Željana Zovko
Member of the European Parliament · PPE · HR
“Gospod predsednik, poštovani povjereniče Kadis, deset godina zajedničke ribarstvene politike jasno je pokazalo što našim ribarima danas treba, a to ste vidjeli prigodom obilaska Hrvatske, na čemu Vam zahvaljujem. Jednostavnija pravila, pravedni uvjeti na tržištu i manje administrativnog opterećenja.”
“Poštovana predsjedavajuća, čestitam povjerenice za povećanje Fonda za EU Rescue mehanizam za 11 milijardi eura. Kao izvjestiteljica za mišljenje Odbora za razvoj mislim da je to ključno. Godine 2019. ova kuća uopće nije imala interes da išta učinimo na tom pogledu, ali mi još uvijek ne ulažemo ono što je osnovno, a to su vatrogasci.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, High‑Representative, on a day when the European Parliament is voting on the final breakthrough for the implementation of the temporary agreement with the United States, we have good news coming from the diplomatic breakthrough in the US and Iran's deal announcement.”
“Poštovana predsjedavajuća, dok raspravljamo o europskoj budućnosti Bosne i Hercegovine, Hrvati kao konstitutivan narod iz godine u godinu postaju sve malobrojniji.”
“Any final agreement with Iran must guarantee that nuclear weapons can never be acquired by authoritarian regimes and that their support for proxy actors responsible for violence and destabilisation across the region is brought to a definitive end.”
“Potpuni prijenos odgovornosti na domaće institucije i snažnu ulogu Europske unije u procesu pristupanja mora se definirati i kroz jasniji pristup ove kuće, a i Vas, povjerenice Kos. Što želi Europska unija s Bosnom i Hercegovinom i što želimo s Hrvatima malobrojnim, koji su preostali u njoj? 2-0446-0000”
The complete record
Every one of 106 lines we hold for Željana Zovko, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 3.
“Jedini način obrane Europe, i svim mojim kolegama koji su ovdje govorili da mi moramo promijeniti neku taktiku sa Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama, to nije točno. Bez Amerike ni Hrvatska nije mogla biti spašena. Hrvatska se sama obranila, bez Amerike... (Predsjedavajuća je govornici oduzela riječ) 2-0050-0000”
“Poštovana predsjedavajuća, poštovana povjerenice, žao mi je što nije ovdje visoka predstavnica Kaja Kallas, ona je na kolegiju. Želim pozdraviti ministra pravde Bosne i Hercegovine koji je ovdje s nama i govori o proširenju i u stvari o potrebi da se sačuva Bosna i Hercegovina u ovom trenutku. Ukrajina je problem s kojim se susrećemo i s kojim ćemo se susretati u budućnosti jer odjednom nema interesa s lijeve strane da budu ovdje. Kada je agresija pošla na Ukrajinu ovdje je bila puna lijeva strana spektra, a sada ih nema. Gdje su oni? Čestitam Michaelu Gahleru koji se toliko godina bori i sada konačno imamo Izvješće o Ukrajini, ali činjenica jest - proširenje je jedini način obrane Europe.”
“Of course, we must extend our hand to all democracies around the world, seeking closer ties with our single market and aiming to diversify and standing as an alternative to autocratic regimes that do not offer the same level playing field in trade as we do. We support you, dear Commissioner, in your negotiations, and your efforts in preventing trade diplomacy to avoid any further tensions between us, because 60 million jobs on both sides of the Atlantic cannot afford to suffer any longer. I will also await full conclusion and the approval process of this agreement of our Parliament. Let us make this deal be an outcome and the foundation, not only of beautiful trade, but also a long, beautiful friendship. We deeply need this in this geopolitical uncertainty. 3-0269-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, we are here to talk about EU-US trade. The negotiations with the US are taking shape and the positive framework agreement by the deadline set by our transatlantic partners is expected from you, dear Commissioner. Although we are diversifying our trade with our like-minded partners, we must not forget that the deal with the US would bring certainty for our businesses, which are losing employment and trade opportunities every day while caught in this vacuum. We were reproached by the US that while they were providing us security, we engaged in business. Today's geopolitical uncertainty led us to commit difficult decisions and invest in our own security and strengthening the EU pillar of NATO.”
“Over the last two years, North Macedonia has maintained its full alignment with the EU common foreign and security policy, and participated in EU military crisis management operations, including EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina. North Macedonia needs to make progress in respect of the rights of minorities, including the protection of minority languages. They will do that, I'm sure. Unfortunately, some Member States do not uphold the respect due to North Macedonia. I wish North Macedonia well on its path to the EU. I wish this country finds friends like us. 2-0495-0000”
“Madam President, 21 years ago, at Mostar airport, I was waiting for President Trajkovski. His plane never arrived; he crashed, along with all his cabinet – people I knew. He was a great man, a man of peace, a man of reconciliation. He made the awkward agreements. And he was the man who brought peace in Macedonia at the time. I remember him from the conferences we used to attend together, and everything he suggested was bringing peace in the Western Balkans. Mostar, my home town since then, has a special memory and close ties with Macedonian people. Enlargement is a merit-based process that must firmly enforce respect for the fundamental values of the European Union, while at the same time acknowledging the progress made, on the part of the EU. North Macedonia has undertaken substantial reforms to advance towards European integration.”
“Ovo izvješće prepoznaje potrebu postizanja političkog dogovora, implementacije presuda Ustavnog suda Bosne i Hercegovine i presuda koje vraćaju mirovni sporazum u njegove okvire. Pozivam na usuglašavanje o reformskoj agendi svih nadležnih tijela kako bi narodima u Bosni i Hercegovini bio dodijeljen novac koji smo ovdje u Europskom parlamentu izglasali za tu namjeru. Ne dopustite da Bosna i Hercegovina ostane siroče vaše nebrige. 2-0464-0000”
“Poštovana predsjedavajuća, poštovana povjerenice, zahvaljujem izvjestitelju Kolářu koji je jasno prepoznao načelo konstitutivnosti naroda kao temelj institucionalnog uređenja u Bosni i Hercegovini 30 godina nakon potpisivanja Daytonsko-pariškog mirovnog sporazuma. Na početku ove plenarne sjednice izrazili smo duboko poštovanje žrtvama srebreničkog masakra u tjednu kad obilježavamo njegovu 30. obljetnicu. Operacija Oluja, čiju ćemo 30. obljetnicu proslaviti u kolovozu, spriječila je daljnje masakre i dovela pregovarače u Dayton te davne 1995. godine. Trideset godina nakon, Hrvati, koji su odigrali ključnu ulogu za američke partnere na terenu, nemaju predstavnika u Predsjedništvu Bosne i Hercegovine, koje je uređeno da bude civilni jamac tog istog teško stečenog mira.”
“It is not only our borders that are unsafe: as a Croat, I know very well where the danger is coming from: the east, south and west; so regardless of where you live, you cannot be safe if you seriously don't engage and communicate to your public that these are dangerous and challenging times and we all have to pay for it. 3-0071-0000”
“Madam President, happy birthday High Representative – it's not a nice way to spend your birthday, listening to all of us here giving the speeches. On 5 %, it's quite realistic that we have to increase spending in order to seriously engage with our transatlantic partners and talk about strengthening the European pillar of NATO. The European Union must understand that without the American security guarantee at this moment, we cannot deal in this shaky global geopolitical political arena, but we have to send a strong message, and I'm very happy that our leaders are agreeing on that, that we are thinking seriously about our defence and our defence of our citizens.”
“As I stressed in my amendments to the report on Montenegro, the country must intensify its efforts in punishing war crimes and must work on clarifying the fate of missing persons. These are essential conditions to become an EU Member State adhering to the core European values. 2-0361-0000”
“Mr President, Madam Commissioner, European values encompass the respect of the rule of law, good neighbourhood relations as well as, in the case of Montenegro, the protection of the cultural, material and immaterial heritage of the Croatian minority. In order to advance towards EU accession, Montenegro must also ensure equal representation of national minorities in media, judiciary, law enforcement and public institutions. It must also intensify efforts for the non-discriminatory use of minority languages in education, in dedicated media space, in the state and in local outlets. The rhetoric of Montenegrin politicians must align with that of Brussels circles and work towards reconciliation and solutions to past disputes.”
“Oceanska diplomacija na kojoj radim kao izvjestiteljica bit će alat za jaču zaštitu naših interesa. Dok su se naši mali ribari gušili u regulativama riba iz trećih zemalja je završavala na europskim stolovima. Snažnom oceanskom diplomacijom ribarima ćemo osigurati ravnopravne uvjete s trećim zemljama i zaštititi ocean kao izvor života i suverenosti hrane. Zdravi oceani i snažno lokalno i tradicionalno ribarstvo temelj su našeg opstanka, sigurnosti a i načina življenja. 2-0108-0000”
“Poštovana predsjedavajuća, povjereniče Kadis, europski pakt o oceanima prepoznao je naše dugogodišnje zahtjeve da se čuje glas onih koji su stoljećima živjeli u skladu s morem i od mora, baš poput hrvatskih ribara. S gotovo 70 tisuća kilometara obale i 40 posto stanovništva koje živi unutar 50 kilometara od mora, pomorska pitanja su strateška pitanja za Europsku uniju. Plava ekonomija zapošljava pet milijuna ljudi i godišnje doprinosi više od 250 milijardi našim gospodarstvima. Pozdravljam što europski pakt o oceanima po prvi put izrijekom ističe podršku malom obalnom ribarstvu kao prioritet. U samom Sredozemlju, hrvatski ribari drugi su po težini iskrcaja, što nam govori koliko je ovaj pakt bitan za Republiku Hrvatsku. Generacijska obnova, dostupno financiranje i privlačnost ovog zvanja moraju biti okosnica buduće uredbe o oceanima.”
“Freedom of religion is paid with blood across the world, and in Nigeria, Christians are the most persecuted group. Since 2009, over 52 000 Christians have been killed, 18 000 churches and 2 000 Christian schools destroyed. I think it is about time we do something for Christians who are being persecuted all around the world with the same effort that we have done for other persecuted religions. 1-0048-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, while the world's attention is turned to conflicts shaking the foundation of our global order, another atrocity has unfolded almost unnoticed before our eyes. In the early hours of Saturday, more than 200 people were brutally massacred in Yelwata, Nigeria, sheltered in a local Catholic mission, in a region already ravaged by religious violence. This is the single worst atrocity in recent times, part of an orchestrated militant campaign to forcibly uproot Christian communities from their ancestral land. Entire families were slaughtered. Militants attacked the displaced people, who had already fled violence, attempting to burn them alive. Over 6 500 people have been forced to flee again, many now without shelter or hope.”
“– As a politician, I could just say that every politician and everyone in this House has responsibility for the words they say. So, I never insulted anyone. It's not mine to speak on behalf of other politicians. Democratic words should be preserved to build peace, and not war with words. This was the beginning of my speech as well. So, I stick to the logic that there is no place for insults in politics. 2-0053-0000”
“– Kaip čia ir kalbėjo kolegos, Briuselis ir ne tik Briuselis per prezidento rinkimus aktyviai palaikė demokratų kandidatą ir žemino trumpą. Dabar taip pat Europos Sąjunga labiau negu Putiną žemina Trumpą ... (posėdžio pirmininkas nutraukė ir paprašė pradėti iš naujo). Gerbiama pranešėja, čia kalbėjo prieš tai kandidatai, diskutantai, kad Europos Sąjunga ir Briuselis per prezidento rinkimus Amerikoje palaikė demokratų kandidatą. Iš Trumpo nemažai tyčiojosi. Išrinktas prezidentas Trumpas dabar taip pat susilaukia nemažai patyčių iš Europos Sąjungos, net ir vadovų, ypač iš žiniasklaidos. Jis tapo skaitant žiniasklaidą pavojingesnis negu Putinas. Klausykit, ar jūs nežadate atsiprašyti Trumpo ir Amerikos? Ir tik tokiu atveju prasidės normalūs santykiai. Ką jūs galvojate? 2-0052-0000 Željana Zovko (PPE), blue-card answer.”
“In an era of free trade and the rules-based global order, there is no room for protectionism. Protectionism comes at a cost, a cost that must not be borne by any single industry or country alone. A change in US administration should not mean a change in the fundamental strength of our transatlantic relationship. One thing must remain clear: the United States has always been and will remain our strongest partner and ally, not one-party regimes or autocracies. The European Union must continue with the calm logic that has made us the strongest single market in the world – the logic that allows small fish to survive in turbulent waters where large fish prey. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 2-0051-0000 Petras Gražulis (ESN), pakėlus mėlynąją kortelę pateiktas klausimas.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, war begins in the minds of the people, and it's in their minds that peace is also created. For decades, we relied heavily on American partners, and we still do for our defence and defence of our trade routes, at least in the Red Sea. But with unjustified imposition of tariffs, it has become clear we must take matters in our own hands and strengthen our competitiveness. We need to simplify it and we need to work and to attract investments. We now have a 90-day tariff pause. This is not the time to wait. It's a window of opportunity, a chance to negotiate the best possible outcome for both sides of the Atlantic; an outcome that allows business to thrive, to support millions of jobs; an outcome that strengthens, not harms, our economies; one that reinforces the largest trading partnership in the world.”
“Only by having in mind this transparent and mutually beneficial approach will we be able to take momentum of a reset in our relations. 1-0109-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the summit of 19 May represents a unique opportunity to deepen our cooperation with the UK in areas such as defence, trade, foreign affairs and energy. We urgently need to enhance our partnership with the UK on security and strategic questions. However, in our dialogue with the UK, we must take into account the problems of every Member States, and notably the interest of coastal countries. We must make clear that the strengthening of our relations with the UK must lead to a win‑win outcome. Moreover, the UK Government must understand that for relations to be solid, it needs to be transparent. In this regard, we need clarification on the reasons why the UK Government is not willing to cooperate more with the European Union in the Western Balkans.”
“Aquaculture, as the fastest growing sector in food production, plays a crucial role in our food security and economic resilience. We must adjust our green policies to the needs and realities of those who are already struggling. They cannot be at the cost of small-scale fishermen who are the backbone of our coastal communities. We must protect them, not burden them with policies that threaten their survival. 3-0258-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, as geopolitical tensions escalate, our oceans and the seas must be seen as a strategic field that we must observe and control. Attacks on critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and continuing tensions in the South China Sea illustrate the need for a clear strategy of the European Union. In a turbulent, multilateral world order, the EU must sail with a clear agenda and position on our strategic goal and position in ocean diplomacy. The European Union oceans pact, which takes into account the need for ocean diplomacy, must give us clear lines on the future of ocean governance, with a continuing aim to ensure secure, clean, healthy and sustainable oceans as the fundamental basis. However, let me be clear: our fishermen must not become collateral damage in this pursuit.”
“Türkiye continues to play a significant role by hosting refugees and providing military support in regions where the EU lacks sufficient forces. However, are we going to be blackmailed by a NATO member that uses the weaponisation of migrants and its biggest role in Syria as leverages? Turkish society needs the EU to protect freedom of expression and uphold aspiration for democracy. The EU approach. Turkey must stop being hypocritical and must align with the way it addresses other autocratic regimes. 2-0496-0000”
“Madam President, although Türkiye's public diplomacy remains the most prestigious art for showcasing the positive aspects of why Türkiye is an essential ally in the current geopolitical turmoil, let us be clear about our stance. We must unequivocally express our concerns about the partner that is arresting political opponents. Putting journalists in a jail and silencing civil society. The recent crackdown on democracy, including the arrest of the mayor of Istanbul, failed to provoke strong responses from the European Union, while the European Union does not hesitate to condemn other autocratic regimes. This raises a troubling concern. Is the EU applying double standards when it comes to condemning those who process free voices?”
“Bez toga nema napretka niti u jednoj zemlji na zapadnom Balkanu, u jugoistočnoj Europi. Bez toga nema napretka ni u Ukrajini. Bez toga, ukoliko se ne poštuje mirovni sporazum, ne možemo očekivati da ćemo imati mir i sigurnost na granicama Europe. 2-0214-0000”
“Poštovana predsjedavajuća, zahvaljujem Davidu McAllisteru na sveobuhvatnom izvješću kojim je obuhvatio i moje amandmane na ključni problem koji ostaje da se riješi u Bosni i Hercegovini. Stoga pozdravljam konačnu odluku visoke povjerenice da ide u Bosnu i Hercegovinu i adresira pitanje svih pitanja, a to je izmjena Izbornog zakona, gdje bi tri naroda, nakon Daytona - trideset godina nakon Daytona - konačno svi dobili svoju jednakopravnost, što je garantirano u Daytonu i potpisano u Parizu prije 30 godina. Srbi, Hrvati i Bošnjaci moraju u Bosni i Hercegovini imati puna prava ustavno, što im je garantirano mirovnim sporazumom. To je ključna točka mosta sa Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama i sa Trumpovom administracijom, gdje možete poentirati i konačno napraviti mir na zapadnom Balkanu.”
“Multilateral order is changing in front of our eyes, and we should finally position ourselves with our partners with whom we share democratic values and clear long-term strategic vision with a realistic approach of our strength. To conclude, we should get busy working and stop spending time being dependent on social networks and high-tech companies. Maybe that's the way to decrease our trade balance with the US. In the end, people have elected us to give them conditions to thrive with their families. Let's not waste their time. They will remember us with the jobs that we provide, not with the quotes and the pictures on Instagram. 2-0035-0000”
“We are entering a new phase where reciprocity will be the tool for retaliation, and the old friendship will suffer. In the meantime, we should stop philosophies about getting rid of unnecessary burden in order to boost our competitiveness and start taking brave measures. On passing the omnibus package as soon as possible through this House to send a clear message. Europe means business. We must also agree and vote through all these trade agreements that we are praising ourselves with. From Mercosur to Norway, Switzerland and many more to come. Situation on our borders are more and more worrisome, and we must be able to protect our trade routes with the same force in order to continue to trade with newly acquired partners. No one else will do it for us.”
“Madam President, tomorrow, many of us who will wake up with the God's will will enter from as many calls April Fools Day into a liberation day. Just another name. For some Europeans, it will be just another day of lent, preparing for the Easter holiday, going through the detox phase after the long Babette's Feast that we went through in the last years of living in the lah lah land of social heaven, that somebody else will provide for us. The news from the other side of the Atlantic are not the encouraging ones. We must stand at our own feet, take care of our own production, facilitate trade amongst us in a better way in order to become happier and stop complaining about somebody else bringing a misery into our life. The time of preventive diplomacy in our trade relations is over.”
“Jedini način stabilizacije Bosne i Hercegovine je reforma izbornog zakona bez kojeg će Bosna i Hercegovina, nažalost, nastaviti biti tempirana bomba u našem najbližem susjedstvu. Bez osiguranja ustavne zaštite i jednakopravnosti svih konstitutivnih naroda Bosna i Hercegovina će ostati država u krizi, otvoren prostor za vanjske utjecaje, čak i od svih ljudi koji nemaju pojma o čemu govore, koji nemaju nikakvu namjeru osigurati stabilnost, već upravo suprotno. Ovo je veliki propust naše preventivne formacije, a prostor koji smo ostavili popunjavaju Turska i Rusija. (Predsjedavajući je govornici oduzeo riječ) 3-0572-0000”
“Mr President, first of all, I would like to say 'hi' to the delegation of parliamentarians from Bosnia and Herzegovina who are watching us. It's quite a shame that we are having this debate so late at night and that there's no interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, because in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is no war. There is no incident. But it's a conflict waiting to happen for the past 30 years. Poštovani predsjedavajući, u ovoj godini, kad obilježavamo 30 godina od potpisivanja ključnog sporazuma za osiguravanje mira, svjedočimo potpunoj nesposobnosti da se osigura njegovo osnovno načelo, a to je ravnopravnost svih konstitutivnih naroda. Separatističke, ali i unitarne politike i nepoštovanje osnovnih prava svih naroda i građana doveli su do ozbiljne eskalacije o kojoj sada svjedočimo.”
“The borders and the states of the eastern and south-eastern flank must engage in defence cooperation with our partners in enlargement countries that are participating in our CSDP missions that fully align with our Common Foreign and Security policy. By involving enlargement countries industry in defence procurement, we will fortify the security of European borders. Finally, all the stakeholders should be engaged in building European defence. Only by having a state in our common defence vision, all Member States and citizens will embrace this paper as their textbook for future defence of our citizens. Once again, I warmly welcome the announcement that the US is engaging again to help Ukraine at this moment while we are building our European defence, and the good news from Riyadh is an encouraging step in our transatlantic relations.”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner Kubilius, as you are presenting the white paper on the future of European defence, you will set the tone for strengthening our defence capabilities and industrial competitiveness. Some important elements must be addressed in this strategic document. As the foundation for our approach to European defence, we must take into account the security challenges of all Member States. When building the future of our defence, it is crucial that we are more open and comprehensive, including by considering the threats that our borders are facing, big and small, and from the east and the south, as we have heard here.”
“And the relative autonomy from American intelligence would take years. However, time is running out now – we all know in Ukraine what is going on. For all these reasons, the EU must intensify its diplomatic efforts to find common grounds with our US ally. The EU defence and strengthening of a pillar of NATO can become robust within some years, but we don't have time to lose in not engaging in dialogue. 2-0053-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, the proposal endorsed by the European Council on 6 March is an encouraging sign towards the strengthening of European defence. A good sign in times of stormy weather. However, the EU's much-needed wake-up should not make us forget that the American umbrella is vital for us. We still need the rainy-day friend, now more than ever. The strengthening of our defence must go hand in hand with the strengthening of our relations with our allies, including with the US. Besides the fact that the current EU measures will only produce effects in at least four years, we have to bear in mind that the United States and Russia together account for 85 % of the world's new nuclear arsenal. The European Union also also strongly needs American intelligence, with some Member States even relying entirely on NATO.”
“Alongside with increased defence spending, the only way forward is to create a more favourable business environment. The EUR 6 billion that we can cut in annual administrative costs must be reinvested in our innovation, research and development. History will not forgive us if we don't do this step now. 1-0141-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, Europe stands at the crossroad, a crossroad of security, trade and growing global threats. But above all, our economy is at a crossroad to survive or to thrive. SMEs represent 99.8 % of all active businesses in Europe, employing nearly 90 million people. In today's volatile times, we cannot afford for our businesses and industries to be the ones to fall behind, suffocated by excessive regulation. From the automotive and energy industries to steel and aluminium, we cannot allow them to be held back by unbalanced green policies and red tape. The Omnibus package is a final call, a final call for Europe to introduce simpler rules, stronger investments and unlock potential to boost our competitiveness.”
“I will join the debate, I'm not speaking against the debate, but this debate and the title should be extended to: 'Urgent need to change electoral law reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina and end with international presence.' 1-0041-0000”
“Madam President, I strongly commend the intention to speak on Bosnia and Herzegovina and the situation of Bosnia-Herzegovina regarding the recent US approach towards Bosnia, towards multilateral organisation and towards the unresolved situation regarding electoral law reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 30 years after the Dayton Agreement, we still have a High Representative who is receiving EUR 26 000 a month to keep Bosnia and Herzegovina in what? In disarray? We have to address the real issue that is electoral law reform. We have to close our OHR office. We have to bring Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union because America is leaving. The OHR office is staying only with Christian Schmidt and the Peace Implementation Council is highly influenced by Turkey and Russia. This is something that we cannot neglect in this debate.”
“Christianity in Syria and in some other parts of the Middle East-North Africa region is at a critical crossroads. It will either endure or it will vanish, leaving behind a profound religious, ethnic and cultural void. Europe must not remain indifferent to this existential threat. An External Action Service with its press release - it is shameful that they did not take this into account. 1-0021-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the situation of minorities in Syria. In recent days, multiple sources indicated that both the Alawite population and Syria's shrinking Christian community have been deliberately targeted. Extremist factions associated with militant groups have reportedly executed civilians, including women and children. Christian families have endured brutal killings and violent raids at the hands of armed militants who have stormed homes, seized belongings and claimed innocent lives. The European Union must take decisive action in support of stability and humanitarian relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, including Christians and other affected communities.”
“However, the most important topic of the Commission's work is the strengthening of our competitiveness. The last one is AI. The First Amendment of the US Constitution that guarantees freedom of speech is also reflected in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. But freedom of expression does not come without accountability for what is being said. Therefore, I call for the end of anonymity behind the screen. 3-0054-0000”
“So please, I would just want to underline some of the priorities that I would like to see. The White Paper on the future of European defence should be a guiding roadmap for our security and strengthening of the European pillar of NATO, and should and must renew security cooperation with our transatlantic allies and the UK. We must also deepen our ties with partners in the southern neighbourhood, as the protection of their borders – that we never really cared about – is a key to preserve our security as well. The second subject I would like to point to is the New Pact for the Mediterranean that will build comprehensive partnership based on areas of mutual interest and nothing else and nothing more – no financing of NGOs that will live from salon politics.”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, the other day I criticised you for the US, the trade deal and the trade war that we are entering. Now, I must say, it's not easy the job you are doing here. While we were sleeping, the Commission was working. That's a good thing and it's a good point, but we could have received the document as well, because we were not sleeping – we were waiting as well to listen and to discuss these issues on how to improve European competitiveness, how to improve European defence, how to improve European security and on what you are going to deliver to us – I mean, obviously, in September – but while we are sleeping, Trump is working, the Trump administration is working hard and delivering in the first days much more than we are going to receive in the first month.”
“As European leaders and the tech experts gather in Paris, Europe sends a strong message: with our own investment and expertise, we can lead in research and technology, attracting companies at least from Europe and investment firms from the EU, while we still have time. While we much focus on a trade in goods, the US had a EUR 104 billion trade surplus in services with the EU in 2023. We must leverage this advantage. 2-0049-0000”
“Madam President, in the Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Gabriel García Márquez is speaking about the death that will happen, and this is what we are speaking about for many months here, asking the Commissioner to send someone to speak to the Trump administration, to talk to the people and to see this transactional deal that we can make with this new administration. But what happened? We are listening about a lobbyist firm being hired in order to build the bridges. This is our preventive diplomacy, ladies and gentlemen, that the European Union is doing. We don't have a contact and that's a crucial thing. Last night's wake-up call – while we were sleeping, they were working – calls to strengthen our competitiveness, to invest in research and innovation, to reinforce our resilience in our economy and diplomacy.”
“Pozivam Srbiju i Crnu Goru da konačno preuzmu odgovornost, otvore arhive, podijele informacije i omoguće rješavanje sudbina onih koji su nepravedno nestali. Europska unija mora iskoristiti svoju pregovaračku moć i osigurati da se ovo pitanje stavi visoko na dnevni red pretpristupnih pregovora. Pristup Europskoj uniji podrazumijeva vrijednost istine, pravde i ljudskih prava i u tome ne može i ne smije biti kompromisa. Dok obitelji s neizmjernom boli još uvijek tragaju za svojim najmilijima, a njihovi domovi odzvanjaju najglasnijom tišinom, mi imamo odgovornost. Neprihvatljivo je da oni koji imaju informacije o nestalima i dalje šute. Otvorite arhive, bez toga nema zaključavanja pregovora. 1-0166-0000”
“Poštovani predsjedavajući, govorit ću danas o univerzalnoj deklaraciji o ljudskim pravima u kontekstu rata, sukoba i geopolitičkih napetosti. Podsjećamo se da je nastala upravo u takvim okolnostima, kao odgovor na nepravdu, patnju i kršenje temeljnih prava. Agresija na Republiku Hrvatsku 91. godine donijela je nezamislivu patnju. Tisuće hrvatskih branitelja i civila bili su zatočeni, nestali ili nasilno odvedeni. Unatoč svim naporima i mjerama, i dalje se suočavamo s najtežim posljedicama rata. 1782 osobe i dalje se vode kao nestale. Nažalost, u Bosni i Hercegovini još se uvijek traga za 7608 osoba. Ova pitanja ne smiju ostati otvorena. Pravda za nestale ne može biti prepuštena zaboravu.”