Debate contributions by Sabine VERHEYEN

The next vote is on 'Attempted takeover of Lithuania's public broadcaster and the threat to democracy in Lithuania' (see minutes, item 6.10).

The next vote is on 'Choice of performance indicators for audit and budgetary control in the context of financing measures to support the implementation of future European competitiveness' (see minutes, item 6.7).

The next vote is on 'Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges' (see minutes, item 6.6).

The next vote is on 'Presidential elections in Honduras, the non-recognition of the outcome by the incumbent administration and the attacks on opposition members of the National Assembly' (see minutes, item 6.2).

The PfE Group has notified the President of decisions relating to changes to appointments within committees. These decisions will be set out in the minutes of today's sitting and take effect on the date of this announcement.

I will now explain the rules for blue cards again: 30 seconds for questions, 30 seconds for the answers. The button for the blue card must be pressed during the original speech. Afterwards we cannot accept it. I hope that is clear for the next rounds.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on the Commission statement on the attempted takeover of Lithuanian public service broadcasting and the threat to democracy in Lithuania (2026/2568(RSP)).

I will explain again: the time for a blue‑card question is 30 seconds, and the time for the answer is also 30 seconds. There is a possibility to ask again, but don't stretch the time too much.

However, I would like to point out again from the beginning: This Parliament is directly elected by the citizens of the Parliament and not a sham Parliament. I would like to say this explicitly again. I would also ask you to respect the sovereign, namely the citizens of Europe, in this House as well.

The next item on the agenda is the debate on Council and Commission statements on combating AI de-epfakes and sexual exploitation on social media by making full use of EU rules in the digital field (2026/2561(RSP)).

As we are running out of time, I would propose, as Mr Gražulis is also on the catch-the-eye list, that you stay on the catch-the-eye list, because I have to close now the catch-the-eye procedure. We have a long list of speakers that are foreseen. It was a first try to have this new culture of debate, but we are still limited on time. So I really beg you, when we do it next, that we really stick to questions and answers and don't debate as long in between about other things than the issue. Thank you very much for your understanding.

Yes, but in what form he answers, everyone decides for himself. Unfortunately, that's the case. And then you can decide for yourself: He didn't answer me. But we can't dictate how he responds to your question. Thank you very much. (Other comments) Please, let me say unfairness with regard to the Rules of Procedure - we should all be a little quieter here in the House.

Mr. Sieper, I must also point out to you: Where is the Point of Order? (Remarks by Mr. Sieper when the microphone is switched off) Mr. Sieper, you are asking a question. And whether or not the person who is asked answers the question is up to him. We can't tell him that. In this respect, I ask that we now continue in the debate.