Catarina Vieira
Member of the European Parliament · ALE · NL
“Mr President, a few months ago, I stood in the occupied West Bank, and around me was the rubble of what was once a community centre. The family next door were next – their house was next to go. And right there, there was still a children's playground with a shiny blue EU plaque.”
“But without accountability, we risk rebuilding today what Israel will destroy again tomorrow. It's time for accountability – on Monday, finally, stop trade with illegal settlements, suspend the association agreement, introduce proper sanctions and support the ICC, because words will not rebuild Gaza, only actions will. 3-0245-0000”
“Madam President, tomorrow we vote on a deeply unequal deal. A deal to prevent the worst, even though the worst was deemed illegal by the US Supreme Court. A deal, so we know what to expect, even though, since it has been struck, the US has already increased its tariffs on steel and aluminium, and today threatened France with more.”
“They use trade as blackmail to get what they want around the world. This Parliament has fought hard to improve the deal and they secured many improvements. But no amount of safeguards will change the fact that Europe should not let itself be blackmailed by a dangerous autocrat. 1-0126-0000”
“Madam President, the Commissioner said that he understands the problem, and I'm glad to hear that, but that the Commission is not ready to present a solution quite yet. That's okay – we've waited many years for many amazing video games to come about, and we've also sometimes waited many years for great European laws to come.”
“I've received emails from around the world of people saying 'I want to see the EU lead on this'. We might have not been quoted on Le Monde or Euractiv, but we were on the Twitch streams, we were on the subreddits, we were reaching citizens where they are, and this is really what citizens care about.”
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“But without accountability, we risk rebuilding today what Israel will destroy again tomorrow. It's time for accountability – on Monday, finally, stop trade with illegal settlements, suspend the association agreement, introduce proper sanctions and support the ICC, because words will not rebuild Gaza, only actions will. 3-0245-0000”
“Mr President, a few months ago, I stood in the occupied West Bank, and around me was the rubble of what was once a community centre. The family next door were next – their house was next to go. And right there, there was still a children's playground with a shiny blue EU plaque. I wonder how many of those plaques are buried under the destruction of the genocide in Gaza. Israel has destroyed more than EUR 150 million of EU-funded infrastructure there and in the West Bank, and the reconstruction of Gaza might cost up to EUR 70 billion in the next decade. When will we demand that Israel pay for the destruction that they caused? Yes, we must act swiftly to ensure humanitarian aid and reconstruct Gaza – we need to do this together with Palestinians and by recognising the irreplaceable role of UNWRA.”
“They use trade as blackmail to get what they want around the world. This Parliament has fought hard to improve the deal and they secured many improvements. But no amount of safeguards will change the fact that Europe should not let itself be blackmailed by a dangerous autocrat. 1-0126-0000”
“Madam President, tomorrow we vote on a deeply unequal deal. A deal to prevent the worst, even though the worst was deemed illegal by the US Supreme Court. A deal, so we know what to expect, even though, since it has been struck, the US has already increased its tariffs on steel and aluminium, and today threatened France with more. A deal to get certainty and predictability from the same US administration that has threatened to invade Greenland, abducted a head of state, and brought the world economy to its knees by starting a war with Iran; from an administration that is violating human rights at home and abroad and sanctioning the international courts. The US trade policy isn't about stability – it's about deregulation. It's about more real estate deals for the Trump family, and it's about lining the pockets of billionaires.”
“I've received emails from around the world of people saying 'I want to see the EU lead on this'. We might have not been quoted on Le Monde or Euractiv, but we were on the Twitch streams, we were on the subreddits, we were reaching citizens where they are, and this is really what citizens care about. I am really proud to support this initiative, and I deeply, deeply hope that the Commission will come forward with a proposal. 4-0074-0000”
“Madam President, the Commissioner said that he understands the problem, and I'm glad to hear that, but that the Commission is not ready to present a solution quite yet. That's okay – we've waited many years for many amazing video games to come about, and we've also sometimes waited many years for great European laws to come. I just hope we don't have to wait as long as we've been waiting for GTA 6 to see a proposal from the Commission. Today, we've spoken a lot about loving video games, but what we also love in this house is democracy and citizens' rights to have their needs and their views and their desires expressed. This is not just about 1.3 million signing a petition. After our Committee meeting, I received dozens of emails from people saying, 'this is the first time I've watched a European Parliament speech and I agree with you'.”
“And while we're stating the obvious, let me also state that the far right of this House, which is no longer here to be seen, only talks about feminism when it's an excuse to be racist and Islamophobic, and this is what happened in this debate today. 3-0597-0000”
“Mr President, it's very frustrating when we need to stand in this Parliament to say the obvious, but the obvious is worth stating: women's rights in Afghanistan are being infringed upon by the Taliban regime. Women have, pretty much, lost their right to exist: their right to education, move freely, express themselves, access justice, and work. This will have so much impact on society for so many, because women in healthcare – female doctors, nurses, midwives – all of them are unable to do their work. But while we're stating the obvious, let me continue to state the obvious: the Commission and their shameful and hungry desire to push a migration policy and deportation has opened the door for talks with the Taliban, which should have never been possible.”
“As the Greens/EFA Group, we fought for and are very proud of securing consideration for labour conventions and the Paris Agreement into this framework. We're not just protecting our workers at home; we are raising the standards for human dignity around the world. This is how you build a truly just transition. Finally, we are closing loopholes. Thanks to the 'melt and pour' rule we fought for, third countries cannot bypass our defences. If China tries to remelt its steel elsewhere and disguise it for European market, it will not work. This is a bold first step towards rethinking the rules-of-origin logic at the WTO. This is more than just steel. This is about how Europe leads – by building an economy that is as fair to its people as it is to the planet. 1-0080-0000”
“Mr President, colleagues, today we protect our steel industry and its workers from unfair competition, notably from China. Today, our Union takes the lead in the global stage to tackle overcapacity in the steel sector. And today, for this, I'm especially proud we reaffirm that the green transition and trade defence instruments can and should go hand in hand. By securing the decarbonisation criterion in the negotiations, we have formally linked market protection to climate action. Cheap, unfair imports were freezing vital green investments. Companies couldn't compete. But now, by tying import quotas directly to our decarbonisation path, our steel companies no longer have to choose between going green or surviving. We are making clean steel economically viable.”
“A report by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment describes the impact of Israel's military action in the country over the past two years as an 'ecocide', a shocking environmental footprint of a war that is impacting public health and food security. This moment calls for clear leadership. The EU must suspend the association agreement with Israel, sanction war criminals and ensure access to humanitarian aid, and the entire international community must show its presence and commitment to accountability mechanisms in the country, particularly in light of the expected departure of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon next year. We need to achieve more than temporary and fragile ceasefires. The Lebanese people deserve lasting peace, dignity and respect for their human rights. 3-0474-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, Colleagues, Lebanon is once again being torn apart by war. What we are seeing in Lebanon, we have seen before in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes hitting densely populated areas. Civilian infrastructure destroyed. Hospitals damaged. Humanitarian workers targeted. Entire communities displaced. We are seeing more than 1.3 million people who have fled their homes. These are clear violations of international law. Civilians are paying the price with their lives. Since the ceasefire began, at least 195 people have died, including journalist Amal Khalil, killed while reporting. And while the situation has become more acute, it did not start now.”
“Firstly, we are maintaining a firm and united diplomatic front, to ensure our partners understand that international justice is not a variable to be negotiated. Secondly, with the Member States, we are taking immediate practical steps to safeguard the daily lives and professional dignity of those who serve the court. And thirdly, we remain prepared to use every legislative tool at our disposal. The blocking statute remains one of these potential tools. We are assessing its possible activation with the seriousness that such a significant political move requires. I thank, once again, on behalf of Commissioner Albuquerque, this Parliament for its unwavering support. Together, we will ensure that the halls of justice in The Hague remain open and that its judges remain independent. 3-0400-0000”
“3-0398-0000 (End of catch-the-eye procedure) 3-0399-0000 Wopke Hoekstra, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members, I am replacing Commissioner Šefčovič, who was already replacing Commissioner Albuquerque. On their behalf, or on her behalf, I would like to say that the International Criminal Court is a safety net for our rules-based international order. What the ICC does is that it ensures that the cries of victims are heard and that the shadow of impunity is lifted. The Commission is, of course, fully aware of the urgency expressed by many in this House. And we do hear your call for a more assertive use of our strategic toolkit. However, as my colleague has outlined, our approach must be as effective as it is principled. We are working on three fronts.”
“Mr President, it's clear that for doing their job, upholding international law and investigating genocide claims, the International Criminal Court Judges and the UN Special Rapporteurs are being treated like terrorists with sanctions from the from the US administration. We've raised it in letters, we've raised it in committee meetings, and we are raising it here in plenary. But even after this meeting, I still have two questions: what and where? First of all, what is keeping the Commission from finally taking action and activating the blocking statute to protect these EU citizens? By the way, where are our EPP colleagues – the largest group in the European Parliament, with 188 Members – who promise to uphold international law? And one of them shows up. We should think about that.”
“But I also saw hope, UNRWA staff that kept schools running, human rights defenders working despite being sanctioned, and a young Palestinian woman who told me that she will continue to dare to imagine a better future. Colleagues, the EU has tools to uphold human rights and international law. The association agreement with Israel, our trade policy regarding settlements, the blocking statute to protect the ICC and sanctions for the worst perpetrators. These tools are gathering dust as we speak. It is about time we use them. 2-0604-0000 Catch-the-eye procedure 2-0605-0000”
“We must uphold international law, and that means taking action: suspend the association agreement and all trade with illegal settlements, impose sanctions and stand firmly behind the ICC and the ICJ. This is the moment to secure a path – a just and a lasting path – that guarantees safety, freedom and self-determination to Israelis and Palestinians alike. 2-0040-0000”
“Madam President, a peace plan that circumvents international law; a ceasefire that has already been violated, killing dozens; humanitarian aid turned on and off, using civilians as leverage; Palestinians having no say on who will lead Gaza in rebuilding what Israel has destroyed; impunity in the face of genocide – this is the reality in Gaza. And meanwhile, in the West Bank, the illegal occupation grows, subjecting millions of people to killing, torture and displacement. Yes, much has changed in the past few weeks: a ceasefire agreement, the return of the hostages, more humanitarian aid coming in. These are all crucial steps. But let us be clear: this is not peace and this is not justice. Colleagues, our credibility is on the line. What influence can we have with Russia, with any other state, if we don't stand by our values?”
“Instead of pouring money into fossil fuels, we must invest in renewable energy production, in batteries, in the circular economy. Our regulation, our climate goals, our values are not for sale. And we cannot – ever – trade them away. 3-0303-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, you and our colleagues from the EPP called for political responsibility in supporting this deal. But I think it's very far-fetched to claim that it is responsible for us to spend USD 750 billion on natural gas, oil and nuclear energy from the US. If Russia has taught us something, it is that Europe must become independent in its energy production through a green transition by no longer depending on others – and especially not on unpredictable populists and dictators. But looking at this deal with the US, it seems perhaps we have not learned our lesson. Let's face it, Commissioner Šefčovič, these billions are needed here in Europe, to benefit European consumers and companies, not to fill the coffers of ExxonMobil and Chevron – the same corporations that have blocked ambitious climate action for decades.”
“The compound impact of high tariffs and the cuts in development assistance risks all the progress that has been made on the poorest economies and, by consequence, on the Sustainable Development Goals. Our multilateral system is failing and those who are most vulnerable risk paying the highest price. 3-0288-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, today the Commissioner came to us to say that the trade war seemed to be turning into some sort of trade truce, even though we don't know that much yet in detail about the content. In any case, I'm very happy to hear that, for you, our legislation remains a non-negotiable point. It can't have been easy to negotiate with the Trump administration. The amount of U-turns on deadlines and tariff rate is unprecedented. With that unstable background and knowing that nothing binds Trump to a final deal, we must always proceed with caution. While the EU might be able to strike a deal, this is unlikely to be the case for most of the world. For many, the absurdly high tariffs are still on the table, and this poses a huge challenge for developing nations.”
“We are Israel's largest trading partner. We have leverage. We have a responsibility. If we mean 'never again', we must act today. Our complicity must end today. 2-0546-0000”
“Mr President, the EU-Israel Association Agreement requires respect for human rights from a government that targets aid workers, doctors and journalists; that is blocking humanitarian aid using famine as a weapon of war; that is committing apartheid in the West Bank; that is committing a genocide in Gaza. So, Commission, Council, colleagues in this House, my question to you is this: how long will you ignore them? The UN experts and special rapporteurs, the international courts, the human rights organisations, the students who are on hunger strike outside the doors of this Parliament, the volunteers that try to walk or sail to Gaza with aid, the tens of thousands of people marching in the streets of Europe. For how long will they be ignored? The suspension of this agreement is long overdue. It's a legal necessity.”
“When will we stop applying these double standards? And when will we start treating Palestinian lives as human lives? 2-0594-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, we celebrated a ceasefire, but it was short‑lived. After a few weeks, Netanyahu unleashed full war on civilians once again. The cutting of aid and electricity in Gaza, as well as the intensified attacks on the West Bank, can be added to the ever‑expanding list of war crimes that he should be imprisoned for. Instead of supporting and upholding international justice, the EU continues business as usual with Israel. In the meantime, our credibility in the global south crumbles by the day with these double standards. As Israel's largest trading partner, we have a responsibility to force change and end the atrocities in Palestine – stop arms trade, cease this association agreement and impose sanctions. So tonight, here are my questions: when will we finally stop business as usual with the aggressor?”
“Let me be clear: with Trump's trade policies, Europe needs to diversify its trade partners. But this cannot be done at any cost. We need a strategic agreement that works for both the planet and the people here and in Mercosur countries. The jury is very much still out on whether this deal can deliver that. 4-0058-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, time flies when you're having fun and with Mercosur, we've been negotiating for 25 years. But here in the European Parliament we were a bit late to the party, as we only had access to the final text after a political deal was announced in December. This agreement raises a lot of questions. How exactly will we ensure that it will not drive deforestation in the Amazon, or that the rights of local and indigenous communities will be respected? Why do we have a deal on the table that increases imports of poultry and beef without presenting conditions on animal welfare? What about the rebalancing mechanism? Can it be used to challenge the European Deforestation Regulation? If so, what would that mean for future trade deals with other partners or future environmental rules that we want to set?”
“These sanctions are nothing less than an open invitation to dictators, authoritarians and warlords around the world to conduct large‑scale human rights violations with impunity. All eyes are on the EU now. We must act immediately by activating the blocking statute to protect the ICC against these sanctions, and take responsibility as one of the few remaining guardians of international law. 2-0494-0000”
“Madam President, colleagues, without universal enforcement, international law is just a huge pile of paper. Independent institutions such as the ICC and the ICJ are vital to uphold a system that we established to prevent war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. But then one day Donald Trump wakes up and decides he doesn't like the ICC targeting Netanyahu for what's happening in Gaza. And because of that, he is entitled to undermine the work of the ICC, to target not just a court and its staff, but also people and institutions that support it, and that it's OK to bring the work of international justice to a halt. Well tell that to those faced with sexual violence in Sudan. Tell that to the child soldiers recruited in the Central African Republic. Tell that to the victims of war crimes in Ukraine.”
“Madam President, colleagues, I'm going to do something I don't usually do in this House and tell a bit of a generational story. I come from a family, on my mother's side, in which there were many whalers in the Azores Islands. My great‑grandfather, the brother of my grandfather, they were proud whalers. It was their livelihood, it was their tradition. And I'm very glad, I'm very proud that that tradition has stopped. Since 1984, in Portugal, this is no longer happening. Now, fast‑forward to the 1990s, my cousin was born on my father's side of the family. He has worked on sustainable whale watching tours that also give him a livelihood and help the protection of these incredible animals that are under threat. There is no excuse to anywhere around the world to continue this abuse of animal rights and this harm on our climate.”
“The Knesset ban on this agency would be catastrophic at this moment, and we cannot let it go ahead. And finally, we have the responsibility to champion a just and lasting solution in the region, a two‑state solution, and seek justice for the Palestinian people, safety for everyone in the region. 1-0105-0000”
“Mr President, colleagues, in this Chamber we have mourned the deaths of almost 50 000 Palestinians, including 20 000 children. A ceasefire in Gaza, while fragile and imperfect, offers a crucial first step to end this bloodshed. This pause must not be an end on itself, but a beginning of a determined effort to achieve lasting peace. Our societies, governments and institutions have a very heavy responsibility from now onwards. First of all, to ensure that the ceasefire holds. Opportunities for peace are as rare as they are valuable, and we cannot afford to waste this one. Secondly, to support humanitarian relief and Palestinian‑led reconstruction in Gaza. And this, let me tell you, cannot happen without the support of UNWRA. They are crucial not just for humanitarian support, but also for services like education and medical care.”