Speeches

Mr President, Mr Incir's excellent report clearly sets out the way forward for peace: The two-state solution. But there are two parties that threaten the two-state solution. First and foremost, Hamas. Hamas dominates the Gaza Strip and is in turn dominated by Iran. And Iran wants to push Israel into the sea. The second party that threatens the two-state solution is Israel's current government. Israel's current government is actually headed by the two ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. And those two Zionists leave the settlers free, so that Palestinians are bullied, intimidated and humiliated on a daily basis. In fact, this government ultimately wants to push the Palestinians into Jordan. Moreover, attacks on Christian cemeteries, Christian buildings and institutions are not actually addressed by Israel. They just leave the place. Mr President, I have been extensively in Israel and the Palestinian territories six times in the last 14 years and I am very disappointed with the state of affairs. But let us stick, also as an EU, to the two-state solution and everyone who goes for it.

Mr President, Mr Borrell, there is a conflict. Azerbaijan has been squeezing the population of Nagorno-Karabakh for more than half a year and that is killing softly. People no longer have medical facilities, no water, no electricity. The perpetrator in that conflict is dictator Aliyev. You can do something. I give you two concrete suggestions: Aliyev feels politically supported by the gas contract that the EU has made with him. Quit that contract, now. Two: You set a deadline for this blockade. That blockade must be over by August 1st. If not, you sanction all the officials involved in that conflict who come from Azerbaijan: Commanders, people who are ‘ecological demonstrators’ there – to make you laugh. So two concrete suggestions: Cut the gas contract and end the blockade on 1 August. If not: sanctions. I can't make it more concrete.

Mr President, the Commission wants to strengthen and improve marine ecosystems. And the Commission wants to strengthen fisheries and make them more sustainable. I agree with that. The question, of course, is: How do you get those two together? For fisheries, this means more selective fishing: You want to bring out the fish you need. CO2 emissions must be reduced, fuel consumption must be reduced and soil disturbance must be much less. How do you get that together? This can be done by pulse trawling. A majority of this Parliament banned pulse trawling in 2019. Because they thought: Fish are electrocuted or fish disappear, there is no more marine life. It has been scientifically proven that these lies – Ms Roose, they are lies – have been scientifically proven to be all nonsense what was thought at the time. Scientifically, the dissertation of Dr. Pim Boute has shown: The pulse is good. He examined thousands of fish and the conclusion was: Pulse fishing must return. I gave the dissertation to the Commissioner, so I wonder how he will amend the technical measures regulation to reduce the pulse. Stop lying about the pulse, because the pulse is good for nature and the pulse is good for fishing.

Mr President, in the debate on the digital euro, one question is actually not answered: Who's waiting for it? People can use the digital euro directly at the European Central Bank. Okay, they can make payments there and they might become less dependent on commercial banks. Fortunately, most people in Europe have excellent access to existing forms of payment. They are also very efficient. Why should we have the digital euro? Should citizens be protected from the power of big banks? The Central Bank itself states that the financial position of these banks should not be jeopardised by the digital euro. On the other hand, I hear people asking: What will the digital euro bring us? I hear skepticism and distrust. And that skepticism and distrust are directly related to questions about privacy, about programmability and about the potentially mandatory nature of this digital euro. I assume that the ECB treats it all with honor and confidence. But is there anyone waiting for this new project, which also entails new problems and mistrust? I don't need the digital euro. Above all, we are dealing here with a solution to a non-existent problem.

Mr President, countless Christians and other believers are being persecuted in China. Uyghurs disappear into camps. Illegal organ harvesting is still taking place. China is extracting raw materials from all over the world wherever it can. China is importing oil from Russia. There are many reasons for a European boycott of China. Unfortunately, that is not feasible, because even in this House there are more followers of the merchant than of the minister. Trade with China is still a sacred home for many. That is why we need to take a different approach, under the motto ‘Strengthening each other, buying European goods’. Consumers should be made aware that they are no longer buying products from China. If you see something made in China on the shelf: Leave it, don't buy it! In this way, we promote European autonomy, make ourselves less dependent on China and help our own producers. So, strengthen each other, buy European where!

Mr President, Mr Zovko's report contains some firm statements about Azerbaijan. And rightly so. But it's not enough. The continued violence of dictator Aliyev against both Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia requires total condemnation in the strongest terms. I am also outraged by Azerbaijan's continued blockade of the Lachin corridor. And don't forget, Aliyev has had troops within the borders of Armenia for several months now. I myself have recently seen the devastation of their shelling near the southern city of Goris. But where the report really falls short is in the reprehensible gas deal that Commission President von der Leyen signed with President Aliyev. Those few billion cubic meters of gas would have been somewhere else. And above all, the effect is that Aliyev now feels a political encouragement from this gas event, from this deal, and his aggression is only getting worse. That gas deal is a geopolitical mistake that needs to be taken off the table. That is why I will only support this report tomorrow if a few amendments which I have co-signed are adopted.

Mr President, the blockade of the Laçın corridor is a scandal. More than 100,000 people now have no food, no medicine. The sick can no longer be transported. Gas and electricity have also been shut down. And this scandal is partly due to the European Union. Mrs von der Leyen has concluded a gas deal with the dictator in Baku and he now feels strengthened to be the bulldog here. Mrs Vălean must clearly take this back home. Stop the gas deal! That gas deal must be cut, because it only encourages Azerbaijan. We also need to open an air bridge to the affected area and help the people in Nagorno-Karabakh. Finally, sanctions against Azerbaijan. There is no dialogue with the dictator in Baku. Only sanctions will get him back in his loft.

Mr President, it has taken far too long, but he is finally here: the new EU Envoy for Freedom of Religion. Thankfully! We wish Mr Frans Van Daele every success, including in his cooperation with the parliamentary intergroup. I am angry and worried about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and in particular about Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin corridor. And what surprises me the most: Why is the Commission so silent? I don't hear from Mr. Borrell. He constantly tweets about anything and everything, but nothing about this case. I'm very sorry about that. People are dying. Medications are no longer available. In Nagorno-Karabakh, the misery is incalculable. Instead of making gas deals with President Aliyev, the Commission should say: “Listen, no gas deal as long as this aggression by the people of Azerbaijan and the government there continues.” So I'd like to hear, Mr. Reynders: Why are you so quiet and not addressing this issue? This is a disgrace to human rights today.

Mr President, the situation there is very complex and that requires – I think – a certain reluctance from outsiders. At the same time, the question is: Does Israel want a two-state solution? When I see that a bleak wind has started to blow under Netanyahu in recent years, that important solution seems further away than ever. I am also disappointed in Jewish settlers who so often attack Palestinians. And if there is already Israeli police, they often look the other way. Palestinians have sometimes lived there for generations and still have to leave their country. Their buildings and olive trees are regularly destroyed. That is land that is destined for the second state that needs to come. It is taken harshly and illegitimately. And, Mr President, I am thinking above all – and in particular – of Palestinian Christians. I would like to say something explicitly about that here. They're between hammer and anvil. Israel wants to see Palestinian families leave the West Bank, but at the same time Muslims also want the Christians there and they want to sell the land of the Christians there. Mr President, Israel and the Palestinians must come closer together. And let that be the message of Christmas, that there can really be peace there, with the two-state solution as a solution.

Mr President, it is essential that European Member States become more independent in strategic matters such as technology, rare earths and crucial infrastructure. We have seen how Russia has blackmailed Europe with energy. This should not happen to China again. Strategic autonomy serves our economic interests, but also Europe's role as a community of values. Under Xi’s regime, human rights violations, genocide and organ harvesting are widespread and we must hold China accountable for these crimes. Greater economic independence from China promotes the decisiveness and credibility of our position. I hope Mr Borrell has listened.

Mr President, the European Union calls on businesses, Member States and citizens to ensure that the money obtained from Europe is spent responsibly and lawfully. That is quite right. But what do we see today? The Court of Auditors rejects payments from the European Union for the third year in a row and the margin of error in those expenditures has increased again, to 3 %, well above the 2 % limit. The margin of error for the Cohesion Fund is almost twice as high, and Spain and Greece in particular stand out when it comes to the errors identified. And then the final responsibility for the corona recovery fund has yet to come! In short, there is a staggering report ahead! Three times is ship's right. This Parliament must put a stop to this development and then refuse the discharge of several institutions once and put the brakes on it. If we don't, our credibility will diminish and the taxpayer will say: “What are these guests actually doing there? That is no longer possible!’

Yes, I hope you have listened carefully to what I said. I said: Pakistan asked for compensation. And we said: Then you will definitely go to the neighbors, China and India. China is the biggest polluter in the world. Just look at the nitrogen tax that China makes. And that is all because many people, also here in Europe, buy Chinese products. So I do my best not to buy Chinese products anymore, because I do not want to indirectly contribute to the pollution that that country causes. And, of course, we must assist Pakistan, all the way, but China and India must not be forgotten.

Mr President, Pakistan has unfortunately been hit by floods before, but this year the glaciers melted very quickly and the monsoons also came in large quantities. The farmers, among others, are affected. It is a pity, however, that the landowners nevertheless demand from the farmers that, although the harvests have failed, they still have to repay all the loans. I'm sorry about that. I was in Pakistan recently, and the Pakistani government told us: Yes, this is all due to climate change and we would like compensation. We have said: Okay, we get that, but first start by asking China and India for compensation. They are your neighbours and also the biggest polluters. Mr President, Pakistan is going to submit to the European Union, I think, a new application for the GSP plus trade-favoured-nation programme. As far as I'm concerned, we take a critical look at that. Not only are the big landowners in Pakistan very important, but we also see a great influence from extremists, causing many to be unjustly imprisoned for false accusations and blasphemy. Women, journalists and workers are also in the corner of Pakistan where the blows are falling. So yes, we have to help Pakistan because of this flood. But Pakistan itself must also take the right direction to reverse the flood of inequality in this country. (The speaker accepted a "blue card" response)

Mr President, Mr Borrell – this way – we are in a political arena here, so we want clear political actions. Not words, but deeds. Azerbaijan is the aggressor, and Azerbaijan is not going to stop a political dialogue. Azerbaijan is only sensitive to decisiveness. So my question is: We must stop the aggressor Azerbaijan. This is possible, for example – you asked: come up with your ideas – this can be done, for example, by breaking the gas contract with them today or at least by freezing it. So my question is concrete to you: How are we going to stop this aggressor? Not with beautiful words, but with deeds. And I suggest: Freeze or stop the gas contract.

Mr President, sharks are essential to the ecosystem in our seas and oceans. But unfortunately, three quarters of shark species are threatened with extinction, partly due to overfishing. The global shark population must not deteriorate, because then our ecosystems will be shaken. We need to protect sharks. Unfortunately, only 25% of the global trade in shark fins is adequately managed. That's really too little, we need to do more. It is therefore right that at the forthcoming conference on trade in endangered species of fauna and flora, the European Union and also the host country Panama should want to fully protect both hammerhead sharks and human sharks. Including both shark species in the Appendices to the CITES Convention will allow these populations to be managed sustainably and trade to continue. So there is plenty of room for trade, but it is also ensured that the populations remain afloat. We have to do that, because these species of sharks must not die out!

Mr President, Commissioner, I have just come from Pakistan. In Pakistan, hundreds of people are on death row because they believe. Ahmadis, Christians await the death penalty, accused of blasphemy. This is not only the case in Pakistan. There are countless countries in this world where Christians and other believers are persecuted. The EU has an obligation, enshrined in the Treaty, to stand up for religious freedom. So I only have one question for you: Where is the special envoy for religious freedom? I have sent perhaps six or seven letters to Mrs von der Leyen, Christian-Democratic Commission President, Mr Schinas, Christian-Democratic Commissioner responsible for that Envoy, with colleagues here in the Chamber and myself in recent years. Where is the envoy? It needs to be appointed! The man who's been warming up for months can start today. That's what I want to hear from you, the appointment of that envoy, today!

Mr President, one rotten apple in the basket makes all the cool fruit too disgraceful. I was reminded of that expression when I read the report on Serbia. Serbia is doing exactly what the European Union is not doing. It supports Russia. Serbia has been under the spell of Russia for more than a hundred years. Therefore, Serbia has not joined the EU sanctions against Russia. Serbia also continues its flights from Belgrade to Moscow and has bought many weapons in Russia, Belarus and China. Serbia has lacquer on the European Union. The Serbian Orthodox Church also follows the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kirill, like a blind horse. Moreover, the ties between the mafia in Serbia and Russia are already very close and intensive. In short, let us remain united. This country is definitely not part of the European Union.

Mr President, and again we are talking about China. In the previous plenary we already had a debate on the involvement of the Chinese state in illegal organ transplants. And now the Xinjiang files, which show how Mr Xi's regime systematically oppresses the Uyghurs. The new documents show what we already knew. Crimes against humanity are being committed in China. Several parliaments around the world have rightly declared that this repression of the Uyghurs is genocide. Let us consider how China can be held responsible before the International Criminal Court for violating the Genocide Convention. That is not an easy road, but we owe it to those minorities in China who are brutally oppressed. We have to do that first. And we are not going to talk about a new investment agreement for the time being. Thank you.

Mr President, unfortunately, in most Member States unborn life in the womb can be ended. The Netherlands is a poignant example of this. Children may be aborted until 24 weeks of pregnancy. While due to the developments in neonatology, children are already viable after 22 weeks of pregnancy. A greater contradiction is hardly conceivable. There is a lot of tolerance here on this subject. In numerous reports and resolutions, the belief in abortion provocatus is professed indiscriminately. And that while Europe is not about it at all. When a draft note from an American chief justice recently leaked out, the left part of the house screamed it out. Tolerance was and is far from over. Member States should pursue a family policy that is good for both mother and child and for the unborn child, and absent fathers should be particularly involved. Unfortunately, too many expectant fathers leave quietly through the back door when their wife or girlfriend is unintentionally pregnant. That's unacceptable.

Mr President, I regularly speak about China and the major human rights issues in the country. Today we are talking about a specific scandal: organ harvesting among prisoners imprisoned on account of their religion or belief. This organ harvesting causes many deaths. The China Tribunal concluded a few years ago that the involvement of the Chinese government in organ harvesting is indisputable. The victims of these atrocities are, in particular, supporters of the Falun Gong movement. This debate and its resolution are therefore urgently needed. We can't look away any longer. Firstly, the European Union and the Member States must do their utmost to ensure that China puts an end to these absurd human rights violations and, moreover, to encourage it to answer the many questions and testimonies about these crimes. If the Chinese government has nothing to hide, it can respond and strongly condemn these practices. Furthermore, the medical sectors of the Member States should not be involved in this organ harvesting. To this end, cooperation with China's medical sector in the field of transplant medicine must be monitored with the utmost precision. Our citizens must also be protected from malign organ transplants. In London, a law has recently been passed banning travel abroad for commercial organ transplants. Let the Member States follow this excellent example.

Mr President, I cooperated wholeheartedly in drawing up this report because, in my opinion, too little political attention is paid in Parliament to people who are persecuted on the basis of their religion. Unfortunately, the names of persons and organisations persecuted on the basis of their faith have been amended out of the report. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to draw attention to another important report recently drawn up by Parliament's Intergroup on Freedom of Religion and Tolerance between Religions, of which I am co-chairing, together with Carlo Fidanza. This report on freedom of religion or belief in the period 2017-2021 does contain concrete examples. I would therefore advise you to consult this report. In fact, much more attention needs to be paid to this issue in Parliament. Finally, I hope that the Commission will quickly appoint the new envoy for religious freedom, as we have waited far too long for that to happen.

Mr President, President Aliyev of Azerbaijan takes good care of himself and his family. Their wealth is now estimated at several billions. We see in him what we see in many despots: corruption, money laundering, arresting political opponents, violating human rights. But there's more. Azerbaijan makes the lives of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh impossible every day. This week: artillery shelling. This week: closure of a gas pipeline. The lives of the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh are threatened every day. And there are also a lot of missing people, of whom we have never heard anything. But above all, under Aliyev's leadership, the cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh is being destroyed, systematically destroyed. Churches, historic buildings, monuments and other places are destroyed. And so the cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh is destroyed. This Parliament is unanimous. We are very united, we strongly condemn this violence by Azerbaijan and we strongly condemn the ‘armenophobia’ of the Baku regime. And we call on UNESCO to go quickly for a fact-finding mission to the country, to Nagorno-Karabakh, to see how serious the situation is. We hope and pray for change. We hope and pray for justice. And we say no to regimes that destroy other people's lives!

Mr President, lives do not count for dictator Putin. He sows death and destruction. He has cities in Ukraine randomly bombarded with rockets and artillery. Millions are fleeing, especially to the West. A question that comes to mind here is: Why doesn't the Russian Orthodox Church condemn Putin's violence? It is the Church's sacred duty to condemn Putin's violence. Small Moldova, with a population of around three million people, is expected to host more than one hundred thousand refugees. This poorest country in Europe cannot do that. In addition, everyone in Moldova wonders: Are we next in line? And that question is all the more pressing because, of course, there are already many Russian troops in Transnistria. So we need to help Moldova in particular. Serbia's role is dubious. Although the country voted in favour of the United Nations resolution condemning the Russian invasion, on the other hand you see large demonstrations in Serbia before Russia. And you can also see that where all countries have stopped flights to Moscow, Air Serbia has doubled the number of flights. It is high time we reconsidered Serbia's candidate for EU membership. Before you know it, we'll bring in the Trojan horse with Serbia!

Mr President, Mr Borrell, there is an extensive report on the table, but an important part of it is missing. In the Member States, we decide for ourselves what happens to our organs after our death. In China, however, thousands of prisoners are executed each year for the main purpose of using their organs for commercial organ transplants. These are often prisoners who have been convicted for their religious or political beliefs. This is an extremely gross violation of human rights. The United Nations cannot do anything about it, because the investigation is blocked by China. Nor can the International Criminal Court do anything because China is not a member. The European Union, on the other hand, can do something, for example by imposing sanctions. We are committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, but this gross violation of human rights in China remains undiscussed. This issue should be put on the agenda.

Mr President, I am in favour of the Green Deal, but when it comes to the construction of offshore wind farms, I say: ‘Think first, then do’, because much is still unknown in the construction of wind turbines in the sea, for example the long-term effects on fish and fish stocks. In the construction of windmills in the sea, for example, geheid is created and 140 decibels are released. That's equivalent to a starting fighter jet 20 meters away. What does that do to the hearing of fish and fish stocks? We don't know. And then the birds and the migratory birds. What effect do offshore windmills have on migratory birds? We don't know. And then the cables that are laid between the mills and the mainland. What are the electromagnetic effects from those cables on, for example, fish species such as sharks and rays? We don't know. And then there are the effects on the fishing industry itself. Now you can fish between windmills, but nobody does, because the insurance premiums are far too high and you always run the risk of getting stuck somewhere. So windmills in the sea can only be built together with the fishermen. Otherwise, the future for fish and fishermen is dark. Think, for example, of the blades, the blades of the windmills. They're buried now. They have been there for hundreds of years, and they don't die. In short: Think carefully, make thorough studies, because otherwise we do not know what effects occur. The ill-considered roll-out of wind farms in the sea is an attack on creation.