Virginijus Sinkevičius
Member of the European Parliament · ALE · LT
“Gerbiama Pirmininke, gerbiami kolegos. Europai netrūksta gabių žmonių, netrūksta įspūdingų įmonių ir sėkmės istorijų. Vien Lietuvoje mes turime ne vieną jų: ar tai būtų „Nord Security“, ar „Vinted“, ar „carVertical“. Kiekviena jų yra sėkmės istorija. Tačiau joms augti, jiems reikėjo šokinėti per skirtingus barjerus.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues. Europe's automotive sector means more than 13 million jobs. And of course, it's one of our industrial engines. But clearly, that engine cannot run on nostalgia. The market is changing fast, and one in five cars that has been sold in the EU this year is already battery electric.”
“Gerbiama Pirmininke, kolegos. Vieninga rinka neabejotinai yra vienas didžiausių Europos Sąjungos pasiekimų. Tačiau šiandien jūs girdėjote labai daug skaičių. Kiek vis dar to potencialo vieningos rinkos, ypatingai šiais sudėtingais laikais, mes neišnaudojame – kasmet per 300 mlrd. eurų. Apie 2 proc.”
“Mr President, in this debate I've heard a lot of accusations and very little numbers. It's like partying wild the whole night, and then in the morning feeling bad and blaming a cookie. Because if you look at the ETS, it's actually responsible for less than 10 % of the electricity price.”
“Jeigu energetika iš tiesų strateginis sektorius, kertinis mūsų įmonėms, kodėl vis dar turime neaiškią kainodarą ir skirtingus tarifus? Galiausiai, finansai ir prieiga prie kapitalo. Šiandien įmonėms, ypatingai regionuose, pasiskolinti yra praktiškai misija neįmanoma.”
“No, it goes to your national budget, and you should ask your governments where that money is spent. Absolutely, ETS2 also must be introduced very fairly and very carefully, because we should look at the real situation on the ground and especially families struggling with their bills.”
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“Gerbiama Pirmininke, gerbiami kolegos. Europai netrūksta gabių žmonių, netrūksta įspūdingų įmonių ir sėkmės istorijų. Vien Lietuvoje mes turime ne vieną jų: ar tai būtų „Nord Security“, ar „Vinted“, ar „carVertical“. Kiekviena jų yra sėkmės istorija. Tačiau joms augti, jiems reikėjo šokinėti per skirtingus barjerus. Na, negali būti mūsų vieninga rinka – kas yra mūsų didžiausias pasiekimas – fragmentuota ir kaskart, norint augti ir plėstis, tu sutinki skirtingus 27 režimus. Todėl ši diskusija yra labai reikalinga, bet ji turi vesti į realius praktinius žingsnius. Pirmiausia pradėkime ne nuo kalbos apie mokesčius, bet nuo vieno skaitmeninio langelio įmonių registracijai. Tuomet tas pats langelis, be jokios abejonės, gali būti panaudotas ir tiems patiems mokesčiams deklaruoti. Ir, aišku, vienas aiškus režimas dėl pridėtinės vertės mokesčio.”
“Weakening targets is not going to bring competitiveness; it will only create more uncertainty and delay investment. So our answer should be industrial confidence and not industrial fear. 2-0053-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues. Europe's automotive sector means more than 13 million jobs. And of course, it's one of our industrial engines. But clearly, that engine cannot run on nostalgia. The market is changing fast, and one in five cars that has been sold in the EU this year is already battery electric. So our task is clear: to make sure that this transition happens first of all within European factories, with European workers and, of course, with leading European technology. And that means, first of all, cheaper clean energy, charging infrastructure, European batteries, stronger software capacity and real support to European suppliers – because the automotive sector is not only Germany, the automotive sector is Europe as a whole.”
“No, it goes to your national budget, and you should ask your governments where that money is spent. Absolutely, ETS2 also must be introduced very fairly and very carefully, because we should look at the real situation on the ground and especially families struggling with their bills. But that cannot be a stoppage for a change that we have started, because the real pressure comes from our dependency on fossil fuels. 3-0227-0000”
“Mr President, in this debate I've heard a lot of accusations and very little numbers. It's like partying wild the whole night, and then in the morning feeling bad and blaming a cookie. Because if you look at the ETS, it's actually responsible for less than 10 % of the electricity price. And many of you said that the ETS collects huge revenues, but you never said where those revenues actually go. It goes to your national budgets. Are Poland, the Czech Republic or others ready to actually let that money go and not to invest in energy efficiency, in innovation in their countries? That's the first question to be asked, because colleagues, when you speak about ETS, you always try to blame the EU like there is some sort of magic EU budget that ETS goes to.”
“Jeigu energetika iš tiesų strateginis sektorius, kertinis mūsų įmonėms, kodėl vis dar turime neaiškią kainodarą ir skirtingus tarifus? Galiausiai, finansai ir prieiga prie kapitalo. Šiandien įmonėms, ypatingai regionuose, pasiskolinti yra praktiškai misija neįmanoma. Europos centrinis bankas, investiciniai bankai šalyse narėse pateikia labai daug gražių skaičių, kiek per metus investuoja. Bet realybė yra, kad dar didesnis skaičius įmonių lieka už borto. Ir tai yra absoliučiai nepriimtina. Galiausiai, mažos ir vidutinės įmonės. Na, kaip mes galime kalbėti apie konkurencingumą, kai 10 proc. jų darbo laiko, kūrybos galimai, išeina paprasčiausiai biurokratijai? Mes, be jokios abejonės, turime veikti ir tam reikia pirmiausia politinės valios. 3-0035-0000”
“Gerbiama Pirmininke, kolegos. Vieninga rinka neabejotinai yra vienas didžiausių Europos Sąjungos pasiekimų. Tačiau šiandien jūs girdėjote labai daug skaičių. Kiek vis dar to potencialo vieningos rinkos, ypatingai šiais sudėtingais laikais, mes neišnaudojame – kasmet per 300 mlrd. eurų. Apie 2 proc. Europos Sąjungos BVP tiesiog yra nepasiimama. Ir visa tai yra augimas, darbo vietos, investicijos, pajamos, galų gale regionų plėtra. Visa tai – nepanaudotas potencialas. Kodėl? Labai paprastas atsakymas – mums tiesiog trūksta elementarios politinės valios. Kai mes kalbame apie pagrindinius darbus, pirmiausia, be jokios abejonės, energetika. Bet kaip mes galime kalbėti apie energetiką kaip apie strateginį sektorių, kur nuo projektavimo iki projekto įgyvendinimo praeina dešimt metų?”
“As the war in Iran pushes oil towards USD 100 per barrel and drives gas prices up again, Europe is reminded how vulnerable importing fossil fuel makes us, and the more renewable electricity Europe produces itself, the less we pay for those shocks and most importantly, our citizens are less exposed. So, this is not only environmental transition, as some like to call it; it's a strategic transformation. 3-0253-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, colleagues, Europe used to talk about energy mainly in terms of market and prices. Today, we clearly understand: energy policy is a security policy. Energy keeps our homes warm and our industries running, and when Russia weaponised gas, we saw how dependence can be used against Europe. That is why cooperation on clean energy today matters so much. When European countries connect their grids, build offshore wind together and invest in shared infrastructure, we are doing much more than just building turbines. We are building resilience, a system that is less exposed to geopolitical shocks and volatile fuel prices. We see why this matters today.”
“This should not take months. It should take days here in Europe. Now it takes actually years, not months. So my message today is straightforward: let's create the 28th regime this year and make an affordable energy action plan felt in every household and every factory in Europe. 3-0065-0000”
“Madam President, colleagues, Commissioner, last year Mario Draghi told us something uncomfortable: Europe is drifting and not running. He reminded us that our companies pay energy prices two or three times higher than their competitors in the US – and that is not an abstract statistic; that is, at the end of the day, the difference between investing here in Europe or actually leaving. And we have responded: strategies, roadmaps, compasses. That is, of course, welcome. But between announcements and reality there is still a long way to go. And businesses are stuck walking through it every day. Where is the genuine single market for services? We've been discussing that for years. Where is the one simple rule book that allows companies to grow from Lisbon to Vilnius without drowning in 27 different systems? Draghi was very clear.”
“Mr President, Russia is a terrorist state. It's deliberately bombing Ukrainian heating facilities, water‑cleaning facilities, leaving people without heating, without water, without availability to switch on the light, while outside there is -27°C. And it is all done deliberately, strategically. These strikes are strategic and are designed to freeze Ukrainian people into submission and to weaken European resolve. We, as Europeans, I very much welcome that we are sending generators, humanitarian aid. But it is not enough. Humanitarian support alone won't stop terrorist attacks on Ukrainian people. Europe must go further. We need to accelerate a robust air defence cooperation shield and shield the Ukrainian people. 2-0247-0000”
“3-0395-0000 Virginijus Sinkevičius (Verts/ALE), atsakymas į pakėlus mėlynąją kortelę pateiktą klausimą. – Dėkoju, Vyteni, už jūsų klausimą. Vėlgi, LRT vadovai iš esmės atsakė į šituos bandymus politizuoti, bet aš pasakysiu labai labai paprastai: visa tai yra galiojančių įstatymų rėmuose. Tai viena. Na, o antra, tai aš manau, kad įstatymai galioja visiems, lygiai taip pat ir LRT. Ir jeigu jūs, Vyteni, nuoširdžiai norite taisyti LRT valdymą, jūs galėjote tą darbo grupę, kuri buvo po protestų surinkta, surinkti daug anksčiau. Deja, tas įvyko tik po protestuotojų. Pirmiausia buvo rūpinamasi, kaip nuimti vadovę. 3-0396-0000”
“And yes, this is not a truly nice moment to talk about my great country, but that's the reality on the ground that is happening. And I am truly proud that there were thousands of brave people who came out on the streets and defended freedom of speech. 3-0394-0000 Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (S&D), pakėlus mėlynąją kortelę pateiktas klausimas. – Gerbiamas kolega, norėčiau paklausti trumpai. Ar jūs pritartumėte praktikai, kad iš 578 viešųjų pirkimų 516 pirkimų buvo įgyvendinami neskelbiamų apklausų būdu? Ir ar pritartumėte praktikai, kad į darbą išimties tvarka jūs galėtumėte priimti be konkurso, be kriterijų 38 proc. savo darbuotojų? Ar jūs pritartumėte asmeniškai, kaip buvęs ministras ir parlamentaras, ginantis skaidrumą, šitai praktikai? Taip ar ne?”
“Because in many other cases when we discuss problems like this, we see colleagues who are very angry and very disappointed about the fact that we have this kind of debate. So maybe, for me, could you elaborate? Why do you think it is important that here in this European Parliament we also discuss such situations that in principle fall under the sovereignty and the competence of the Member States? 3-0393-0000 Virginijus Sinkevičius (Verts/ALE), blue-card answer. – Thank you very much for your question. I think the fundamental principles on which independent Lithuania was built are democratic principles, and one of them is the freedom of speech. So therefore I will always say that media freedom, freedom of speech has to be separated from the politicians.”
“– Sąžiningai manau, kad jis nėra užvaldytas konservatorių. Mielas Petrai, man tai yra fundamentalus principas, kad žiniasklaida ir ypatingai nacionalinis transliuotojas turi būti atskirtas nuo bet kokių politikų galimo įsikišimo ir manipuliacijų. Ir nesvarbu, kas yra valdžioje – socialdemokratai su antisemitu Remigijumi Žemaitaičiu, konservatoriai, demokratai, nesvarbu. Žiniasklaidos laisvė yra neliečiamas dalykas. Lygiai taip pat kaip ir Konstitucinis Teismas, kurį jau antrą kadenciją bandoma politizuoti. Tai yra fundamentalūs dalykai, ir aš už tai visuomet pasisakysiu. 3-0392-0000 Lukas Sieper (NI), blue-card question. – You said something very refreshing. You said that it hurts that we are here and have to discuss a problem with the democratic system in your home country. And why is this refreshing?”
“Ir visa tai galimai vyktų Lietuvoje, jeigu ne dešimtys tūkstančių tų drąsių žmonių, kurie, nebijodami šalčio, išėjo į gatvę ir sustabdė naktinį valdančiųjų buldozerį. Todėl mes negalime leisti, kad populistai menkintų ir politizuotų Konstitucinį Teismą, žurnalistus ir pilietinę visuomenę. (Kalbėtojas sutiko atsakyti į kelis mėlynosios kortelės klausimus) 3-0390-0000 Petras Gražulis (ESN), pakėlus mėlynąją kortelę pateiktas klausimas. – Aš noriu paklausti, ar jūs tikrai nuoširdžiai tikite, kad jūsų siūlymai siekia teisingumo ir demokratijos, žiniasklaidos laisvės? Ar jūs galvojate, kad šiandien laisvas visuomeninis transliuotojas? Sąžiningai, pridėjęs ranką prie krūtinės, pasakykit, ar jis nėra užvaldytas konservatorių? 3-0391-0000 Virginijus Sinkevičius (Verts/ALE), atsakymas į pakėlus mėlynąją kortelę pateiktą klausimą.”
“Gerbiamoji pirmininke, kolegos. Na, pripažinkime, nėra niekam malonu čia stovėti ir aptarinėti grėsmių demokratijai mūsų valstybėje. Ir ne tik bandymas politizuoti, perimti nacionalinį transliuotoją yra grėsmė demokratijai mūsų šalyje. Demokratijos pagrindai, kuriuos iškovojo mūsų tėvai ir seneliai, – ir visai neseniai mes minėjome Sausio 13-ąją, – pirmiausia remiasi į pasitikėjimą institucijomis, į Konstitucinį Teismą. Ir visa tai dabartinė valdančioji dauguma kartu su už antisemitizmą nuteistu koalicijos partneriu plauna šiuos pamatus iš vidaus ir kelia realią grėsmę demokratijai. Daug kas čia šaukia, kad pavadinimas ne toks. Demokratijos krenta dažniausiai ne po karinio perversmo, o jos griūna lėtai žmonių, kurie demokratiniu būdu ateina į valdžią, rankomis.”
“Why should we, the Parliament, who democratically represents people, accept worse rights than already exist? Why should families pay for sitting together? Why should basic luggage become a luxury? Parliament is ready to negotiate constructively, but we will not accept a worsening of passenger rights. 2-0259-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, when you buy a plane ticket, you expect just a few simple things. First of all, you always wish to arrive on time. Secondly, have at least a small bag with your personal belongings. And then, of course, if you purchase a ticket with your family, you want to sit next to your children without a surcharge. And finally, if you have a disability, you must receive an assistance. And that's nothing radical that Parliament is asking. That's absolute basic. Today's passengers get compensation after three hours delay. And that rule works. People understand it and people rely on it. The Council now wants to push that threshold further, meaning that, for most delays, passengers would get absolutely nothing.”
“Ukraine cannot wait and Europe cannot hide behind legal doubts while asking one country to assume all the burden. So strategic autonomy, first of all, for us, means acting together. So, this Council must deliver a clear message: European solidarity is real, concrete, and it comes with responsibility. 3-0098-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the European Council will be a real test of our credibility on Ukraine, on solidarity, and most importantly, on whether Europe can take responsibility when it matters. The Russian frozen assets are held across Europe. They are mainly in Belgium, but also in countries like France or Luxembourg. And this is not Belgium's or those countries' problem; it is a European responsibility. If Europe decides to use these assets to support Ukraine, which is absolutely critical at this moment, Europe must also stand behind that decision, and that means clear EU-level guarantees. No Member State should ever be left alone to carry the risk of a decision that we are taking together, and that means a real European solidarity that can be understood across Europe.”
“– Thank you very much for your question. So there is enough for you to find publicly in the media which parties accepted bribes from Russia, which parties' campaigns were fuelled by Russian money. There are plenty – and unfortunately it's not targeted just at one Member State. If you want me to share this media news with you, I am happy to do that. 2-0228-0000”
“Otherwise, it's just a slogan and we will be watching radicals smiling and showing us security strategies that we are not part of. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 2-0226-0000 Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN), Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“. – Danke schön, dass Sie die Frage zulassen. Sie haben ja gerade – also, ich fühle mich jetzt nicht angesprochen, viele andere Kollegen auch nicht – einige Kollegen diffamiert, dass Sie Gelder aus Russland bekommen haben. Einmal, haben Sie dafür Beweise? Und ich hatte ja vorhin in meinem Komplex davon gesprochen, dass wir es hier mit einer riesigen Korruption zu tun haben. In der Ukraine ist es belegt. Daher interessiert mich: Wie viel Geld bekommen Sie denn von der Ukraine aktuell überwiesen? 2-0227-0000 Virginijus Sinkevičius (Verts/ALE), blue-card answer.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, Commissioner, clearly it's a sad day when you have radical parties that were fuelled by Russian money, have taken bribes from Russia, today quoting the United States' national security strategy. But that's the reality we have to accept, and send a clear message that without military mobility, without deterrence, we will be functioning as 27 separate systems. We cannot accept it. Forty-five days for tanks to move from Paris to Bucharest is not acceptable. The worst is that this journey is prolonged by bureaucracy. On top of that, of course, we need sufficient funding for our infrastructure, because otherwise military mobility should not be seen as a sort of defence niche. It's what allows Europe's security to operate as one. This is the fundament on which we can truly build our defence readiness by 2030.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, let me start by, first of all, thanking the Commission for putting this brave proposal on the table. Let me thank our rapporteurs for their great work and also the advisers, I know that they worked tirelessly and very hard to finalise this file. Today, Europe makes a choice about who we are and what we will no longer accept, because for decades, our energy system was built on a dangerous illusion that dependence on Russian gas was somehow cheap, stable and harmless. And we see the truth. We see what's happening in Ukraine, that energy was used as leverage, as a pressure, as a weapon. And finally, we end it. By phasing out Russian natural gas, Europe is reclaiming its freedom. We are saying clearly that our homes, our industries and our future will never again be held hostage.”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, let us be very clear: the so‑called peace plan is not a peace plan at all. It forces Ukraine to concede territory, forgives war crimes such as rape, killings of civilians, 20 000 abducted children, and just rewards the aggressor. It can be called a business plan. But here in Europe, we do not sell our dignity and freedom. It also can be seen as a licence to continue, and if you look at the Russian position, when is the best time to test us? When is the best time to attack Europe? Right now, when we are still not ready, when we are still discussing our military capabilities, frozen assets, continuous support to Ukraine. Right now is the best time to test us with such a business deal that the US is offering. 3-0090-0000”
“This framework of measures boosting industrial cooperation, securing access to critical materials and ensuring rapid production is Europe's insurance policy against uncertainty. We must guarantee the timely availability and supply of defence products because deterrence delayed is security denied, and Europe cannot rely on goodwill or distant guarantees. We must rely on ourselves – united, capable and ready to defend what defines us: peace, democracy and dignity. 2-0027-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, colleagues, while society and cities in Ukraine still bear the scars of Russian aggression, the world debates peace plans in which Europe has no seat, no say and no signature. When decisions about our continent are made without us, one truth becomes painfully clear: we are at a time where, unfortunately, you are either at the table or on the menu. This is why Europe's defence industry programme is not about just steel, ammunition, supply chains, common procurement; it's about sovereignty. It's about our capacity to defend freedom on our European soil and to ensure that never again will others decide our fate while we are watching from the sidelines.”
“Now, the Council must match our ambitions because Europe's security cannot wait until 2028. Let's turn off the tap of the Kremlin's energy money permanently and prove that Europe stands united and independent. 3-0505-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, three years into Russia's war against Ukraine, Europe is still paying billions to Moscow. Every euro for Russian gas or oil fuels aggression against Ukraine and supports hybrid attacks against democracies here in the EU, and this must stop now. We in Parliament choose action over delay and we insist that oil from Russia must stop in 2026. Gas and LNG must cease by 1 January 2027, a full year ahead of the original Commission timetable. Our position is clear: no new or amended contracts, no temporary storage, and no more loopholes that allow Russian energy to reach our market through third countries. We also refuse any exemptions from certain Member States, and this ban must apply equally to all. We ensure robust verification and full transparency and strict penalties.”
“What we must do to truly protect our industry is to ensure that we secure supply chains, first of all, and we are waiting for an important battery booster proposal from the Commission. Secondly, we need cheap energy; we cannot compete with expensive energy, but it was a mistake basing our energy mix in Russian hands. Thirdly, we need to ensure that we have a workforce, a workforce that is future-oriented and able to compete. And finally, if we want an uptake from the market, we cannot fail our people. There must be, first of all, infrastructure – which is not there, we are far behind the goals – and lastly, cheap energy. That will help our industry. 3-0207-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, nobody disputes the importance of the automotive industry, which directly and indirectly employs more than 13 million people – not only in Germany, France, Spain or Italy, but all across Europe. However, the worst would be if our automotive industry has a Nokia moment, where at some point it has almost 50 % of the market share and then it just diminishes. The competition is not coming in the combustion engine; nobody cares and nobody competes with European industry on combustion engine. Nobody wants to do a better turbodiesel or whatever. The future of automotive – like it or not – lays in battery and software. As simple as that.”
“Our responsibility is to deliver weapons fast, close all the loopholes in sanctions, and keep Ukraine's accession path alive while giving it real security guarantees. That will deter the next possible attacks. If we get this right, we will not be protecting just Ukraine. We will be protecting... (The President cut off the speaker) 2-0027-0000”
“Madam President, High Representative, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, Ukrainian cities are under the heaviest bombardment in months, and this just after the red carpet was rolled out to Putin in Alaska. Power stations, hospitals and homes are being hit night after night, and yet Ukraine still finds the strength to push forward with reforms from justice to decentralisation, because the Ukrainian people know their future is European. Last week in Paris, 26 nations pledged to form a reassurance force to protect Ukraine once there is a peace agreement. This is not a theory anymore: it is Europe showing it can act even when Washington hesitates. Dear colleagues, let us be honest: Moscow has zero interest in peace. It wants time to rearm, not to reconcile. And that is why the EU must lead.”
“We need a deal that helps people and protects Europe's future. And that means clean industry and not dirty shortcuts, fair supply chains with strong rights for workers everywhere, and digital rules that protect freedom and privacy. The message to Washington is simple: we seek cooperation and not capitulation. And Europe must show that it can be strong and fair at the same time. So let us show the world what we stand for, that we stand united as one Europe. 3-0266-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, it is clear it's not just about the tariffs – it's about what kind of Europe we want to be. Right now, President Trump is simply trying to bully Europe. He says, 'Take this deal or pay the price'. And if we don't agree, of course, our exports could face huge tariffs. Up to now, it sounds like 200 % on pharmaceuticals, and that of course means jobs at risk, economic slowdown. But this is much bigger than just trade. When one leader uses threats and deadlines, it's not about partnership – it's pressure. Trump's approach is clear: tariffs first, negotiations second. And that's not how we build a future for Europe. We cannot give in. We cannot trade away our values for a quick fix where we don't know if there is even a standstill clause on that.”
“We must deliver aid, secure the immediate release of all detainees, support Ukraine's defence and demand accountability. The Council must tighten sanctions and close every loophole that fuels Russia's war machine. The world cannot be silent. The human cost is too high. And it's time to bring justice to Ukraine. 1-0120-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, every day Russia's war against Ukraine brings new pain. Civilians are killed in their homes, children lose their parents. Russian bombs hit schools, hospitals and energy plants. Cities are left in darkness and people continue to live in fear. And the suffering does not end at the frontline. Thousands of civilians and prisoners of war are held illegally by Russian forces. Many of them face torture, abuse, rape and even execution, including children. At least 75 of those cases are documented, and this is not a single event. This is a systemic terror against Ukrainian people. And these are not just numbers. These are lives. So every attack, every act of cruelty is a crime against humanity. But words are not enough. We must act.”
“So, no, we cannot afford another strategic blunder, and we cannot afford to trade one dependency for another. So swapping Russian gas for fossil fuels or nuclear from other authoritarian regimes, that's not a plan; that's another trap. True energy sovereignty means renewables, modern grids. The time for half‑measures is over. 1-0295-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, let me speak plainly: every single day that we delay the phase‑out of Russian energy we are wiring billions straight into the war chest of Putin's aggression against Ukraine. Now the Commission's plan is definitely a significant step in the right direction. But let's be clear: a step is not enough – not when the challenge demands a significant leap. The Nord Stream chapter must be closed and closed for good. Because Nord Stream was never just about gas; it was a geopolitical weapon. It bypassed Ukraine and Poland. It handed the Kremlin a tool to divide Europe, to distort competition, to threaten over 100 million people from the Baltics to the Balkans. Let's be honest, it weakened our solidarity when we needed it most.”
“Our message is simple: there is no lasting peace without Ukraine and no lasting peace without the EU at the table. 3-0026-0000”
“We demand a full withdrawal of Russian forces, the return of abducted children and accountability for war crimes, because only justice can build the foundation for lasting peace. Our vision is bold: we support Ukraine's peace formula, which calls for the restoration of territorial integrity and robust security guarantees. We are mobilising unprecedented financial, humanitarian and military assistance, and we will use every tool – from sanctions to reconstruction funds – to ensure Ukraine emerges not as a survivor, but as a future member of the European family. And this is not just Ukraine's fight: it's a battle for the security of Europe and the rules‑based world. Recent shifts in US policy underscore the EU's increased responsibility.”
“Mr President, Minister, Commissioner, dear colleagues, three years ago the world watched as Ukraine stood alone against a storm of aggression, and today Ukraine stands not alone, but with the full force of European solidarity. The EU's support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine is not a slogan: it's a lifeline and a promise. The European Parliament has welcomed a proposed possible 30‑day ceasefire, but nobody is fooled by Putin's empty promises. He talks peace while at the same time his troops keep shelling Ukrainian cities and killing civilians. Using ceasefire offers as a smokescreen to regroup and push his agenda. Let us be clear: peace without justice is surrender, and surrender is not peace. The EU must reject any so-called peace that rewards aggression or forces Ukraine to trade its freedom for silence.”
“It's about Europe shaping its own path – building stronger, more diverse partnerships and standing up for a global trade system based on rules and mutual respect. Across Europe, people also reacted. People are frustrated. Boycotts and anti-American sentiment are rising. But our message is clear. We want solutions, not a trade war. If the US is ready to negotiate, so are we. If not, Europe will stand tall, united, and turn this challenge into an opportunity. 2-0049-0000”
“Mr President, dear Minister, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the recent US tariffs don't just hit our exports, they strike at the heart of what should be a fair and trusted partnership. Over EUR 500 billion-worth of EU goods could be affected. Behind that figure, there are real people – our workers, our businesses and the values that we stand for – and the only correct response is with unity, with calm and with purpose. Yes, we have introduced proportionate countermeasures, but we are also keeping the door wide open for a dialogue, for an honest dialogue, offering to boost imports of US goods by EUR 50 billion to help restore balance. Still, this is much more than just a dispute.”
“But peace requires much more than just proposals – it demands political will, and so far, Russia has shown zero of that. The return of unlawfully deported Ukrainian children, the release of civilians and the exchange of prisoners of war. They are not optional. They are humanitarian imperatives. They could be the first steps to show willingness to come closer. We must be prepared to further increase pressure on Russia – with stronger sanctions, with tighter enforcement – until it ends its aggression. Peace can be achieved not with the surrender of Ukraine; peace can be achieved when Russia withdraws its troops. 2-0024-0000”
“Madam President, dear President of the Council, dear Commissioner, let me begin by welcoming the fact that 26 Member States have firmly reiterated their commitment to providing Ukraine with regular and predictable support. Our backing for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders remains steadfast. Let's not make a mistake. We do want peace, but in these circumstances, peace needs to be protected. Ukraine must be equipped to defend itself militarily, economically, politically. We will continue working with our allies to provide the comprehensive support it needs. The recent talks that were held in Saudi Arabia showed that Ukraine is ready to negotiate. Ukraine is ready to take steps to de-escalate.”
“Our support for Ukraine is not just a moral imperative. It's a strategic necessity. We must provide more arms and ammunition, expand training operations and integrate Ukraine's defence industry into our own. In doing this, we must remember that our ultimate goal is peace. We are strengthening our defence to avoid war, protect our values and ensure that the EU remains a beacon of stability in the world. 2-0407-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the upcoming white paper on the future of European defence is a crucial step. But the expectation is that it's going to be finally more than just a paper. It must be a real catalyst for action. We cannot afford to continue business as usual. The security of our citizens and the integrity of our borders depend on our ability to act swiftly and decisively. We must accelerate our efforts to enhance interoperability among Member States' armed forces. This is not just about spending more on defence; it's about ensuring that our forces can work seamlessly together. We need also to integrate our defence industries and streamline our procurement processes to avoid duplication and inefficiencies. We also should move beyond intergovernmental agreements and build a genuine European Defence Union.”