parish of Fossa in Killarney, the parish priest, Father Geaney, prays for those in the most troubled parts of the world. And he usually mentions Ukraine, the Holy Land, as he calls it – the Middle East, and Sudan. And that will give an indication of the scale and breadth of the problems in Sudan. I agree with previous speakers like Ms Incir, who said that we certainly must do more in the European Union to give humanitarian aid here so that the sufferings of those people can be alleviated, but obviously work harder at getting a solution in the long term. Peace and stability in the country is the only way to end suffering in the long term. The European Union can lead and hopefully lead more into the future so our parish priest won't be including Sudan in the troubled places in the world.

A Uachtaráin, every bomb dropped, every border crossed adds to the suffering and displacement of people who have already endured too much. Israel has every right to defend itself. The hostages must be released. And Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran must all be condemned for their heinous acts. But what we have seen in the aftermath of 7 October is not entirely self-defence, but collective punishment and the clear breaking of international law. We in Europe, if we are to be true to the values we say we cherish, must be more proactive in pushing for a peaceful solution, discouraging all parties from the use of force. Otherwise, we are failing in our responsibilities. The EU is Israel's largest trading partner. In black and white, the EU‑Israel Association Agreement explicitly ties us, our economic relationship, to the observance of human rights. What we need is an urgent ceasefire and a return to true dialogue, and the EU should use the tools at its disposal to encourage this.

A Uachtaráin, Europe's competitiveness is facing a fundamental challenge and, as Mario Draghi's report highlights, we cannot ignore the underlying structural causes. It has become abundantly clear to me, particularly since the onset of the recent energy crisis, that there can be no competitive Europe without cheap and predictable energy costs. As long as we remain dependent on imported fossil fuels, and as long as volatile fossil fuels set the cost of electricity, we will continue to struggle. We must break this cycle. European competitiveness requires European energy independence and that independence must be based on indigenous, cost-effective, renewable energy: wind, solar and, critically, storage solutions such as batteries and long-duration storage technologies. It is through these technologies that we can stabilise electricity prices, provide predictability for businesses and ensure long-term competitiveness. This means accelerating the roll-out of renewables, modernising our grid and removing the bottlenecks that slow down progress, especially our planning process. By decoupling electricity prices from fossil fuels, we can lower costs for industries and consumers alike, giving Europe a competitive edge and reducing our reliance on volatile external markets. The time for action is now. A strong statement from Council next week will be very welcome in this regard.

Mr President, I was pleased to vote in favour of this report and why not? Because we must stand in solidarity with our western and central European counterparts. The terrible floods and bad weather have hit them hard over the last few weeks and, in particular, we express our condolences to Austria, Germany and Poland and others for the extent to which they have suffered from these terrible floods. But this is not the first time this is happening. It has been getting worse in the last three decades and in that time 5.5 million people were affected. 3 million people died and the economy cost 170 billion. That shows that, in the short term, we need to give them cooperation and financial help and so on to get the infrastructure right, but it shows how important it is now to fight climate change and roll out our green market and reduce the emissions as quickly as we can.

A Uachtaráin, I voted for this resolution as the Venezuelan presidential election on 28 July marked a significant decline in the rule of law in the country. Maduro's regime, like Chavez before him, has employed numerous tactics – such as banning candidates, creating confusion and withholding voting records – to undermine a legitimate electoral process. Without transparency, his self-declared victory cannot reflect the will of the people. International observers were banned while friendly monitors were allowed to mislead the world about the election's legitimacy. This complicity in vote-rigging contributes to the ongoing survival of this oppressive regime, which has driven nearly 8 million people to flee Venezuela – more than those fleeing Syria. We must urgently call for an end to the repression of opposition members and civil society. We must put more pressure on Maduro. Without international pressure, the hopes of democracy in Venezuela are fading fast.

(start of speech off mic) ... voting for this resolution, as we must stand united in reaffirming our commitment to Ukraine as it faces an illegal and unjustified war of aggression from Russia. The courage of the Ukrainian people in defending their sovereignty is commendable, but the costs – both human and material – are staggering. Russia's systematic atrocities, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, constitute war crimes. Millions of Ukrainians remain displaced, suffering the consequences of this brutal aggression. The US mobilised over EUR 100 billion in support, including military aid. However, we must do more. We must remember that this conflict is not just about Ukraine: it threatens our shared values and democracy. As we consider the long-term recovery of Ukraine, we must push for accountability for war crimes and support reconstruction efforts. Together, we can stand with Ukraine and ensure that justice prevails in the end.

Mr President, As the Commissioner said, in general, it is right that we stand up for whistle blowers, especially those who are trying to protect our environment, as unfortunately for many years now it has become clear that our nature, seas and environment are in danger. And if illegal things are happening around the world, we should stand up for the whistle blowers that show that. And that’s the case with Paul Watson. Is there a right for a person who wants to target illegal whale-fishing to be imprisoned? Should he have to go to Japan and go to court? We should stand strong with those fighting climate change and in particular protecting our seas.

A Uachtaráin, they say doctors differ and patients die; judges differ and we get apple pie – a very expensive EUR 13 billion apple pie. But I point this out because, in 2020, the EU General Court ruled in favour of Apple and the Irish Government. The CJEU has, however, ruled differently. We accept and respect that decision, and now we move on. Two points. One, this is a state aid ruling, not a taxation ruling. And two, Ireland does not give any preferential tax treatment to companies or taxpayers, and this current legislation complies with all international taxation obligations. We have participated in OECD initiatives on base erosion and profit shifting, etc., And our success is not just down to competitive corporation tax rates; it is also due to a skilled workforce, a good education system, a proud member of the EU, English-speaking, close ties with the US, etc. So Ireland – whether apple pie or no apple pie – is not going to lie down and die. Éire Abú!

A Uachtaráin, the systemic erosion of women's rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime is a grave and pressing issue that deserves greater attention on the international stage. Recent laws implemented by the Taliban represent another chilling step towards gender apartheid, aimed at erasing women and girls from public life entirely. We must unequivocally condemn the Taliban's radical interpretation of Sharia law, which has led to rampant gender persecution and a culture of fear. Women are not just being denied their rights, they are being systematically oppressed with access to education and work severely restricted. The resilience of Afghan women is a testament to the human spirit, yet we cannot leave them to face this oppression alone. The international community, including the European Union, must do more and act more decisively. I have been trying for some time to get a family – mainly women – out of Afghanistan, but can't get them visas. We in the EU need to make more visas available for Afghan women in particular. The sooner the better.