Rihards Kols
Member of the European Parliament · ECR · LV
“Madam President, my dear colleagues, a single market and 27 company law systems. That fragmentation costs European businesses the equivalent of 44 % tariff on goods and 110 % on services inside our single market. We tax ourselves out of our own market then act surprised when our start-ups found themselves in Texas instead of Riga.”
“Madam President, Cuba has announced a pardon of 2 010 prisoners. Not one was a political prisoner. Not a single one. The regime explicitly excluded those convicted of 'crimes against authority' – the exact charges used against dissidents. Four independent human rights organisations have confirmed this.”
“It has produced cover for a regime that tortures its citizens, exiles its dissidents and sends its nationals to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine. The ECR Group has already called for the PDCA's suspension. That is the minimum Europe owes the Cubans in the streets and to our own claim to stand for freedom. 2-0450-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, Moscow likes to present itself as the great anti‑colonial champion of the Global South. Yet today, it sends recruiters to Nairobi, Havana and Kathmandu with fake job offers and visa promises, dragging the Global South's most vulnerable into a colonial war of conquest against Ukraine.”
“Thousands of Cubans are fighting for Russia today while the EU still maintains privileged cooperation with Havana. We cannot claim to defend European security while sending European taxpayer money to a government that actively sells its citizens to fuel Russian imperialism. Turning a blind eye to this reality makes us complicit.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, two days ago, the UN General Assembly President urged this House to stand firm behind the UN nations and international rules‑based order.”
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Every one of 47 lines we hold for Rihards Kols, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account.
“Get the wallet right and that time and cost falls by roughly half, saving businesses some EUR 150 billion a year. Real benefits, no Member State loses its tax base, and every founder who left for Texas gets a reason to come home. 4-0165-0000”
“Madam President, my dear colleagues, a single market and 27 company law systems. That fragmentation costs European businesses the equivalent of 44 % tariff on goods and 110 % on services inside our single market. We tax ourselves out of our own market then act surprised when our start-ups found themselves in Texas instead of Riga. That is the broken infrastructure we need to fix not qualified majority tax rules. So let's simplify: one digital registration, one rulebook for companies scaling everywhere in the EU. That is the actual precondition to competitiveness. This file does not stand alone. It sits alongside EU inc., insolvency rules and one more pillar that matters: European business wallets – one digital identity instead of 27 separate logins. Today, an SME expanding abroad spends on average EUR 10 000 and 14 weeks on paperwork.”
“It has produced cover for a regime that tortures its citizens, exiles its dissidents and sends its nationals to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine. The ECR Group has already called for the PDCA's suspension. That is the minimum Europe owes the Cubans in the streets and to our own claim to stand for freedom. 2-0450-0000”
“Madam President, Cuba has announced a pardon of 2 010 prisoners. Not one was a political prisoner. Not a single one. The regime explicitly excluded those convicted of 'crimes against authority' – the exact charges used against dissidents. Four independent human rights organisations have confirmed this. This was an attempt at a diplomatic performance, staged for international consumption. So, over 200 political prisoners remain behind bars. Two hundred and twenty new political cases were added in the last 12 months. In March, when Cubans took to the streets over blackouts and empty shelves, the answer was arrests, beatings, and criminal charges for public disorder. And yet the EU‑Cuba political dialogue and cooperation agreement remains in place. This agreement has not produced one milligram of progress on human rights.”
“Thousands of Cubans are fighting for Russia today while the EU still maintains privileged cooperation with Havana. We cannot claim to defend European security while sending European taxpayer money to a government that actively sells its citizens to fuel Russian imperialism. Turning a blind eye to this reality makes us complicit. Condemnation is not enough. We must sanction the networks and confront the regime's enabling them. 3-0544-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, Moscow likes to present itself as the great anti‑colonial champion of the Global South. Yet today, it sends recruiters to Nairobi, Havana and Kathmandu with fake job offers and visa promises, dragging the Global South's most vulnerable into a colonial war of conquest against Ukraine. This war is a war of aggression – the most serious crime in international law – waged to subjugate a sovereign nation and seize its land by force. That is not anti‑colonialism. It is textbook imperialism. To sustain this war, Russia runs what is effectively a state‑backed human trafficking pipeline. Over 18 000 foreign nationals from more than 120 countries have been recruited through deception. Passports confiscated, a few weeks of training and then straight to the front line. Many come from Africa, and Central and South Asia.”
“4-0157-0000 (Il Parlamento accetta di porre in votazione l'emendamento orale) 6.3 TC "6.3 - Целенасочено експулсиране на чуждестранни журналисти и християни в Турция под претекста за националната сигурност (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (гласуване)" \f 1 TC "6.3 - Expulsiones dirigidas de periodistas extranjeros y cristianos extranjeros en Turquía bajo el pretexto de la seguridad nacional (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (votación)" \f 2 TC "6.3 - Cílené vyhošťování zahraničních novinářů a křesťanů v Turecku pod záminkou národní bezpečnosti (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (hlasování)" \f 3 TC "6.3 - Målrettede udvisninger af udenlandske journalister og kristne i Tyrkiet under påskud af national sikkerhed (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (afstemning)" \f 4 TC "6.3 - Gezielte Ausweisung ausländischer Journalisten und Christen aus der Türkei unter dem Vorwand der nationalen Sicherheit (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (Abstimmung)" \f 5 TC "6.3 - Välisajakirjanike ja kristlaste sihipärane väljasaatmine Türgist riikliku julgeoleku ettekäändel (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (hääletus)" \f 6 TC "6.3 - Στοχευμένες απελάσεις ξένων δημοσιογράφων και ξένων χριστιανών στην Τουρκία με το πρόσχημα της εθνικής ασφάλειας (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (ψηφοφορία)" \f 7 TC "6.3 - Targeted expulsions of foreign journalists and foreign Christians in Türkiye under national security pretexts (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (vote)" \f 8 TC "6.3 - Expulsions ciblées de journalistes et de chrétiens étrangers en Turquie sous le prétexte de la sécurité nationale (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (vote)" \f 9 TC "6.3 - Díbirt spriocdhírithe iriseoirí agus Críostaithe eachtracha sa Tuirc faoi leithscéalta slándála náisiúnta (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (vótáil)" \f A TC "6.3 - Ciljano protjerivanje stranih novinara i stranih kršćana u Turskoj pod izgovorom nacionalne sigurnosti (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (glasovanje)" \f B TC "6.3 - Espulsioni mirate di giornalisti stranieri e di cristiani dalla Turchia con il pretesto della sicurezza nazionale (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (votazione)" \f C TC "6.3 - Ārvalstu žurnālistu un ārvalstu kristiešu mērķtiecīga izraidīšana Turcijā, aizbildinoties ar valsts drošības apsvērumiem (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (balsošana)" \f D TC "6.3 - Kryptingas užsienio žurnalistų ir užsienio krikščionių išsiuntimas Turkijoje nacionalinio saugumo pretekstais (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (balsavimas)" \f E TC "6.3 - Külföldi újságírók és keresztények Törökországból nemzetbiztonsági ürüggyel történő célzott kiutasítása (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (szavazás)" \f F TC "6.3 - It-tkeċċijiet immirati ta’ ġurnalisti barranin u ta’ Kristjani barranin fit-Turkija bl-iskuża tas-sigurtà nazzjonali (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (votazzjoni)" \f G TC "6.3 - Gerichte uitzettingen van buitenlandse journalisten en christenen in Turkije onder het mom van nationale veiligheid (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (stemming)" \f H TC "6.3 - Ukierunkowane wydalenia zagranicznych dziennikarzy i chrześcijan w Turcji pod pretekstem zapewniania bezpieczeństwa narodowego (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (głosowanie)" \f I TC "6.3 - Expulsões específicas de jornalistas estrangeiros e de cristãos na Turquia a pretexto da segurança nacional (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (votação)" \f J TC "6.3 - Expulzări selective de jurnaliști străini și de creștini străini din Turcia sub pretexte legate de securitatea națională (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (vot)" \f K TC "6.3 - Cielené vyhostenia zahraničných novinárov a kresťanov v Turecku pod zámienkou národnej bezpečnosti (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (hlasovanie)" \f L TC "6.3 - Načrtni izgon tujih novinarjev in kristjanov iz Turčije pod pretvezo državne varnosti (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (glasovanje)" \f M TC "6.3 - Ulkomaisten toimittajien ja ulkomaisten kristittyjen kohdennettu karkottaminen Turkissa kansalliseen turvallisuuteen vedoten (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (äänestys)" \f N TC "6.3 - Riktade utvisningar av utländska journalister och utländska kristna i Turkiet med den nationella säkerheten som förevändning (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (omröstning)" \f OEspulsioni mirate di giornalisti stranieri e di cristiani dalla Turchia con il pretesto della sicurezza nazionale (RC-B10-0120/2026, B10-0111/2026, B10-0118/2026, B10-0120/2026, B10-0127/2026, B10-0129/2026, B10-0131/2026, B10-0134/2026) (votazione) 4-0159-0000”
“So I would like to move the following amendment after paragraph 7 in this motion for a resolution, as follows: 'Strongly condemns the election of the Islamic Republic of Iran as Vice-Chair of the UN Commission for Social Development and deplores reports that the UN Secretary-General sent a congratulatory message to the regime on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which legitimises a government responsible for mass killings, torture and arbitrary detentions and undermines international accountability'.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, two days ago, the UN General Assembly President urged this House to stand firm behind the UN nations and international rules‑based order. Yet the regime in Iran responsible for mass killings and crimes against humanity, on the same day, was elected Vice‑Chair of the UN Commission for Social Development, and the UN Secretary-General yesterday reportedly congratulated the regime on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. This undermines the very system we are called to defend.”
“Bet Ukrainai ir jāspēj iznīcināt raķešu palaišanas vietas, noliktavas un militārās bāzes, no kurām šie uzbrukumi tiek veikti. Tālās distances triecienu spējas ir aizsardzības ieroči – tie pasargā slimnīcas enerģētiku un civiliedzīvotājus, pirms raķetes paceļas gaisā. Ja gribam izbeigt šo krīzi, Ukrainai jābūt iespējai apturēt raķetes tur, no kurienes tās nāk – no Krievijas militārajām bāzēm. Mums ir jānodrošina Ukrainai šāda iespēja. 2-0234-0000”
“Here is the core mission: agree on common European standards for autonomous and interoperable drone systems first – architecture before mass production, software before scale. If we lock in fragmentation, we lock in delay. If we build common systems, capability follows. 4-0027-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, first, congratulations to the rapporteur, Reinis Pozņaks, on a strong report. It matters that this is led by a Latvian. On the EU's eastern frontier, capability matters more than intent. My years in the national guard and in politics have taught me this: drones matter because they change tempo. Whoever sees first, decides first and can act first. Ukraine shows that, clearly, speed, iteration and integration beats perfection. What this report gets right is its focus on systems. Compatibility and interoperability now decide advantage – how well sensors, autonomy and command connect. Europe has strong technology, but without alignment multiple forces never become one.”
“The IRGC is the centre of this system of repression and global terror. The legal basis to designate it as a terrorist organisation is settled and has existed for years, and the Parliament has demanded it for years. The Council meets this Thursday. There is time for one more decision. Stop biding for time, designate IRGC now and High Commissioner – please do name those Member States who still resist this decision. 2-0339-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, the protests in Iran have been bloodily suppressed. Security forces cleared the streets with live fire, mass arrests and internet blackouts, and no one knows how many thousands have been killed. Families are forced to pay the regime to recover the bodies of their massacred children. This is how the Islamic Republic maintains control. Over the years, the EU has engaged with those responsible for these atrocities. Senior diplomats attended presidential inaugurations, condolences were issued when the 'Butcher of Tehran' died. These were conscious political decisions that granted the regime international legitimacy while it shot its own citizens. We sanctioned individuals and kept trading with a regime that arms Russia's war against Ukraine and plots assassinations on European soil as a partner.”
“We keep saying we understand the times we live in, but we are clearly still budgeting as if nothing has changed. If this is the EU's idea of 'ramping up', we are obviously not ready to do that. Better late than never, yes. But it's still much, much too little. 2-0050-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, yes, EDIP is needed, and many colleagues have previously already elaborated on the details. But EUR 1.5 billion for nearly three years, divided among 27 Member States, is not a serious response to the reality we are facing. That is roughly EUR 18 million per country per year. It does not get you very far in defence terms. It barely gets you started. At the same time, the EU can mobilise EUR 300 billion for the Global Gateway. So, for infrastructure projects around the world, hundreds of billions; for Europe's own defence industry in wartime, one two-hundredth of that. It sounds ridiculous because it is. EDIP is an important shift in thinking, yes. But the willingness to actually fund our defence still isn't there.”
“We must close loopholes, sanction intermediaries, and put an end to Russia’s role in Europe’s nuclear supply chains. We must invest in diversification: hydrogen, modular reactors, and new nuclear supply chains built with trusted partners, not authoritarian regimes. Energy independence is not just a national priority – it is a Union-wide security imperative. 3-0522-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, Europe has come a long way in cutting its dependence on Russia's energy. Gas, oil, coal – we’ve reduced it all. But partial progress is not victory. Every tanker of Russian LNG that still arrives in Europe, every barrel relabelled through India, every Rosatom contract operating quietly here in Europe – they all keep feeding Kremlin’s war machine. Dependence on aggressors is not a market choice; it’s a strategic and an expensive mistake. You all know this. Today, around 20 % of Europe’s nuclear reactors still depend on Russian nuclear fuel. In 2024 alone, over EUR 700 million worth of nuclear materials came from Russia. Rosatom is operating under the radar in critical parts of our energy sector. We must fully phase out all Russian energy imports, including nuclear.”
“If institutional reform is needed, then do it – not to delay enlargement, but to enable it. Reforms should serve enlargement, not the other way around. Enlargement isn't about sending a message, it's about shaping reality. 2-0254-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, imagine being Moldovan: reforming, resisting Russian pressure and watching the door to the EU stay shut. Or being Ukrainian: bleeding on the battlefield for European values while the Union debates 'absorption capacity'. Many in this Chamber do not remember what EU accession actually means. I do. I remember Latvia's path clearly – it was demanding. We reformed, we adapted, we compromised, because there was a goal within reach. And because it was credible, it was empowering. We believed in Europe because Europe honoured its word. That is what is now at stake, not just institutional capacity, but the very credibility of the Union's work. A candidate country can do everything right and still be blocked, not because of its failures, but because of ours.”
“‑ the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is not listed as a terrorist organisation in the EU. This is the same force that brutalises Iranians, funds terrorism, and supplies weapons used against Ukrainian civilians. How many times must this Parliament call for the IRGC to be designated as a terrorist organisation before the Council acts? Both the Council and the Commission say we are for diplomacy. I say yes to diplomacy, but to hard diplomacy. 3-0475-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, Iran’s nuclear programme is no longer just a regional problem ‑ it’s a direct threat to European and global security. The regime is enriching uranium far beyond any civilian need and shutting out IAEA inspectors ‑ this is not ambiguity, it is escalation. The E3 triggered the snapback mechanism, all nuclear-related UN sanctions are back in force. The EU has gone further ‑ freezing Iranian central and commercial banks, cutting off oil and gas imports, banning gold and sensitive equipment, and closing our airspace to Iranian cargo. This is the right path ‑ but let’s not pretend sanctions matter if they’re not enforced. Iran arms Russia, fuels regional proxies, and rejects oversight. Appeasement got us here. Strength is overdue. And still ‑ still!”
“Regional countries – Egypt, Jordan, the Gulf – must take responsibility. Peace cannot be outsourced, nor can it be financed endlessly by Europe. The EU's role must be principled, realistic and conditional – tied to regional ownership and general reform. Anything else is wishful thinking. 2-0195-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, you don't have to be pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian, but you should be pro-fact. We must not confuse immediate conflict management with long-term political solutions. The peace plan is a response to war. It outlines tactical steps: ceasefire, humanitarian aid, hostage release. A two-state solution may sound noble, but what is being built? A state with no functioning institutions, no elections in nearly two decades and systematic corruption. This plan does not create a Palestinian state. It explicitly rules out Hamas – as it must. No serious state can emerge under the shadow of a terrorist organisation. Rebuilding Gaza will take at least a decade. The question is not only 'who pays?', but 'who leads and guarantees the process?', because it certainly cannot – and should not – be the European Union.”
“Our businesses are still operating in a grey zone. Legal ambiguity, regulatory inconsistency. That is not how to strengthen transatlantic supply chains, especially not in a global environment where authoritarian regimes are aggressively consolidating influence. So three things must be pushed for. First, a formal review mechanism with a fixed deadline. Second, a clear legal framework that gives EU exporters predictability. And third, but not least, a roadmap, ambitious but realistic towards a barrier-free transatlantic trade area. That is what will keep the EU-US partnership competitive, resilient and strategic. 3-0275-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, I guess there is a confusion. We are not talking about the EU-US trade agreement. We are talking about a political deal. So there is a long way ahead to actually reach the trade deal. But trade in general is good and freer trade is even better. So this principle really has underpinned decades of the EU-US cooperation. And while this new arrangement is imperfect, a deal, even a political one, is better than no deal. But we need to be serious. Tariffs are back and they are not balanced: 15 % of the most EU goods, while US exports enjoy broad exemptions. That is not a sustainable model for the world's two largest democratic economies. We welcome the political will to avoid escalation, but political will must now be followed by structure, transparency and enforcement.”
“We need thorough de-risking: tighten investment screening, rebuild critical supply chains with trusted allies, and enforce WTO rules wherever Beijing undercuts fair competition for European workers, business and innovation. Speak with one transatlantic, not transactional voice. Autonomy built on dependency is not autonomy at all. 2-0043-0000”
“Madam President, in two weeks the EU lands in Beijing to mark 50 years of relations with China. It looks like a celebration; in truth it is a stress test. Trade still tops EUR 739 billion, yet our deficit is EUR 292 billion, and exports are falling. State-subsidised overcapacity floods our market while China’s stays selectively closed. As Commissioner Šefčovič fights in Washington to shield European jobs from blanket US tariffs, Beijing slaps duties on medical devices and cognac, rations rare-earth licences, and declares it 'cannot accept' a Russian defeat in Ukraine. Treat the summit as business-as-usual and we tell Washington and Moscow that Europe swaps security for cheap batteries. After five decades China is still no responsible partner.”
“And finally, while the NATO-Russia Council absurdly still exists, perhaps we could instead invite Putin to the following address in The Hague: Oude Waalsdorperweg 10. I'm sure the ICC would gladly receive him. 3-0072-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, at The Hague, NATO must face reality. Russia is not a 'challenge', it is an enemy, and we must continue to call it that. It does not act alone: Iran, North Korea and China stand behind it, forming an authoritarian axis and fuelling each other's aggression. This is not regional. This is systematic. Europe must stop hiding behind US guarantees, NATO's strength must grow to meet threats in Europe and beyond, and it is time to go back to basics. If the US shifts focus, Europe must defend itself and carry its share. The proposed 5 % GDP target for defence is a necessity, not because GDP ratios win wars – they don't. Strength, capabilities and action do. Ukraine cannot be sidelined. Its future is inseparable from NATO's security.”
“Every eliminated operative weakens the entire authoritarian axis. The humanitarian tragedy in Gaza is undeniable. But the root cause is Hamas, armed, financed and directed by Tehran. Remember this: authoritarian axis feeds on fear. (The President cut off the speaker) 2-0537-0000”
“Dear colleagues, as we debate, yet again Iran has launched another barrage of missiles towards Israel. And Iran's constitutional doctrine calls for Israel's destruction. This is not rhetoric. It's a state policy. Tehran arms Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and supplies and co-produces missiles and drones with Russia to aid its expansionist war on Ukraine. Its nuclear programme adds a new layer of existential threat not only to Israel, but to global security. The UN Atomic Agency confirms Iran has stockpiled highly enriched uranium far beyond a civilian purpose. This is a nuclear weapons ambition. Nothing else. Israel is now dismantling Iran's missile, drone and nuclear infrastructure. All targets are military. Every destroyed facility reduces Iran's capability to threaten Israel, Ukraine and potentially Europe.”
“The European Parliament must not be the last safe haven for sanctioned Kremlin propaganda. We call again for immediate action, a full blocking and compliance audit, binding internal guidelines and accountability. 1-0044-0000”
“Madam President, I would like to make a point of order under Rule 202. The EU sanctioned Kremlin propaganda outlets like Russia Today and Sputnik, banning their broadcasts for spreading disinformation and justifying Russia's aggression. And yet, today, these same sanctioned outlets remain freely accessible inside this Parliament on the internal network, Wi‑Fi and visitor devices. After months of notification, letters and discussions to the President and Bureau, nothing has changed. This is not a technical issue. This is an institutional failure. When we demand sanctions enforcement across the EU but fail inside our own House, we move from double standards into complicity. The legal basis is clear. The EU Court of Justice upheld the sanctions. National regulators have acted.”
“Historical revisionism is a weapon, a tool to legitimise aggression, blur guilt and erase the suffering of nations. A united Europe demands a united memory, one that condemns all totalitarian regimes. There can be no reconciliation without truth and no security if lies go unchallenged. 4-0047-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, for Western Europe World War Two ended in May 1945, but for millions in Central and Eastern Europe, Latvia included, the end of the tyranny meant the beginning of another. Soviet tanks replaced Nazi boots. Freedom was postponed for nearly five decades. Nazi crimes were prosecuted at Nuremberg, justice was served, and rightly so. But there was no Nuremberg for Communism, no tribunal for the gulags, the deportations, the erasure of Baltic independence. Europe's memory remains divided. This is no accident; it's by design. The Kremlin today wages war not only on Ukraine, but on historical truth itself. It denies the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, glorifies Stalinism under the banner of liberation, and brands our resistance as fascism.”
“And while I rarely quote Elon Musk, I'll agree with him on this: Europe and the US should aim for a 'zero-tariff zone'. So a stronger, freer trade relationship – rooted in trust and common democratic ground – is in both of our interests. 2-0056-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, the US tariffs are harsh, but they remind us how critical it is to deepen, not weaken, our transatlantic bond. In a world of fast-moving competition, while we debate, others – especially authoritarian regimes – are moving fast to dominate emerging technologies and critical raw materials. This is the time to align. We need permanent EU trade representation not just in Washington but in the wider US, to identify, negotiate and remove the barriers that still hold back transatlantic trade. But we must do so without compromising our standards: food, safety, security, etc. Targeted coordination on critical sectors and technologies is what we should be locking in on. That includes improving customs processing, eliminating red tape, and other measures that slow innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.”
“Any EU support must be long-term, insulated from political shifts and conditional, not on content, but on clear goals, democratic values and impact. We either fund truth or let the others distort it. 2-0445-0000”
“And, Madam High Representative, please break this curse that for seven years in a row, the High Representative hasn't paid respect in person the CFSP conferences. That is a disgrace. 2-0183-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, the EU's credibility as a geopolitical actor depends on three things: coherence, speed and resolve. First, we must strengthen the EU's External Action Service with the political weight, intelligence capabilities and coordination tools needed to act, not just react. Second, conditionality must not be optional. Every euro, every agreement – from trade to development aid – must reinforce our strategic goals and core values. No more partnerships à la carte. Third, we must expand trade agreements with like‑minded partners, reducing dependency on systematic rivals. And finally, enlargement. The process must move faster with clear criteria, yes, but without letting internal blockers sabotage the will of candidate countries determined to join our Union. Power unused is power lost.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, it is clear that the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova is essential, especially now: with USAID withdrawing, a major gap has opened in strengthening Moldova's institutions, leaving it vulnerable to external threats. Russia will exploit this. As Moldova nears its parliamentary elections, the risk of foreign interference is high. Russian meddling is well-documented. We must bolster Moldova's resilience now. This is about more than financial aid. It is about resilience, reforms and Moldova's EU path. Strengthening institutions, independent media and electoral integrity must be immediate, not gradual. The first payout is set at 20 %, but in this critical moment, that's not enough. We should amend the plan and increase it by an additional 5 %.”
“Commissioner, you must ensure a structured engagement similar to the CFSP and CSDP. We should have a CTP conference during every presidency, where civil society and national parliamentarians can engage with the European Parliament and with the Commission. This is a chance to expand, compete and lead – and we should take it. 4-0027-0000”
“The EU must suspend Georgia's accession process and impose sanctions on those enabling this crackdown. Georgian people cannot afford to be left at the mercy of those who despise its European path. 2-0514-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, the situation in Georgia is deteriorating rapidly. The Georgian people want the European future, but their government responds with violence, repression and lies. The Georgian 'nightmare party' has abandoned all its commitments and any pretences, silencing opposition, harassing journalists and using brutal force against peaceful protesters. The regime makes a mockery of democracy, hiding behind its principles while trampling them with every action. Their propaganda is straight out of the Kremlin's playbook. Absurd to the point of eliciting a laugh, but not dangerous in its intent. They present themselves as defenders of stability while sowing chaos and targeting their own citizens. If we do nothing, we abandon the Georgian people to the government that fears democracy and thrives on oppression.”
“We must first invest in defence capabilities that deter, not just respond, second, tackle economic vulnerabilities that adversaries exploit and, last but not least, speak with one voice on strategic threats like Russia and China. It's about our credibility. We must step up and meet the US as equals, because divided we fall. 2-0242-0000”
“Mr President, the new Trump administration signals a shift in transatlantic relations. But let's be clear: neither Europe nor the US can do it alone and expect to retain global strength. If we want to remain really relevant, we must stand united. Europe needs to finally become – and I mean literally – a strong, loyal and trustworthy ally. We cannot afford internal divisions while our adversaries inflict death by a thousand cuts through disinformation, coercion, hybrid and open hostilities. They thrive on our hesitation and disunity. A strong transatlantic partnership depends not just on the US, but also on Europe stepping up.”