Seán Kelly
Member of the European Parliament · PPE · IE
“Madam President, my colleague Ressler said Europe was a sleeping giant. And this is a sleep that is self-inflicted because of overregulation etc. So now we need to wake up and get rid of the sleeping tablets.”
“A Uachtaráin, beidh mé chomh tapaidh agus is féidir liom. Yesterday, at the first debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting, a lot of Members – understandably at the time – were critical of the non-attendance of the Irish Presidency.”
“A Uachtaráin, the Commission estimates that rebuilding Gaza will cost USD 71 billion. For decades, the EU has funded schools, hospitals, water networks, community centres in Palestine – many of them now destroyed.”
“A Uachtaráin, tá áthas orm labhairt ar an ábhar tábhachtach seo. Europe's bioeconomy represents one of our greatest untapped economic opportunities – by turning agricultural residues, forestry by-products, marine resources and organic waste into high-value products, we can reduce our dependence on fossil-based materials while creating new…”
“I therefore welcome investments such as Ireland's new National Biorefinery Pilot Plant in County Monaghan, which helps researchers, SMEs and industry from across the country to transform promising ideas into commercially viable products, bridging the gap between laboratory research and market deployment.”
“A Uachtaráin, I think there is nothing more depressing than to see a traditional industry like the automotive industry basically going down the tubes, especially because of unfair competition from China. So that's up to us to ensure that competition is stopped and that we give a fair advantage to our own industries.”
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Every one of 251 lines we hold for Seán Kelly, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 6.
“3-0132-5000 Ελισσάβετ Βόζεμπεργκ-Βρυωνίδη (PPE), γραπτώς – Οι πρόσφατες επανειλημμένες παραβιάσεις του ευρωπαϊκού εναέριου χώρου από τη Ρωσία αποτελούν ευθεία επίθεση κατά της ασφάλειας και ακεραιότητας της Ένωσης. Αυτές οι ενέργειες δεν είναι τυχαίες, αλλά μέρος μιας οργανωμένης στρατηγικής που στόχο έχει να δοκιμάσει την ενότητα και την ετοιμότητα της Ευρώπης. Η Ρωσία δεν είναι η μοναδική εξωτερική απειλή για την Ένωση. Η Τουρκία ανέκαθεν παραβίαζε συστηματικά και προκλητικά τον ελληνικό και ευρωπαϊκό εναέριο χώρο και τα χωρικά μας ύδατα, υπονομεύοντας την ασφάλεια και τη σταθερότητα στο Αιγαίο και την Ανατολική Μεσόγειο. Η προστασία των ελληνικών και ευρωπαϊκών συνόρων καθώς και του ευρωπαϊκού εναέριου χώρου είναι αναγκαία προϋπόθεση για την ασφάλεια της Ένωσης.”
“Veľmi negatívne vnímam fakt, že Komisia pod vaším vedením si uzurpuje stále viac a viac právomocí a snaží sa odkloniť EÚ od pôvodného právneho a funkčného rámca. Nielen EPPO, ale aj Európsky dvor audítorov vám vyčítajú túto tendenciu, ktorá je v neprospech celej Únie. Neustále strašenie, vytváranie nepriateľov a najnovšie návrhy na 360 stupňovú dronovú stenu sú len ďalším kúskom skladačky na prevzatie stále väčšej moci do rúk Komisie a odoberanie kompetencií Európskemu parlamentu. Trvám na tom, že EÚ vnikla na myšlienke mieru a nesmieme ju pretvárať na “obrannú alianciu” a ani kopírovať štruktúry NATO. Takisto presúvanie stále ďalších peňazí na zbrane a tzv. obrannú techniku a odoberanie ich z poľnohospodárstva, kohézie a sociálnej politiky považujem za klamstvo a okrádanie občanov Únie.”
“3-0132-2500 Urmas Paet (Renew), kirjalikult – Venemaa tahtlikud õhuruumi rikkumised meie piirkonnas, nagu ka hiljutised sündmused Taanis, Norras ja Rootsis kujutavad endast selgelt niigi keerulise olukorra eskaleerimist Venemaa poolt. Venemaa soovib lõhkuda Euroopa ühtsust ja vähendada ELi toetust Ukrainale. Me ei saa lasta sel juhtuda. Meie piirkond seisab praegu silmitsi viimaste aegade suurima agressiooniohuga ning seetõttu peab ELi idapiiri ja õhuruumi kaitsmine olema kogu ELi ühine pingutus. Samuti tuleb jätkata tegevust Venemaa varilaevastiku peatamiseks, sest Venemaa kasutab laevu Euroopa õhuruumi sisenevate droonide stardiplatvormina. 3-0132-3750 Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI), písomne. – Vážená pani predsedníčka Európskej komisie.”
“Niech Berlin zamiast ścigać tych, którzy rzekomo wysadzili niebezpieczny dla Europy gazociąg, zacznie ścigać agentów, którzy za krwawe ruble za nim lobbowali. Jak to możliwe, że pomimo powtarzających się naruszeń przestrzeni powietrznej Polski i Estonii wciąż nie ogłoszono 19. pakietu sankcji? Że Unia nie ma odwagi uznać Rosji za państwo wysokiego ryzyka w zakresie finansowania terroryzmu, o co zabiegam w tej rezolucji? Jak to możliwe, że w tym samym czasie pół miliona Rosjan otrzymało wizy Schengen? że zamrożone aktywa stoją tam, gdzie stały, flota cieni nadal zasila kasę Kremla, a rosyjskie drony, często z zachodnimi komponentami, latają nad Europą? Europa musi zrozumieć, że Rosja to państwo terrorystyczne.”
“A háborús logika ideje lejárt, békére van szükség! 3-0132-1250 Mariusz Kamiński (ECR), na piśmie – Europa udaje, że uczy się Rosji na nowo, że Rosja dopiero dziś jest groźna, że kiedyś była inna. Nie! Rosja od wielu lat stanowi poważne zagrożenie. Należy przyznać prawdę o jej istocie: Rosja to państwo terrorystyczne, które opiera swoją władzę na agresji i pogardzie do własnych obywateli, do cywilizacji Zachodu i do międzynarodowego porządku. „Russkij mir” to imperialna doktryna śmierci przynosząca zniszczenie w Czeczenii, Gruzji i dziś na Ukrainie. Rosja jest przepełniona wrogością, która zagraża Mołdawii, krajom bałtyckim i całej Europie. Kreml wysyła sabotażystów, zabójców, bomby i drony. Przestańcie więc załatwiać z Kremlem interesy.”
“Ha kell, akkor erősítjük a drónfal kiépítését és folyamatosan fejlesztjük a légvédelmi és szárazföldi képességeinket. A NATO parancsnoksága alatt Magyarország jelenleg is kulcsszerepet vállal a balti országok légtérvédelmében. Nyolcvan magyar katona és négy Gripen vadászgép szolgál a Baltikumban, és eddig már tizenegy éles riasztást kaptak. Legutóbb, szeptember 25-én, amikor öt orosz katonai repülőgép közelítette meg Dánia légterét, két magyar Gripen emelkedett a levegőbe, hogy reagáljon a fenyegetésre. Ez is bizonyítja: a magyar honvédek helytállnak, és Magyarország megbízható tagja a NATO szövetségi rendszernek. Azonban a biztonság legnagyobb garanciája nem az utólagos reagálás, hanem a háborút kiváltó okok kezelése. Ezért mi azt mondjuk: nem a háborús terv kell, hanem a diplomáciai megoldás!”
“Wspólne inwestycje w odporność i obronę to nie koszt, lecz gwarancja bezpieczeństwa. Wreszcie każde naruszenie unijnej przestrzeni powietrznej musi spotkać się z polityczną i dyplomatyczną reakcją całej Unii, nie tylko państwa dotkniętego. Solidarność europejska nie może być hasłem – musi być działaniem. 3-0132-0000 György Hölvényi (PfE), írásban. – A közelmúlt légtérsértései világossá tették: az eszkaláció veszélye valós, de nem visszafordíthatatlan. Ehhez viszont arra van szükség, hogy az Európai Unió kilépjen a háborús logikából és végre a béke megteremtésére törekedjen. Kétségtelen, hogy a békéhez erő kell, az erőhöz pedig védelmi képességek. Magyarország éppen ezért aktívan részt vesz Európa keleti határának védelmében is.”
“Europos saugumas yra nedalomas. Tik kartu mes tvirtai pasipriešinsime Rusijos agresijai ir ją sustabdysime. 3-0131-5000 Michał Dworczyk (ECR), na piśmie – Ostatnie naruszenia przestrzeni powietrznej i ataki na infrastrukturę krytyczną państw członkowskich przez Rosję to kolejny dowód, że agresja Kremla nie zna granic. Nie są to incydenty, lecz element szerszej strategii destabilizacji Europy w ramach prowadzonej przez Kreml wojny hybrydowej. Nasza odpowiedź musi być szybka, wspólna i zdecydowana. Po pierwsze, konieczna jest pełna koordynacja i współpraca między służbami obrony i bezpieczeństwa w ramach UE i NATO. Musimy zwiększyć zdolności wykrywania i reagowania na zagrożenia hybrydowe – od dronów po cyberataki. Po drugie, potrzebujemy wzmocnienia ochrony infrastruktury krytycznej, obejmującej energię, łączność i transport.”
“Nuo kibernetinių atakų ir dezinformacijos kampanijų iki infrastruktūros sabotažo mūsų jūrose bei oro erdvės pažeidimų ir dronų atakų, hibridinės grėsmės kenkia mūsų visuomenei, ekonomikai ir demokratinėms institucijoms. ES rytinis flangas yra šios naujos karo formos fronto linija. Būtina stiprinti šį regioną ne tik kariniu požiūriu, bet ir skubiai imantis atsparumo didinimo priemonių infrastruktūros, kibernetinės gynybos ir pilietinės visuomenės srityse. Svarbiausi žingsniai yra kritinės infrastruktūros apsauga, žvalgybos informacijos mainų tarp valstybių narių stiprinimas, investicijos į pažangias technologijas, skirtas dronų grėsmėms aptikti ir neutralizuoti, bei mūsų karinių ir gynybinių pajėgumų stiprinimas. Tik vieninga ir tvirta ES reakcija nusiųs aiškią žinią Rusijai, kad bandymai destabilizuoti mūsų Sąjungą žlugs.”
“Wat telt, is dat we samenwerken met Oekraïne, dat intussen de ervaring én technologie heeft om Russische drones op efficiënte wijze te onderscheppen. Hun kennis moeten we combineren met alle hoogtechnologische industrie die al in Europa voorhanden is, om onze eigen luchtverdediging te versterken. Ik vraag u dan ook om snel werk te maken van uw initiatieven, in samenwerking met onze industrie en de NAVO, maar bovenal met onze Oekraïense partners. De tijd van talmen is voorbij, ik geloof in uw daadkracht. 3-0131-0000 Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), raštu. – Šiandien susiduriame su skubiu iššūkiu, kuris kelia grėsmę Europos Sąjungos saugumui ir stabilumui – hibridinėmis ir vis intensyvėjančioms atakomis iš Rusijos.”
“Sie wird in wenigen Minuten mit der Ansprache von Jens-Frederik Nielsen, dem Premierminister Grönlands, wieder aufgenommen. Vielen Dank. Schriftliche Erklärungen (Artikel 178) 3-0130-5000 Wouter Beke (PPE), schriftelijk. – Voorzitter Von der Leyen, collega’s, Rusland test en provoceert. Het wil zien hoe ver het kan gaan om onze eenheid op de proef te stellen, en tegelijkertijd de aandacht afleiden van Oekraïne. We mogen ons daardoor niet uit elkaar laten spelen. We moeten het hoofd koel houden en kordaat reageren met één gezamenlijk Europees antwoord. En daartoe kwam u met concrete initiatieven in het kader van de routekaart voor defensiegereedheid. De discussie over deze of gene naam is daarbij onbelangrijk: het maakt niet uit of de kat wit of zwart is, als ze maar muizen vangt.”
“This requires urgently strengthening the restrictive measures against Russia and stepping up our outreach efforts to other countries. Last but not least, we need to ensure accountability for Russia's continued war of aggression in Ukraine. Russia's war crimes cannot be left unpunished. 3-0130-0000 Die Präsidentin. – Vielen Dank, Frau Ministerin! Vielen Dank auch allen Kollegen, die an dieser sehr wichtigen Debatte teilgenommen haben! Es waren sehr viele in der heutigen Debatte. Vielen Dank dafür. Zum Abschluss der Aussprache wurden gemäß Artikel 136 Absatz 2 der Geschäftsordnung sechs Entschließungsanträge eingereicht. Die Aussprache ist geschlossen. Die Abstimmung findet morgen, Donnerstag, 9. Oktober 2025, statt. Die Sitzung ist nun kurz unterbrochen.”
“Mr Halicki from EPP was advocating for a stronger defence industry in Europe. Ms García Pérez from S&D said that Ukraine needs to win. Ms Hayer from Renew said that we must be powerful if we want to be free. Ms Reintke from the Greens said that we need European strength. All these comments, and many more, show that the EU is getting better prepared – that we stand more united. But we must continue the course. We need to enhance our support for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression. This requires state-of-the-art technology, and Ukraine is a key partner in this regard. We need to learn from their battlefield experience and foster close collaboration on the defence industry with Ukraine, including on EU soil. At the same time, we must continue to maximise pressure on Russia.”
“Therefore, we need strong unity and a strong response, and that is exactly why I get hopeful when listening to this debate today. It illustrates what is happening: Europe stands more together. While Danes like Mr Vistisen from the Patriots criticise Denmark for receiving assistance last week during our informal European Council meeting in Copenhagen, it is not a sign of weakness. Denmark received police assistance from Sweden and Norway and military assistance from Germany and France. It is a display of unity. And what is about to happen? Europe stands more together. We need to show solidarity and action, as several of you said. That is what we do. I agree with the comments from several of you – not all, but the debate shows broad political support for a stronger Europe and a stronger response.”
“I hope that frozen assets will be used to strengthen Ukrainian defence very soon; so there are financial means. I count on the support of this House with the ideas and to projects which we need to develop and are ready to work very intensively with the Parliament in order to rapidly develop needed capabilities. 3-0129-0000 Marie Bjerre, President-in-Office of the Council. – Madam President, honourable Members, Commissioner, there have been worrying comments in this debate, but this is probably also the most positive and hopeful debate I participated in. It might sound like a paradox, because yes, Russia's actions are part of a serious escalation, and Europe is in a crucial time. Let us be clear: Russia will not stop.”
“We cannot do this without Ukraine; Ukraine's air defences take down 70–80 % of targets, Ukrainian drones chased the Russian fleet out of the Black Sea, brought the Russian advance to a standstill and devastated the Russian strategic bomber fleet and oil refineries. In the development of the drone wall special attention should be paid to Ukrainian experience – this experience shows that the key to an effective drone wall is not just technology as such, but the developed skills of integrated command and the creation of a comprehensive new warfare ecosystem. We must move quickly from ideas to actions. It is possible during the next year to build essential capabilities of the drone wall and by 2030 we shall have the possibility to spend EUR 2.5 trillion for different needs for our defence.”
“For the eastern flank countries there is also a need for capabilities to use the drones to hit the targets on the ground if an enemy tries to invade the country. A tailored approach, but that is what is needed. Frontline states have different needs compared to other countries, including countries in the Mediterranean, but all need capabilities to detect and to destroy drones. Above all, what we need is cooperation, of course, to exchange data to track incursions across national borders. We have interoperable situational awareness to jointly identify targets and carry out operations. We will work hand in hand with NATO.”
“A Russian Geran-2 drone has a 2 500 km range, and from Kaliningrad or Belarus it can hit targets in Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, northern France and Hungary, and it can even reach Brussels and Strasbourg. From container ships, drones can destroy targets all along the coast of Europe. The question is: what needs to be done? There are a lot of things which we are doing and a lot of things which we need to do even more, but let me concentrate this time on drones and anti-drone capabilities. There is quite a broad agreement on what we need to do. In the short run, we need to develop capabilities to better detect, track and identify drones with acoustic sensors, radars, satellites. In the long run, capabilities to disarm or destroy drones, with drone interceptors, electronic warfare and mobile units.”
“Either we are politically and practically preparing to deter Putin or we are fighting each other. It is a choice for each of us. Russia's provocations are reckless, irresponsible and dangerous, a threat to the people and peace of Europe. They must serve as a wake up call – we need to act very practically and effectively. Drones are the future of war and the future of provocations. It is a pity that there was a need for the recent provocations to wake us up, and it appears that we are badly prepared for this future. At the moment, our defences are really not ready to detect drones and to see and to track them when they are crossing our borders. In addition, shooting down a EUR 10 000 drone with a EUR 1 million missile is really not sustainable. What we need to understand is that all of Europe is under threat – and I mean all of Europe.”
“So we are really under attack and we need to be ready for that. To defend and to deter in a united response, as in the name of this discussion. What we need to do is clear; let us remember an ancient Roman saying – if you want peace, prepare for war, otherwise prepare for surrender if you want to have Putin-style peace. I would like to remind ourselves that it is Russia that waged a war against Ukraine, not Ukraine that attacked Russia. It is Russia that started provocations against Poland, the Baltic states, Copenhagen and other countries in Europe, not the EU that provoked Russia. In order to protect peace we need to ramp up our material defence readiness, first of all, which we are doing, but also our institutional defence readiness and our political defence readiness.”
“As regards the violations of our airspace, I have one observation: what would happen if we violated Russian or Belarusian airspace? There's our answer – you meet fire with fire. We have got to develop the firepower to do so and Commissioner Kubilius is doing his best to build up our defences. We need to rally around and make sure it happens. 3-0127-0000 (Ende der spontanen Wortmeldungen) 3-0128-0000 Andrius Kubilius, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, Minister, dear colleagues, it was really a great debate, a great, important debate, because the issues that we are discussing are really very crucial. Many of the speakers were repeating very well-known truths – we are not at war, but not at peace either. What we need to recognise is that perhaps it will continue for years to come with provocations, disruptions and sabotage acts.”
“A Uachtaráin, how the narrative changes. A few months ago, we were all dancing to the tune of Donald Trump as he touted his peace initiative in Ukraine. Of course, Russia had no interest whatsoever in peace, as we have learned since. Also, of course, talking about peace in the middle of a war is like a football team talking about celebrations in the middle of a match. The best way to guarantee celebrations is to win the match; the best way to guarantee peace is to win the war. In fairness to the Ukrainians, they are doing a damn good job at it. A three day war, in Putin's eyes, has extended to three years and a lot longer. He has lost 1 111 000 troops and is not making great progress: a kilometre here or a kilometre there.”
“Differences remain, including over India's ties with Russia, that provide a further justification for cultivating a closer friendship with India. Protecting Ukraine and protecting Europe remain the top priority, but delivering a strong partnership with India is the most desirable aspiration. 2-0503-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, in today's increasingly multipolar and complex world, the European Union benefits from cultivating strong and reliable partnerships in order to continue serving as a global standard‑bearer for liberal democracy. India, soon to be the world's third‑largest economy, stands out as a natural partner in this effort. The strategic agenda and upcoming free trade agreement will help to solidify a diverse and complementary relationship. European farmers and businesses can benefit from India's massive demand for dairy products, digital services and pharmaceuticals, to name but a few areas. Additionally, the planned legal migration pathways in the agenda should be welcomed and used as a template for controlled, skilled migration, which our businesses and health services badly need.”
“We've got to stand up, and international partners have to come on board to set a date by which this nonsense has to end. 2-0463-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, Afghanistan has suffered two earthquakes. One, the geological earthquake, which was devastating, but more devastating was the political earthquake when the Taliban took over, because their attitude to women is animalistic. It's sadistic; it's illogical. To think that any man who was born because of a woman, who has sisters, wives, daughters, etc., can treat women like that is just absolutely abominable. And I think we have to highlight this far more internationally and look at international partners who can put an end to this gender apartheid. In fact, it's a crime against humanity, because it's a crime against women – because from the moment they are born to the moment they die, they are given absolutely no treatment other than disrespect all the way. They have no rights; they have nothing.”
“But we also need guarantees to stop annexation and settler violence in the West Bank, to protect Palestinians from further harm and demand accountability for violations on both sides. True peace will only come when the hostages are released, both peoples are treated with equal dignity, equal security and equal rights. The sooner, the better. 2-0244-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, today marks two years since the massive, violent and brutal attacks on Israeli citizens and the taking of 251 hostages. We will remember the victims and their families, as well as the innocent civilians of Gaza, who continue to suffer as collateral in this conflict. Yesterday's talks in Egypt on President Trump's Gaza peace plan offered a glimmer of hope. The plan centres around urgency and immediate results. No doubt – there is urgency, but enforced starvation, especially of little children, must never be used as a bargaining tool. Any plan must ensure a sustainable future in Gaza. I welcome the commitment to Gaza's redevelopment and Israel's withdrawal from the strip – a vital step towards a ceasefire and a two-state solution.”
“And indeed, it should not be forgotten that it was under Jean-Claude Juncker that the Juncker Plan was introduced, which revolutionised investment financing in the European Union, which helped us get over the economic crisis. So big or small, we can be very successful. As the Prime Minister of Luxembourg said: Éire, Lucsamburg agus an tAontas go brách. Ireland, Luxembourg and Europe forever. 2-0111-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, Europe is made up of big countries and small countries, and often the small countries think the big countries dominate and yet we had one of the biggest countries – the United Kingdom – leaving the European Union under the pretext of a lack of sovereignty, which they are now beginning to realise is a mistake. On the contrary, small countries can make a huge contribution and you, yourself, being President of the Parliament, like Pat Cox from Ireland, shows that, as do, for instance, David O'Sullivan and Catherine Day becoming Secretary-Generals of the European Commission. Then, of course, we have Robert Schuman, the father of Europe, and Jean-Claude Juncker, who became President of the Commission and had a very successful tenure.”
“Hope for a better future – a unified Cyprus – exists and must be pursued. In the context of the UN-led efforts for creating a suitable environment, which could lead to the resumption of settlement talks, a genuine commitment is urgently needed by all concerned parties. This includes the two Cypriot communities as well as Türkiye, to work towards a peaceful settlement on the basis of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the values on which the EU is founded. The EU remains ready to play an active role: all relevant EU services, including the Commission's special envoy, support the UN efforts to advance the long-term settlement process. We need a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework for all people of Cyprus and for stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
“The EU has been actively engaging with multiple actors and is in constant contact with the United Nations. Commission services on the ground are following the case and cooperating closely with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus in order to find a successful resolution to the situation. As a number of colleagues in the House have referenced this evening in the debate, we have received the news this afternoon that three of them have been released on bail. Nevertheless, the situation still involves that they are not free to go back to their home. We will remain attentive to the well-being of the detainees and expect the swift, unconditional and safe release of all. Honourable Members, a forced division of Cyprus can never be a solution – all the more against the background of serious geopolitical developments in our neighbourhood.”
“3-0556-0000 (Fin de las intervenciones con arreglo al procedimiento de solicitud incidental de uso de la palabra («catch the eye»)) 3-0557-0000 Michael McGrath, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, thank you very much, and thanks to all of the honourable Members for their contributions this evening. For 51 years now, the Republic of Cyprus, an EU Member State, remains divided. This has far-reaching implications, first and foremost for the people of Cyprus. The case we have debated this evening is another example of the cost of disunity: the case of Antonis Louka, Andreas Kyprianou, Annie Kyprianou, Niki Gregoriou and Gregoris Gregoriou in the areas where the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control is of great concern.”
“A Uachtaráin, just to rise in solidarity with our colleagues in Cyprus in this unfortunate and unacceptable situation. Coming from Ireland, where our country is not fully united yet – although we aspire to achieve unification sometime, hopefully in the near future – I can understand how Cyprus feels in relation to the occupation and also the arbitrary detention of people in that area. So I think Commissioner McGrath and his colleagues will use everything they can to ensure that justice is done. Normally, when we speak in this Chamber in relation to emergencies, they are usually outside the European Union. This is within the European Union, so we should be able to act much stronger, in solidarity, in cooperation and in unity to ensure that justice is done in this particular case.”
“And I welcome the Commission's statement of intent in this regard this evening, particularly investing in our Galileo system. 3-0462-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, the number of jamming and spoofing incidents targeting global navigation satellite systems has risen at an alarming rate, with an estimated 140 000 flights affected in 2024 alone. This is a real threat and it is one that has already cost lives: tragically, 38 people perished on an Azerbaijani Airlines flight in December, and there have been several near misses since. Sadly, these incidents are likely to continue, particularly with the increase in the use of hybrid warfare tactics deployed by Russia and other hostile actors. This is a direct attack on Europe's safety, on our connectivity and our strategic autonomy. The satellite constellations underpinning the GNSS are essential to aviation, shipping, energy, agriculture and the smooth functioning of our entire economy. That is why Europe must act to resolve.”
“A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir, the scenes of force used against protesters in Serbia are completely unacceptable. Let us be clear: the right to assemble and to voice opposition to government is a basic democratic freedom, and it must be upheld, particularly in an aspiring EU Member State. Reports of unlawful crowd control tactics, intimidation, misuse of personal data, arrests of students and activists, and even spyware aimed at journalists have no place in an EU candidate country. We all want Serbia to succeed on its path to membership, but the enlargement process is and must be about the values put into practice. The rule of law situation in Serbia and, above all, the State's response to protests and the ambivalent attitude to Russia and Ukraine must change if accession is to move forward.”
“We cannot give up on a two‑state solution, we cannot stand idly against annexation and we cannot stand by violence when peace is possible. Free the hostages and free Gaza. 2-0118-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, here we are again debating the undebatable. Colleagues will defend what is indefensible and we will be here until Netanyahu achieves his goal: total destruction of Gaza. Words cannot do justice to the human indignity that Netanyahu's enforced famine imposes on innocent Gazans. It is just heartbreaking to see young children with a bowl in their hands begging for food every day. Netanyahu has also created the deadliest period for journalists in contemporary history. A generation of accountability has been wiped out, granting Netanyahu carte blanche to starve, kill and destroy. As we speak, Gaza is on its knees and Israel bombards Gaza City. Meanwhile, activists like Kitty O'Brien face police brutality for standing against these atrocities.”
“The EU has repeatedly condemned the actions of this group and its affiliates, which have been associated with serious human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law. The Wagner Group has been listed under the EU's global human rights sanctions regime, along with key individuals and entities operating in the Central African Republic. The EEAS and the EU delegation in Bangui, in coordination with Belgium and Portugal, will continue to follow with great attention the developments of Mr Joseph Figueira Martin's legal case, but also of his health. We hope for a positive outcome and we extend our sympathy and support to his family. 3-0536-0000”
“Both in Bangui and in Brussels, on every possible occasion and at all possible levels, we have consistently stressed to the Central African authorities the imperative that Mr Figueira Martin's rights to due process be fully respected. We have also underlined the importance of ensuring that his conditions of detention meet international standards, in line with the Central African Republic's obligations under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture. We will continue to do so. More broadly, the EU remains deeply concerned by the human rights environment in the Central African Republic, particularly in areas where the Wagner Group has been active.”
“Since the outset of this case in May 2024, the High Representative and the European External Action Service have been closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Belgian and Portuguese authorities. Indeed, while the European External Action Service and the EU delegations support coordination and information sharing, they do not provide direct consular services themselves. That remains within the competence of the Member States. Belgium and Portugal have been granted access to Mr Figueira Martin and are providing him with regular consular assistance, in accordance with their obligations under Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Directive 2015/637 on consular protection for unrepresented EU citizens.”
“I think, like the previous case of Ryan Cornelius, and this case of Joseph Figueira Martin, we should say within a specified time, if they're not released, we're going to revisit it, re-highlight it and put further pressure on these countries to act, because I think that might be the way to ensure that some justice is done, and particularly for the people we are discussing here tonight. 3-0534-0000 (End of catch-the-eye procedure) 3-0535-0000 Jozef Síkela, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members of the European Parliament, we share your concerns regarding the case of Mr Joseph Figueira Martin, a European citizen currently detained in the Central African Republic.”
“(Start of speech off mic) ... the Belgian-Portuguese researcher, Joseph Figueira Martin, and compliment them for raising this case. I think it's wonderful that we have MEPs here in the House who are prepared to, first of all, take the case, then research it, then come up with a resolution and then debate it here and then colleagues to vote on it, because these are cases where there are extreme violations of the rights of individuals, and particularly if they are European nationals, they certainly must be highlighted here.”
“I particularly welcome the Council's reference to Israel's obligations under international law and under Article 2 of the Association Agreement. There must now be serious and immediate follow-up. If respect for human rights is the condition of that Agreement, as it is and must be, then we cannot turn a blind eye. It is time to pause and reassess this relationship, and to send a clear, unequivocal message to Mr Netanyahu that the EU is united against his unacceptable actions. 3-0035-0000”
“Dia dhaoibh a chairde, I strongly welcome the European Council's conclusions on the Middle East and Gaza. The call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and the path towards a permanent end to hostilities is most welcome. I spoke many times in this House about the utterly deplorable and unacceptable situation in Gaza. Our failure to act sooner and apply pressure on Israel has allowed this to continue. Now, at last, we see a united Council position reflecting the one that has been long-advocated by Ireland – a call to lift the blockade, to ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid, to enable the UN and other organisations to do their lifesaving work, and to reassess the EU-Israel Association Agreement.”
“We cannot let radical voices hijack this debate with fearmongering about migration or budgets. That distorts the truth. Past enlargements reduced poverty, grew trade and created new opportunities, including for Ireland, which has been transformed and modernised since we joined in 1973. Conversely, the United Kingdom has suffered greatly since it left the European Union a few years ago. The path ahead must be rigorous, but the door must stay open. Míle buíochas á Uachtaráin, agus go n-éirí libh. Maith thú. 4-0066-0000”
“A Uachtaráin agus a Choimisinéir, tá sé tábhachtach dóchas a thabhairt do thíortha a bhfuil ag teastáil uathu teacht isteach san Aontas, because enlargement is one of the EU's greatest achievements. It has extended peace, democracy and shared prosperity across Europe, making it stronger, more united and better equipped to face global challenges. Ireland has always backed enlargement, but on principle. Accession must be earned: each candidate must meet our agreed standards in the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. That remains essential. The strategic case is clearer than ever. Russia's war in Ukraine shows that peace in Europe cannot be assumed. Bringing in countries like Ukraine and Moldova, and the Western Balkans, once ready, serves both their interests and ours. It strengthens our security, economy and global influence.”
“These are not symbolic gestures. They are real acts of political courage and they matter. We cannot be the Europe of values only in name. There will have to be consequences for clear and repeated breaches of human rights. So, yes, we must act to prevent a wider war, but we must also refuse to look away from Gaza, because turning a blind eye now – as children starve and families are buried beneath rubble – would be an unforgivable betrayal of everything this Union stands for. 3-0157-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, there are no two ways about it: the broader destabilisation we are witnessing across the Middle East right now is deeply worrying. We need restraint, we need de-escalation and, above all, we need leadership – not through bombs, but through dialogue and diplomacy. But let me say this, too: we cannot allow the broader conflict between Iran and Israel to distract from the horror that continues in Gaza. The indiscriminate killing of civilians, the blocking of humanitarian aid and the starvation of an entire people: these are not footnotes to a larger conflict. They are crimes in their own right. Ireland has always stood firmly on the side of international law and human dignity. I welcome the Irish Government's leadership on illegal settlement goods and the Tánaiste's move towards robust legislation.”