Sebastian Tynkkynen
Member of the European Parliament · ECR · FI
“– Merci, Monsieur le Président, et merci, chers parlementaires, pour ce débat plein d’humanité et de cœur. J’aimerais commencer par une des phrases qui a été dite.”
“Mr President, a government's first moral contract is to its own citizens. Making its own citizens' lives better, safer and more prosperous comes before everything else. It doesn't mean we can't do things like give humanitarian aid; of course we can, and we should.”
“Il n’y a pas zéro risque, mais en tout cas nous avons zéro tolérance et un système de contrôle solide en place, avec un suivi de nos propres bureaux ECHO qui sont sur place, qui sont en contact avec nos partenaires qui distribuent l’aide humanitaire, avec des audits de la Cour des comptes européenne, avec des rapports circonstanciés.”
“Arvoisa puhemies, tämä talo ei pääse yli vihreästä vimmastaan. Kun käsitellään rajat ylittävän liiketoiminnan verotuksen yksinkertaistamista, samasta ovesta yritetään vetää punavihreän puolueohjelman kirjauksia.”
“Alors, certes, l’aide humanitaire à elle seule ne peut pas tout résoudre, et c’est pour cela que nous avons publié cette communication humanitaire, qui est plus une stratégie, en réalité, face aux défis auxquels on fait face aujourd’hui.”
“C’est ce que je vois, c’est ce à quoi je suis confrontée à chaque fois que je me déplace en mission. C’est l’espoir, c’est une vision d’avenir pour nous tous, et nous devons en être fiers, le maintenir en vie. Je compte sur vous, je vous remercie et je vous souhaite un bon vote tout à l’heure pour votre résolution.”
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“Nie ma sankcji za okrucieństwa popełnione podczas wojen w Czeczenii czy Syrii. Rosja uczyniła kłamstwo elementem swojej oficjalnej polityki państwowej. Fałszuje prawdę o Katyniu, wybiela katów i prześladuje niezależnych historyków oraz instytucje takie jak Memoriał. Dzisiejsza Rosja już nie udaje, gdzie znajdują się jej korzenie, gloryfikując czekistów i stawiając pomniki zbrodniarzom. Bucza, Irpień i Borodzianka nie były przypadkiem. Tak działa rosyjskie państwo: imperialistyczna polityka Rosji jest nierozerwalnie związana z przemocą i represjami. Putin odbudował system, który wychowuje i nagradza kolejne pokolenia zbrodniarzy. Te fakty powinny znaleźć się w naszej rezolucji i proszę o wsparcie mojej poprawki w tej sprawie.”
“zbrodni agresji przeciwko Ukrainie przy Międzynarodowym Trybunale Karnym, oraz wzmacnianie międzynarodowych mechanizmów śledczych. Jednocześnie potrzebne są dalsze sankcje wobec Rosji, wykorzystanie zamrożonych rosyjskich aktywów oraz zapewnienie wsparcia wojskowego i humanitarnego dla Kijowa. Nie może być trwałego pokoju bez sprawiedliwości i bez pełnej odpowiedzialności Rosji za popełnione zbrodnie. Obrona Ukrainy jest dziś obroną europejskiego bezpieczeństwa, prawa międzynarodowego oraz fundamentalnych wartości, na których opiera się Unia Europejska. 2-0499-5000 Mariusz Kamiński (ECR), na piśmie – Związek Sowiecki, a teraz Rosja nigdy nie zostały pociągnięte do odpowiedzialności za zbrodniczą politykę i ludobójcze praktyki. Kreml nie odpowiedział za Zbrodnię Katyńską ani za zsyłki Polaków na Sybir.”
“Są to świadome działania wymierzone w ludność cywilną i próba złamania ducha narodu ukraińskiego poprzez terror. Wobec tych barbarzyńskich rosyjskich ataków na ludność cywilną Ukrainy Unia Europejska nie może pozostać bierna, wyrażając po raz kolejny jedynie swoje oburzenie. Federacja Rosyjska i wszystkie osoby odpowiedzialne ze te zbrodnie muszą ponieść odpowiedzialność. Pragnę przypomnieć, że mój kraj, Polska, wraz z Ukrainą i Litwą już zaraz po wybuchu pełnoskalowej wojny w 2022 r. powołał wspólny zespół śledczy ds. przestępstw popełnionych na Ukrainie, do którego szybko dołączyły cztery inne kraje wschodniej flanki. Dzisiaj konieczne jest dalsze zdecydowane wsparcie ze strony UE oraz konkretne działania na rzecz utworzenia specjalnego trybunału ds.”
“All these efforts serve one clear goal: a just and lasting peace, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and underpinned by robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. Accountability and justice in response to Russia's continued attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine must be an integral part of this process. 2-0499-0000 Die Präsidentin. – Zum Abschluss der Aussprache wurden gemäß Artikel 136 Absatz 2 der Geschäftsordnung sechs Entschließungsanträge eingereicht. Die Aussprache ist geschlossen. Die Abstimmung findet am Donnerstag, 30. April 2026, statt. Schriftliche Erklärungen (Artikel 178) 2-0499-2500 Michał Dworczyk (ECR), na piśmie – Pani Przewodnicząca, Koleżanki i Koledzy, każdej nocy rosyjskie rakiety i drony uderzają w ukraińskie domy, szpitale, szkoły oraz infrastrukturę energetyczną.”
“On 11 May, together with Ukraine and Canada, we will bring the world together in a high-level conference in Brussels to demand justice for the return of all Ukrainian children that were unlawfully taken by Russia. There can be no just and sustainable peace in Ukraine without accountability. Honourable members, let us work together towards this, our common goal. 2-0498-0000 Marilena Raouna, President-in-Office of the Council. – Madam President, honourable Members, Commissioner, thank you for this important debate. As the European Union, we keep accountability high on the international agenda, especially in the context of peace efforts, as Commissioner Kubilius has also underlined. We also work closely together with our international partners to swiftly advance international justice mechanisms.”
“2-0496-0000 (Ende der spontanen Wortmeldungen) 2-0497-0000 Andrius Kubilius, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, I would like to thank you for this very important and timely debate. As you know, justice delayed is justice denied. The European Union continues to push to advance fast and to assure solid preparation for these international justice mechanisms. Accountability must be kept high on the international agenda, especially in the context of peace efforts. Normalisation of our relations with Russia can happen only if Russia transforms itself back to normality. Accountability for crimes and justice can help that transformation.”
“Madam President, the senseless targeting of Ukrainian civilians by Russian invaders should serve as yet another wake-up call for Europe. Time and again, Russian orcs are using drones to hunt Ukrainians who refuse to leave their homeland. Kherson is under daily shelling. In just one week, nearly 5 500 drones were used against the region. However, Russia's meat grinder is not making any real progress. As a result, they have become so desperate that targeting civilians has become their new tactic. When you see what Russia is doing, you must be out of your mind to think they will be driven away through diplomacy. The reality that Europe must accept is that this war will be decided on the battlefield. Ukraine does not need more European debates – it needs more European arms.”
“At the same time, the purpose of simplification should be to reduce technical complexity, eliminate regulatory overlaps and harmonise definitions and procedures across related policy areas. If we succeed in this, we will not only improve compliance, but also strengthen trust in the European Union and its legal framework. 2-0460-0000”
“A significant number of these contributions have been considered and have helped to strengthen the final text. I would especially like to acknowledge the valuable input from the Committee on Petitions, which plays a crucial role, as citizens' petitions often serve as an early‑warning system, highlighting shortcomings in the implementation of EU law. At the heart of this report lies an idea that EU law is not an end in itself. It must ensure that it must serve our citizens and therefore it should be qualitative, clear and cohesive, and meet its fundamental condition for its correct and uniform transposition by the Member States, while preserving the core policy objectives and protections.”
“– Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, let me first sincerely thank all speakers for their constructive and thoughtful contributions to this debate. I think we all share the commitment to improve the implementation and enforcement of European Union law. I would also like to express my gratitude to Commissioner Dombrovskis for his continued cooperation with the JURI Committee and for his efforts in putting forward simplification solutions. We highly value this collaboration, and I look forward to continuing to work together in the future. I am also grateful to the members of the JURI Committee, as well as to the members of the JURI Network, whose sector‑specific expertise has added real depth and substance to this report. I also thank all the colleagues who tabled amendments.”
“Also streamlining: optimising the procedures, how we do impact assessments, how we do public consultations. Also setting out a more thorough pathway for the use of the urgency procedure, and also for foreseeing 'accelerated' impact assessments and public consultations, possibly in the form of a call for evidence also in those cases. Then leaving truly exceptional cases, where these analytical documents can be submitted alongside or following the proposal. So with today's communication and the many key actions we have set out, we are matching the scale of Europe's challenges and building resilience for the future, for the benefit of our people and businesses. 2-0459-0000 Dainius Žalimas, rapporteur.”
“I will perhaps now come back to some of the points raised by the honourable Members in the debate. In terms of enforcement, we are not hesitating on enforcement and referring cases to the Court of Justice. Pre‑infringement dialogues have proven a successful tool and allow us to resolve a substantial majority of cases in time frames which are shorter than if we were to follow classic infringement procedures. But it is true that if we see that the pre‑infringement dialogue is not yielding results, we need then to move to infringement procedures proper. There was a case raised concerning the number of delegated and implementing acts which we are having. In today's communication, indeed, we indicate that we will be stricter with proposing delegated and implementing acts and also urge the co-legislators to follow this approach.”
“Hyvät eurooppalaiset, asioitanne hoidetaan huonosti. 2-0457-0000 (Fine della procedura "catch the eye") 2-0458-0000 Valdis Dombrovskis, Commission. – Madam President, Mr rapporteur, honourable Members, even the best rules fail to achieve their intended impact when implementation is fragmented, delayed or inconsistent across Member States. Such shortcomings may not only weaken the single market integrity and undermine European competitiveness, but also erode trust in the rule of law – a foundation of the EU's legitimacy. This comes at a significant cost to people and businesses. As our report shows, the Commission has taken far‑reaching enforcement actions in the past years, showing resolve in enforcing EU law, as illustrated by the record number of cases referred to the Court of Justice.”
“Think about the Digital Markets Act's equivalent in the Digital Services Act – think about the trial decided less than a month ago in the United States, stating that Meta and YouTube were liable for social media addiction. We take care of our children, of our values, of reality, of things that deserve to be trusted and we, holding institutional responsibilities, need to respond to that mission. I'm more than happy to keep engaging in this conversation whenever you need to have an update, to discuss what is going on, where we see the risk. I have witnessed your passion, your conviction and I am with you. I am with our European values and will stick to the defence of them. No subordination – on the contrary, something that is human-centred in terms of creating wealth and improving the quality of life of citizens. 2-0316-0000”
“Yes, there are many other challenging cases that do not necessarily go through this regulation, but are connected to other relevant regulations, including the foreign subsidies regulation approaches because our mandate is to defend a well-functioning market, to defend the possibility of those willing to challenge the traditional incumbents to count on the opportunity to do it, to defend the public interest that means respect for consumers, and to prevent the abuse of dominance. I would have to say that, in many of these aspects, we – European citizens, small, medium or big European business and public services counting on digital realities to be efficient – are not so far away from many concerns that eventually other citizens in the world, including American citizens, may be fearing.”
“So, again, if you have doubts, ask, but please do not help those fighting against us by giving them the chance to think that they are right, because they are not right. We are enforcing the law that you adopted because we think it is a great regulation. Why do you trust media that deploys rumours instead of asking me? It is much better to follow the facts – that's also something we need to be ready to defend, because that's very precisely one of the risks that we identify in the digital world, and it is mounting. We have adopted two non-compliance decisions, two specification decisions, seven openings to identify designation of gatekeepers, and there is a relevant number of ongoing cases in less than two years in a very complicated new sector and along with implementation, with the enforcement of our antitrust rules.”
“Sen sijaan, että täällä loukkaannutaan kehotuksesta tarkastella sääntelyä uudelleen, kannattaisiko paukut laittaa johonkin muuhun? Esimerkiksi siihen, ettei EU olisi nykyisenlainen sääntelyhelvetti. 2-0314-0000 (Încheierea intervențiilor la cerere) 2-0315-0000 Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the Commission. – Mr President, I have really enjoyed this passionate debate, and I understand your commitment and the importance that you give to this Digital Markets Act. It is quite clear that your comments are key, important, fair – not always fair, I will comment on that. But I appreciate the opportunity to engage with you and address your concerns about the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act. Please do not trust the pollution of rumours on what we do.”
“Ta sama instytucja, która przez lata zalewała Europę tysiącami stron regulacji, która dusiła małe firmy wymogami niezrozumiałymi nawet dla wielkich korporacji, która niszczyła konkurencyjność europejskiej gospodarki biurokratycznym nadmiarem, teraz mówi nam, że chce stanowić prawo lepiej. Słowa bez pokrycia. Bo to nie jest instytucja, która stosuje prawo równo. To instytucja, która prawo stosuje wybiórczo, kiedy jej wygodnie i wobec tych, których chce ukarać. Najlepszym dowodem są obecne próby ograniczania VPN i budowania europejskiego systemu kontroli internetu rodem z Pekinu. Komisja, która miała strzec wolności, dziś przymierza się do cyfrowego muru. Europejczycy nie chcą chińskiego internetu. Nie chcą więcej regulacji. Chcą, żeby Bruksela przestała udawać, że zna ich życie lepiej niż oni sami.”
“I acknowledge that it is not an easy task, and it's not easy for the Commission either, but we must all make an effort to make the necessary changes. This communication is an opportunity to make this a reality, and the Commission stands ready to work closely with you. We look forward to continued engagement with this House as we continue our joint efforts on better regulation. 2-0280-0000 Die Präsidentin. – Die Aussprache ist geschlossen. Schriftliche Erklärungen (Artikel 178) 2-0280-5000 Piotr Müller (ECR), na piśmie – Komisja Europejska postanowiła ogłosić komunikat o lepszym stanowieniu prawa. Trudno o większą ironię w tej kadencji Parlamentu.”
“And finally on faster and more robust enforcement, the Commission will accelerate enforcement across all policy areas and intensify especially the enforcement of the single market rulebook. Taken together, the actions I have presented today can deliver real results, but only if the Commission's high level of commitment is matched by the Parliament and the Council. Our regulatory system can be much better harnessed to support the achievement of our policy objectives, boost prosperity and competitiveness, and deliver faster and more effective responses to our pressing needs. To that end, it is important that co-legislators also adhere to better‑regulation principles during the legislative process and pay close attention to keeping rules simple by design.”
“Thirdly, on regulatory deep‑cleaning, with the action plan on regulatory deep‑cleaning, the Commission will tackle inconsistencies, and outdated, overlapping or redundant provisions, or overly complex rules that hinder competitiveness and innovation. Fourth, and some of you were highlighting this, on gold‑plating, the Commission will support Member States in their commitment to avoid gold‑plating through best practices and transposition guidance. We will also help to identify key barriers and issues through the European Semester and Single Market Enforcement Task Force. And as I said, we would also be ready to use enforcement, infringements, in case the gold‑plating is breaching the EU rules.”
“Some of you raised especially the point on the importance of reducing the burden for SMEs, which are probably facing the most difficulties with following those very complex rules, and therefore we outline in our communication that we will also be applying the 'think small first' principle in our lawmaking. Secondly, on strengthening our 'better regulation' framework, the EU's 'better regulation' system – already among the most advanced in the OECD – will be further improved to enhance transparency, stakeholder engagement and efficiency. And there we are also following up on the European Ombudsman's recommendations.”
“2-0278-0000 (Ende der spontanen Wortmeldungen) 2-0279-0000 Valdis Dombrovskis, Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, thank you for this engaging and substantive discussion. The communication the European Commission has adopted today seeks to modernise EU lawmaking, ensuring that laws are clearer, more efficiently enforced based on solid evidence, and better aligned with the needs of citizens and businesses. So allow me to reiterate the five pillars upon which our communication is based, and also to come back to some of the points in the debate. So first, on simplicity by design, the Commission aims to embed simplicity by design into every proposal, ensuring clarity on who must act, how to comply, and the consequences of non-compliance.”
“Erről szólnak ezek a viták, erről szól az Európai Parlament mentesítési eljárása is, mint az egyik legfontosabb demokratikus ellenőrző eszköz az Európai Unió működésében és az Európai Parlament ellenőrző szerepének a megvalósításában. Köszönöm mindenkinek még egyszer az ebben a munkában való közreműködést. 2-0257-0000 Die Präsidentin. – Die gemeinsame Aussprache ist geschlossen. Die Abstimmung findet morgen, 29. April 2026, statt.”
“A mentesítési eljárás, amiről ma beszéltünk, pontosan erről szól, hogy ez nem valamilyen ócska politikai játszma, hanem a közpénzek feletti közös őrségünk és az ezzel kapcsolatos közös felelősségünk is. Amikor az átláthatóság és az elszámoltathatóság nem csupán elvárás, hanem alapvető feltétel is. Muszáj erről beszélni, mert ezek a közös elvek és értékek egyre nagyobb nyomás alatt állnak az Európai Unióban. A külső fenyegetések, a mindenhonnan érkező dezinformációs kampányok, valamint az európai uniós intézményekbe vetett bizalmat aláásó politikai törekvések egyre inkább próbára teszik az Európai Uniót, éppen ezért különösen fontos, hogy kiálljunk következetesen azok mellett az értékek mellett, amikről eddig is beszéltünk: a demokrácia, a jogállamiság, az átláthatóság és az elszámoltathatóság.”
“Én is a rapportőr kollégákhoz hasonlóan köszönöm az érintett intézmények és valamennyi parlamenti kolléga, így elsősorban és különösen a shadow rapportőr kollégák konstruktív együttműködését. A mai vita, de talán még inkább az azt megelőző több hónapos előkészítő folyamat megmutatta, hogy a Parlament akkor tudja betölteni hiteles ellenőrző szerepét, amikor együttműködésre és közös felelősségvállalásra építve végzi a munkáját. A politikában és itt a Parlamentben teljesen természetesek a politikai nézetkülönbségek, de kötelezettségünk ezeket tisztelettel és tisztességgel és becsülettel, az európai polgárok érdekeit szem előtt tartva képviselnünk és dolgoznunk.”
“Und man könnte einmal darüber nachdenken, dass man übergreifend für Agenturen einen Rechtsdienst macht, auf den verschiedene Agenturen zugreifen können und somit nicht nur auf externe Rechtsanwaltskanzleien, die dann bei den entsprechenden Fällen natürlich vor Gericht extrem kostenträchtig sind – ob man da nicht vielleicht einmal doch über Synergien zwischen den Agenturen nachdenken könnte, sodass es den Agenturen sowohl bei Ausschreibungen, also in diesem spezialisierten Bereich, als auch z. B. bei Personalfragen, Rechtsfragen, Klagen gegen Agenturen hilfreich sein könnte. Da wäre ich sehr dankbar, wenn die Kommission darüber nachdenken würde. 2-0256-0000 Csaba Molnár, előadó. – Tisztelt Elnök Asszony!”
“Nachdem der Europäische Rechnungshof und dessen Präsident Tony Murphy sowie das Team des Rechnungshofes schon mehrfach den Hinweis gegeben haben, dass die einzelnen Agenturen, vor allem wenn sie kleiner sind oder auch wenn sie sehr komplexe Ausschreibungen machen müssen, dringend einer Unterstützung bedürften. Vielleicht kann man tatsächlich einmal einen Rechtsdienst und einen Unterstützungsdienst für Fragen bezüglich der Ausschreibungen machen. Denn ich habe das auch bei CEDEFOP erlebt, wenn die dann mit einer komplizierten Personalkonstellation – auch unter Schwierigkeiten innerhalb der eigenen Agentur – dann die eigene juristische Expertise haben sollen, die am Schluss dann zu einem erheblichen Fehlbetrag führt, der auch die Tätigkeit der Agentur ziemlich einschränkt, dann ist es schlicht und einfach schade – muss ich ehrlich sagen.”
“Per costruire questa Europa migliore. dobbiamo innanzitutto fare della trasparenza, della gestione delle risorse pubbliche, la nostra principale linea a cui dobbiamo adeguarci. L'Europa non si deve accontentare, noi non ci dobbiamo accontentare: tolleranza zero verso gli abusi. E in questo modo possiamo costruire appunto un'Europa più equa, un'Europa che si ispiri all'idea della giustizia, all'idea che i nostri padri fondatori ci hanno tramandato. 2-0255-0000 Monika Hohlmeier, Berichterstatterin. – Frau Präsidentin, Herr Kommissar, liebe Ratspräsidentschaft! Ich möchte nur noch einmal eine Anregung geben.”
“E questo è qualcosa che non dobbiamo dimenticare: abbiamo il dovere di essere esigenti con noi stessi ma anche con le istituzioni che ci rappresentano e che rappresentano milioni di cittadini. Per questo ogni mancanza di trasparenza, ogni ritardo – anche nel correggere problemi, irregolarità, zone d'ombra – indebolisce il progetto europeo che invece ci sta a cuore. Il punto è semplice: non possiamo chiedere rigore agli Stati membri, agli altri, se non siamo i primi a dimostrarlo, anche nel momento in cui questo ci dà fastidio. Non possiamo difendere lo Stato di diritto fuori da queste istituzioni se anche nelle più piccole questioni non lo applichiamo fino in fondo anche noi. Permettetemi di ribadirlo: la credibilità dell'Unione europea non si misura soltanto con i grandi principi ma anche con le piccole azioni quotidiane.”
“The general expenditure allowance is EUR 5 000 a month and it's totally unaccountable. This is also about transparency. This is also about guaranteeing the importance of spending of public money. And this is also about accountability. 2-0254-0000 Pasquale Tridico, relatore. – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, è un momento finale di un processo che è stato molto impegnativo, in cui lo spirito di compromesso è stato necessario, così come anche il rigore nel controllo. La legittimità democratica richiede il rispetto delle regole e, come sappiamo molto bene, noi rappresentanti delle istituzioni siamo chiamati non solo al rispetto delle regole formali e delle norme ma dobbiamo adeguarci ai più alti standard morali ed etici.”
“– Madam President, honourable Members, rapporteurs, Commissioner, President of the Court of Auditors, allow me to conclude by thanking you for the very thorough work on the discharge to the Commission, as provided by the Treaties. This is indeed a crucially important exercise, which gives a true measure of the way European funds are implemented and managed, and in doing so strengthens democratic oversight. I take this opportunity to thank also the Commission, the Court of Auditors, and all management and audit authorities at national level for their efforts in this regard. Our goal is shared in ensuring, especially in these uncertain times, that the EU budget provides real value for our citizens, for our taxpayers, and that EU funds are allocated to where we need them the most.”
“So then, we will refer to each and every recommendation. You know it and I would like also to reassure you that it is our ambition to implement as many recommendations of the discharge process as we can, even if it sometimes takes more than a year – it might take a few years – that is a recommendation. Your recommendations are treated seriously and I believe that you can also recognise that factor in the assessment of this process in the past. Finally, I also would like to thank the European Court of Auditors for their cooperation in this process, also for your recommendations that we will almost entirely recommend, and the Council that is also, from my perspective, an important part of the discharge procedure. 2-0251-0000 Marilena Raouna, President-in-Office of the Council.”
“– Madam President, honourable Members, we are going to close soon the debate on the discharge, but I would like to say that, from the perspective of the Commission, after the vote in the European Parliament, this is not the end of the process. From my perspective, this is actually the beginning of the process of implementation of the recommendations that are in the discharge report. I would like to assure you that we are looking forward to the vote that is going to take place in this House. We are already getting ready to share with you, at the end of June, the report on the follow-up to the discharge where, for us, it will already be an opportunity to present a state of play on the weaknesses, areas that you have identified in the discharge, and to address them also in a more detailed manner in the autumn.”
“Here I would agree and disagree with Mr Erixon, who earlier said that auditing is not attractive – I find it attractive sometimes, I have to say – but I would agree with him that it really is an essential element to ensure accountability, transparency and democratic oversight. Finally, I would like to thank our auditees because I know it's not always very easy being an auditee. I would like to thank the Commission, the Parliament, the other institutions, the agencies and the joint undertakings. And, as I already alluded to, I would like to thank all the rapporteurs who have been involved in the discharge procedure. 2-0249-0000 VORSITZ: KATARINA BARLEY Vizepräsidentin 2-0250-0000 Piotr Serafin, Member of the Commission.”
“I think from our perspective, we see that the EU is actually at a crossroads at the moment; it has to decide on what its priorities are – to really determine its priorities – and then how they're going to be funded. Because I think this is fundamental in terms of going forward, that there is a proper budgetary management of where the funds are going to come from. We should always remember that the EU budget, whether it's funded by borrowings or not, is basically provided by the EU taxpayers, some of whom are sitting up here in the gallery. It is them who must be reassured that our money is being spent for the betterment of all.”
“Ultimately, I hope that the discharge procedure leads to improved financial management going forward, because ultimately this is a common objective of us all here: the Court, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. We have a common goal here; we're all walking in the same direction and let's hope that things can improve further. I also appreciate the support which was given to us in terms of our mandate, in terms of getting access to all the documentation we require, which was alluded to by a number of Members. Sometimes, especially with other international organisations, we do have problems with access. In terms of going forward, I really hope that our opinions contribute to the ongoing discussion. We followed the debate closely this morning, so we know this will be a very difficult debate.”
“Ja ajatelkaa: osa näistä kansainvälisistä hyysäysjärjestöistä vieläpä rajoitti tarkastajien pääsyä asiakirjoihin. Eikö ole jo korkea aika lopettaa tämä ralli? 2-0247-0000 (Koniec vystúpení na základe prihlásenia sa o slovo zdvihnutím ruky) 2-0248-0000 Tony Murphy, President of the Court of Auditors. – Mr President, first of all, I'd like to thank everybody for this debate today based on the work of the European Court of Auditors, and also to acknowledge the appreciation and support for our work, which I think is a testament to the dedication of our staff. A lot of people have reiterated the importance of the discharge process as a very important tool. In that context, I would really like to thank the rapporteurs for their engagement throughout the process with us at the Court.”
“Arvoisa puhemies, lienee paikallaan jälleen opettaa tälle salille suomalainen sananlasku: ei kannettu vesi kaivossa pysy. Mutta Ursula se haluaa laittaa veronmaksajat kaatamaan saavikaupalla rahaa Brysselin laariin. 2 000 miljardia euroa – sen suuruinen on komission ehdotus EU:n seuraavaksi seitsenvuotiseksi rahapotiksi. Herätkää nyt jo, fiksut ihmiset! Meidän ei tarvitse upottaa ehdotettua 700 miljardia vihreän kasvun vauhdittamiseen. Sääntelynpurku on ilmaista. Meidän ei tarvitse antaa EU:lle oikeutta verottaa. Me voimme karsia menoja. Meidän ei tarvitse upottaa rahojamme siirtolaiskriisin ja sen seurausten hallintaan. Voimme heittää laittomat täältä ulos ja lyödä ovet tiukasti säppiin. Euroopan tervassa tarpominen ei ole mikään luonnon asettama laki. Se on ollut selkärangattomien poliitikkojen valintojen tulos. 2-0108-0000”
“Arvoisa puhemies, onko tämä maanosa kärsinyt vihreisiin hankkeisiin syydetyn julkisen rahan puutteesta? No ei hyvänen aika ole. Tämä maanosa on kärsinyt siitä, että rahaa on hukattu vihreisiin ideologisiin hankkeisiin, kun sitä olisi pitänyt saada Euroopan turvallisuuden parantamiseen. Ilmastotyöpajoilla ei pysäytetä rajan yli tulevaa tunkeutujaa. Nyt käsittelemme Euroopan investointipankin toimintaa vuodelta 2024. Se on laitos, joka pystyy vauhdittamaan rahoituksen saamista niihin painopisteisiin, joita Euroopassa halutaan poliittisesti edistää. Investointipankin kerrotaan antaneen uutta rahoitusta vuonna 2024 yli 76 miljardia euroa erilaisiin projekteihin. Tästä summasta 60 prosenttia, liki 45 miljardia euroa, meni ilmastotoimiin ja ympäristökestävyyteen. Entäpä puolustukseen ja turvallisuuteen kanavoidut rahat? Yksi miljardi.”
“Madam President, Europe has been living in a dream world for too long. That dream world is called development aid. We've operated on a naive belief that if we were just 'kind' enough, we would earn loyalty; that if we gave enough away, the world would adopt our values. Nothing could be further from the truth. This childish view has cost the European taxpayer hundreds of billions of euros in the last years alone. And what do we have to show for it? We gave away Europeans' hard‑earned money as charity to cultures that often reject everything we stand for. We chose 'feeling good' over doing business. It's time to wake up. Kindness does not buy loyalty in this world – strength and partnership do. If we want influence, we have to stop being a donor. 2-0081-0000”
“Madam President, Afghanistan was once a Buddhist nation. Pakistan – once Hindu. Lebanon – once a Christian majority. You know what happened? They were conquered by Islam. For years we have been told that mass migration is just a humanitarian phenomenon – something that we just must adapt to. The reality is much more strategic. Modern hybrid warfare does not always involve tanks or missiles. Sometimes the most effective weapon is the flow of people. When millions are directed towards Europe without control, the consequences are severe. Islam has used this method for 1 400 years, and they have no intention of abandoning this method of conquest. When the Islamic movement gains enough strength, it seeks to seize power and establish a caliphate. This is why peace or coexistence between Islamic and non-Islamic societies is impossible.”
“I know many people thinks it's difficult, but believe me, when we started CMDI, many people said the same, and they told us: 'you will not be able to strike an agreement on this one'. But we did, we did and we got a good result. So this should encourage all of us to push and keep moving forward. 1-0248-0000 Die Präsidentin. – Die Aussprache ist geschlossen. Die Abstimmung findet morgen, Donnerstag, 26. März 2026, statt.”
“– Madam President, as I said earlier, I think that CMDI is not an end point, it's a decisive step towards completing the banking union. I think that what these reforms make clear is that the more we operate within the current architecture of the banking union, the more its structural limitations come up and become apparent. So we have addressed many of the technical obstacles; what remains now is a political choice. If we truly want to ensure a level playing field, strengthen confidence and unlock the full potential of financial integration – which we always mention – then we must take the next step. I think we know what this step is, I already said it, I think the next step is a European deposit insurance scheme.”
“First of all, I am very encouraged by the clear support and understanding of the importance of this work by the majority of speakers here today. Let me also join others in thanking very much the rapporteurs, the shadow rapporteurs. We should not forget that without the strong engagement of the Polish Presidency, it would be very difficult to strike the deal. Also, let me thank the Secretariat and all our staff. But most importantly, I want to encourage the Commission to submit the proposals that would move us further in single market integration, in completing the banking union, because this is what Europe needs and we should deliver on that quickly. So, once more, thank you, and I see this as not the end of the work, but a continuation. 1-0247-0000 Irene Tinagli, rapporteur.”
“We must focus on completing the banking union and implementing rules that push us towards a robust, integrated competitive banking sector. Looking ahead, our report on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector, due in Q3 is a key deliverable of our savings and investments union strategy. It will put forward our vision for a competitive European banking sector supportive of the competitiveness of the European economy. I want to acknowledge the constructive engagement of this Parliament and the Council throughout CMDI negotiations. The result reflects compromises but also progress – a balance between national concerns and the share the European good.”
“Jos jäsenmaissa ei yksin pystytä takaamaan kansalaisten talletuksia, tämän takaaminen ei kuulu suomalaisten maksettavaksi. Piste. 1-0243-0000 (End of catch-the-eye procedure) 1-0244-0000 Maria Luís Albuquerque, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, this achievement is indeed an improvement to the existing framework. But, most importantly, it moves us one step closer to completing the banking union. As we move forward, we must not become complacent. Persistent fragmentation of EU banking markets is preventing our economy from reaping the benefits of a genuine single banking market. The CMDI review serves as a catalyst to strengthen our single market, but more work remains to be done.”
“Madam President, last week we saw the true face of the EU again – the face of a coward that hides behind diplomacy because it lacks the guts to act when it matters. You once again criticised military intervention in Iran while hiding behind the very security this intervention guarantees. Where is the will to shape outcomes? The readiness to act? Not visible. Because of this, Europe is not a serious power; it is a spectator handing the world to actors like the IRGC, to those who institutionalise violence, export terror and spit on every norm you claim to defend. If Europe wants to be a geopolitical actor, it must act, decide and yes, use force when required. But right now, Europe equals weakness. That's a shame for us and that's a shame for the ordinary people in Iran. 1-0174-0000”
“Tavallinen kansalainen on tyytyväinen, kun turve palaa kattilassa, atomi halkeaa reaktorissa ja energialasku on kohtuullinen. 1-0116-0000”
“Madam President, there is an existential threat on our borders. Behind the Mediterranean are masses of people trying to cross into Europe illegally. We can only assume that the scale of this issue will only grow larger in the future. If nothing is done, soon our cities will be overrun, and Europe capitulated without a single bullet fired. European people have called upon their leaders to act to combat this invasion. We are starting to see governments in this continent that take this seriously and implement stricter border policies. We see Frontex working to secure Europe's borders. But what we hear then from the left is the human rights concerns regarding these policies. Is that seriously the issue here? I hope this Parliament and the entire EU understand that access to Europe is not a human right. 4-0031-0000”