Speeches

Madam President, I'm sorry. Despite the changes taking place on the European labour market, despite many ideas to remove barriers that limit the advancement of women, stereotypes in the assessment of our competence are still noticeable. Still, women experience the glass ceiling and perception through the prism of parenting, which limits our professional development. Many, including in this House, recognise that it is artificial and counterproductive to draft legislation that seeks equality, to create equal opportunities between women and men. I do not agree with this approach, because when we look at women's education and competence, we see that women have achieved incredible progress. Unfortunately, this does not result in the use of our potential, abilities and skills. It is a loss that affects the economy and society. This is a waste to which there should be no further agreement. The project we are talking about today is primarily about equal opportunities, about a fair selection process for the highest positions. There is no preference for any group. I know we have a long way to go. It took ten years before we started this discussion and to make a decision today. But changes are necessary and I believe that the implementation of this directive is a good start for changes in the wider economic area.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, In the 21st century, violence and rape cannot be allowed. In the 21st century, victims should be protected, not perpetrators. And it is not the victims of rape and violence who should be afraid to report a crime. Criminals should be afraid of punishment. In the 21st century, there should be a clear definition of sexual abuse and rape in all EU countries. Victims should not be forced to answer questions about whether their clothing, makeup or appearance provoked the perpetrators. In the 21st century, it cannot be that victims prefer to remain silent than to report a crime. 90% of crimes of a sexual nature are not reported, and in the remaining ten only one in four cases ends in a sentence for the perpetrators, usually on probation. Strong legal instruments and a zero-tolerance policy support and protect women. The ratification of the Istanbul Convention and the criminalisation of gender-based violence in the European Union are steps that we must take without delay. Unfortunately, I am also aware that changes can only take place with the support of men, and today they are like a cure in this room. I hope we feel that support. Finally, I would like to say applause to those countries that have ratified the Istanbul Convention and applause to President Kopacz here, who had the courage to ratify the Istanbul Convention in Poland when she headed the government.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Electrification and decarbonisation of transport is a key element of the Green Europe Plan. However, we must remember that no transport operator and no consumer will invest in a low- or zero-emission vehicle if they are not sure that they are able to operate it according to their needs, which means being able to charge quickly. So if we want to convince European citizens to move to e-mobility, charging cars should be as easy as refueling today. When we look at the statistics and the number of charging points, we see that we have a lot to do. We must also remember that there are countries where most of the electricity still comes from coal. Therefore, meeting these regulations in today's socio-economic and political situation may prove to be very problematic. But we have to take this situation into account. I therefore agree, support the report and congratulate the rapporteur. I agree with the Commissioner, who said that we need very ambitious but achievable and achievable objectives.

Mr President, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, Today's debate and today's vote can certainly be called a new industrial revolution, because the decisions we will make will have a huge impact and significance for European industry and the economy. Today, there is no doubt that it is our responsibility as a European society to protect the environment, to protect the climate, to reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, to protect the health and life of European citizens. But to achieve this, we must propose solutions that are feasible for the Member States and socially acceptable, because only then will we achieve our objectives. We must also remember that Europe and European society are still struggling with the consequences of the COVID pandemic and the consequences of the war in Ukraine. We must therefore, while protecting the environment, keep European companies, European industry and European jobs in mind. That is why I propose trajectory B in the Effort Sharing Regulation. It is also ambitious, but allows Member States some flexibility, predictability and a safety buffer to achieve their objectives. We also recently voted on the Climate Law, which says that Europe achieves climate neutrality by 2050 collectively, collectively, and not as proposed by the ENVI Committee, each Member State individually. Because, as rapporteur Polfjärd said, each country has a different level of development, different capabilities, opportunities and a different level of GDP... (The President took the floor)

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The security of the European Union's borders is extremely important and everything must be done to strengthen them. There are always costs in these situations. When we look at the war in Ukraine, sanctions are also at the expense of us, the people of the European Union. In the case of border surveillance, such a cost may be, for example, interference with the environment. The fundamental question, however, is whether the planned construction of a wall on the border with Belarus, with all its controversies, including interference in a valuable natural environment, and ambiguities, including financial ones, will deter potential refugees? I dare to doubt. An example is the wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Has he restricted refugees or those who want to cross borders illegally? No – it may have only extended the time of crossing or changed the location of the border insignificantly. I would also like us to remember that there are also women and children on the border with Belarus. I stress women and children. I'm not talking about men. And they too are fleeing the war, which is often the responsibility of the same man, Putin. Remember that people live in the border area. Residents, who until now lived only from tourism, conducted tourist economic activity, today are deprived of this possibility. Entry ban for journalists – ladies and gentlemen, journalists can enter Ukraine, where they are in danger of being killed, and there is a ban on the border with Belarus, and the argument is that, for the sake of their safety, they cannot stay there. This raises many doubts, ambiguities. They should be all checked, explained. But the most important thing - this is the last sentence - is to prepare and develop common European solutions, long-term and effective.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The war in Ukraine has a woman's face. Women and children make up nearly 90% of the nearly 5 million refugees. It is women who help as much as they can, taking on their shoulders to evacuate, protect and support their families, and on an equal footing with men, reach for their weapons and fight on the front. It is women and girls who are most often victims of war: are raped, tortured, killed or transported deep into Russia. They are also victims of human trafficking. The world sees it and Europe sees it. And I think that today, from this place, we have to tell Ukrainian women that crimes and deeds will be written down and remembered, that criminals will be judged and held accountable. Ladies and Gentlemen, we must also bear in mind that the enthusiasm for aid – and this is noticeable – is slowly declining. Inflation and the economic situation are draining portfolios, for example in Poland, which has received the most refugees. Local officials say they are running out of money. Therefore, from this place, I once again appeal to the European Commission for direct and targeted support for local government, for NGOs and for ordinary people, because they are on the first front of aid and support for all Ukrainian refugees.

Mr President, thank you very much. Peace, freedom, security and democracy are invaluable, and the war in Ukraine is the best example of this. One of the victims of the war and of the necessary sanctions, as the Commissioner has said here, is the transport sector. It is therefore necessary to carry out an economic and social assessment and to strengthen and provide adequate financial support to the sector in order to ensure its smooth functioning in the internal market of the European Union, but it is equally important to support the transport sector in Ukraine. Another casualty of the war, which we must not forget, is the transport sector. Tourists refrain from travelling to certain Member States for fear of the consequences of the war, such as Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria or the Baltic States. Despite these problems and despite COVID, which has also affected this industry, the tourism industry actively supports refugees from war-torn Ukraine and does what it does best, i.e. organizes transport, provides accommodation and food for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens. Therefore, from this point of view, I appeal to the European Commission for financial support for the transport sector and the tourism sector, but also for direct financial support for local government units, especially in Poland, because this local government supports and helps refugees from Ukraine at the expense of its income. This is a huge burden on local government budgets and they do not really have financial support and assistance out of nowhere.

Mr President, thank you very much. Today is a holiday for Ukrainian women, because some of them are fighting for the freedom of their homeland on an equal footing with men, others are fleeing, leaving their homes to save their lives and those of their loved ones. Others mourn the deaths of their children. And I cannot understand why the world supports criminals, people who, out of fear, hatred, lust for power and wealth, are able to create a hell on earth for others. The heroism and courage of President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people should be an indication of how to behave with dignity. And the governments and politicians who feed Putin, who do not want to apply sanctions, do not behave worthily. On the other hand, thousands of Poles and thousands of Europeans behave worthily, those who open their hearts and their homes. And from this place I would like to thank the inhabitants of my Subcarpathian region, which borders Ukraine, for your heart, support and help. Local government officials, volunteers, NGOs, as well as those who support Poles in this help given to Ukrainians. Today there are over one million women and children in Poland. They need home, security, school, work, the support of psychologists. They also need information when their life returns to normal, and it turns out and probably everything indicates that it will not return quickly. That is why today I appeal to the European Union, to politicians, to go with help, with real help. Financially support local governments, organizations, volunteers and ordinary people. Without money and political decisions, there will only be more pain and tragedy. Thank you very much! Fame to Ukraine!

Mr President, thank you very much. Gender equality is one of the fundamental values of the European Union. I think we can confidently say that we are a leader in promoting this idea, through which we strive for security, peace, economic growth or environmental improvement. There is no doubt that there are links between gender and climate change and environmental challenges. All studies and data show that women and children are the main victims of conflicts, climate change and disputes over natural resources. On the other hand, the full and equal participation of women in political and financial decisions, including those concerning sustainable development and the fight against climate change, has a significant impact on the positive effects of the measures taken. And while women are increasingly influencing economic change, entrenched social attitudes are slowing it down significantly. Women's rights are being questioned in many places, restricting access to the labour market, education, health care. Violence against women is widespread, including sexual violence, which has been further exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. However, I hope that the implemented strategies and programmes, I hope that the attitudes of the young generation, I hope that the activity of many NGOs, which I would like to thank from this place, and I hope that the responsibility of wise politicians will increase public awareness and contribute to solving the problem of inequality and supporting positive changes and transformations.

Mr President, thank you very much. Once again in the European Parliament, we are discussing the problems and tragedies that affect women. This is very sad, because it shows how difficult it is to change social attitudes and social consents and what courage it takes to say ‘me too’. The courage of some gives courage to others. I think that the MeToo civic movement and the global campaign, which showed the scale and prevalence of sexual harassment against women, the courage of women on the front pages of newspapers who said ‘me too’, gave courage to other women, also here in the European Parliament and in the EU institutions. It would seem that every public person, politician, employer or supervisor should know where the joke ends and harassment begins, where the thin line is. But research and data show a sad picture. They show that the perpetrator always defends and protects another perpetrator, that the victim is often blamed, and that having power and lack of consistency emboldens the perpetrators. I agree with those who say in this House that there can be no consent here in Parliament, or in the institutions, or on the road, or at work, or anywhere else, for a woman to feel uncomfortable and for someone to be allowed to be harassed. I will support mandatory training, because I believe that it is our duty to do everything to counteract such situations. But we must also be aware that training alone is not enough if there is no social criticism of such a person and if there are no consequences, both professional and social, that will be borne by the perpetrators. And taking advantage of the fact that this is the last day of Parliament's proceedings before Christmas, I would like to offer all the inhabitants of my Subcarpathian region, a difficult region, my country – Poland – and all the inhabitants of Europe healthy peaceful holidays and joy and hope in the new year.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, thank you very much. People affected by transport poverty have limited access to goods, services or social capital, which in turn limits their life chances. And yet work, home, education, shopping or health care are essential mobility in our lives. Transport poverty usually affects older people, people with disabilities, women, children, poor people or people living in remote areas, with limited access to public transport. Removing all transport barriers, and therefore poverty and exclusion, should therefore be a priority for the European Union's social policy. The changes and proposals being prepared should take into account the deteriorating economic situation of a large part of the population of the European Union, caused by successive waves of COVID and rising prices of fuels, goods or services, as my previous speakers have already talked about here. We should also take into account the public perception of the proposed solutions and the energy transition process, which may limit or already limit confidence in these regulations, because they may result in additional financial burdens for households. We must also remember, Commissioner, that even the best proposals, such as low-emission cars, for example, are still too expensive for a large part of society, and even special incentives will not change that. If we want to move to a low-carbon economy and achieve climate neutrality, we must remember that this cannot be done at the sole expense of the people of the European Union.

Madam President, I'm sorry. The Treaties of Rome introduced the principle of equal pay for equal work. 65 years later, we still have a problem. Why is that? Most decisions are made by men. And if they do not understand that women should be in the right position in society, if they do not support our aspirations and aspirations, then we can have dozens of conversations in this House, in the national chambers, and 65 years will pass, and the problem will remain unresolved. In addition, the pandemic has slowed down these upward trends in women’s position in the labour market. More and more men – and I say this with regret, because there are many great men, including politicians – many men would see a woman in this social role in the kitchen, at home, with children, without ambition, because often many men cannot stand the fact that a woman is as good as a man, can occupy the same position and can manage large companies or governments. Take a look at the governments of the countries of the European Union: How many women are there? It shows how far the road is ahead of us. Nevertheless, I hope that the directive on which work is underway will not, Commissioner, be stuck in the Council like the directive on women on boards, because really then we can only continue to discuss it. This directive is absolutely, absolutely necessary. This is what I call on all Member States.

Madam President, I'm sorry. How weak it takes to hide behind the anonymity of the Internet to humiliate, frighten, insult and discredit women. I suppose that many of us politicians have experienced this situation, and I experience it very often, as do millions of women in Europe and around the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this phenomenon. We must be aware that regardless of the form of cyberviolence, it always causes a feeling of helplessness and loneliness and lowers one's self-esteem, just as in the case of violence experienced in the real world. Therefore, there cannot be our consent to such a situation. I am convinced that we need coordinated action in this direction, which will eliminate online violence and make millions of women in Europe feel safe online. Educational measures are needed, including those raising public awareness, as well as legal solutions that will be a tool to effectively fight those who commit this violence. And I am glad that this discussion is taking place here in the European Parliament, because I get the impression – and I hear it often from women – that in many countries of the European Union women are increasingly deprived of proper support and protection.

Madam President, I'm sorry. We know that the issues of abortion and health care are the competence of the member states, and we will not change the law here. Nevertheless, I think that we need a signal from this House, we need this discussion addressed to Polish women, that we know about their problems, that we know them and we support them warmly from this place. Once again on this forum we are talking about Polish women on the anniversary of the judgment of the politicized Constitutional Court, which de facto prohibits abortion. And from this point I would like to say bluntly: no ban will limit the number of treatments, will not make women want to be mothers. The Polish government is forcibly trying to force women into heroism without a proper understanding of their problems and support. Once again, no politician can be the conscience of Polish women, or of women at all. When we look at the statistics, in Poland in 2019 as much as 98% of abortion procedures had a medical basis due to irreversible fetal defects. Unfortunately, Polish women have been deprived of the opportunity to choose, and yet we know that no law, order or even benefits will change the entrenched modern virtues of women. It is sad that it is not the Polish government, but the governments of other member states: The Czech Republic, Belgium, the Scandinavian countries or the Kingdom of the Netherlands are reaching out to Poles with a helping hand. Poland is becoming a country hostile to mothers, and pregnancy is fraught with risk and fear. Many women have trouble getting pregnant. When infertility is considered a social disease, the Polish government closes in vitro programs, which were not only a huge success, but also for many parents were a chance for their own offspring. In addition, the government does not solve the problem of access to prenatal tests, proper perinatal care, let alone proper help and support for families that raise disabled children, or much-needed sex education. As a woman and a politician, I will always defend the rights of Polish women, because I know that without proper solutions guaranteeing knowledge, support and the possibility of choosing instead of conscious pregnancies, we will witness despair and human tragedies. (The Chair took the floor)

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Prime Minister, I'm sorry. By signing the treaties of the European Union as a sovereign country, we agreed in a referendum to uphold European values. And you know that there is no dispute between the Constitution and the treaties. The dispute is about the violation by your government and the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, and treaties, and European values. Let us consider why you began to be disturbed by the standards respected by your predecessors and other countries of the European Union. After all, the independence of the courts is in the interest of every honest Pole. One could get the impression that the struggle leading to manual control and political creation of judgments, harassment, destruction of independent judges is the desire to cover up the lies and maddenings of the rulers. Millions of proud Poles cannot agree to polexit and the loss of values and principles won after years of communism. That is why I ask the Prime Minister: Whose business are you looking after? Whose interests are more important than the interests and reasons of the state of the Polish nation?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Violence occurs in the homes of educated and uneducated people, in the homes of politicians, doctors, policemen or manual workers, in rich and poor countries. The lack of a quick, adequate response from the relevant authorities, as well as often turning the head or simply social consent, only embolden the perpetrators of violence. That's why it's so hard to fight it. Statistics are not optimistic, and the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns put in place have definitely intensified and showed the scale of this phenomenon, which mainly affects women. In many countries there are no effective programs to combat violence, not all European Union countries have ratified the Istanbul Convention. We also hear about attempts to denounce it despite the fact that its provisions have directly contributed to supporting victims of violence in many countries. Let us not forget that where violence occurs, children are also victims. The very fact of witnessing violence imprints on the psyche and later life of the child. That's why it's so important that we don't wait and react. Victims of domestic violence in each Member State suffer equally and violence has a negative impact on entire communities. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Therefore, let us show empathy today, let us accept the report and let us do everything we can to combat this phenomenon. And I'll say it again: Without understanding the problem and the support of men, we will long reap the negative fruits of domestic violence.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. One in three women in the European Union has experienced or is experiencing psychological, physical, economic, sexual or cyber violence. This situation generates huge costs and social damage, which is why we cannot absolutely stand by. A comprehensive strategy to combat gender-based violence is lacking at European Union level and Member States’ legislation is full of gaps. There is also a growing reluctance on the part of some politicians to react decisively to violence against women. In addition, not all Member States have ratified the Istanbul Convention. We also hear about the ideas of its denunciation, which means that especially women, who are 90% victims of violence, are deprived of full legal protection. It can also be said that a government that uses financial resources instead of fighting violence for political purposes, that denies women the right to in vitro, that does not defend women demanding their rights, such a government also uses some form of violence. That is why I call on all political groups to put violence against women, gender-based violence on the list of criminal offences in the European Union. We owe it to all victims of violence. And one more thing, ladies and gentlemen. Today, out of 30 women who speak on this topic, only 4 men speak. So I hope that men notice this problem in the European Union, because without their support and understanding it will be difficult to change the sad reality of thousands of women.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. I am very pleased that the Connecting Europe Facility has been extended for the next budgetary period until 2027. Above all, I welcome the emphasis on synergies between the transport, energy and digital sectors. It is important to accelerate the green transition. It is therefore very important to pay more attention to the development of infrastructure for alternative fuels, but also to encourage the shift to combined transport. We must remember that in some parts of Europe such infrastructure is almost non-existent, but it is invested in agencies that, for example, favour coal. Ladies and gentlemen, I think that it is also very important that we complete these sections of the TEN-T core network, especially the various transport corridors, in a short time, because when we look at the state of implementation, e.g. the very important Via Carpatia corridor, only 10%, or 75 km, were completed on the 700 km section of Poland.