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.”
The complete record
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 4 of 6.
“I welcome the Commission's roadmap to end Russian gas imports by 2027, but let's go further. Let's aim for full energy independence as soon as possible, no matter the source, no matter the supplier. 1-0305-0000 Interventions à la demande 1-0306-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, the past few years have taught us the hard truth. We can never again be reliant on Russia, or any country for that matter, for something as vital as energy. For over a decade, many of us warned against locking ourselves into dependency on Russian gas. It took an unprovoked invasion, a supply shock and a cost of living crisis to wake Europe up. But this isn't just about Russia, it's about energy independence. Today, Europe is a price‑taker for gas. Given gas is the commodity that determines the energy price across much of Europe, that is simply not acceptable nor sustainable. The only path to genuine EU competitiveness is energy independence and the only way to real energy independence is through renewables. They are Europe's own resource; home‑grown, price stable and geopolitically secure.”
“There are other issues, of course, which have to be dealt with – accurate information from India and China, etc. – but as we move forward, we can monitor these. This is a very good step. The ETS and CBAM combined can help us to meet our commitments under Paris and others as well. 1-0260-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, I was honoured to be part of the European Parliament's delegation to the COP in Paris, where we agreed on the Paris Agreement. And I remember, before we went, talking to President Buzek and we were saying that Europe would agree to a reduction of emissions, and I said we should add 'provided other emitters do the same'. Now, they found out subsequently that they didn't. But thankfully, the European Commission came up with the proposal on CBAM, which helps to establish a level playing field. Now it is not perfect, but I think they are also to be complimented on implementing what Ursula von der Leyen promised: simplification. And the Omnibus proposals before us simplify CBAM, take 90 % of small companies out of it, but at the same time remain dealing with 99 % of emissions.”
“We need a system that works as one, not 27 different versions of the same process. A simpler, smarter, single market means more opportunities for Irish jobs and EU jobs, innovation and exports. 1-0224-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, the EU single market is one of our greatest achievements, but it has yet to reach its full potential. Right now, too many barriers still stand in the way of businesses trying to trade across borders. The Commission's new strategy is a step in the right direction, aiming to crush red tape, modernise outdated rules and digitise how we do business. But we need to go further. If we are serious about strengthening the single market. We must simplify procedures for trading goods and services within the EU. That means faster approvals, clearer rules and digital systems that talk to each other. Irish SMEs and service providers have so much to offer, but they face unnecessary delays and paperwork when expanding into other EU countries. It is time to change that.”
“Madam President, I've pushed the button as soon as it was open, been here for the entire debate and not been taken. How many more MEPs are in that position? And secondly, how many MEPs were able to speak twice, once from the podium in their speaking time and then under the blue card? And is that fair to us MEPs who stayed here for this most important debate, that we were just left here and told 'Sorry, we can't take you', while others can speak twice and the whole thing can be disrupted by people going on and on and on? I think fair has to apply to everybody, not just some. 1-0134-0000”
“Má thacaímid leis an rún seo, beimid ag seasamh an fhóid ar son fás inbhuanaithe, margaí cothroma, agus iomaíochas domhanda an Aontais. TC "11.4 - Стари предизвикателства и нови търговски практики на вътрешния пазар (B10-0246/2025)" \f 1TC "11.4 - Viejos retos y nuevas prácticas comerciales en el mercado interior (B10-0246/2025)" \f 2TC "11.4 - Staré výzvy a nové obchodní postupy na vnitřním trhu (B10-0246/2025)" \f 3TC "11.4 - Gamle udfordringer og ny handelspraksis i det indre marked (B10-0246/2025)" \f 4TC "11.4 - Bestehende Herausforderungen und neue Geschäftspraktiken im Binnenmarkt (B10-0246/2025)" \f 5TC "11.4 - Vanad probleemid ja uued kaubandustavad siseturul (B10-0246/2025)" \f 6TC "11.4 - Παλιές προκλήσεις και νέες εμπορικές πρακτικές στην εσωτερική αγορά (B10-0246/2025)" \f 7TC "11.4 - Old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market (B10-0246/2025)" \f 8TC "11.4 - Anciens défis et nouvelles pratiques commerciales dans le marché intérieur (B10-0246/2025)" \f 9TC "11.4 - Seandúshláin agus cleachtais tráchtála nua sa mhargadh inmheánach (B10-0246/2025)" \f ATC "11.4 - Stari izazovi i nove poslovne prakse na unutarnjem tržištu (B10-0246/2025)" \f BTC "11.4 - Vecchie sfide e nuove pratiche commerciali nel mercato interno (B10-0246/2025)" \f CTC "11.4 - Zināmās problēmas un jauna komercprakse iekšējā tirgū (B10-0246/2025)" \f DTC "11.4 - Seni iššūkiai ir nauja komercinė praktika vidaus rinkoje (B10-0246/2025)" \f ETC "11.4 - Régi kihívások és új kereskedelmi gyakorlatok a belső piacon (B10-0246/2025)" \f FTC "11.4 - L-isfidi antiki u l-prattiki kummerċjali ġodda fis-suq intern (B10-0246/2025)" \f GTC "11.4 - Oude uitdagingen en nieuwe handelspraktijken in de interne markt (B10-0246/2025)" \f HTC "11.4 - Stare wyzwania i nowe praktyki handlowe na rynku wewnętrznym (B10-0246/2025)" \f ITC "11.4 - Reptos antigos e novas práticas comerciais no mercado interno (B10-0246/2025)" \f JTC "11.4 - Vechile provocări și noile practici comerciale de pe piața internă (B10-0246/2025)" \f KTC "11.4 - Staré výzvy a nové obchodné postupy na vnútornom trhu (B10-0246/2025)" \f LTC "11.4 - Stari izzivi in nove poslovne prakse na notranjem trgu (B10-0246/2025)" \f MTC "11.4 - Vanhoja haasteita ja uusia kaupallisia menettelyjä sisämarkkinoilla (B10-0246/2025)" \f NTC "11.4 - Gamla utmaningar och nya affärsmetoder på den inre marknaden (B10-0246/2025)" \f O11.4Stare wyzwania i nowe praktyki handlowe na rynku wewnętrznym (B10-0246/2025) 4-0234-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, tacaím leis an rún seo toisc go gcuireann sé cur chuige straitéiseach agus cothrom chun cinn chun iomaíochas an Aontais a neartú i dtimpeallacht dhomhanda atá ag athrú go tapaidh. Cuireann sé béim ar chomh tábhachtach atá an iomaíocht chóir, ní hamháin chun an nuálaíocht a spreagadh ach chun tomhaltóirí a chosaint, ach chun athléimneacht eacnamaíochta fhadtéarmach a fhorbairt ar fud an Aontais freisin. Thar aon ní eile, ceanglaíonn sé tosaíochtaí comhshaoil agus digiteacha leis an gcreat iomaíochta. Trínár straitéis eacnamaíoch a ailíniú leis an gComhaontú Glas don Eoraip agus le Compás Digiteach 2030, cabhraímid leis an Eoraip a bheith ina ceannaire domhanda san aon bhunaíocht agus sa teicneolaíocht.”
“By cutting red tape and reinforcing subsidiarity, it empowers Member States while ensuring effective oversight. Bhí bród orm vótáil ar son na tuarascála praiticiúla seo a thugann tacaíocht don Trasdul Glas. 4-0229-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, Arís bhí áthas orm vótáil ar son na tuarascála seo ... Because it extends and revises the EU Gas Storage Regulation as it balances energy security with changing market conditions. Measures introduced during the 2022 gas crisis, especially mandatory storage targets, proved effective in stabilising supply and protecting citizens from price shocks. Extending them beyond 2025 is a smart step to prepare for future risks. I support the added flexibility, including the adjusted 83 % target and limited scope for Member State deviations in difficult conditions. These updates respect national contexts while maintaining a strong collective baseline. The proposal also advances EU goals by phasing out Russian fossil fuels and supporting a return to market-based mechanisms.”
“Simplifying administrative procedures is also key to improving access and reducing barriers. Tríd is tríd, is tuarascáil mhaith chiallmhar í seo agus bhíos sásta tacaíocht a thabhairt di. 4-0223-0000”
“Bhí áthas orm vótáil ar son an naoú tuarascáil ar chomhtháthú. This report reaffirms the vital role of EU cohesion policy in promoting balanced development, reducing regional disparities and building long term socioeconomic resilience across the Union. The report rightly highlights the policy's positive impact on growth, productivity and employment, while stressing the importance of its core principles, such as the bottom-up approach and partnership model that underpin effective and inclusive governance. Importantly, it calls for greater flexibility to help cohesion policy respond to crises like pandemics, wars and climate change. It also addresses the ongoing challenges facing regions in transition, especially those affected by industrial decline or near the EU's external borders.”
“Yet too often, they do not get the attention they deserve. We need targeted strategies, strong support for cross-border research, and public-awareness campaigns that reach citizens in every region, including rural communities, like many in my own constituency in Ireland South. Let us be clear. The resurgence of measles in parts of Europe is both tragic and preventable. We must not allow misinformation to roll back decades of progress in public health. Vaccination saves lives. Full stop. We must ensure that no matter where you live in Europe, you have access to the care you need. 4-0205-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, across Europe, millions of citizens are affected by diseases that could be prevented, treated earlier and managed better if we act together. That is why I fully support the EU's stepped-up efforts on health, particularly in tackling cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases and preventing avoidable illnesses like measles. Cancer alone claims nearly 1.3 million lives in the EU each year, but through initiatives like Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, we are finally taking a coordinated approach and investing in research, screening, early detection and better access to treatment across Member States. I am proud that Irish researchers, institutions and clinicians are playing a key role in this. Cardiovascular and neurological diseases are among the leading causes of disability and death in Europe.”
“Delivering resilience means three things: one – roll out renewables at a scale to deliver energy independence, two – modernise and expand the grid as a matter of urgency, including interconnection, three – invest hard in the key technologies that deliver things like inertia, reserves and stability. Let that be the real lesson from 28 April. 3-0296-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir, let's get one thing out of the way first: the Iberian Peninsula remains almost an energy island – that's ridiculous in 2025. We need a binding interconnection target so that no Member State continues to be left isolated. But let's not fall into the trap of blaming this blackout just on interconnection, and certainly not on renewables. We know we can run a power system with high volumes of wind and solar, but to do so securely, we need to expand and modernise our grid urgently. We also need to ensure the roll-out of essential supportive technologies, things like synchronous condensers, flywheels, storage with fast frequency response – these are the unsung heroes of a resilient net-zero grid.”
“– My goodness, hasn't it been stated several times over and over again that Ukraine will be accepted into the European Union, it will become a member of the European Union and even Ursula von der Leyen said this morning the process will be speeded up for negotiations – is that not clear? To me it is. Maybe you don't understand. But that's logic. And it will happen when Russia is defeated, Ukraine is a strong independent country to come into the European Union, to strengthen the European Union, to guarantee peace and security for Ukraine and many other countries around it into the future. And then we can celebrate the end of World War II and the end of the Russian war in Ukraine. 3-0063-0000”
“A weak Russia and a strong Ukraine is the best way to peace. Anything else will lead to Ukrainian capitulation, a slight pause before Russia invades some other country again. Slava Ukraini! (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 3-0061-0000 Petras Gražulis (ESN), pakėlus mėlynąją kortelę pateiktas klausimas. – Aš jau trečią kartą klausiu ir atsakymo... aš trečią kartą jau klausiu ir atsakymo negaunu. Kodėl jūs Ukrainos nepriimate į Europos Sąjungą? Kas, Trumpas kaltas? Vien tik rezoliucijos ir gražios kalbos nieko nereiškia. Zelenskis neprašo šitų gražių kalbų. Atrodo, jūs Ukrainą jau išprievartavot. Priėmė Stambulo konvenciją, dabar sparčiai keičia lytį. Ko dar trūksta, kad jūs priimtumėte į Europos Sąjungą Ukrainą? Atsakykit tiesiai šviesiai. 3-0062-0000 Seán Kelly (PPE), blue-card answer.”
“A Uachtaráin, this Friday marks 80 years since the end of World War II. Unfortunately, the international system developed since is now in peril. Under Donald Trump, the US no longer positions itself as a neutral or principled mediator in global conflicts. Its mineral deal with Ukraine suggests that strategic and economic interests now shape who receives support in the face of tyranny. For now, Ukraine has Trump's interest again, but how long before Russia cuts a similar deal? The worst‑case scenario for Ukraine is not the US pulling support, but that Europe would not step in in response. Are we prepared for a further drawn‑out war? We must be. The EU has responded very courageously to Putin's aggression thus far. I particularly welcome Ursula von der Leyen's intention to end all dependency on Russian fossil fuels by 2027.”
“– Declaro interrumpido el período de sesiones del Parlamento Europeo. Y aprovecho también para dar las gracias a todos los trabajadores que lo hacen posible.”
“TC "17 - Прекъсване на сесията" \f "1"TC "17 - Interrupción del período de sesiones" \f "2"TC "17 - Přerušení zasedání" \f "3"TC "17 - Afbrydelse af sessionen" \f "4"TC "17 - Unterbrechung der Sitzungsperiode" \f "5"TC "17 - Istungjärgu vaheaeg" \f "6"TC "17 - Διακοπή της συνόδου" \f "7"TC "17 - Adjournment of the session" \f "8"TC "17 - Interruption de la session" \f "9"TC "17 - Atráth an tseisiúin" \f "A"TC "17 - Prekid zasjedanja" \f "B"TC "17 - Interruzione della sessione" \f "C"TC "17 - Sesijas pārtraukšana" \f "D"TC "17 - Sesijos pertrauka" \f "E"TC "17 - Az ülésszak megszakítása" \f "F"TC "17 - Interruzzjoni tas-sessjoni" \f "G"TC "17 - Onderbreking van de zitting" \f "H"TC "17 - Przerwa w obradach" \f "I"TC "17 - Interrupção da Sessão" \f "J"TC "17 - Întreruperea sesiunii" \f "K"TC "17 - Prerušenie zasadania" \f "L"TC "17 - Prekinitev zasedanja" \f "M"TC "17 - Istuntokauden keskeyttäminen" \f "N"TC "17 - Avbrytande av sessionen" \f "O"Interrupción del período de sesiones 4-0201-0000 El presidente.”
“– El próximo período parcial de sesiones tendrá lugar del 5 al 8 de mayo en Estrasburgo. TC "16 - Закриване на заседанието" \f "1"TC "16 - Cierre de la sesión" \f "2"TC "16 - Ukončení zasedání" \f "3"TC "16 - Hævelse af mødet" \f "4"TC "16 - Schluss der Sitzung" \f "5"TC "16 - Istungi lõpp" \f "6"TC "16 - Λήξη της συνεδρίασης" \f "7"TC "16 - Closure of the sitting" \f "8"TC "16 - Levée de la séance" \f "9"TC "16 - Críoch an tsuí" \f "A"TC "16 - Zatvaranje dnevne sjednice" \f "B"TC "16 - Chiusura della seduta" \f "C"TC "16 - Sēdes slēgšana" \f "D"TC "16 - Posėdžio pabaiga" \f "E"TC "16 - Az ülés berekesztése" \f "F"TC "16 - Għeluq tas-seduta" \f "G"TC "16 - Sluiting van de vergadering" \f "H"TC "16 - Zamknięcie posiedzenia" \f "I"TC "16 - Encerramento da sessão" \f "J"TC "16 - Ridicarea ședinței" \f "K"TC "16 - Skončenie rokovania" \f "L"TC "16 - Zaključek seje" \f "M"TC "16 - Istunnon päättäminen" \f "N"TC "16 - Avslutande av sammanträdet" \f "O"Cierre de la sesión 4-0199-0000 (Se levanta la sesión a las 15.39 horas).”
“TC "15 - График на следващата месечна сесия" \f "1"TC "15 - Calendario de las próximas sesiones" \f "2"TC "15 - Harmonogram příštího dílčího zasedání" \f "3"TC "15 - Kalender for den næste mødeperiode" \f "4"TC "15 - Zeitplan für die nächste Tagung" \f "5"TC "15 - Järgmise osaistungjärgu ajakava" \f "6"TC "15 - Χρονοδιάγραμμα της επόμενης περιόδου συνόδου" \f "7"TC "15 - Dates of the next part-session" \f "8"TC "15 - Calendrier de la prochaine période de session" \f "9"TC "15 - Dátaí an chéad pháirtseisiún eile" \f "A"TC "15 - Kalendar sljedeće sjednice" \f "B"TC "15 - Calendario della prossima tornata" \f "C"TC "15 - Nākamās sesijas grafiks" \f "D"TC "15 - Kitos mėnesinės sesijos tvarkaraštis" \f "E"TC "15 - A következő ülés időpontja" \f "F"TC "15 - Kalendarju tas-sessjoni parzjali li jmiss" \f "G"TC "15 - Rooster van de volgende vergaderperiode" \f "H"TC "15 - Kalendarz następnej sesji miesięcznej" \f "I"TC "15 - Calendário do próximo período de sessões" \f "J"TC "15 - Calendarul următoarei perioade de sesiune" \f "K"TC "15 - Termíny nasledujúcich rokovaní" \f "L"TC "15 - Časovni razpored naslednjega delnega zasedanja" \f "M"TC "15 - Seuraavan istuntojakson aikataulu" \f "N"TC "15 - Datum för nästa sammanträdesperiod" \f "O"Calendario de las próximas sesiones 4-0197-0000 El presidente.”
“– El acta de esta sesión se someterá a la aprobación del Parlamento al comienzo de la próxima sesión. De no haber ninguna objeción, transmitiremos las Resoluciones aprobadas en la sesión de hoy a las personas y a los órganos mencionados en cada una de las Resoluciones.”
“TC "14 - Одобряване на протокола от настоящата сесия и предаване на приетите текстове" \f "1"TC "14 - Aprobación del Acta de la presente sesión y transmisión de los textos aprobados" \f "2"TC "14 - Schválení zápisu z tohoto denního zasedání a předání přijatých textů" \f "3"TC "14 - Godkendelse af protokollen fra dette møde og fremsendelse af vedtagne tekster" \f "4"TC "14 - Genehmigung des Protokolls der laufenden Sitzung und Übermittlung der angenommenen Texte" \f "5"TC "14 - Käesoleva istungi protokolli kinnitamine ja vastuvõetud tekstide edastamine" \f "6"TC "14 - Έγκριση των Συνοπτικών Πρακτικών της τρέχουσας συνεδρίασης και διαβίβαση των Κειμένων που Εγκρίθηκαν" \f "7"TC "14 - Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted" \f "8"TC "14 - Approbation du procès-verbal de la présente séance et transmission des textes adoptés" \f "9"TC "14 - Formheas mhiontuairiscí an tsuí agus na téacsanna a glacadh a chur ar aghaidh" \f "A"TC "14 - Usvajanje zapisnika s današnje dnevne sjednice i prosljeđivanje usvojenih tekstova" \f "B"TC "14 - Approvazione del processo verbale della presente seduta e trasmissione dei testi approvati" \f "C"TC "14 - Šīs sēdes protokola apstiprināšana un pieņemto tekstu nosūtīšana" \f "D"TC "14 - Šio posėdžio protokolo tvirtinimas ir priimtų tekstų perdavimas" \f "E"TC "14 - Az aktuális ülésnap jegyzőkönyvének elfogadása és az elfogadott szövegek továbbítása" \f "F"TC "14 - Approvazzjoni tal-minuti tas-seduta li għaddejja u trażmissjoni tat-testi adottati" \f "G"TC "14 - Goedkeuring van de notulen van deze vergadering en verzending van de aangenomen teksten" \f "H"TC "14 - Zatwierdzenie protokołu bieżącego posiedzenia i przekazanie przyjętych tekstów" \f "I"TC "14 - Aprovação da ata da presente sessão e transmissão dos textos aprovados" \f "J"TC "14 - Aprobarea procesului-verbal al prezentei ședințe și transmiterea textelor adoptate" \f "K"TC "14 - Schválenie zápisnice z dnešného rokovania a zaslanie prijatých textov" \f "L"TC "14 - Sprejetje zapisnika seje in posredovanje sprejetih besedil" \f "M"TC "14 - Tämän istunnon pöytäkirjan hyväksyminen ja hyväksyttyjen tekstien edelleen välittäminen" \f "N"TC "14 - Justering av protokollet från detta sammanträde och översändande av antagna texter" \f "O"Aprobación del Acta de la presente sesión y transmisión de los textos aprobados 4-0195-0000 El presidente.”
“Agus trí na tuarascála seo, táimid ag tabhairt teachtaireacht thábhachtach láidir go bhfuilimid ag seasamh ar thaobh cearta daonna, saoirse, creidimh agus cearta na mban i gcoinne foréigean gnéis agus gáinneáil ar dhaoine. Tá áthas orm go bhfuair an tuarascáil tromlach mór sa Pharlaimint agus gur vótálas ina fabhar. Sin a bhfuil uaimse. Ádh mór. 4-0193-0000 El presidente. – Con esto concluimos las explicaciones de voto.”
“(Níor phioc an micreafón suas tús na hóráide) vótálas ar son na tuarascála seo... ... as it condemns the rising violence against Christians in the DRC, and upholds religious freedom and security. The ADF, linked to the Islamic State, killed over 200 people in December 2024 alone. Forced displacement, abductions and executions of Christians continue unchecked, demanding urgent action. This resolution calls for accountability, urging the ICC to prosecute perpetrators and supporting an international inquiry into human rights violations. A special tribunal must also be considered. Religious freedom is a fundamental right. The EU must stand against the persecution of Christians.”
“And for those who seek treatment abroad, we must provide better information, protections and support to prevent avoidable harm. Sin a bhfuil uaimse. Go raibh míle maith agat a Uachtaráin. Go n‑éirí libh. 4-0177-0000”
“These were people making what they believed to be the best decisions for their health in difficult circumstances, highlighting the need for better options at home. We are seeing a rise in patients seeking surgeries and dental procedures abroad, often drawn in by persuasive marketing and the appeal of lower costs. Yet many only realise the risks after complications emerge. The Irish Dental Association has reported an increase in patients needing corrective treatment for procedures carried out overseas, adding further pressure to an already stretched healthcare system. This issue is not simply about people choosing to travel for care. It is about why they feel they have no alternative. The solution lies in strengthening our own health care system.”
“A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, across Europe, a growing challenge is emerging – one that affects the health and well-being of our citizens. An increasing number of people are travelling abroad for medical care, not as a preference but as a necessity. Long waiting lists, high costs and barriers to timely treatment at home are driving patients to seek care elsewhere. However, in some cases, the quality and safety of care received abroad do not meet expected standards. Patients may encounter poorly regulated clinics, unqualified practitioners and a lack of follow-up care. When complications arise, it is often our own public health systems that must provide corrective treatment. In Ireland, between 2021 and 2023, at least nine individuals sadly lost their lives after undergoing procedures overseas.”
“One caveat, though, I came across recently was that there are an awful lot of wildlife parks in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe that are trying to preserve endangered species from extinction, but because of Brexit, it has become increasingly difficult to transport them for mating and other purposes. That is something I would ask the Commission to look at. It should be made easier and not more difficult, because that is a big issue for those wildlife parks that do such good work. 3-0414-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, it's good that the COP16 was positive in terms of both policy, but also putting finance behind it to back it up. And on a global level, it's hugely important that issues like desertification and deforestation would be tackled. It's also worth mentioning that an awful lot is happening in a positive manner within Europe itself, and particularly by farmers. I am conscious that in my own country, Ireland, schemes like the native woodland scheme, hedgerow planting, wild bird boxes and other practices are all helping to preserve biodiversity, and that should be recognised.”
“And also, I agree with the Commissioner: we should be mining what we can in Europe, instead of this foolishness – mining it elsewhere and bringing it into Europe – where, as you pointed out, the standards in social and environmental are far lower than in Europe. Let's do what we can in Europe. That would be a good start. 3-0101-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, fáiltím roimh an díospóireacht seo agus go háirithe an plean a rabhamar ag caint faoi níos luaithe. No doubt about it: overzealous carbon reduction targets have led to massive carbon leakage in these industries, particularly steel, and it has to stop. And thankfully we've got the message. Firstly, energy prices are something we can do a lot about. Number one: wean ourselves off fossil fuels, deploy renewables as much as we can, and develop a grid that can take the renewable energy where is needed across Europe. But also get rid of the self-imposed bureaucratic nonsense that causes unbelievable delays in permitting and planning.”
“Nous devons contribuer concrètement au développement durable dans le monde entier afin de régler la question des migrations. La meilleure façon de combattre l’immigration illégale passera toujours par la mise en place des canaux légaux de migration. Sans quoi nous aurons beau faire des discours, nous ne résoudrons jamais les problèmes de manière efficace. Nos citoyens ne nous demandent pas des discours, mais des solutions effectives. 2-0081-0000”
“Pour cela, nous devons œuvrer en faveur de la paix et promouvoir les droits de l'homme et le développement durable, non seulement à travers l'aide humanitaire, mais aussi grâce à des accords d'échange, afin de garantir un commerce juste entre les uns et les autres. Il s’agit là d’une manière puissante de contribuer au développement des pays de départ des migrants. Je suis convaincu que si les pays de départ voient leur niveau de développement croître, il y aura moins de migrations. C’est de cette manière que l’on doit regarder le monde, et c’est pour cela que vous avez raison: il convient d’investir beaucoup dans la réforme du système multilatéral. Nous devons renforcer et réformer les institutions financières internationales.”
“E aquilo que temos de fazer com a indústria da defesa é aquilo que fizemos também com a indústria automóvel: a capacidade de integrar e de mobilizar na cadeia de valor todas essas pequenas e médias empresas e, com isso, desenvolver as nossas economias, criar empregos de maior qualidade, com salários mais justos, que permitam continuar a progredir e a prosperar. Enfin, un mot sur l’immigration. Oui, c’est vrai: pour mieux appréhender ces phénomènes humains ainis que les causes profondes de la migration, il nous faut agir à l’extérieur. Cela passe peut-être, sûrement, par le retour de ceux qui sont illégalement en Europe. Mais il faut surtout comprendre la situation de celles et ceux qui sont obligés de quitter leur maison, leur famille et leur pays, en quête de nouvelles chances, d’une nouvelle vie.”
“E é um conceito que é absolutamente fundamental começarmos a assumir. A coesão é um objetivo tão importante que, para além de uma política de coesão, nós precisamos de ter a coesão em todas as políticas, e também na política de defesa, e também na política industrial. No fundo, é aquilo que temos também na indústria automóvel. É verdade que as marcas são alemãs, francesas, italianas, espanholas, mas a indústria automóvel não é francesa, italiana, alemã e espanhola. É uma indústria verdadeiramente europeia e não há uma só viatura que circule na Europa que não seja produzida em vários países europeus e que não tenha componentes produzidos em múltiplos países europeus.”
“C’est pour cela qu’il est très important que la Commission ait déjà pu présenter des propositions visant à gérer le pacte de stabilité de manière plus intelligente et d’ajouter de nouvelles ressources grâce au programme SAFE. Le débat sur ces questions est évidemment loin d’être clos, et nous devons encore réfléchir sur le livre blanc afin de pouvoir prendre de nouvelles décisions en juin, en juillet, et dans les mois ultérieurs, pour qu’on puisse effectivement investir mieux et ensemble. Senhora Presidente, gostava de ser claro. Investir na defesa não é investir só nas grandes empresas. Investir na nossa defesa é um contributo importante para a reindustrialização da Europa e em toda a sua cadeia de valor, mobilizando também as pequenas e médias empresas, não só nos grandes Estados-Membros, mas em todos os países.”
“Aujourd’hui, il n’y a plus de désaccord et il ne fait a plus de doute que, entre ceux qui estimaient qu’il faudrait renforcer le pilier européen et ceux qui voyaient dans ce renforcement du pilier européen une façon de nous distancier vis-à-vis des États-Unis, il n’y a plus de contradiction. Je crois qu’il est clair pour tous que, maintenant, la meilleure façon de défendre notre relation transatlantique, c’est d’investir plus dans notre propre défense, ce qui veut dire non seulement investir plus, mais investir mieux, ensemble et dans nos propres capacités. À ce titre, il est faux d’opposer l’investissement dans la défense à l’investissement dans la protection et le développement de notre modèle social. Au contraire, si l’on veut que notre société se mobilise pour nous défendre, il faut protéger notre modèle social.”
“La politique n’est donc pas seulement un dialogue entre les politiques, elle est surtout un dialogue avec les citoyens, les entreprises, la société. Il nous faut écouter la société. Si l’on veut que le pacte vert perdure, il faut le dépolluer de la bureaucratie inutile. Ça, c’est ce qu’on doit faire si on veut arriver à atteindre notre objectif de réduction de 55 % de nos émissions carbone d’ici 2030 et assurer la neutralité en carbone pour 2050. Le Conseil européen soutient donc fermement les propositions de la Commission visant à éliminer la bureaucratie et à simplifier nos règles. L’Union européenne est depuis le début un projet de paix. Toutefois, la paix sans défense est une illusion. Il nous faut donc renforcer notre défense.”
“Par contre, il nous faut renforcer le cercle vertueux de l’économie verte pour pouvoir renforcer la recherche, les compétences, l’investissement, les emplois de qualité et notre compétitivité. Si l’on veut renforcer et développer notre souveraineté énergétique, il nous faut intensifier le mix des renouvelables. On ne peut pas multiplier les barrières administratives dès lors que l’on souhaite déployer des éoliennes ou des panneaux solaires. Pour être franc, si l’on souhaite faire cesser la déforestation, combattre l’exploitation, l’esclavage et le travail des enfants, il est plus efficace de multiplier les accords de commerce que de démultiplier des rapports tout à fait inutiles qui étouffent la compétitivité de nos petites et moyennes entreprises.”
“– Madame la Présidente, Monsieur le Commissaire, Madame la Haute Représentante, chers membres du Parlement européen, tout d’abord M. Gerbrandy a raison: il y a urgence. L’urgence climatique n’a pas disparu, et donc il nous faut tenir sur nos objectifs: si on veut renforcer notre compétitivité, il faut accélérer la transition énergétique, parce que ce n’est que grâce à la transition énergétique que nous pourrons réduire d’une façon durable les coûts de l’énergie et offrir un cadre plus compétitif pour nos entreprises. Nous le savons, la bureaucratie ne sauve pas la planète. La bureaucratie ne fait qu’ajouter des difficultés, des barrières et des charges inutiles pour les citoyens et pour les entreprises.”
“I also heard loud and clear your calls to be in close touch with the industries of Europe which are or will be most impacted by current global trade instability. We hear you loud and clear and will definitely do so. We will reach out and will be working very closely with them. To conclude, Madam President, I also would like to thank all of the honourable Members who supported this renewed focus on unchaining the single market. I'm sure that Executive Vice-President Séjourné will come with concrete and bold proposals very soon, and we are already looking forward to our close cooperation on this very important issue. I think that we would all agree that it's high time to complete what Jacques Delors started. 2-0078-0000 António Costa, président en exercice du Conseil.”
“We are strong supporters of free and fair trade, and therefore we are naturally concerned about the current global trade debate about tendencies to erect new tariff walls. And I can assure you that, clearly, a negotiated solution is a strong preference for European Union. Therefore, we are in close contact with our American partners and we are pushing for the solution. But we are, of course, very clear that if necessary, we also know how to build strong defence for our economy. And therefore, I really wholeheartedly appreciate and would thank to all of you honourable Members who support our multifaceted strategy in these very difficult times. Madam Vedrenne, Mr Andriukaitis, Mr Kelly, just a few moments ago, Madam Zovko and leaders of most of the political groups have been very clear on that and I very much appreciate it.”
“And we welcome renewed interest for FTA negotiations from Gulf countries. Tomorrow we will have another round of negotiations with my partner with the Trade Minister of India, Piyush Goyal, to do our utmost to accelerate our talks and to conclude our agreement this year, as proposed by European and Indian leaders. To all those who still doubt the importance of free-trade agreements, I would just suggest to compare how our trade patterns looked before and after these FTAs entered into force. And I can reassure you that all of them led to increase of trade, reduction of barriers, new opportunities for our businesses. They simply delivered for European people. The European Union, as you know, is a strong champion of multilateralism.”
“So let's just recall that almost half of the European GDP and more than 30 million jobs depends on trade, not only for exports or imports, but also for getting the right components, ingredients and critical raw materials to make sure that our industry, our economy, our SMEs can produce, manufacture and generate value added here in Europe. Therefore, in this unstable world, we must work hard to secure new market access and necessary supply for our companies. Since December, we've been very much focused on this and we delivered on Mercosur, Mexico and Switzerland. We concluded a digital trade agreement with South Korea just two weeks ago, and we are working very hard to advance and conclude our free trade negotiations with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines.”
“Finally, if we are now forced, almost, to develop the single market more and complete the capital markets union, then we can say maybe that Donald Trump actually has done us a favour by kick-starting action, which we should have carried out long ago. 2-0076-0000 (End of catch-the-eye procedure) 2-0077-0000 Maroš Šefčovič, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, Mr President of the European Council, honourable Members, first and foremost, thank you very much for the debate and all your interventions. Let me first address the key questions related to the global trade, which have been very much present in your statements. As we all know, the European Union is the biggest trader on this planet. But I would like to underline that this is not an aim in itself.”
“A Uachtaráin, I think both President Costa and President Ursula emphasised how disenchanted we are with the actions of the Trump Administration in picking basically on their friends and allies, but also, rightly so, said we have a strong plan to counter, if necessary, and wisely not implementing that plan immediately, but allowing for a few weeks to discuss matters with the US authorities, which makes sense. That's the way mature people do business. Also, I was very encouraged to hear both of them speak about new trade opportunities. As a member of the trade committee for many years, we do have opportunities to grow free trade agreements with India, Indonesia, Australia and many more, and that is sensible to diversify supplies.”