Speeches

Thank you, President, Commissioner, colleagues. The war in Ukraine has become a painful reality. Ukraine and its people are fighting for freedom, for the right to have their own country, to live peacefully in it and to build their future. Ukraine is fighting for our European values, for democracy, for the European way of life, for human rights and freedoms, so it is also our European war, not only for people's lives, but also for cultural heritage. Identity is the victims and hostages of war. The deliberate destruction of culture is part of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Europe has understood this since the first day of the war. We stand together and help Ukraine to the best of our ability. Cultural solidarity with Ukraine is essential. Russia is not only seeking to destroy Ukraine with military action, but is conducting disinformation campaigns on various scales, trying to create a feeling of fear and distrust for the Ukrainian people. Therefore, it is more important than ever to ensure strong support for Ukraine’s cultural, creative academic sector, which is that vital link in countering and countering Russian propaganda and disinformation. Indeed, since the beginning of the war, Europe has urgently mobilised financial means to help people in the cultural and artistic fields fleeing the war. Ukrainian artists and cultural workers will play a vital role in the reconstruction of Ukraine and the mobilisation of society. Today in Ukraine we see Russian forces destroying cultural heritage, looting of cultural objects. We must do our utmost to stop this and preserve Ukraine's cultural heritage. The European Commission has already put forward a proposal for a Ukraine Reconstruction Facility. And I very much hope that the restoration and preservation of Ukraine's cultural heritage will be an integral part of this plan.

Mr President, the war in Ukraine and the economic and social consequences of this war for Europe and our people remain high on the political agenda of the European Union and will continue for a long time to come. We must support Ukraine and give it every assistance in its defence against the Russian aggression. In the same spirit of solidarity, we must take urgent decisions to stop the widening of social inequalities in Europe. We cannot allow our people to choose between heating and food. Colleagues, the exceptional situation requires exceptional and urgent solutions. Agreement must be found on gas price caps, taxation and redistribution of excess profits of unjustifiably large energy companies, joint gas purchases in the EU to help and protect the most vulnerable people and businesses. We must finally protect our food production businesses and ensure food security. It is our duty to help people, small and medium-sized businesses to survive this difficult period, and I very much hope that a common agreement will be found on the EU solidarity package.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, rapporteurs, first of all, I would like to thank you for the political will you have found to agree on the minimum wage directive, especially at this difficult time. It is, admittedly, abnormal that people in Europe who receive the minimum wage do not survive, cannot meet their basic needs and end up in poverty. Current inflation, energy and food prices will further impoverish minimum wage earners. The swift implementation of this directive, involving the social partners, must therefore be a priority for the Member States, and we would ask the Commission to closely monitor this process. This directive will ensure that the level of minimum income corresponds to purchasing power, a real standard of living, and that it is reviewed in a timely and regular manner. The minimum wage must ensure that the people receiving it can make a living and support their families. Only then will Europe be socially strong, sustainable and more resilient, especially in times of crisis.