Debate contributions by Andrey KOVATCHEV

Mr President, Madam High Representative, Iranian women and men are out on the streets demanding freedom, democracy and dignity. Against the oppressive regime of the mullahs, they deserve not only our solidarity, but decisive actions: stop executions, release all political prisoners and restore full internet access. Immediately, Madam High Representative, designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. This regime's main instrument of terror cannot continue to operate without impunity. This regime must be held accountable for the estimated deaths of over 3 000 protesters and 50 000 arrests, according to local sources. Finally, the EU must support all credible Iranian resistance groups inside and outside Iran to ensure a smooth transition to a democratic, pluralistic and secular society model. The Iranian people are not alone. Europe must stand firmly on the side of freedom. Long live free, democratic and secular Iran!

Madam President, this debate has nothing to do with the rule of law. It is a political spectacle directed solely to inflate the slumbering electoral bubble of ‘Continuing the Change’. Let us recall: in March 2022, then Prime Minister Kiril Petkov of Renew Europe ordered the illegal arrest of Boyko Borisov, Sevdelina Arnaudova and Vladislav Goranov. No evidence, no accusations – pure political terror. Where was Renew Europe when the rule of law was violated? Where was that moral anger when a prime minister used institutions for personal retaliation? And today, what do we expect “Continuing Change” from this debate? Should the European Parliament intervene in the Bulgarian judicial system? Put pressure on national institutions? After four years of chaos and disintegration, Bulgaria today has stabilized thanks to the state and responsible policies of GERB and Boyko Borisov. The country is already in Schengen and after a few months in the euro area. We are saving what we can from the recovery plan funds that “Continuing the change” have almost completely failed. They filled it with traps and conditions that they now use themselves to sabotage payments to Bulgaria. A sad and irresponsible attitude. It is particularly shameful that they insist that Renew Europe stop the money for Bulgaria with the payments from the plan. It is intolerable to watch how precisely ‘We are continuing the change’ together with pro-Kremlin parties in Bulgaria are trying to destabilise the country and undermine its European path. If "Continuing Change" really wanted to contribute to the good of our country, they would accept the outstretched hand of dialogue. They would be part of the parties that build a stable, predictable and European Bulgaria. Instead, they chose to be an opposition to its European development and its prosperity.

Madam President, Commissioner, I would first like to express my solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of peaceful protesters in Serbia who took to the streets to defend their dignity, democracy and their future. Their protests, which began after the tragedy in Novi Sad, have become a mass movement for systemic reforms, transparency and a true European perspective. I strongly want to distance ourselves from pro-Russian violent nationalist protests. Violence – from any side – is absolutely unacceptable. Today Serbia stands again at a crossroads. Attempts by the government to balance Russia, China and the European Union have stalled and weakened confidence in European integration. We are also increasingly concerned about attempts to build the so-called ‘Serbian world’, an ideological concept reminiscent of Russian peace that aims to influence and destabilise the region, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and, of course, North Macedonia. In all these countries, Serbian players and influences are stopping the European integration of these countries. The situation of the Bulgarian communities in Serbia, Tsaribrod, Bosilegrad and the Western outskirts is also worrying. My support is for all Serbian citizens who want to live in a free, democratic and European Serbia, a full member of the European Union. The European Union is waiting for a democratic Serbia.

Madam President, dear Commissioner, I warmly welcome today's statement by President Zelensky, European leaders and the Prime Minister of Great Britain, which underlined the ongoing work to prepare measures 'to use the full value of the Russian immobilised sovereign assets, so that Ukraine has the resources it needs now'. As a crucial part of these efforts, I would like to call on the European Member States and the Commission to quickly approve the proposal to create a Ukrainian reparation loan. This loan would use the cash balance created by the Russian assets as loans. It is a legally sound and morally just way to put these resources to work for the Ukrainian people. This mechanism would not confiscate Russian assets; it will use them to hold Moscow accountable. Russia will remain the owner of the assets but will only recover them after it honours its obligation to pay reparations to Ukraine. It will provide Ukraine with vital funds now, while respecting international law and without straining European national budgets. It demonstrates the ability of Europe to lead independently. All European Union Member States have the moral obligation to back this proposal without delay. We need to act now, Commission, thank you.

Madam President, today, not with tanks, but with algorithms and bots farms, they are attacking our democracy. Business algorithms designed to hold attention, not protect the truth. They reward emotional reactions, not facts, and it is this door that uses Russian propaganda to invade the European public space. With the mechanisms that use our emotions to make money for the platforms. Digital sovereignty is an integral part of European sovereignty. If we allow opaque algorithms controlled by companies or countries outside the European Union to shape public opinion on important political topics, we risk losing control of our democratic process. I therefore call on the Commission to implement the Digital Services Act without hesitation and without exception. Transparent, with real and meaningful checks and sanctions. Europe cannot allow citizens to be manipulated in the name of so-called engagement on social networks. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to manipulate society.

Madam President, the suffering citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia have been waiting for their well-deserved European future for more than two decades. But it seems that politicians in Skopje are not in a hurry and are systematically sabotaging this process. Instead of reforms and real progress, we see populism, nationalist rhetoric and a comfortable representation of Bulgaria as an enemy for which the European integration of the country is not going. This policy also led to direct repression against the people who retained their Bulgarian self-awareness, the heirs of the majority of Macedonian Bulgarians. They are subjected to pressure, discrimination and open threats, as is the case with Mr Georgievski, one of the most prominent representatives of the Bulgarian community there, who is today here in the hall. The European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this. It must stop the violation of the rights of its own citizens because of their ethnicity, and sharing the truth about history must not lead to legal quarrels. Skopje's leaders want guarantees that they will not have other conditions if they meet their commitments. Dear colleagues, the biggest guarantee for the Republic of North Macedonia is the fulfilment of the Council conclusions adopted in 2022 and the negotiation framework. They ask the rulers there for more. And they got the firm position of Bulgaria, adopted adopted by the Bulgarian Parliament, that there are not – and will not be further in the future – other conditions than those mentioned above. My urgent call to the political elite of this beautiful country is: don't waste more time for your citizens and start the negotiation process immediately. We will support you and we will warmly welcome you in the European Union. Dear citizens of North Macedonia, the destiny of your citizens is in your hands. Don't look around to find excuses and excuse your counterproductive actions by them. Finally, I want to express a great hope. I hope that soon the dawn of freedom and the European day of Macedonia will dawn.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, in light of the growing threat from Russia and China, EU enlargement is no longer a possibility, but a necessity and an essential geostrategic investment in building a united and strong Europe. I welcome Albania's significant progress on its EU integration path, having opened (as mentioned by our colleagues) 24 out of 33 negotiation chapters in just seven months. The European Union remains fully committed to delivering on its promises. I welcome particularly the reforms aimed at safeguarding the rights of minorities, notably the adoption of the implementing legislation on the right of persons belonging to minorities, as well as the successful 2023 population census. The EU enlargement process must remain merit-based. Every country must meet the necessary criteria and implement the required reforms to join the European family. In this regard, I will stress the urgent need for further efforts, particularly in combating corruption and ensuring the independence and proper functioning of the judiciary, free from undue influence and interference, and a free and independent media. Albania's political system remains deeply polarised and fragmented, with alarming clashes between the ruling majority and the opposition. This was evident in the run-up to and during the parliamentary elections on 11 May, with unlawful practices and persisting challenges, notably: vote buying and misuse of public resources by the ruling party, which were highlighted by the international observers. A functioning opposition and genuine political plurality are vital for the health of any democratic system. Therefore, I call on the authorities to take decisive action to implement the OSCE/ODIHR final recommendations and to address the complaints and signals received during the electoral process. The Albanian authorities must uphold the rule of law and ensure the separation of powers in order to advance further on their European path. Good luck Albania!

Commissioner, in the face of the growing threat from Russia and the growing influence of China, the integration of candidate countries into our Union is imperative as a strategic investment in a united and strong Europe. At this historic time, the enlargement of the European Union is one of our strongest foreign policy instruments. But if this instrument is not used carefully, if we compromise on our own principles and values, we will undermine our future by trying to build something united while at the same time bringing more division into the European Union. Here, too, I would like to refer to the current example of the Republic of North Macedonia. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister's manipulative interpretation of draft texts of this Parliament leads to more tension and more disunity, in addition to embarrassing the rapporteurs. Mr Mickowski, in the draft texts that you seem to have, nowhere does the European Parliament certify a centuries-old identity or language. This is not an institute of history or an academy of sciences. However, there are international law treaties and this is the agreement between Bulgaria, where there is a platform, this is the multidisciplinary academic committee, where these two decisions must be taken by the specialists. I therefore call for: instead of investing so much time and energy – diplomatic and financial – in lobbying and fighting, concentrating on implementing the negotiating framework, starting negotiations, contracts between the two parties and, of course, mutual respect between us. Here I can not help but say the screaming for example about the verdict against Lyubcho Georgievski, a Macedonian Bulgarian who was sentenced at first instance only because in his Facebook post he had quoted a historical person and the truth about our common history.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, Spain is a beautiful country, close to my heart, and a great example for a peaceful transition to democracy. And this is why I have observed with big sadness the very serious, ongoing scandals over the past few years which have come to light involving people around Prime Minister Sánchez. The media report includes misuse of the Prosecutor's Office, political interference in legal processes, the leaking of confidential information, and they are spread through the whole government. It seems they are not only isolated incidents, it's a clear pattern. We see thousands of Spanish people going onto the streets in protest across the country, demanding justice and accountability. Spaniards are calling for the resignation of this government, early elections and return to proper democratic order. Justice should be universal and everybody should be equal before the law. Prosecutors must be independent. Judges must be free from pressure and apolitical. Mr Commissioner, the European Commission must also show that they are hearing the voices of thousands of Spanish citizens calling for respect of the rule of law. Mr Sánchez should do the same, like the former Portuguese Prime Minister, Costa, who resigned and opened the way for early elections in his country. I wish from the bottom of my heart success and prosperity for Spain. Thank you very much, and viva España.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, I express my full support for Moldova's European integration and I welcome the active and important steps that the pro-European government and president of the country are taking to consolidate their belonging to the European family and bring the country closer to full membership of the European Union. I am confident that this is the only way to ensure prosperity and stability for Moldova and its citizens. However, I would like to address from here those over 80,000 Bulgarians living in the Taraclia region, in the Gagauz region, in Parkani, in Comrat and throughout the internationally recognised territory of Moldova. Dear compatriots, you have an important role in Moldova's society and economy. I therefore support and encourage all positive initiatives such as the opening of a branch of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" in Taraclia, as well as the expansion of transport links between Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria. This will contribute to increased connectivity, increased exchange of ideas and people-to-people contacts. Dear compatriots in Moldova, do not be deceived by the Kremlin's propaganda of those who are against Moldova's European integration and attempts to undermine our common European future. Bulgaria and the European Union will continue to support and encourage you and I believe that together, as full members of the EU, we will be able to build a better future for ourselves and our children.

Mr President, I will start with the example of Free Europe from my country Bulgaria. In Bulgaria Free Europe began broadcasting on August 11, 1950 with the show "The Voice of Free Bulgaria". I grew up on Radio Free Europe, secretly listening at home from my family. For me, it was the voice of truth, from which we learned what was happening in communist Bulgaria and around the world. I would like to thank the Bulgarians who worked in Radio Free Europe before the fall of the communist regime in Bulgaria. I will list some of them: The wonderful Stefan Gruev, author of the book about Tsar Boris III "The Crown of Thorns", the Bulgarian dignified diplomats in exile Evgeni Silyanov and Milyo Milev, Dr. Milcho Neboliev, Lyuben Mutafov, Nikolay Kalchev, Metodi Zahariev, Vladimir Naydenov, Kiril Panov, Hristo Ognyanov, Dimitar Inkyov, Dusko Petrov, Vladimir Kostov, Rumyana Uzunova and last but not least, unforgettable for generations Bulgarians will remain the radio-read banned in Bulgaria "In absentia reports" of Georgi Markov, killed by the regime with poison through the so-called Bulgarian umbrella. To them and to all the Bulgarians who worked in Radio Free Europe during the communist era, as well as to all other so-called by the communist regime enemy radio stations such as Radio Goryani, Voice of America, BBC London and Deutsche Welle, we owe our gratitude for the service in favor of freedom and justice. However, I now believe that Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, should concentrate on its core mission of continuing to transmit objective information to states governed by communist, dictatorial, authoritarian and closed regimes outside the European Union for the benefit of truth and the enslaved peoples of the world. Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty are not ordinary media and should not become such, but serve freedom where it does not exist and where it is dangerous to tell the truth.

Mr President, Commissioner Šuica, dear Minister, dear colleagues, to foster peace and promote democratic values, the EU must strategically engage in the Middle East with a consistent and systematic approach. We must build a partnership with each country based on shared goals while addressing the destabilising malicious influence of Russian‑Iranian acts of evil and their proxies in the region. Support for the Abraham Accords, the release of all Israeli hostages, recognising Israel's right to exist again, and guaranteeing a sustainable solution for the Palestinian people are essentials for regional peace and must be shared objectives of the EU, together with the Arab countries, the US and Türkiye. Our comprehensive Middle East strategy should include support for Europe's partners in the region – Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt – who have been impacted by the flows of displaced persons. And we must build on the work towards sustainable solutions for refugees to return to their homes. To ensure a stable, democratic future for Syria, the EU and Member States should actively support the transition period, set clear conditions under which we would legitimise the interim government and the future new constitution and government, and, especially, exclude the presence of Russian and Iranian infrastructure in Syria.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the European tech sector faces challenges that create a perception of stagnation compared to dynamic regions like South‑East Asia and the US. The EU is a global pioneer in the introduction of regulations such as the MiCA, with the aim to protect customers, but without hamper the growth. Yes, we need global standards, and the EU must be in the lead of this introduction. But also, we need to wake up. Talent migration is a big concern, with 90 % of the EU tech workers willing to relocate to the US for better salaries and funding opportunities. To reclaim the position of Europe, we need innovation‑friendly policies, including clear regulatory frameworks and sandbox environments for start-ups that will promote prosperity and growth. The rapid development of cryptocurrency markets highlights the urgent need to educate people on how to navigate the evolving landscape responsibly. Without proper knowledge, individuals and businesses risk falling victim to scams, fraud, financial crimes or malign global players. Europe needs to act now and act fast, if we are serious about our fostering competitiveness, and to act together with the responsible crypto community and not in a war with them. Are we ready to take bold decisions to ensure our success or will we risk again being left behind as others seize opportunities which we hesitate to explore? Commission and Council and colleagues, we need to act now.

Yes, I was always surprised how these peacemakers, as they say, looking for a diplomatic solution to the aggression against Ukraine from Russia, are protesting in front of the European institutions, in front of national parliaments, in front of national governments, and not in front of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, which is the source of the aggression against Ukraine. So we all are for justice, peace in Ukraine, and that means the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of this country need to be restored.

Madam President, as we have heard, the voice of Moscow is also here in the European Parliament, unfortunately. Dictatorial regimes falsify history to justify their crimes. The National Socialists and Communists justified deportation, terror and mass murder by manipulatively presenting historical arguments. Unfortunately, this practice continues today, when the regime in the Kremlin tries to justify its aggression against Ukraine with the shameless lie that they are fighting Nazism. The Kremlin regime is waging a bloody war on the battlefields of Ukraine, but also an information war for the hearts and souls of every European. It is extremely cynical that Kremlin defenders in the European Union present themselves as peacekeepers. Manipulative interpretation of historical facts and personalities hinders reconciliation, inflames hatred and creates prerequisites for the continuation of conflicts between neighbors. By the way, we also see in the post-Yugoslav elite, for example, of Serbia and North Macedonia, supported by the Kremlin's disinformation, the continuation of disunity from the communist reading of history. Objective, fact-based teaching of history from reliable and verified historical sources is essential for educating young people and building a strong immune system against disinformation. Symbols and names associated with the National Socialist and Communist dictatorship, personalities and events of this period have no place in public places in democratic countries. That is why we must unite and have legislation at both European and national level to place these symbols in museums and theme parks and to include the crimes of totalitarian regimes in school curricula in all Member States. We must counteract and not leave the manipulations of history as a weapon of Russia's aggression, which threatens not only the security of Ukraine but also of the European Union, human rights and democracy.