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 7 of 9.
“Mr President, democracy and safety from political violence are not self‑evident. They are the results of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. Still, the work is far from over. The recent assassination attempt of senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe in Bogota paints a horrifying picture of the democratic state of Colombia. In Colombia, the criminal networks have grown so large that they have created parallel societies who use severe violence in order to further advance their own goals. Unfortunately, the same phenomenon is also becoming ever more apparent in today's Europe. This nightmarish bloodshed must be stopped. Violence cannot continue to cast a shadow on the democratic processes of the world. I wholeheartedly wish Mr Uribe a swift and full recovery.”
“Preventing Tehran from crossing the nuclear threshold is not just in Israel's interest, but in the interest of every nation that values peace and stability. 2-0583-0000”
“Mr President, the world cannot afford a nuclear Iran. A regime that openly sponsors terrorism, destabilises its neighbours, and calls for the destruction of Western democracies cannot be trusted with nuclear capabilities. Only the idea of such a regime with nuclear material – or worse, such a regime giving it to terrorist proxies like Hamas – sounds horrific. Israel's pre-emptive strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities were not only justified, but also necessary. These actions were not acts of aggression, they were acts of global defence for which we should all be grateful. We saw again an example of how Israel strikes military targets, including nuclear sites, while Iran's Islamist regime deliberately targets civilians.”
“Arvoisa puhemies, julkinen liikenne on paikallinen kysymys, jota ei tule ohjata EU-tasolta. Esimerkiksi Lapin pakkasissa ei voi liikkua samoilla ratkaisuilla kuin Brysselissä. Helsingin metro, Turun saaristoliikenne tai Kainuun harvaan asutut alueet vaativat täysin erilaisia järjestelmiä. Juuri siksi kansalaiset valitsevat kuntapäättäjänsä, jotta he voivat päättää, millä kalustolla ja miten liikutaan. Paikalliset asukkaat tuntevat oman alueensa parhaiten. EU-virkamiesten ei tule sanella, mikä on paras ratkaisu alueella, jossa he eivät ole ikinä edes vierailleet. Liian moni EU-päätös tuo paikallistasolle lisää byrokratiaa, muttei parempaa palvelua. En pidä järkevänä, että ylipäätään keskustelemme täällä Euroopan eduskunnassa julkisen liikenteen palveluista. Joukkoliikenteestä pitää päättää paikallisesti. Piste. 2-0460-0000”
“Ainoa johtopäätös, joka näistä virheistä kuuluu vetää, on se, ettei tätä kallista töppäystä toisteta enää ikinä. 2-0265-0000”
“Arvoisa puhemies, rasismin vastaista toimintaa EU:hun, 40 kilometriä uusia pyöräilyreittejä Belgiaan ja ikkunaremontteja Italiaan. Muun muassa tätä tarjosi elpymispaketti. Voiko kukaan teistä vakavalla naamalla väittää, että tämä liittyy millään tavalla koronasta elpymiseen? Mutta tämä huijausten huippunne meni eurooppalaisilta läpi, ja siksipä en ihmettele, että näytätte yrittävän toistaa samaa temppua uudestaan. Se, mikä vielä neljä vuotta sitten oli kertaluonteinen hätäratkaisu, yritetään nyt omaksua EU:n tulevien toimenpiteiden pohjaksi. Tässä nyt käsiteltävässä mietinnössä tehdään kyllä muutama oikea huomio sen suhteen, mikä elpymispaketissa oli vialla, mutta johtopäätös on väärä. Elpymispaketin oppeja halutaan hyödyntää tulevia ratkaisuja suunniteltaessa. Seis siihen.”
“Madam President, over 400 poor condition vessels sailing with a heavy oil load, day after day. This is called the Russian 'shadow fleet'. It is a fleet that poses two types of massive security threats. But now it should be crystal clear for all of us that this fleet is funding Putin's expansionist policy and war crimes in Europe. But now, as we discuss the European Ocean Pact, we should not forget the huge environmental threat that this bloody fleet poses constantly for our oceans. The European Ocean Pact is built around pillars such as protecting ocean health and enhancing maritime security and defence – good goals. I think the biggest deed we could now do for our oceans would be doing everything we can to get these Russian 'shadow fleet' vessels out of our seas. 2-0131-0000”
“Mr President, military mobility is an area where the EU can have a crucial role. Without military mobility, Europe's defence capabilities go to waste. Currently, key transport infrastructure across EU territory is not certified for fast and heavy military transport. Bridge weight restrictions, customs formalities and a lack of common standards are key problem areas. For example, moving a single Leopard 2A6 main battle tank, weighing over 60 tonnes, across Europe faces serious obstacles. NATO's own rapid deployment forces require cross-border access within 48 hours – a goal that is currently logistically unrealistic in large parts of Europe. Without the ability to move troops and equipment, deterrence fails before the first shot is fired. That is why military mobility must be treated as a strategic priority. 1-0216-0000”
“Madam President, the recent prisoner exchanges have given us hope. Hope that it is possible to survive horrifying conditions, that many families will get their father, mother, sibling or child back alive. But dear policymakers, I remind you, Putin does not want peace. He wants to destroy the Ukrainian people and state. Russian invaders have kidnapped nearly 20 000 Ukrainian children. These children are being brainwashed to become Russians and fight against their own country. Ukrainian civilians are under systematic Russian bombardment. In Kherson, Russian drones rained upon the inhabitants under a terror campaign entitled 'Human safari'. The murder of civilians on behalf of Russia is a calculated effort. There is only one acceptable solution for such a country. We must force Russia to retreat from Ukraine. 1-0147-0000”
“Mr President, protecting journalism and freedom of speech is a fundamental part of European democracy. It is our job to preserve it. But our democracy is under threat from hostile foreign countries such as Russia. Its agents are conducting hybrid welfare operations to destabilise our daily lives. They are using technology to attack our critical infrastructure and democratic democratic institutions in cyberspace. In this new era of warfare, we cannot be bystanders. The use of digital technology has become a necessary tool for monitoring malicious foreign actors. But while protecting our citizens, I want to stress the following. A potential European response to the use of spyware. Must respect the right of Member States to preserve their national security. 1-0095-0000”
“She was allowed to wear that political symbol throughout her entire speech and only after she had finished did the President simply remark that political symbols are not permitted while speaking. How can it be that some MEPs are stripped of political expressions while others are not? The plenary is the most sacred arena of democracy in the European Parliament. That is why I urge the President to ensure that Members are treated equally in the future and that such blatant double standards become a thing of the past. 1-0050-0000”
“Madam President, referring to Rule 10(3) of the Rules of Procedure, I would like to bring to your attention to the fact that equal treatment of Members was not upheld during the last plenary session concerning the Israel‑Gaza debate. My ECR colleague Kristoffer Storm had a very small pin removed from his jacket – a pin calling for the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas who had been tortured and raped. Meanwhile, when MEP Lynn Boylan from The Left Group approached the podium to deliver her speech wearing a Palestine lanyard, it was not removed. And this despite the fact that I had informed the President well in advance that the MEP in question would soon be speaking and was wearing that lanyard.”
“Eurooppa tarvitsee kasvua, innovaatiota ja aitoa tiedettä. Ei lisää woken kyllästämiä tutkimuksia. 2-0045-0000 IN THE CHAIR: VICTOR NEGRESCU Vice-President 2-0046-0000”
“Siksi sisämarkkinoita, tätä konkreettista hyötyä tuottavaa periaatetta, on edelleen vaalittava ja sen turhia esteitä purettava. 1-0222-0000”
“Arvoisa puhemies, EU:n sisämarkkinat ovat yksi esimerkki siitä, miten itsenäisten valtioiden liitto voi oikeasti hyödyttää jäseniään. Tavaroiden ja palveluiden vapaa liikkuvuus on yksi valopilkku, joka vielä valaisee Eurooppaa kaiken EU:n mielivaltaisen sääntelyn langettaman varjon raoista. Vientivetoisena maana Suomi hyötyy merkittävästi vapaasta ja tullittomasta kaupasta eurooppalaisten naapuriensa kanssa etenkin nyt, kun olemme tehneet ainoan oikean ratkaisun ja lopettaneet kaupan raakaa hyökkäyssotaa käyvän Venäjän kanssa. Irrottautuminen Kiinasta meillä on vielä edessämme. Ikävä kyllä tällaiset jäsenmaita ja kansalaisia oikeasti hyödyttävät EU-tason asiat ovat jäämässä päivä päivältä enemmän sivuosaan EU:n loputtoman sääntelyn ja liittovaltiokehityksen tieltä.”
“Madam President, I always stick to the rules. Thank you for mentioning that the rules were being broken by MEP Incir for the political symbol there, but now I see that also MEP Rima Hassan came to the Chamber with this political symbol. And this seems to be a pattern from the left side, you're using these Palestinian symbols. And if this doesn't end so we can come here from the right side also with Israel's symbols. But I think we don't want this kind of behaviour. So I'm asking you to pay attention to what is happening right now. 1-0073-0000”
“Arvoisa puhemies, vahva sisämarkkina, sekin on Euroopan turvallisuuden perusta. Nyt jos koskaan meidän on tehtävä erityisesti puolustusteollisuuden markkinat unionimme sisällä mahdollisimman tehokkaiksi. Kykyä Euroopassa kyllä on. Kotimaani Suomi on hyvä yksi esimerkki. Meillä Patria, maailmanluokan puolustusteknologiayritys, kehittää huippuluokan panssariajoneuvoja ja järjestelmiä, jotka vahvistavat Euroopan turvallisuutta. Eurooppa tarvitsee nyt lisää Patrioita. Se takaa sen, että me emme ensinnäkään ole minkään vihollisen armoilla, mutta myös sen, että puolustuksemme ei ole kenenkään toisen armoilla. Maanosaamme ei pahan paikan tullen puolusteta puhein ja paperein, vaan viime kädessä on löydyttävä rautaa varastoista. 4-0124-0000”
“But you should never negotiate with dictators – you must stop them! (The speaker declined to take a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis) 4-0075-0000”
“Mr President, in an alternative reality we would be living today under Hitler's rule – not just all of Europe, but maybe even the whole world. In that reality, I wouldn't be standing here. I would have been killed in a gas chamber, my ashes drifting in the air. Many of you also would not be here, because of your ethnicity, your sexuality or disability. That reality nearly came true. Too many in Europe believed Hitler would stop on his own. They spoke of peace and diplomacy. But reality struck, and the price was great, far greater. Now, 80 years later, Europe faces its worst attack since World War Two, and history is repeating itself. Today, it is the Left who lives in an alternative reality. You oppose European militarisation and sending weapons to Ukraine, and call for peace talks with Putin.”
“Kerta toisensa jälkeen EU lupaa kansalaisille kultaa ja rikkauksia, mutta ei, sitä ei näillä pankkiunionipuheilla taatusti ole suomalaisille tulossa, enkä tule tämän puolesta äänestämään. 3-0442-0000”
“Madam President, the Russian invasion of Ukraine exposed how vulnerable our energy supply chains are, especially for countries like Finland. With extremely cold winters, supply of energy is a fundamental part of national security and public health. But so is the source of the energy. Buy cheap Russian gas now, pay later for your mistake. Ask the Germans in this room; they have learned this lesson the hard way with their Russo-German pipelines. Putin is not a reliable partner and Russia is not a reliable provider of energy. I ask: what would need to happen so that all the politicians in this room would understand this? Putin's constant lies, Russia's energy extortion or the brutal Russian attack on European soil have not opened your eyes. Unbelievable. 3-0422-0000”
“Mr President, we have pledged our unwavering support to the Ukrainian people in their fight against imperialist Russia. This is why it is unacceptable that we have allowed a Member State to provide Putin's cronies a backdoor to acquiring EU citizenship. I am talking about Malta and its passports that are for sale. Many of those who have exploited Malta's golden passport scheme have been sanctioned because of their complicity in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. One of them is Albert Avdolyan, whose significant involvement in the Rostec enterprise, a part of Russia's war machine, makes him a person directly responsible for the losses of Ukrainian lives. I welcome the decision of the Court of Justice that deems this passport scheme illegal and call for the authorities of Malta to immediately take action against it. 3-0390-0000”
“Joten komissaarit, laittakaahan kynät sauhuamaan ja tehkää Suomen perässä teko eurooppalaisen ruoantuotannon puolesta. 3-0354-0000”
“– Le procès-verbal de la séance d'aujourd'hui sera soumis à l'approbation du Parlement demain, après les votes. TC "21 - Закриване на заседанието" \f "1"TC "21 - Cierre de la sesión" \f "2"TC "21 - Ukončení zasedání" \f "3"TC "21 - Hævelse af mødet" \f "4"TC "21 - Schluss der Sitzung" \f "5"TC "21 - Istungi lõpp" \f "6"TC "21 - Λήξη της συνεδρίασης" \f "7"TC "21 - Closure of the sitting" \f "8"TC "21 - Levée de la séance" \f "9"TC "21 - Críoch an tsuí" \f "A"TC "21 - Zatvaranje dnevne sjednice" \f "B"TC "21 - Chiusura della seduta" \f "C"TC "21 - Sēdes slēgšana" \f "D"TC "21 - Posėdžio pabaiga" \f "E"TC "21 - Az ülés berekesztése" \f "F"TC "21 - Għeluq tas-seduta" \f "G"TC "21 - Sluiting van de vergadering" \f "H"TC "21 - Zamknięcie posiedzenia" \f "I"TC "21 - Encerramento da sessão" \f "J"TC "21 - Ridicarea ședinței" \f "K"TC "21 - Skončenie rokovania" \f "L"TC "21 - Zaključek seje" \f "M"TC "21 - Istunnon päättäminen" \f "N"TC "21 - Avslutande av sammanträdet" \f "O"Levée de la séance 2-0580-0000 (La séance est levée à 22h29)”
“– La prochaine séance aura lieu demain, mercredi 7 mai, à 9 heures. L'ordre du jour a été publié, il est disponible sur le site internet du Parlement européen. TC "20 - Одобряване на протокола от настоящото заседание" \f "1"TC "20 - Aprobación del Acta de la presente sesión" \f "2"TC "20 - Schválení zápisu z tohoto denního zasedání" \f "3"TC "20 - Godkendelse af protokollen fra dette møde" \f "4"TC "20 - Genehmigung des Protokolls der laufenden Sitzung" \f "5"TC "20 - Käesoleva istungi protokolli kinnitamine" \f "6"TC "20 - Έγκριση των Συνοπτικών Πρακτικών της παρούσας συνεδρίασης" \f "7"TC "20 - Approval of the minutes of the sitting" \f "8"TC "20 - Approbation du procès-verbal de la présente séance" \f "9"TC "20 - Formheas mhiontuairiscí an tsuí" \f "A"TC "20 - Usvajanje zapisnika s aktualne dnevne sjednice" \f "B"TC "20 - Approvazione del processo verbale della presente seduta" \f "C"TC "20 - Šīs sēdes protokola apstiprināšana" \f "D"TC "20 - Šio posėdžio protokolo tvirtinimas" \f "E"TC "20 - Az aktuális ülésnap jegyzőkönyvének jóváhagyása" \f "F"TC "20 - Approvazzjoni tal-minuti tas-seduta li għaddejja" \f "G"TC "20 - Goedkeuring van de notulen van deze vergadering" \f "H"TC "20 - Zatwierdzenie protokołu bieżącego posiedzenia" \f "I"TC "20 - Aprovação da ata da presente sessão" \f "J"TC "20 - Aprobarea procesului-verbal al prezentei ședințe" \f "K"TC "20 - Schválenie zápisnice z dnešného rokovania" \f "L"TC "20 - Sprejetje zapisnika te seje" \f "M"TC "20 - Tämän istunnon pöytäkirjan hyväksyminen" \f "N"TC "20 - Justering av protokollet från detta sammanträde" \f "O"Approbation du procès-verbal de la présente séance 2-0578-0000 Le Président.”
“– L'ordre du jour appelle les explications de vote. Nous n'avons pas reçu de demande d'explication de vote, ce point de l'ordre du jour est donc clos. TC "19 - Дневен ред на следващото заседание" \f "1"TC "19 - Orden del día de la próxima sesión" \f "2"TC "19 - Pořad jednání příštího zasedání" \f "3"TC "19 - Dagsorden for næste møde" \f "4"TC "19 - Tagesordnung der nächsten Sitzung" \f "5"TC "19 - Järgmise istungi päevakord" \f "6"TC "19 - Ημερήσια διάταξη της επόμενης συνεδρίασης" \f "7"TC "19 - Agenda of the next sitting" \f "8"TC "19 - Ordre du jour de la prochaine séance" \f "9"TC "19 - Clár oibre an chéad suí eile" \f "A"TC "19 - Dnevni red sljedeće dnevne sjednice" \f "B"TC "19 - Ordine del giorno della prossima seduta" \f "C"TC "19 - Nākamās sēdes darba kārtība" \f "D"TC "19 - Kito posėdžio darbotvarkė" \f "E"TC "19 - A következő ülésnap napirendje" \f "F"TC "19 - L-aġenda tas-seduta li jmiss" \f "G"TC "19 - Agenda van de volgende vergadering" \f "H"TC "19 - Porządek obrad następnego posiedzenia" \f "I"TC "19 - Ordem do dia da próxima sessão" \f "J"TC "19 - Ordinea de zi a următoarei ședințe" \f "K"TC "19 - Program rokovania na nasledujúci deň" \f "L"TC "19 - Dnevni red naslednje seje" \f "M"TC "19 - Seuraavan istunnon esityslista" \f "N"TC "19 - Föredragningslista för nästa sammanträde" \f "O"Ordre du jour de la prochaine séance 2-0576-0000 Le Président.”
“TC "18 - Oбяснения на вот" \f "1"TC "18 - Explicaciones de voto" \f "2"TC "18 - Vysvětlení hlasování" \f "3"TC "18 - Stemmeforklaringer" \f "4"TC "18 - Erklärungen zur Abstimmung" \f "5"TC "18 - Hääletuste selgitused" \f "6"TC "18 - Αιτιολογήσεις ψήφου" \f "7"TC "18 - Explanations of votes" \f "8"TC "18 - Explications de votes" \f "9"TC "18 - Mínithe ar na vótálacha" \f "A"TC "18 - Obrazloženja glasovanja" \f "B"TC "18 - Dichiarazioni di voto" \f "C"TC "18 - Balsojumu skaidrojumi" \f "D"TC "18 - Paaiškinimai dėl balsavimo" \f "E"TC "18 - A szavazások indokolása" \f "F"TC "18 - Spjegazzjonijiet tal-vot" \f "G"TC "18 - Stemverklaringen" \f "H"TC "18 - Wyjaśnienia stanowiska zajętego w głosowaniu" \f "I"TC "18 - Declarações de voto" \f "J"TC "18 - Explicațiile voturilor" \f "K"TC "18 - Vysvetlenie hlasovania" \f "L"TC "18 - Obrazložitev glasovanja" \f "M"TC "18 - Äänestysselitykset" \f "N"TC "18 - Röstförklaringar" \f "O"Explications de votes 2-0574-0000 Le Président.”
“And I am convinced that the immediate end of the punitive measures – as many times mentioned – imposed by the European Union is also a prerequisite for starting this dialogue. I therefore call once again for the lifting of these measures. I would also like to reiterate that any decisions with regard to future integration can only be merit-based. That is why I call the Kosovo political establishment to eliminate the shortcomings that we have indicated in our report. I thank my colleagues again for their participation in the debate, and I hope for support in tomorrow's vote. 2-0572-0000 Le Président. – Le débat est clos. Le vote aura lieu demain.”
“– Mr President, first of all, I would like to thank you all for your relevant thoughts and reflections. As I stressed in my opening remarks, it is very important to give the people of Kosovo a European perspective. It is equally important that Europe establishes its security and values space, which all that it entails includes the Western Balkans. I very much hope that the stalemate that has gripped the Kosovo National Assembly for now will soon be overcome, that the speaker of the assembly will be soon elected and the functions of the government will be formed. I also hope that this government, in cooperation with the institutions of the European Union, will do everything possible to restart the dialogue with Belgrade.”
“Provided that Kosovo continues to de-escalate the situation, the time indeed seems ripe for starting to gradually lift those measures, and also highlighted by the Council in its December conclusions. I count on you to remain engaged with Kosovo. More than ever, the EU needs to follow up on its commitments and to keep working towards our shared goals of making the EU perspective for Kosovo a reality. Dear Elio Di Rupo, thank you for your nice words that I am still here, but I also thank you – a few of you – that you are here. The late hour is not the problem, my problem has been that I was freezing. It is cold here, so the next time I have to bring a blanket. Thank you to all of you, thank you, Mr Rapporteur. The last words are yours and then we go home and I will get a warm shower. 2-0571-0000 Riho Terras, rapporteur.”
“We hope to see concrete action from the government on many of the key areas highlighted in our discussion. Further, let me highlight that we want Kosovo to take full advantage of the current momentum in the Western Balkans and to make full use of the opportunities offered, including through the growth plan, in terms of socio-economic development, single market integration and the EU path. These reforms will bring prosperity, stability and peace to Kosovo and the wider region. Also, in this context, I take good note of your call for the lifting of the measures imposed in reaction to the escalation of tensions in the north of Kosovo back in 2023.”
“2-0569-0000 (Fin des interventions à la demande) 2-0570-0000 Marta Kos, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members, many thanks for this debate, which recalled once again our joint commitment to Kosovo's EU path. During this debate, we have recognised many achievements made by Kosovo in the past years. This debate has also demonstrated the need for continued reforms and the continued existence of many challenges. In order to overcome the challenges I want to stress the importance of constructive dialogue and regional cooperation. This is essential for Kosovo to make progress on its EU path. The upcoming 2025 enlargement package will be an opportunity to assess Kosovo's progress. First and foremost, we expect Kosovo to swiftly proceed with the formation of its institutions.”
“Mr President, Kosovo's alignment with EU values and our foreign policy will not go unnoticed. Unfortunately, we have had to witness how third‑country actors are trying to destabilise their process. The usual suspects – Russia and China – are openly backing Serbia, trying to undermine Kosovo's independence. Through disinformation, diplomatic pressure and media manipulation, they are aiming to weaken Kosovo's statehood and fracture their unity. Moscow spreads lies. Beijing blocks global recognition. Their influence corrupts the truth and destabilises the peace in the Balkans. We must support the Western Balkans through diplomatic means. Kosovo is not in the EU, but they are a part of Europe. Russian and Chinese influence has no place here – not now, not ever.”
“Отчитаме напредъка на Косово по отношение на някои направления на транспортната свързаност. Работата обаче трябва да продължи и добри резултати да бъдат отбелязани и в железопътния транспорт. Добри транспортни връзки са предпоставка за икономическо развитие на целия регион. 2-0563-0000”
“За съжаление все още огромна част от българите в Косово са записани като горани в Конституцията, а са етнографска група, неразделна част от българския народ, а не отделен етнос. Не мога да подкрепя изисканата в доклада фиксирана квота от 50% за жени и мъже в изборните листи. Законодателството вече предвижда праг от поне 30 процента за всеки от двата пола. Представителството трябва да бъде справедливо, но да произтича от свободната воля на гражданите и качеството на кандидатите, а не приоритетно от полова принадлежност. Оставам загрижен и от натиска над Прищина за приемане на разпоредби, които противоречат на обществените нагласи. Не бива да използваме доклада като инструмент за социално инженерство. Всяко общество има правото да развива законодателството си съгласно своите традиции и правни принципи.”
“Ne ovat perusoikeuksia – myös kosovolaisille, myös niille, joiden ääntä ei useinkaan kuulla. Rakennetaan yhdessä siltoja muurien sijaan. Haluan lämpimästi kiittää pääneuvottelija Terrasta erittäin asiantuntevasta ja rakentavasta yhteistyöstä. Oli ilo tehdä tätä työtä yhdessä. Jatketaan – komissio, neuvosto, parlamentti – me yhdessä. 2-0562-0000 Станислав Стоянов, от името на групата ESN. – Г-н Председател, г-жо Комисар, когато говорим за Косово, трябва ясно и твърдо да отстояваме принципите на демокрацията и равнопоставеността на всички национални общности. Дълбоко обезпокоително е, че подписката на близо 500 граждани, които исторически се самоопределят като българи, все още не е разгледана от Косовското събрание. Това мълчание подкопава доверието в ангажимента на Косово към правата на малцинствата.”
“Sen kansa on osoittanut, että tahtoa on: tahtoa rakentaa vakaampaa ja rauhanomaisempaa tulevaisuutta. Viime vuosien edistys oikeusvaltion ja demokratian vahvistamisessa on ollut rohkaisevaa. Silti työtä meillä riittää. Vähemmistöjen oikeudet ja korruption torjunta vaativat meiltä jatkuvaa valppautta ja aitoa sitoutumista, yhteistyötä Kosovon päätöksentekijöiden ja Kosovon kansan kanssa. EU:n on oltava mukana varmistamassa, että Kosovon turvallisuustilanne on riittävän vakaa, ei vain jäsenyyspolkua varten, vaan ennen kaikkea ihmisten arjen turvaamiseksi. Euroopan unionin on pidettävä kiinni lupauksestaan. Ovi pysyy auki niille, jotka täyttävät yhteiset kriteerit, ei valikoivasti, vaan oikeudenmukaisesti. Vapaa liikkuvuus, ihmisoikeudet ja rauha eivät ole etuoikeuksia.”
“but they're still blocked from even starting the accession process by the outcomes of the Serbia-Kosovo war of the 90s. And I clearly call on Serbia here to finally make peace with their neighbour and to recognise their neighbour, to move on towards a European future. And I strongly call also on the five non-recognisers within the European Union to lead by example and to free the way to finally start accession talks with Kosovo. I thank the rapporteur for the good cooperation, and I thank Madam Commissioner for her good words. Thank you very much and let us work it out together. 2-0561-0000 Merja Kyllönen, The Left-ryhmän puolesta. – Arvoisa puhemies, Kosovo on kulkenut pitkän tien sodan varjoista kohti rauhaa, epävakaudesta kohti demokratiaa.”
“It is in our collective interest to support its journey towards full EU membership. 2-0560-0000 Thomas Waitz, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Mr President, Madam Commissioner Kos, Kosovo has developed towards a modern rule of law state and is still developing towards a modern rule of law state. And yes, there are still things to do, and they are not yet there. But they are developing really well. It's a country with 100 % foreign policy and security policy alignment, which is really impressive in this Balkan region. It's a flourishing democracy and they once again have proven that they are a flourishing democracy. They have increasing living standards. They have a young and well-educated population. But still they are blocked from joining international organisations. They could be a frontrunner in the accession process.”
“Kosovo has demonstrated a clear commitment to European integration with strong public support for EU accession. The implementation of visa liberalisation and its steadfast alignment with EU foreign and security policy are encouraging steps forward. However, significant reforms remain crucial. While progress in justice, security and economic resilience is evident, challenges persist in judicial independence, media freedom, and the fight against corruption. Strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring the full implementation of rule of law reforms are imperative for Kosovo's European path. Finally, the EU must recognise Kosovo's commitment and provide tangible incentives, including clearer accession prospects. Kosovo's European future must not remain in a grey zone.”
“Нейният културен принос и историческо присъствие трябва да бъдат признати, защитени и насърчавани от косовските власти с подкрепата на Европейския съюз. Западните Балкани и исторически, и географски, и политически са част от Европа. Затова подкрепяме Косово по пътя му към членството в Европейския съюз. Това е не само геополитическо решение, а една дългосрочна инвестиция в мир, стабилност и сътрудничество в региона. 2-0559-0000 Ilhan Kyuchyuk, on behalf of the Renew Group. – Mr President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, as the new Europe shadow rapporteur on Kosovo's progress report, I welcome this comprehensive assessment of Kosovo's achievements and ongoing challenges and I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate the rapporteur for his very hard work.”
“– Г-н Председател, г-жо Комисар, уважаеми колеги, благодаря на докладчика г-н Терас и на колегите, с които работихме по доклада. Важно е да подчертаем, че Косово е стабилен партньор, който последователно демонстрира ангажименти към европейските ценности, включително в контекста на продължаващото напрежение със Сърбия, където виждаме необходимост от ясно и недвусмислено осъждане на провокациите срещу суверенитета на Косово. Особено внимание трябва да отделим в бъдеще на гарантирането на правата на българската общност в Косово, като бъде разгледана петицията, регистрирана в парламента на Косово през януари 2023 г. Българската общност трябва да бъде включена в Конституцията на Косово наравно с останалите малцинства в страната, както и да получи произтичащите от това права.”
“Pire encore, l'Union européenne, avec l'accord du Parlement, a libéralisé le régime des visas avec les Kosovars, alors même que cinq États membres ne lui reconnaissent toujours pas sa souveraineté. Le Parlement adopte donc un rapport qui expose les fragilités profondes du Kosovo, montrant à quel point ce territoire est éloigné des critères de stabilité et d'état de droit, tout en poussant son intégration de manière accélérée. Ce que je veux vous dire, c'est que nous avons déjà du mal à faire de la colocation à 27: si nous accueillons des États membres qui ne correspondent ni à nos critères d'état de droit, ni à nos critères en matière de standards européens, nous ne pourrons pas continuer à avoir une Union européenne avec les valeurs que nous portons. 2-0558-0000 Ивайло Вълчев, от името на групата ECR.”
“Cependant, permettez-moi de vous dire qu'il ferme les yeux sur des enjeux sécuritaires majeurs. Rapporté à sa population, le Kosovo a envoyé un nombre disproportionné de djihadistes rejoindre Daech et plus de 250 000 armes illégales circulent librement dans le pays. Ces armes circulent déjà librement dans nos rues, en France, mon pays d'élection, qui en a payé le prix fort, puisque certaines des armes utilisées au Kosovo ont été aussi utilisées lors des attentats du Bataclan, commis avec des armes provenant des Balkans. Il y a donc un vrai sujet en ce qui concerne les armes. Malgré cette réalité alarmante, vous souhaitez continuer à pousser toujours plus loin le processus d'intégration avec le Kosovo.”
“J'ai senti personnellement le poids de la religion, ce qui, pour moi, est un élément inquiétant. Il y a enfin la Serbie: nous avons besoin d'un dialogue absolu entre le Kosovo et la Serbie. Bref, le Kosovo fait des progrès et avance, mais je pense qu'ils doivent continuer à travailler pour accéder à l'Union européenne, et nous restons bien entendu ouverts. 2-0557-0000 Matthieu Valet, au nom du groupe PfE. – Monsieur le Président, Mesdames et Messieurs les membres de la Commission, en cette heure tardive effectivement, le rapport dont nous débattons ici dresse un constat lucide: le Kosovo est confronté à de graves problèmes structurels, à une corruption endémique, à une criminalité organisée omniprésente et à des relations bilatérales toujours aussi tendues avec la Serbie.”
“J'essaierai donc d'être bref. Je pourrais me contenter de dire que je partage à 100 % ce que vous venez de dire, mais si je ne disais que cela, pour la télévision, ce ne serait rien: je vais donc devoir dire quelques mots. Nous avons observé l'organisation des élections et je dois dire que celles-ci ont été très bien organisées. C'est un élément vraiment significatif d'amélioration. Il reste cependant des difficultés, vous l'avez dit. Premièrement, la mise en application sur le terrain des mesures prises légalement. Il y a une différence entre ce qui est dans la loi ou dans les dispositions et la réalité du terrain. Deuxièmement, la presse, le pluralisme, la liberté restent une grande question. Il y a également la corruption, cancer de tout régime.”
“Moreover, it's time to end the European Union's unbalanced and unfair approach towards Kosovo – it is time to lift the sanctions. At the same time, we expect Kosovo to form a new government after the elections on 9 February and to implement the obligations assumed at the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements. In addition, the protection of all minorities should be a priority. As I heard during my visit to the small Croatian community in Janjevo, it is important to avoid assimilation and rather promote the integration into Kosovo's society. Dear colleagues, Kosovo is a young democracy – a young democracy that we should support. We should support this excellent report. 2-0556-0000 Elio Di Rupo, au nom du groupe S&D. – Monsieur le Président, Madame la Commissaire, tout d'abord, votre plus grand mérite ce soir, c'est de rester si tard.”
“– Mr President, let me begin by congratulating Riho Terras for his report, which is fully in line with the recommendations approved by Parliament's delegation at the Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee with Kosovo. It is particularly timely to stress today that in 2010, at the request of Serbia, the International Court of Justice concluded that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law. Therefore, it is misplaced to use the case of Kosovo as an alibi to justify Putin's actions in Crimea or in the Donbas, or to compare it to secessionist forces in Europe, frequently also backed by Putin's Russia. The EU should also fully embrace this ICJ conclusion and finally grant Kosovo candidate status.”
“Concerning the EU‑facilitated dialogue on the normalisation of relations with Serbia, I wish to highlight the importance for Kosovo to continue demonstrating a strong and constructive commitment. There is no alternative to the dialogue. Advancing on normalisation with Serbia remains a key requirement for Kosovo's EU aspirations. This means implementing obligations stemming from the Ohrid Agreement without further delays or preconditions. It is also essential that Kosovo refrains from causing tensions in the north. Dear Members, it remains the Commission's priority to support Kosovo on its EU path. Kosovo and the entire region belong in the European Union. They are part of the European family and we will stand by Kosovo on its journey to Europe. 2-0555-0000 Davor Ivo Stier, on behalf of the PPE Group.”
“The Commission remains ready to prepare an opinion on Kosovo's membership application as soon as the Council requests it. I am aware that there are still many obstacles to overcome, but I would like to underline that the Commission will contribute all its technical expertise and support once it is asked to do so. The 2024 European Commission report also highlights that the government and the opposition should work to forge cross-party political support to pursue EU‑related reforms more effectively – this will also be crucial for the future government's mandate. This would notably enable Kosovo to build on the progress already achieved and to take the work further, including the necessary strengthening of its public administration reform.”