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.”
The complete record
Every one of 409 lines we hold for Sebastian Tynkkynen, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 9.
“Mr President, we need to talk about Georgia, a country on the coast of the Black Sea that is suffering from government oppression and growing Russian influence. It is a country where a leading opposition figure has been arrested for her political views, for denouncing the current government that follows Moscow's line. Georgia is an independent country and should follow the will of its people. We are talking about a nation that under the Soviet Union maintained a strong Georgian identity. Georgia was among the first nations to break free from the Soviet Union. What is happening today feels all too familiar – political oppression, intimidation and strong influence from Moscow that threatens the freedom of the Georgian people. The country escaped this once. The people of Georgia must not be trapped in this prison again. 3-0581-0000”
“Therefore, the EU must strictly sanction both the companies operating in Georgia that support Russia's war machine and the regime officials who continue to terrorise civil society. Today, Lithuania commemorates the restoration of its independence. Our experience tells us that attempts to capture state institutions must be resisted at the earliest possible stage and decisively. Otherwise, once the state is captured, reclaiming it becomes far more difficult. 3-0578-0000”
“Depuis décembre 2024, vous faites tout pour déstabiliser le gouvernement géorgien légitimement réélu. Il est temps que l'Union européenne arrête ses ingérences, ses pressions, ses chantages dans ce pays démocratique. 3-0577-0000 Dainius Žalimas, on behalf of the Renew Group. – Mr President, dear colleagues, such cases as Elene Khoshtaria demonstrate to us that the Georgian regime is continuing repressions against civil society. For this reason, there can be no normalisation of relations between the European Union, its Member States and the current Georgian regime until all the political prisoners are released and free and fair elections are held. At the same time, Georgia has become a hub for circumventing sanctions against Russia, from the re-export of goods needed for the war to disguising the origins of the oil products.”
“Alors qu'on ne compte plus les pressions politiques, les chantages aux visas, les menaces financières de la part de Bruxelles contre ce pays, l'attaque porte cette fois contre le parti du Rêve géorgien. Une manipulation grossière, car vous n'arriverez pas à jeter le discrédit sur un mouvement politique plébiscité en 2024 par plus de 54 % des électeurs géorgiens et bénéficiant d'une très solide majorité parlementaire – une légitimité populaire qui fait gravement défaut à bien des gouvernements actuellement au pouvoir dans l'Union européenne. Ces méthodes honteuses et néo-coloniales doivent cesser, surtout lorsqu'il s'agit de manipuler des procédures judiciaires légitimes, comme c'est ici le cas avec Mme Khochtaria, où les juges géorgiens n'ont pas à recevoir d'instruction de Bruxelles.”
“I was meant to participate in a conference in the Georgian Parliament and to speak at this conference on the premises. It did not take place because riots were on the streets because, already at that time in 2019, a Russian representative had sat down on the Georgian Parliament Chair's seat, and that's what the people couldn't accept. This is what I experienced there: they want Europe, they do not want to be a Russian satellite state. We will help the people of Georgia, we are on their side. 3-0576-0000 Thierry Mariani, au nom du groupe PfE. – Monsieur le Président, le Politburo de ce Parlement continue de s'acharner sur la Géorgie avec ce débat outrancier.”
“Platz 26 im Chandler Good Government Index – besser als 14 EU‑Mitgliedstaaten. Und im Rechtsstaatlichkeitsranking des World Justice Project Platz eins in Osteuropa und Zentralasien – das sind gute Werte. Georgien braucht keine Belehrungen. Georgien braucht auch keinen regime change. Georgien braucht gegenseitigen Respekt – Respekt vor nationaler Souveränität. 3-0575-0000 Lukas Mandl, on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, Georgia is an enormously important European country, a country we will not lose sight of and one that is important for the future of Europe. Georgians feel European, they think European, they have European aspirations. My very first visit outside the EU after the election in 2019 led me to Georgia.”
“Es verteidigt christliche Werte, es schützt Familien vor woker Ideologie, und es verfolgt einen pragmatischen Ansatz in der Außenpolitik – Tiflis will nicht zu Kyjiw werden. All das ist Georgiens gutes Recht, denn Georgien ist ein souveräner Staat. Wir sollten das respektieren, aber Sie tun das nicht. Sie belehren Georgien, Sie befeuern Proteste gegen die Regierung, und Sie tun das mithilfe der NGOs. Rund 30 000 NGOs bei knapp 4 Millionen Einwohnern, das ist einmalig auf der Welt. Die Folge: brutale Ausschreitungen, Polizisten werden angegriffen, Regierungsgebäude werden demoliert, und dann erwarten Sie auch noch Narrenfreiheit für Unruhestifter – für Tiflis ist das inakzeptabel. Wie ist die Lage wirklich? Schauen wir mal auf die Fakten: 8 Prozent Wirtschaftswachstum – davon können wir nur träumen.”
“Nu används allt fler av den ryska regimens metoder för att krossa den georgiska oppositionen. Företrädare, som Elene Khoshtaria, fängslas, och hon är bara en av många. Den georgiska regimen förberedde ett förbud mot de ledande oppositionspartierna. Demonstranter döms till fängelsestraff för bagateller. Frivilligorganisationer och fria medier bekämpas med böter och förbud. Men varje kväll samlas hundratals, ofta tusentals, georgier på Rustaveligatan framför parlamentet för att demonstrera för frihet och för demokrati. Vår uppgift är att vara vid deras sida. Det är hög tid att öka pressen på den georgiska regimen. Det är hög tid att införa riktade sanktioner mot deras företrädare. 3-0574-0000 Tomasz Froelich, Verfasser. – Herr Präsident! Immer wieder geht es um Georgien. Warum? Weil Georgien anders ist.”
“In addition, there is another legislation sweeping through the Georgian Parliament, banning even basic activism and organised civil society. The EU must finally respond with targeted sanctions against those responsible. I do not care if two Member States block that in the Council. What about the 25 other Member States? Can they not apply the sanctions? What is preventing them? Otherwise, silence and inaction only embolden the anti‑democratic forces and send a dangerous signal that Europe leaves the repression of former candidate country citizens without consequences. 3-0573-0000 Jonas Sjöstedt, författare. – Herr talman! Mörkret sänker sig över Georgien. Det styrande partiet, Den georgiska drömmen, har blivit en mardröm för alla de georgier som tror på frihet och demokrati. Och mörkret över Georgien är en lång skugga från Moskva.”
“Il ne sert à rien de promettre un bouclier démocratique européen si la Commission et le Conseil ne font pas davantage pour la démocratie en Géorgie. 3-0572-0000 Markéta Gregorová, author. – Mr President, dear colleagues, the arrest and detention of Droa party leader Elene Khoshtaria mark another troubling step in Georgia's democracy downfall. Elene was detained for writing protest messages against the ruling party and now she is facing years in prison if prosecuted. She is, again, one of many others who are part of politically motivated processes in intensifying repression of any protesters, civil society and media. This has turned into the complete erosion of democracy and the consolidation of anti‑democratic forces.”
“À Tbilissi, l'air est irrespirable pour quiconque refuse de s'incliner devant le parti au pouvoir. Opposants, journalistes, ONG, universitaires, la répression et l'arbitraire peuvent les frapper à tout moment. Dans notre Parlement, on le dénonce et on appelle à des mesures fortes de l'Union européenne. Mais, au Conseil, que voit-on? Aucune volonté de prendre des sanctions significatives, ni même d'isoler les autorités de Tbilissi. Quant à la Commission, tout donne à croire qu'elle a tiré un trait sur la Géorgie, pourtant candidate à l'adhésion à l'Union européenne. Vladimir Poutine observe et nous risquons de lui donner un signal terrible. Plutôt que d'entrer dans une guerre frontale avec un pays européen, autant contribuer à y truquer les élections, le jeu en vaut la chandelle.”
“Trzeba wyraźnie podkreślić: reżim umacnia swoją władzę poprzez antyzachodnią propagandę i dezinformację inspirowaną rosyjskimi wzorcami. Dlatego Unia Europejska powinna objąć sankcjami nie tylko propagandowe media, ale też osoby odpowiedzialne za demontaż demokracji w Gruzji. Trzeba też wezwać władze w Tbilisi do natychmiastowego uwolnienia wszystkich więźniów politycznych, uchylenia represyjnych ustaw, stworzenia warunków do przeprowadzenia prawdziwie wolnych i uczciwych wyborów. Naród gruziński zasługuje na dobrą przyszłość, a Unia Europejska zobowiązana jest mu pomóc. 3-0571-0000 Nathalie Loiseau, auteur. – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, il se trouve heureusement une institution en Europe, notre Parlement, qui sauve l'honneur de l'Union européenne quand il s'agit de la Géorgie.”
“– Panie Przewodniczący! Kraj, który niedawno był symbolem reform, pogrąża się w korupcji, represjach i przemocy politycznej. Około 150 osób przebywa w więzieniach z powodów politycznych. Wśród nich liderzy opozycji, dziennikarze, działacze społeczni, studenci i zwykli obywatele – karani są za poglądy i pokojowe manifestacje. Szczególnym symbolem tej sytuacji jest prezydent Saakaszwili, który już piąty rok przebywa w więzieniu. I uwaga – przypomnienie tego faktu nie zostało umieszczone w projekcie rezolucji negocjowanej wczoraj. To przykre, że nawet w Parlamencie Europejskim uprawia się gierki polityczne zamiast faktycznie walczyć z bezprawiem. Mam nadzieję, że zgłoszona przeze mnie poprawka uzyska państwa poparcie.”
“Mencionamos hoy a Elene Joshtaria —lo ha hecho Rasa Juknevičienė— y, junto con ella, a un enorme grupo de demócratas arrojados a la cárcel porque los autoritarios temen la palabra «libertad» sobre todas las otras cosas. Nuestra admiración por la resistencia cívica, pero hay que actuar. Es una vergüenza para la Unión que solo se hable de sanciones a Georgia por ayudar a Rusia y sus barcos y no por la represión interna y el encarcelamiento de demócratas. Porque el mensaje es como en Turquía, como en Azerbaiyán, como en Asia Central, como en Egipto, como en un largo etcétera: «Reprima a su pueblo todo lo que quiera, sin temor, pero no ayude a Rusia, porque solo entonces Bruselas reaccionará». A veces se pregunta uno cómo sigue tanta gente queriendo subirse a un barco moralmente tan precario. 3-0570-0000 Małgorzata Gosiewska, autorka.”
“'Thank you once again, Elene Khoshtaria.' Georgia and Georgians, you are not lost for us, for the European Union. 3-0569-0000 Nacho Sánchez Amor, autor . – Señor presidente, esta mañana, desde este mismo estrado, el primer ministro armenio citó la candidatura de Georgia a la Unión Europea como un eslabón esencial para el acercamiento de la propia Armenia. La decisión de abandonar la perspectiva europea, cuidadosamente ocultada por Sueño Georgiano antes de las elecciones, deja un rastro de consecuencias negativas dentro y fuera del país. La primera democracia doméstica, la naciente democracia georgiana y una larga lista de represaliados: políticos, medios, instituciones y sociedad civil.”
“It is a fight for a nation's dignity and the defence of its European choice. I wanted you to know that I am ready to be in prison as long as it takes, and I have no concerns about my personal imprisonment. The most important thing is to mobilise enough attention on the strategic challenges that Europe is facing in Georgia, which you are doing so successfully – as we are doing. 'Bidzina Ivanishvili may want to use us as a bargaining chip, as hostages, which we should not allow to happen. I do not seek my personal freedom. I seek freedom for the Georgian people. 'Since Georgian people are committed to fight, we, the political prisoners, are committed to fight, and since you, our friends, are also committed to fight, I am confident we will prevail!”
“– L'ordre du jour appelle à présent le débat sur sept propositions de résolution sur le cas d'Elene Khochtaria et des prisonniers politiques sous le régime du parti Rêve géorgien (2026/2643(RSP)). 3-0568-0000 Rasa Juknevičienė, author. – Mr President, dear colleagues, there are those who say that Georgia is lost. It is not true. Yes, today the Georgian people are experiencing one of the most difficult periods in their recent history. However, Georgia is certainly not lost. This is evidenced by the letter I received yesterday from Elene Khoshtaria. I quote: 'Dear Rasa, I am humbled that my name stands on the agenda on Georgia. It is, of course, not about me, but about the Georgian people who have demonstrated incredible resilience in the fight against Russia. 'This is not a fight for one person's liberty.”
“21.3 TC "21.3 - Случаят на Елене Хощария и политическите затворници под режима на „Грузинска мечта“" \f 1 TC "21.3 - Caso de Elene Joshtaria y de los prisioneros políticos bajo el régimen de Sueño Georgiano" \f 2 TC "21.3 - Případ Eleny Choštariové a politických vězňů za režimu strany Gruzínský sen" \f 3 TC "21.3 - Sagen om Elene Khoshtaria og politiske fanger under Den Georgiske Drøms styre" \f 4 TC "21.3 - Der Fall von Elene Choschtaria und den politischen Gefangenen unter dem Regime der Partei Georgischer Traum" \f 5 TC "21.3 - Elene Hoštaria ja poliitvangide juhtum Gruusia Unistuse režiimi tingimustes" \f 6 TC "21.3 - Η περίπτωση της Elene Khoshtaria και των πολιτικών κρατουμένων υπό το καθεστώς του «Γεωργιανού Ονείρου»" \f 7 TC "21.3 - Case of Elene Khoshtaria and political prisoners under the Georgian Dream regime" \f 8 TC "21.3 - Le cas d’Elene Khochtaria et des prisonniers politiques sous le régime du parti Rêve géorgien" \f 9 TC "21.3 - Cás Elene Khoshtaria agus príosúnach polaitiúil faoi réimeas Aisling na Seoirsia" \f A TC "21.3 - Slučaj Elene Hoštarije i političkih zatvorenika pod režimom stranke Gruzijski san" \f B TC "21.3 - Il caso di Elene Khoshtaria e dei prigionieri politici sotto il regime di Sogno georgiano" \f C TC "21.3 - Elene Khoshtaria lieta un “Gruzijas sapņa” režīma politieslodzītie" \f D TC "21.3 - Elenės Choštarijos ir politinių kalinių atvejis valdant režimui „Kartvelų svajonė“" \f E TC "21.3 - Elena Hostaria és a politikai foglyok ügye a Grúz Álom párt rezsimjében" \f F TC "21.3 - Il-każ ta’ Elene Khoshtaria u l-priġunieri politiċi taħt ir-reġim Ħolma Georgjana" \f G TC "21.3 - De zaak van Elene Chosjtaria en politieke gevangenen onder het regime van Georgische Droom" \f H TC "21.3 - Sprawa Eleny Chosztarii i więźniów politycznych reżimu Gruzińskiego Marzenia" \f I TC "21.3 - O caso de Elene Khoshtaria e dos presos políticos sob o regime do Sonho Georgiano" \f J TC "21.3 - Cazul Elenei Hoștaria și al deținuților politici în regimul instaurat de partidul „Visul georgian”" \f K TC "21.3 - Prípad Elene Khoshtariovej a politických väzňov režimu Gruzínskeho sna" \f L TC "21.3 - Primer Elene Hoštaria in političnih zapornikov v režimu stranke Gruzijske sanje" \f M TC "21.3 - Elene Khoshtarian ja poliittisten vankien tapaus Georgialainen unelma -puolueen valtakaudella" \f N TC "21.3 - Fallet Elene Khoshtaria och politiska fångar inom ramen för Georgisk dröm-regimen" \f OLe cas d’Elene Khochtaria et des prisonniers politiques sous le régime du parti Rêve géorgien 3-0567-0000 Le Président.”
“Nevertheless – and that is always the complicated but needed equation in diplomacy – we must remain engaged in the central Sahel because disengagement, in our view, is not an option and does not serve the interests of the European Union. 3-0565-0000 Le Président. – Le débat est clos. Le vote aura lieu demain.”
“Of course, the situation of former President Bazoum and the restrictions faced by independent media and civil society actors were openly discussed during the visit. Although the visit did not produce immediate significant progress, it represented a step forward in improving the relationship. Mr President, honourable Members, I have clearly heard your concerns regarding the situation in Niger and we share them in full: the repression of critical and dissenting voices has gone on for far too long. The EU will continue to raise its concerns about systematic human rights violations in the country, as we are currently doing at the ongoing session of the UN Human Rights Council.”
“The situation requires a clear-eyed and pragmatic approach to our engagement with European interests, as is always the case in diplomacy at its core. Mr President, honourable Members, in order to do so more effectively, a renewed approach for the Sahel was endorsed by the Foreign Affairs Council in November 2025, and it is in line with this approach that the EU Special Representative for the Sahel has visited the three countries of the central Sahel, including Niger. He met with high-level government officials such as the Prime Minister and other key stakeholders. It was this visit that demonstrated Niger's willingness to improve its relations with the EU based on sovereignty, mutual respect and shared interest. It also revealed that points of disagreement can and should be addressed frankly and directly.”
“– Mr President, many thanks to the honourable Members for their contributions. I will again be speaking on behalf of Kaja Kallas. Since the military coup of July 2023, human rights in Niger have, of course, deteriorated significantly. The military junta continues to repress political opponents, and many of you have referred to this: dissidents, journalists, former President Mohamed Bazoum, former officials, and human rights activists remain detained on clearly politically motivated charges. After the coup – and this is common knowledge in this House, I'm sure – EU-Niger relations reached a historic low characterised by deep mistrust, reduced diplomatic engagement, hostile rhetoric and unfounded accusations, clearly not by us. EU aid was largely suspended and, regrettably, the EU's image in the country was damaged.”
“Mr President, every month, this House calls for the immediate release of imprisoned African opposition figures and condemns atrocities on the continent. Don’t get me wrong: it is good that we condemn them. But the question we should ask is: why do so many of our calls have no influence? The answer is that Europe has been losing its significance. How do we turn this around? We must become militarily formidable, return to being innovators instead of regulators and stop boosting our rivals while they are trying to gain a foothold in developing countries. We should neither push our factories to China nor keep buying Russian energy. The world runs on power and leverage: if we have neither, we become irrelevant. Let’s make Europe matter again. 3-0562-0000 (Fin des interventions à la demande) 3-0564-0000 Wopke Hoekstra, Member of the Commission.”
“Mr President, Russia’s two-week 'special military operation' has turned into a four-year nightmare. It is fair to say that they have bitten off way more than they can chew: they’ve suffered over one million casualties. Replacing the endless Russian meat wave is proving difficult for the Kremlin. Being sent to the front lines is a death sentence. Not long ago, thousands of North Korean soldiers were sent to support Russia. But in Putin’s search for more disposable bodies, he’s turning to something very dark: human trafficking. There have been horrifying reports of people in Africa who were tricked into fighting for Russia. They were promised a job or an opportunity, only to find they had been deceived. Their lives had now become worthless and disposable to the Russian war machine. It is a war machine that needs to be stopped with force.”
“Jos suomalaisten euroista kilpailee vielä muutkin EU-maat yhteisen saavutettavuuspolitiikan kautta, suomalainen saavutettavuus ja suomalaiset vammaiset ovat häviäjän roolissa. En halua sitä. 3-0521-0000”
“Madam President, Europe was built on the values of democracy and human rights, not on the values of China. European values include the right to privacy and the protection of personal communication. With the European Commission pushing for Chat Control in its different versions, this right has been under attack. Before, we used to send letters and engage in conversations, but the digital evolution has dramatically changed the idea of how we communicate with each other. It is imperative that conversations in the online space are protected just as strongly as traditional methods. We have technology that allows this, such as end-to-end encryption. These must be enforced, not weakened by the politicians. It is our job to make sure that privacy is protected. That is why I say no to Chat Control. 3-0492-0000”
“Mr President, it's hammer time: Antifa is a terrorist organisation and this House is a terrorist‑sympathising, spineless creature. You only need to ask MEP Salis, an Antifa activist from The Left. She's grateful for your votes to secure her immunity against charges of a violent hammer attack. Let's have a look at the facts. The Europol report states that EU countries faced 24 jihadist terrorist attacks in one year. Right after the jihadists, come the leftist attacks. Left‑wing and anarchist terrorism accounted for 21 attacks within a year. Then you see here these politicians calling for actions against right‑wing, 'intolerant' and 'extremist' speech. What a bunch of hypocrites you are. I call for action against these leftist terrorists. It is time to designate Antifa a terrorist organisation. 3-0461-0000”
“Mr President, the arrest warrant against the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, is beyond absurd. Even more absurd is the fact that the only country seemingly capable of acknowledging this fact is the United States. Leftists in this Parliament will again have their few seconds in the spotlight, waving their middle fingers at their two arch-enemies, the US and Israel. But the irony is that Israel and the United States have been capable of doing exactly what the International Criminal Court has not. The international community is unable to bring to justice criminals like Vladimir Putin and Haibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban. But when terrorist organisations like Hamas, Hezbollah and the IRGC cannot be brought to justice, Israel and the United States will bring justice to the terrorists.”
“Madam President, Europe must come up with policies that improve our relationships with our trading partners. But unfortunately, the leftists keep pushing for something else: diversity policies, anti-poverty regulations, Green Deal and other socialist fantasies. The leftists hate the reality we live in. The reality is that a strong Europe is Europe with strong trade relations with the United States. Let me tell you what the leftists want instead: The Left Group tried to change a text of this House by an amendment that stated that the EU should reinforce our trade relations with BRICS countries to reduce dependence on the United States. So instead of the United States, the leftists want stronger trade relations with countries like China, Russia and Iran. I ask you: have you lost your mind? 3-0368-0000”
“Madam President, Europe as we know it is dying. Try being a tourist in Paris, Rome, Berlin, even Brussels or Stockholm. Imagine someone buying a trip to Europe and in their imagination there is the beautiful, famous Old Continent. Tourists expect seeing world famous paintings, tonnes of history and stunning architecture. They will see all of that, that is for sure, but they will also see something else: barricades protecting Christmas markets, patrolling soldiers armed with automatic rifles and no‑go zones inside our famous capitals. 'What has happened to Europe?', the tourist asks. Mass migration happened. Have you leftists thought that with your catastrophic migration policy, you are also sinking one of the most vital industries we have in Europe: tourism.”
“Arvoisa puhemies, sijoittamisen edistämiseen unionissa ei tarvita sääntelyä – näin sanoo suomalainen finanssiala ja on samalla 100 prosenttia oikeassa. Euroopassa on halua edistää kansalaisten sijoittamista tällä mantereelle. Tavoite on kannatettava, mutta komissio tarvitsee tässä kohtaa muistutuksen: edistäminen ei tarkoita sääntelyä. Jos me haluamme eurooppalaisten sijoittavan enemmän eurooppalaisiin yhtiöihin esimerkiksi amerikkalaisten yhtiöiden sijaan, peli on selvä: sen ei tule tapahtua EU-ohjauksen keinoin. Ratkaisu tähän tavoitteeseen löytyy markkinataloudesta. Kansalaisilla on täysi vapaus päättää. Niihin yhtiöihin sijoitetaan, joiden uskotaan pärjäävän parhaiten. Jos eurooppalaisten yhtiöiden ei uskota pärjäävän verrattuna amerikkalaisiin yhtiöihin, yritysympäristömme on silloin huonompi.”
“Arvoisa puhemies, Venäjän aloittama hyökkäys paljasti Euroopan energiariippuvuuden. Haupitsien pauke herätti eurooppalaiset päättäjät ruususen unesta, jonka aikana he olivat antaneet Putinin kaasuputkien kietoutua kauloilleen kuristajakäärmeen lailla. Nyt Euroopassa puhutaankin omavaraisuudesta - hyvä niin. Viime vuonna Euroopassa investoitiin tuulivoimaan 45 miljardin euron edestä, ja suunnitelmat tulevaisuuteen ovat suuria. Tuulivoima on kannatettava asia, kunhan päättäjät pitävät mielessään, että geopoliittinen energiariippuvuus ei siirry sääriippuvuuteen. Eurooppa ei voi olla liiaksi tuulten varassa. Tarvitsemme tuulivoiman rinnalle suuren määrän vakaata säätövoimaa. Sellaista, joka ei piittaa säistä. Ydinvoima ja vesivoima. Turpeen, kivihiilen ja puun polttaminen energiaksi.”
“Mr President, Iranians protesting all over the world are pro‑Israel, pro‑USA, pro‑Ukraine, anti‑Russia, anti‑China, anti‑Hamas. Where does the EU stand? Sanctions on Israel, middle finger to the USA, 'monitors' Ukraine, buys Russian gas, ships factories to China, funds Hamas through UNWRA. Europe needs some serious self-reflection. Only a few get foreign policy right, but Persians do. They risk their lives for democracy and stand with the USA and Israel against dictators and terrorists. The moment the regime was hit, left‑wing pacifists screamed for 'immediate de‑escalation and resumption of diplomatic processes'. Sound familiar? Straight from Russia's Foreign Ministry. If you think the real problem is the strikes against tyranny rather than the tyranny itself, I'm sorry, not even a ... (The President cut off the speaker) 3-0098-0000”
“Madam President, European defence should be our most important topic by far. Having said that, we must ask ourselves: does pooling EU funds automatically create strength? No, it does not. The EU cannot fire our bullets or fly our jets, and it certainly should not try replicating NATO. We already have NATO, we do not need replicas. The EU can complement the defence efforts made by Member States, but we must not forget: a missile funded by EU co-financing will not deter an aggressor if the Member State lacks the means of deploying it. The EU can help stockpiling our anti-tank missiles, but the Member States must have enough shoulders to carry those missiles. Europe's defence is not merely a project, it is a responsibility. And that responsibility starts at home. 2-0586-0000”
“Madam President, it is absurd that a company might have to wait for permits longer than it takes to build their factories. While the US and China are moving fast, Europe is drowning itself in procedures, forms and rules. What does the European Commission do? You set new binding climate goals for the EU. You set bans on combustion engines. You absolutely love your digital regulation that is so complex that companies do not even know how to follow it. Then you come here to say that we must decrease the regulatory burden. Damn sure we must! But at the same time, you want new EU legislation, you want new EU action plans and new EU regulation because they give you power. More Commission means more regulation. That is why Europe needs stronger Member States, not a stronger Commission. 2-0530-0000”
“Mr President, Canada is without question one of Europe's closest partners. Strengthening our cooperation should be an obvious priority. That is precisely why it is so disappointing to read this new EU‑Canada report. Instead of focusing on defence, economic resilience or strategic cooperation, this text reads like a catalogue of left‑wing talking points: climate slogans, green ideology and yet another round of finger pointing at the United States. Seriously, is this ideological signalling all we have to offer? This new report is more about leftist political messaging than real geopolitics. I cannot support such a report. EU‑Canada cooperation deserves a serious strategic partnership – not a lecture drafted through the lens of climate activism and anti‑American rhetoric. Europe should do better. 2-0491-0000”
“Arvoisa puhemies, Ursula von der Leyen kuvasi, että Eurooppa ajaa maailman toiseksi suurinta taloutta käsijarrulla. Ursula hyvä, te olette itse ajanut käsijarrulla ja ajatte edelleen. Teidän vihreä, ylikireä sääntelynne on ollut käsijarru Euroopalle ja kasvun moottori Kiinalle. Sitten hieman heräätte ja haluatte saada taloutta elpymään. Mitä teette? Juhlitte ruoan tuontia Etelä-Amerikasta avaavaa Mercosur-sopimusta, vaikka eurooppalaiset ruoantuottajat huutavat parhaillaan hätää. Aikaisemmin rakentamiinne sääntelyihinne te esitätte vain lykkäyksiä, kevennyksiä ja joustoja. Eivätkö kellot soita, että ehkäpä se sääntelynne on ollut alun alkaenkin kelvotonta, jos sääntelyn säilymistä pitää näillä keinoin tekohengittää? Sääntelyperiaatteena teillä on nyt yksi sisään, yksi ulos.”
“Sen toivotan tervetulleeksi, että kansalliset eduskunnat jäsenmaissa alkaisivat virittämään omia lainsäädäntöjään parempaan kuosiin. Mutta Brysselin virityksiä olen nähnyt tarpeeksi, jotta osaan pelätä sen vaaroja. 1-0213-0000”
“Arvoisa puhemies, taas täällä vaaditaan EU:n puuttumista sukupuolten välisiin eroihin työelämässä. Oletteko menettäneet järkenne? Jos jonkin alan hakijoista 90 % on miehiä ja 10 % naisia, tai päinvastoin, mitä käy, jos lähdemme väkisin runttaamaan lukuja kohti tasapuolista jakaumaa? Valinta ei silloin perustu enää osaamiseen. Jos alamme esimerkiksi pelastustoimessa täyttämään paikkoja sukupuolikiintiöiden perusteella, valintakriteereitä joudutaan laskemaan. Kansalaiset eivät kuitenkaan hädän hetkellä kysy poliisin tai pelastajan sukupuolta. Vain se merkitsee, onko hän kykenevä hoitamaan työnsä. Välillä huuto on kovaa myös urheilijoiden palkkatasa-arvosta. Hyvät kollegat, näyttäkää esimerkkiä. Ostakaa kausikortteja naisten sarjoihin omilla rahoillanne. Kun katsomot täyttyvät, palkat nousevat. Tiedättekö mikä on tasa-arvoa?”
“When it has to do with competitiveness, we have to make sure that there is an impact assessment, that it is agreed by the regulatory scrutiny board, and I think that we in the Parliament should also use our power to do an impact assessment when it comes to competitiveness, not least the SME checks. And that takes me to my final comment. Mario Mantovani mentioned SMEs. And yes, that is true because SMEs are hit the hardest by the regulatory burden. And that is why if we cut the cost for businesses, it will be the best for these small and medium-sized enterprises and they are the backbone of our economy. 1-0107-0000”
“The Omnibus I, which I also happen to be a rapporteur for, was up in the debate and I am really proud of the fact that this is the report in European history that cut costs most for European businesses when it comes to reporting. That is very good. So thank you to the Commission for the proposal and to all the colleagues that worked on this and voted for it. It is a good step in the right direction. Then, to respond to Kira Peter-Hansen, Salvatore De Meo and Billy Kelleher, who all in different ways mentioned the impact assessment. Kira, maybe not, I do not think you mentioned the word, but still that law-making sometimes goes too quickly. And I think it is important that we see our position and our role in this Parliament as well.”
“1-0106-0000 Jörgen Warborn, rapporteur. – Madam President, colleagues, thank you to everyone who participated in this debate. And let me do a few reactions on what I heard. First of all, the omnibuses were up. The Commission mentioned that ten omnibuses have been presented so far, reducing the cost for European businesses by EUR 15 billion once they are decided and implemented. And I think that is a very good step. But I also like to say that the goal for the Commission is EUR 37.5 billion. So the Commission really has to keep up the pace in order for us to achieve this goal. And that is why the principle of one in, two out is so important and Parliament has voted for it and has a majority for it.”
“Kuulkaas nyt, ei tämän EU:n näin tule toimia. 1-0104-0000 (End of catch-the-eye procedure) 1-0105-0000 Ekaterina Zaharieva, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, dear Members of Parliament, once again, really to express our gratitude to the rapporteur for the excellent report. After this debate, it confirms that we want better legislation for our citizens. We want legislation and regulation that actually respond to their needs, keeping all the standards but when they need them. So, I am very grateful once again for this debate and, you know, I already mentioned in my introduction that we, the Commission, are striving constantly to improve ourselves and we are working on upcoming communication due for this spring. This communication will further reinforce our approach and make it smarter, hopefully. Once again, thank you.”
“Arvoisa puhemies, naurattaahan se, kun ensimmäinen pykälä EU:n toissijaisuutta korostavasta mietinnöstä kuuluu näin: "EU:lla on velvollisuus antaa säädöksiä ainoastaan silloin, kun se on tarpeen, ja ainoastaan siinä laajuudessa kuin se on tarpeen." Juuri näin. Mutta tehän ajatte EU:ta aivan toiseen suuntaan. Ensin maanmiestenne typerät politiikkatoimet aiheuttavat ongelmia kotimaissanne, ja sen jälkeen te keksitte, että vain EU pystyy ratkaisemaan nämä ongelmat. Hollanti, te päästitte maahanne satojatuhansia siirtolaisia, ja asuntopulan koittaessa päätittekin keksiä, että ehkäpä toimivallan luovuttaminen asuntopolitiikassa EU:lle voisi tuoda ratkaisun tähän keinotekoiseen ongelmaanne. Espanja, te suljitte ydinvoimalanne, ja ensimmäisen laajamittaisen sähkökatkoksen jälkeen olittekin jo lakki kourassa Brysselin suuntaan.”
“Teitä pelottaa niin paljon kansallismielisten puolueiden kannatus, että olette valmiita ottamaan tämän Ursulan kumileimasimen roolin itsellenne. Se on harmi Euroopalle. 1-0077-0000”
“Arvoisa puhemies, tämä sali on täysin halvaantunut. Se on täysin halvaantunut nöyristellessään komissiota ja kuningatar Ursulaa minkä kerkeää. Teitä ei haittaa kymmenien miljardien eurojen arvoisten rokotesopimusten solmiminen tekstiviestitse, saatikka moisen salaaminen. Teitä ei haittaa maataloutta uhkaavan Mercosur-sopimuksen toimeenpaneminen komission toimesta ohi tämän salin nimenomaisen tahdon. Teitä ei haittaa jatkuva varojen väärinkäyttö, josta EU:n tilintarkastustuomioistuinkin on jo monta kertaa vakavasti huomauttanut. Ei teitä kiinnosta vallan reilun jakautuminen EU:n eri elinten välillä, sillä te olette liittovaltio- ja vihervasemmistolaisuuskiimassanne tulleet tänne käytännössä vain kumileimasimeksi komission tuhoisalle politiikalle.”
“Mr President, I had the honour of meeting personally with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. The timing could not be more urgent. Today marks the 47th anniversary of the revolution of the IRGC terrorists. For 47 long years, the Islamist regime has ruled Iran through fear, torture and arbitrary detentions. My message to President Metsola was clear: this House must hear the voice of the Iranian people, and that voice is Reza Pahlavi – a clear, unifying leader whom the Iranian people themselves recognise matters now more than ever. If this Parliament is serious about standing with democracy, freedom and human rights, then it must also be serious about who it chooses to listen to. Europe must choose, and it must choose to give Iranians their country back. 3-0582-0000”
“At the same time, the EU, through an open dialogue with Ugandan authorities, will continue to advocate for the respect of human rights and democratic principles and to follow up on anti-discrimination measures. The EU will continue to stand by civil society organisations and support them in line with their needs and our values and principles. 3-0563-0000”
“We call for investigations and accountability following the reports of death, violence and detentions of opposition politicians and human rights defenders, as well as for clarification of the current situation of Bobi Wine in particular. We call on all political actors to exercise restraint, to refrain from violence or incitement. The EU, despite the current challenges, will continue engagement with Uganda on a broad-based agenda based on shared interests and mutual respect, including on the trade of critical raw materials. Our cooperation and humanitarian programmes promote a Team Europe approach, exploring opportunities for transformative projects, including under the Global Gateway.”
“A diplomatic watch by the EU delegation was carried out on election day, and the spokesperson of the European External Action Service issued a statement after the announcement of the results. As mentioned in the statement, we share the findings of the preliminary statement of the African Union–COMESA–IGAD joint observation mission as regards the involvement of the military in the electoral process, which is contrary to the Ugandan 1995 constitution. Furthermore, the internet shutdown implemented two days before the elections clearly limited access to information and freedom of association. We are also very concerned with the arbitrary arrests and suspension of numerous civil society organisations ahead of the elections.”