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Miercuri, 17 iulie 2019 - Strasbourg Ediţie revizuită

7. Prezentarea programului de activități al Președinției finlandeze a Consiliului (dezbatere)
Înregistrare video a intervenţiilor
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  Presidente. – L’ordine del giorno reca le dichiarazioni del Consiglio e della Commissione sulla presentazione del programma di attività della Presidenza finlandese del Consiglio (2019/2687(RSP)).

Saluto la Presidenza finlandese del Consiglio e do subito la parola al presidente Rinne Antti per la sua presentazione.

Un benvenuto naturalmente a tutti i ministri del governo finlandese, siamo contenti che siano oggi con noi in Aula.

 
  
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  Antti Rinne, President-in-Office of the Council. – Mr President, President of the Commission, honourable Members, I am very pleased to be here among you today. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the honourable Members on your success in the recent European elections. I am also very pleased that, as a result of yesterday’s vote in Parliament, we now have a new President of the Commission and we can start working together to build a better future for Europe. It is important that the gender balance is now good as we think about the Commission situation.

As the representative of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I would like to stress my full commitment to constructive cooperation with the European Parliament. For this purpose, our Minister for European Affairs, Tytti Tuppurainen, will represent the Council in the plenaries.

The foundations of the European Union were laid in a divided continent ravaged by war. The founders of our Union shared a common vision and belief in the future. The people dreamed of, and had expectations for, peace and stability for the whole continent. In other words, they wanted the unity of Europe.

For many decades now, the EU has fulfilled these expectations. EU cooperation has deepened as the Member States have come to realise that together we are stronger. Nowhere else in the world is there anything to compare with this unique form of cooperation between nations. ‘Unique’ is indeed the right word to describe the story of the European Union. Only 30 years ago, our continent was still divided by barbed wire and walls. Since then, a whole generation has been born and raised who have never known anything other than free movement across borders.

Our continent, which suffered the horrors of war and dictatorship and witnessed a genocide 75 years ago, is now the strongest defender of democracy, human rights and peace in the world. The EU is a living example of how we can learn from the past: that peace overcomes war; that hope is stronger than despair.

In recognition of this unique story, the European Union received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. Maybe, the peace prize was also meant to be a reminder to us: while keeping the peace, it is now our responsibility to meet new expectations.

For the EU, this unique story is a source of pride. But, as I said, that pride also means we bear great responsibility, as the EU is now the object of these new expectations.

While maintaining stability and peace is still one of the EU’s core tasks, many other big questions remain unanswered. We have all seen that the EU’s values – the rule of law, human rights, equality and democracy – are being challenged. Europe’s economic growth has slowed. This has not only led to growing unemployment and inequality but is also paving the way for the rise of populism and extremism. In this regard, we need to find long-term, comprehensive solutions to migration.

The EU’s unity has also been tested, and will be tested, by the prospect of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal. We believe that it is better to seek answers to complex questions together rather than alone.

For Finland, this is our third presidency of the Council of the European Union. Many things have changed since the previous presidencies in 1999 and 2006. Some things, however, remain the same. One of them is the pragmatic way Finland will run its Council presidency. Another is the close relationship between the presidency and the European Parliament.

In Finland, our Parliament plays a strong role in EU decision-making. The Finnish Parliament has the right – and obligation – to express its views on EU matters that fall within its decision-making powers. We have found this active parliamentary engagement to be very useful, as is the continuous dialogue between government and parliament.

Within the EU, we again have an opportunity to build a close and pragmatic, forward-looking relationship between the EU institutions. I believe we can achieve this and meet the expectations of our citizens by taking the lead in addressing the major challenges ahead.

Finland has just launched its presidency of the Council, and in this role we can make an impact on the future of the EU. That future should be socially, economically and ecologically sustainable. In fact, the slogan for our presidency neatly states this goal: Sustainable Europe – Sustainable Future. To this end, the priorities for the Finnish Presidency are: first, to strengthen the EU’s position as a global leader in climate action; second, to strengthen common values and the rule of law; third, to make the EU more competitive and socially inclusive; and fourth, comprehensively to protect the security of citizens.

A key priority of the Finnish Presidency is the EU’s global leadership on climate action. We already have in place the most ambitious targets among the industrialised economies and we have a binding legal framework that will deliver our current commitments – but we must not stop there. For the European Union, leadership means committing to climate neutrality by 2050.

Our aim is to reach agreement on the main elements of this plan by the end of 2019. As the necessary measures will have an impact on all sectors of society, these measures to tackle climate change must be carried out in a socially sustainable way. We need to boost employment with the help of the bioeconomy and circular economy, for example. This is how we can make the EU the world’s most competitive and socially inclusive low-carbon economy.

The European Union is, first and foremost, a community of values. It is not a store where we can choose a little bit of freedom of speech and human rights, but then decide not to pick up freedom of the press or independent courts. It doesn’t work like that in Western democracies. Human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law are all values that EU countries commit to as part of their membership. These values belong together. They are the cornerstones of all EU action. But they are not just values, they are a European reality. Because of these values, European societies are safer and more secure, more stable and more prosperous than anywhere else in the world. We Europeans know better than anybody what happens if we lose sight of these values.

For Finland, it is only natural that common values and the rule of law are high priorities on our presidency agenda. We look forward to working together with the European Parliament on these issues. In fact, we have close ties to the European Parliament in another way as well. As some of you may know, the first European Ombudsman, Jacob Söderman, came from Finland. During our first presidency in 1999, leaders agreed on the common priorities for justice and home affairs. We also worked closely together with the European Parliament on the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Respect for the rule of law is not only a matter of protecting the rights of our citizens. It is also a matter of the proper functioning and credibility of the European Union. Our approach is positive and constructive. Finland wishes to improve and strengthen the EU’s rule-of-law toolbox and build cooperation between different entities and parties. The aim is to find better and more efficient ways to ensure respect for the EU’s common values in the Member States and to forestall potential problems. The rule-of-law dialogue in the Council will be evaluated, with the aim of taking it in a more structured and results-oriented direction.

We also need to continue negotiations on how to link the receipt of EU funds more closely with respect for the rule of law. We are aiming at setting up a well-balanced and effective mechanism that will tie EU funding to compliance with the rule of law.

The single market cannot function without its central principles, which are the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital. The single market, rules-based free trade and up-to-date regulations of a high standard, combined with a modern approach to industrial policy, are elements that make the EU collectively competitive. The EU now needs a positive and comprehensive long-term strategy for sustainable growth.

Our two institutions and the Commission can build on the success achieved on the digital economy during the last term. Additionally, our emphasis must be on taking full advantage of research, development, innovation, services and digitalisation. An active industrial policy and development of the service sector and the digital economy will help lay the foundation for a new economy fit for the modern age.

It is clear that well-being and economic policies go hand in hand. The EU works best when we increase people’s well-being and security and reduce inequality. By fostering skills, education and training, and promoting regional and social fairness, as well as gender equality, the EU will create sustainable growth.

The single market, which is at the core of the European Union, should treat all workers fairly. That is why the Finnish Presidency will promote the EU’s social dimension and investments in education, training and skills. We know that new needs arise from new forms of employment and global competition. Our aim should be to make European education, training and research the best in the world.

To do so we need to increase our exchanges of students and other forms of cooperation between educational institutions. We should also explore the possibility of establishing a networked European super-university, based on the existing European Universities Initiative, and substantially strengthening the Erasmus programme. Only by acting together can we defend European values and interests. The EU should aim to be a values-based global leader and defend a rules-based approach in trade.

We also believe that, to be able to tackle the challenges of climate change, population growth and migration management, it is essential for us to support stability and development in Africa. I would like to thank Mr Juncker and the Commission for the excellent work done on the EU-Africa Partnership. The Finnish Presidency will work towards taking the EU-Africa partnership in the direction of greater equality, in a way that benefits both partners. At the same time, EU citizens expect us to protect their security and this should be done comprehensively.

That means making progress on defence cooperation. Digital security and countering hybrid threats, such as disinformation, are also increasingly important. The Finnish Presidency aims to step up the fight against hybrid threats and build the resilience of our societies. We will organise the work of the Council in such a way that we can boost awareness and understanding of what can and must be done, in good cooperation.

The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is one of the most important issues for the Finnish Presidency. I want to thank the Commission for its balanced proposal to modernising the MFF. Indeed, we must find a balanced solution, which reflects both new priorities and traditional policies that contribute to the common European objectives. That will enable us to meet expectations vis-à-vis the EU and to tackle the challenges I have mentioned here today.

We will facilitate the final stages for reaching the Council MFF deal by the end of the year. In this work, good cooperation with the European Parliament is very important.

In times of difficulty, people are heard to say that the EU should act quickly. We think that what is needed is a stronger EU position as a global leader on climate action, a strengthening of our common values and the rule of law, a more competitive and socially inclusive EU, and comprehensive protection of our citizens’ security. I believe we can meet these expectations through good cooperation with the European Parliament.

(Applause)

 
  
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  Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President of the Commission. – Mr President, it is a pleasure to be here today on behalf of President Juncker and to participate in this debate on the Finnish Presidency.

But let me first congratulate Ursula von der Leyen on her election by this House as President of the European Commission. I also want to congratulate Members of the European Parliament. In voting yesterday, you instilled the democratic legitimacy in the Presidency of the European Commission that our citizens expect.

Prime Minister, it is a pleasure to see you here today soon after you hosted the College of Commissioners meeting in Helsinki just two weeks ago. As President Juncker said in Helsinki, ‘Europe needs Finland because Finland is pragmatic, down to earth and cool-headed’. That is exactly what we need in the coming months.

Prime Minister, when it comes to the environment you are already leading by example. The European Union is the first major economy to have put in place a legally binding framework to deliver on what we committed to do under the Paris Agreement. We have set ambitious targets for 2030 for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Translating the 2030 targets into reality has to be our top priority.

The Commission has also laid out its vision for the EU to become climate-neutral by 2050. Reaching climate neutrality with zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is not only possible but also economically beneficial. The energy transition will not hurt our economy but, on the contrary, will result in the creation of new jobs, new business opportunities and hundreds of billions of euros per year in reduced air-pollution damages. Finland is showing us the way ahead with the unprecedented ambition of becoming climate-neutral by 2035. I therefore have no doubt that Finland is the right country at the right time to take the European Union forward.

Every part of our economy must pull its weight, and this starts with the financial sector. It is why a key pillar of complementing the capital markets union is the action plan for financing sustainable growth presented by the Commission in 2018. The idea behind the action plan is to help us make a systemic change in investment culture. Sustainability should not be seen as a niche within the financial system. It must define our financial system. I hope that our proposal will be adopted under the Finnish Presidency. It is also why the Commission has proposed that a quarter of the next long—term EU budget should be spent on climate objectives, this more than ever before.

With regard to what I call the ‘industrial leg’ of our climate policy, the circular economy, our work to close the loop is now showing real results, while creating jobs for our citizens. In 2016, sectors relevant to the circular economy employed more than four million workers, 6% more than in 2012. That is the reason why the circular economy must be a solid part of our industrial policy in the future.

We agreed in Sibiu last May that we would provide the Union with the means necessary to attain our objectives. To respect our commitment, we need a swift agreement on the next long—term EU budget. You can count on the support of the Commission to facilitate this process in any way we can. A swift agreement would produce numerous benefits. It would allow us to create tens of thousands of research jobs by 2021, and 100 000 projects funded under cohesion policy would start on time. It would also ensure that in 2021 a million young people can benefit from an Erasmus exchange. So let us send an unambiguous signal of our determination to conclude in the autumn with a modern balanced and unifying package that we can all support.

Prime Minister, we have also injected sustainability into our trade agreements. Today, Europeans benefit from open trade with 72 countries around the world. During this mandate alone, we finalised trade agreements with 15 countries, including Japan, Canada, Singapore and Vietnam, and we have recently concluded an agreement with Mercosur. These deals send a clear message in support of open and fair, sustainable and rules-based trade. First, our agreement with Mercosur, is the biggest agreement we have ever negotiated, creating a rules-based trade area covering 780 million people, with the benefits this will bring to both sides.

But, moreover, it is also an agreement in which each and every country has committed itself to the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and, in this case, of Brazil. This includes the very significant commitment to stop deforestation in the Amazon. When we talk about rules and values-based trade today, this is what we mean and – yes – we aim to open markets and we are always ready to open our own, but in doing so we set the rules in which trade takes place. Trade for the EU means promoting a rule-based system and playing our part in shaping globalisation according to our values and principles.

Industrial policy should be a key priority for our future. Industrial policy should be based on competitiveness, because competitiveness is the best friend of a generous welfare society. An industrial policy based on deepening the single market, fair trade, investment in innovation and research and development are forward-looking measures to shape our industrial policy and competitiveness. We need to maintain fair competition in the social market economy instead of pursuing protectionism.

Prime Minister, I can say to you in full confidence that the Commission is in total harmony with the priorities of the next Presidency. Sustainability for Finns is part of who you are, and it must be the same for the European Union if we are to have any kind of future at all. I know that, with you, we are in the safest pair of hands in this respect.

This also applies to Finland’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law in the Union. By the way, this is the first time that a Member State –any Member State – takes a leading role in this file. At a time when the rule of law is under pressure, I’m pleased to see this issue remains high on the Presidency’s agenda, not only concerning the ongoing procedure under Article 7, but also concerning the strengthening of the overall rule of law framework.

The rule of law is the cornerstone on which all our values rest. It makes us who we are as Europeans. But it is not a given and it can never be taken for granted. Such is the case of course when it comes to the security of the European Union. We must take responsibility for ourselves.

This has been a priority of this Commission since day-one, and today the cooperation we have at the European level is unprecedented. We have witnessed terrorist attacks and cyber attacks, and we have seen interference in our elections and democratic processes.

This Commission has done a lot to protect our citizens offline and online. Europe is by far the safest place to live in the world. But the nature of security issues is changing by the day. We must constantly adapt. So I very much welcome the initiative of the Finnish Presidency in this regard, particularly regarding hybrid threats.

Prime Minister, I really want to wish lots of energy and strength to your work of having the rotating Presidency. I must admit that there are high expectations for the work that you are doing.

 
  
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  Siegfried Mureşan, on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, Prime Minister, welcome to the European Parliament, welcome on behalf of the EPP Group and best of luck to you in fulfilling your duties over the next six months and bringing the European Union forward.

We are now starting the third Finnish EU Presidency and as we are starting the third Finnish EU Presidency, I still have a vivid memory of the first Finnish EU Presidency in the year 1999. It was the European Council in Helsinki in December 1999 which decided to start EU accession negotiations with six European countries: Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Malta and my country, Romania, were then invited to start EU accession negotiations that paved the way for the unification of Europe and for our way into the European Union and for this I would like to thank you today.

Today, we are also starting the Finnish EU Presidency at a very important moment in time. Just yesterday we voted in favour of the first female President of the European Commission, and it’s a pleasure to debate today with Finland because Finland was the first country in the world to grant full political rights to women. You are an example in gender equality and you are also a leader in Europe when it comes to education, research, innovation, digitalisation, and these are all topics which my group is supporting.

We are also ready to work with you and we are supporting you when it comes to strengthening the single market, to making the European economy more competitive, to safeguarding the external borders of the European Union, and to defending the rule of law. The rule of law is a European value and the citizens of Europe expect the European Union to play an active role in defending this value.

Now I would like to focus on two topics which are both urgent and important.

Firstly, the budget of the European Union for the next seven years. The budget is a primary tool which we, the European Union, have at our disposal to transform our policy priorities into reality. This is why it is important. It is also urgent because the farmers of Europe who receive subsidies from us, the students who receive Erasmus scholarships, the villages, the cities, the regions which receive money for infrastructure and many other things need an answer from us on how much money they will receive, under what circumstances and for which projects. This is why I would kindly ask you to prioritise this dossier, to work with us, with Parliament. We have a position, we are ready to negotiate. We should agree on this file as soon as possible.

On the budget, I would also like to tell you that we do not share one of the approaches of the Finnish Presidency. You are saying funding for cohesion policy should be diminished and this House has said the following: ‘The European Union should do more, so we need a robust budget’. Cohesion is now needed more than ever in Europe. It helps the poorer countries, but it also helps the richer countries; it helps us unleash the potential of our single market; it helps consumers and enterprises in all corners of the European Union. That’s why I say don’t cut funding to cohesion. You will not find a partner in Parliament on this.

My second point, which is also urgent and important, Prime Minister, is the appointment of the first chief European Public Prosecutor of the European Union. We the European Parliament have held a hearing with three candidates. We have held two rounds of votes; in the Budgetary Control (CONT) Committee and in the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee and we have decided that the Prosecutor from Romania, Ms Laura Codruța Kövesi, is the best equipped prosecutor to hold this job. This was also confirmed by a panel of 12 experts, and this is why, Prime Minister, I call upon you, so that the Council gives confirmation of the appointment of Ms Laura Codruța Kövesi as the first European Public Prosecutor. This is urgent and important. This is urgent and important because the citizens of Europe expect us to decisively move forward with EU funds in Europe.

On this note, I would like to wish you all the best for the Finnish Presidency and we’re looking forward to cooperating with you.

 
  
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  Iratxe García Pérez, en nombre del Grupo S&D. – Señor presidente, en nombre del Grupo de Socialistas y Demócratas quería dar una calurosa bienvenida a Antti Rinne, primer ministro de Finlandia. También deseo trasladarle nuestro sincero agradecimiento por haber presentado una agenda tan ambiciosa para los próximos seis meses. Estamos muy satisfechos con su programa de trabajo. No dude de que trabajaremos con ustedes, codo con codo, por una Europa sostenible.

La primera frase del programa de la Presidencia finlandesa dice mucho sobre su ambición: el fortalecimiento de los valores comunes y el Estado de Derecho, la construcción de una Unión Europea más incluyente y una Europa líder en la lucha contra el cambio climático. Seguro, cuente con nuestra familia política para cumplir esos objetivos fundamentales.

Tiene razón: el denominador común de toda la acción de la Unión Europea debe ser la sostenibilidad. Necesitamos demostrar con hechos que somos capaces de prestar la misma atención al cumplimiento del déficit y al futuro de nuestro planeta. Es hora de actuar. La inacción frente a esos problemas socavará nuestro modo de vida.

Tenemos que responder a las reivindicaciones y a los miedos de millones de adolescentes que han tomado las calles en favor de la lucha contra el cambio climático. Por esa razón, reclamamos una estrategia ambiciosa que nos permita implementar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de las Naciones Unidas en 2030. Esta propuesta debe incluir una revisión del Semestre Europeo y la adopción de un nuevo pacto sobre desarrollo sostenible que incorpore un conjunto de objetivos e indicadores vinculantes. Este nuevo pacto debe ser jurídicamente vinculante, para asegurarnos de que los objetivos económicos, sociales y ecológicos tienen la misma importancia en el proceso de la toma de decisiones. No se trata de una reivindicación nueva, estas prioridades ya han sido reclamadas por este Parlamento Europeo. Por lo tanto, es hora de actuar.

Los próximos meses serán cruciales para nuestro futuro común, como consecuencia de los cambios institucionales y del Brexit. Esta Presidencia coincide además con la fase final de las negociaciones sobre el marco financiero plurianual. Y en este campo también tenemos que ser ambiciosos, porque uno puede tener una agenda adecuada a sus prioridades, pero si no tiene el presupuesto suficiente para ponerla en marcha, no se podrá hacer realidad. Y por eso necesitamos un presupuesto sólido para el periodo 2021-2027, que satisfaga las necesidades y las expectativas de la ciudadanía, que pueda incorporar los instrumentos de solidaridad necesarios para hacer frente a los desafíos actuales, y por ello no podemos aceptar recortes en la política de cohesión, ni en la política agrícola común.

Además, tenemos que asegurarnos de que nadie se quede atrás, razón última por la que debemos incorporar la dimensión social al proceso de integración europea. Es una cuestión fundamental, la dimensión social. Para el cumplimiento de esta meta debemos poner en marcha un fondo de transición justa y una estrategia global para la lucha contra la pobreza, que saque de la miseria a diez millones de personas en 2024 y a otros quince millones para 2030. Debemos plantearnos objetivos ambiciosos en materia de lucha contra la pobreza. Estos instrumentos supondrán avances fundamentales en la implementación del pilar europeo de derechos sociales, que necesitamos fortalecer.

En esta Europa social, económica y ecológica, sostenible, a la que aspiramos el progreso no puede beneficiar exclusivamente a unos pocos. La economía debe de estar al servicio de la gente. Como consecuencia, también necesitamos una política económica diferente. Esperamos que esta Presidencia ponga en marcha un seguro europeo de desempleo.

La Unión Europea es una comunidad de valores compartidos. Por esa razón apreciamos su compromiso en la defensa del Estado de Derecho y su objetivo de establecer un mecanismo que vincule los fondos de la Unión Europea al cumplimiento de nuestro ordenamiento jurídico. Es una cuestión fundamental sobre la que este Parlamento también se ha pronunciado.

No querría concluir mi intervención sin hacer referencia a un asunto crucial: la igualdad. Acogemos con satisfacción su compromiso en la lucha contra la brecha salarial entre hombres y mujeres, y asimismo esperamos que su Presidencia se comprometa a evaluar el cumplimiento del Convenio de Estambul para prevenir y combatir la lucha contra la violencia de género. Cuente con los socialdemócratas para traer el cambio que nuestros ciudadanos y ciudadanas esperan de Europa.

 
  
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  Pascal Canfin, au nom du groupe Renew. – Monsieur le Président, Monsieur le Premier ministre, au nom du groupe Renew, je voulais saluer les trois priorités qui sont les vôtres, et qui sont également celles du groupe, et je pense largement partagées par une majorité de ce Parlement européen. Je voulais insister dans le temps qui m'est imparti sur deux dossiers particulièrement importants de votre Présidence.

Le premier dossier, c'est celui de la neutralité carbone. Vous avez une responsabilité historique qui est de convaincre, d'ici la fin de l'année, les pays qui résistent encore sur la neutralité carbone. Vous pouvez compter sur ce Parlement pour vous y aider, à condition évidemment que ce soit de manière juste, car tous les pays n'ont pas le même point de départ et nous voulons une transition écologique qui soit juste. C'est même la condition de son succès.

Par conséquent, vous pouvez compter sur ce Parlement et vous avez cette responsabilité. Nous comptons sur vous et sur votre énergie. Car, sur le climat, nous sommes dans une nouvelle phase. Certes, les objectifs antérieurs de la Commission ont été rappelés par M. Katainen, mais il y a de nouveaux objectifs qui ont été annoncés hier par la nouvelle présidente de la Commission: passer de moins 40 % à moins 55 % d'émissions de gaz à effet de serre, un Green deal dans les cent premiers jours, une loi sur le climat, une banque du climat. Aujourd'hui, les circonstances politiques sont réunies et il se trouve que vous êtes au cœur de ce rendez-vous politique. Vous avez la présidence tournante de l'Union européenne et le groupe Renew compte sur vous, sur votre énergie et sur vos convictions pour faire avancer ce dossier comme jamais.

En ce qui concerne le dossier du budget, qui y est aussi lié, je citerai quelques priorités de notre groupe qui, je pense, sont largement partagées par les autres groupes de la majorité de ce Parlement européen: le maintien du budget de la politique agricole commune, qui va de pair avec la transition écologique de cette politique agricole commune. C'est le grand deal que l'on doit passer à la fois avec les agriculteurs, les territoires et les consommateurs.

Ensuite, la question de la part verte de ce budget. Le Parlement européen veut que nous soyons le plus rapidement possible à 30 % et je pense qu'avec la nouvelle énergie montrée hier par la présidente de la Commission, avec le nouvel objectif de neutralité carbone, nous devons, dès ce MFF [cadre financier pluriannuel], avoir 30 % de dépenses favorables au climat et aller au-delà des objectifs déjà proposés par la Commission, à savoir 25 %.

Le dernier point, c'est les ressources propres. Pour des tas de raisons, nous devons avancer en Europe sur les ressources propres. Il y a un dossier qui peut aboutir, c'est celui de la taxe sur les plastiques comme ressource propre de l'Union européenne. Je sais que les États membres sont proches d'un accord. C'est une position défendue depuis longtemps par le Parlement européen, vous avez la responsabilité de le faire aboutir.

 
  
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  Ska Keller, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Mr President, I welcome the Prime Minister to the European Parliament and to the European scene. Good luck with the Presidency. We’re also happy to hear your priorities, especially the one on the climate because it is very urgent. This is the one and only planet that we have, that we all live on and where we need to make sure that it is also possible to live on it in the future.

While we absolutely share the ambition on the goals – and I think the rest of Europe could learn a lot from Finland in setting very ambitious targets – we all know, of course, that setting ambitious targets is only half – if that – of the job. The real job is in putting very concrete measures into place right now because in order to end up with good and ambitious targets you need to add ‘now’. It’s not enough to just put some numbers for later on into the paper. That’s why I would like to also ask you to push ahead on the reform of the agricultural policy. What we have right now on the table is far from enough to secure biodiversity and climate protection. We need a fresh start here, including with the multiannual financial framework (MFF), where a lot of money is still being put into climate—harmful subsidies. We need a reversion here, we need to make sure that the money that we spend in the European Union is put into places which will help the ecological and social transition, and there we need much more action.

You’ve also mentioned the rule of law and we very much agree with that priority because it’s really urgent. Therefore, I would also urge you to take up the issue of the parliamentary report on Hungary, to discuss it in the Council and to also make sure that Parliament, our rapporteurs, are being invited and are being heard by the Council, by the Member States, and that it doesn’t fall under the carpet.

Refugees are another big issue. Rescue at sea is right now not happening in the Mediterranean and we cannot allow that people are drowning in the Mediterranean and no one is there to help. I think you can lead by example, making sure that even if there is not an agreement of all Member States – which is a pity, it’s a disgrace – still some Member States can go ahead in order to stop this disgraceful and inhumane situation we have right now at our borders.

Lastly, I also want to congratulate Finland for setting a precedent on the issue of transparency as Council. I think in the past we had less interesting precedents being set there, with lobbyism, with sponsorship and I don’t know what. So it’s very good that you are taking a first step and are putting more transparency into lobby meetings. We hope that all the other Member States and the future presidencies can learn from that and that maybe you will also find some space for even more transparency. We would have some ideas if you were interested. Thank you very much and good luck and we’re ready to support you on those issues.

 
  
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  Laura Huhtasaari, ID-ryhmän puolesta. – Arvoisa puhemies, massiivisen ja laittoman maahanmuuttovyöryn edessä EU on ollut täysin kyvytön toteuttamaan edes perustehtäväänsä eli suojelemaan naisiaan ja lapsiaan. Oulussa tapahtuneet lastenraiskaukset ovat tästä vain yksi järkyttävä esimerkki.

Suomen EU-puheenjohtajakaudella ei vastata eurooppalaisten huoliin hallitsemattoman maahanmuuton suhteen, vaan pahennetaan tilannetta pysyvällä haittasiirtolaisuudella – tätähän Suomen sisäministeri Ohisalo ajaa. Rinteen hallitus ei elä todellisuudessa, vaan monikulturalismin utopiassa. On naiivia ajatella, että jatkuva kehitysavun määrän nostaminen vähentäisi muuttoliikettä Afrikasta Eurooppaan. Suomen tulisi keskittyä Itämeren suojeluun eikä tukea ihmissalakuljetusta Välimerellä.

Ilmastokysymys on tärkeä, ja tähän haasteeseen tulee kyllä vastata järkevällä tavalla puolustaen Suomen ja Euroopan teollisuutta. Suomen tulisi vaatia myös EU:lta esimerkin voimaa ilmastokysymyksessä ja ehdottaa, että lopettaisimme tämän ravaamisen Brysselin ja Strasbourgin välillä. Jos ranskalaiset eivät tähän suostu, niin pysytään sitten täällä Strasbourgissa. Pääasia on, että olisi vain yksi paikka.

Euroopan parlamentissa EU-kriittiset ryhmät on poliittisella eristämisellä ja demonisoimalla suljettu pois d’Hondtin menetelmällä niille kuuluvilta varapuhemiesten ja valiokuntien puheenjohtajien ja varapuheenjohtajien paikoilta. EU-parlamentin on näin toimiessaan turha valittaa oikeusvaltion tilasta eräissä EU-jäsenvaltioissa. EU-parlamentin pitäisi ensin itse noudattaa demokratian henkeä ennen kuin se lähtee neuvomaan muita. On irvokasta puhua samaan aikaan demokratiasta ja sananvapaudesta, kun EU-parlamentti on nimenomaan tuhoamassa niitä molempia heiltä, jotka ovat eri mieltä. Me emme edusta täällä itseämme, me edustamme kansaa. Mikään tekosyy ei oikeuta tällaisiin toimiin, ainakaan totalitarismia ei torjuta totalitarismilla. EU:n tulisi johtaa omalla esimerkillään, ei herroina halliten.

Aikooko Suomi vaatia, että EU: budjetti pienenee ja Suomen nettojäsenmaksuosuus pienenee? Aikooko Suomi vaatia, että EU puolustaisi vapautta, sananvapautta, demokratiaa ja eurooppalaisten ihmisoikeuksia? Olisiko nyt Suomen aika ensimmäistä kertaa ajaa Suomen etua EU:ssa ja nostaa puheenaiheeksi Suomi eikä Afrikka? Täällä on muuten yllättävän vähän europarlamentaarikkoja paikalla. Näin vähän Suomi muuten kiinnostaa EU:ssa.

(Suosionosoituksia)

 
  
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  Johan Van Overtveldt, namens de ECR-Fractie. – Voorzitter, bedankt premier Rinne voor uw toelichting. En uiteraard ook van mijnentwege alle succes toegewenst met het Finse voorzitterschap. Als voorzitter van de Begrotingscommissie van het Europees Parlement zal ik uiteraard met heel veel aandacht en belangstelling de discussies in de Raad volgen over het meerjarig financieel kader. Het is duidelijk dat iedereen hier snel en degelijk werk zal moeten leveren om tot goede resultaten te komen.

Verder wens ik ook uw aandacht te vragen voor enkele specifieke dossiers. In een vorig leven waren we beiden lid van de Eurogroep, en ik ben het dan ook volledig eens met uw sense of urgency rond de verdere afwerking van de bankenunie en de hele verdere institutionele infrastructuur die nog afgemaakt moet worden rond de monetaire unie.

Uw steun voor een begrotingsinstrument voor de eurozone kan ik echter minder waarderen. Als iedereen het stabiliteitspact naleeft, is er mijns inziens geen behoefte aan een specifieke eurobegroting. Wel noodzakelijk voor de structurele gezondheid van de euro is de snelle realisatie van de kapitaalmarktenunie waar u – als ik het goed begrepen heb – ook werk van wil maken.

Verder zet u stevig in – zo is duidelijk gebleken – op een klimaatneutraal Europa. De omschakeling naar een kringloopeconomie speelt daarbij uiteraard een cruciale rol. Wij pleiten voor een realistisch, haalbaar, betaalbaar en sociaaleconomisch verantwoord klimaatbeleid dat alle technologieën kansen biedt en, sterker nog, technologie en onderzoek centraal stelt. Een gratuit opbod van doelstellingen kan echt niets bijdragen aan het eerbare doel van een klimaatneutraal Europa.

Een ander dossier waar ik speciale aandacht van het Finse voorzitterschap voor vraag, betreft de ontwikkelingen rond de grote technologiebedrijven. De discussie hieromtrent spitst zich zeer sterk toe op de vraag of zij nu voldoende belastingen betalen of niet. Het antwoord daarop is uiteraard nee. Maar dat is een te beperkte discussie. Ik denk dat we die discussie absoluut moeten opentrekken omdat er sprake is van een situatie van monopolie, quasimonopolie, die naar mijn smaak bedreigend is voor de verdere sociaaleconomische ontwikkelingen in onze regio en zelfs wereldwijd.

Tot slot, premier Rinne, vraag ik ook uw aandacht voor de drie verkozen Catalaanse collega’s die tot op vandaag hun zetel in de vergaderzaal niet kunnen opnemen. Ik vind dit bijzonder problematisch en roep u dan ook op om hier actief in te bemiddelen.

 
  
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  Silvia Modig, GUE/NGL-ryhmän puolesta. – Arvoisa puhemies, Suomen puheenjohtajuusohjelma on mielestäni hyvä ja suomalaisena olen iloinen sen täällä saamasta positiivisesta vastaanotosta. Olen hyvin iloinen siitä, että kaikkien niiden suurten haasteiden keskellä, missä me nyt olemme, Suomi on uskaltanut nostaa ilmastonmuutoksen ja sen ratkaisemisen keskiöön.

Suomen puheenjohtajuus tulee erityisen haasteelliseen aikaan. Meillä on valtavia haasteita – yhteinen pakolaispolitiikka, brexit, äärioikeiston nousu, Euroopan henkinen jakautuminen, oikeusvaltioperiaatteen puolustaminen – samaan aikaan kun meillä aloittaa uusi parlamentti ja uusi komissio.

Mutta tämän kaiken keskellä ilmasto ei saa jäädä jalkoihin. Me puhumme siitä paljon, mutta edelleen me teemme liian vähän. Me puhumme enimmäkseen vuosiluvuista ja me puhumme prosenteista. Aivan liian vähän me puhumme siitä, että ilmastonmuutos on ratkaistava sosiaalisesti oikeudenmukaisesti. Meidän on pystyttävä toteuttamaan yhteiskuntiemme ekologinen jälleenrakennus, uusi ilmastokestävä yhteiskunta. Ja sen muutoksen pitää tapahtua siten, että kaikki pysyvät mukana.

Kansalaisten on koettava ilmastoratkaisut oikeudenmukaisiksi, jotta niitä tuetaan ja jotta niistä ei tule asiaa, joka taas jakaa meitä entisestään. Se tarkoittaa, että eri alueiden erilaisuus on otettava huomioon ja ihmisten tulotasot on otettava huomioon. Niille alueille, joissa ilmastoratkaisut tarkoittavat isoja rakenteellisia muutoksia, on annettava erityistä tukea. Ja jos ja kun tuet ja investoinnit ohjataan oikein, voimme samalla, kun ratkaisemme ilmastonmuutosta, luoda kestävää talouskasvua ja uusia ilmastotyöpaikkoja. Muun muassa kiertotalous on tästä loistava esimerkki, jonka komission varapuheenjohtaja Katainen hyvin nosti esiin. Tässä muun muassa Suomella on paljon annettavaa.

Hiilineutraali EU aivan viimeistään 2050 on myös mahdollisuus, jos me teemme sen oikein. Ja jotta investoinnit ja tuet suuntautuvat oikein, on tärkeää, että me teemme ripeästi ne tarvittavat päätökset, jotta raha suuntautuu oikein. Päästövähennyksiä on kiristettävä, päästökaupan ohjaavuutta on parannettava ja voimistettava ja on mahdollistettava veroratkaisut, jotka ohjaavat niin kulutusta kuin tuotantoa kestävään suuntaan. On perustettava oikeudenmukaisen siirtymän rahasto. Toivottavasti Suomi puheenjohtajakaudellaan tukee tätä vahvasti.

Toisena asiana haluaa nostaa esiin läpinäkyvyyden ja avoimuuden. Eilen me valitsimme komissiolle uuden puheenjohtajan, ja se oli jälleen kerran päätös, joka tehtiin suljettujen ovien takana kabinettipäätöksenä. Euroopan kansalaiset eivät päässeet vaalien kautta siihen vaikuttamaan. Toivottavasti Suomi puheenjohtajana tulee lisäämään neuvoston työskentelyn näkyvyyttä, tuomaan esiin päätösten taustoja, keskusteluja, tuomaan pöytäkirjat avoimeksi ja tekemään kaikesta lobbauksesta ja vaikuttamisesta mahdollisimman avointa. Nämä suljettujen ovien takana tehdyt päätökset ovat osa sitä, minkä takia niin moni kokee EU:n epädemokraattiseksi ja itselleen vieraaksi ja kaukaiseksi eikä omaksensa. Avoimuus ja läpinäkyvyys on aivan keskeistä, jotta tämä yhteinen eurooppalainen projektimme voi jatkua kestävästi.

 
  
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  Tiziana Beghin (NI). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, signor Primo ministro, La ringrazio di essere qui oggi e di confrontarsi con noi sul programma dei prossimi mesi.

Le nostre richieste sono molto semplici. Prima di tutto è necessario risolvere, una volta per tutte, il problema dell'immigrazione e trovare subito un sistema per ripartire i migranti soccorsi in mare e redistribuire i richiedenti asilo. L'Italia non può e non deve farsi carico da sola della frontiera europea.

Allo stesso tempo, le altre grandi priorità: povertà, disoccupazione, corruzione, cambiamento climatico. Il governo italiano ha indicato la via con i suoi provvedimenti per il reddito di cittadinanza, per contratti di lavoro più stabili, lotta alla corruzione e presto per il salario minimo. Ora, però, servono provvedimenti simili a livello europeo.

Ho letto il vostro programma di lavoro, ho ascoltato le sue parole. Vedo che molti punti coincidono con i nostri. Su questi punti, se manterrete gli impegni presi troverete il nostro sostegno, qui in Parlamento.

 
  
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  Henna Virkkunen (PPE). – Arvoisa puhemies, pääministeri Rinne, kiitos kattavasta puheenvuorosta ja onnea ja menestystä tälle tärkeälle puheenjohtajakaudelle. Erityisen iloinen olen siitä, että Suomi puheenjohtajamaana on vahvasti sitoutunut oikeusvaltioperiaatteeseen. Euroopan unioni ei ole pelkästään talousalue tai sisämarkkina, vaan se on myös arvoyhteisö ja näitä arvoja on puolustettava. On tärkeää, että Euroopan parlamentti ja Euroopan komissio saavat tähän jäsenvaltioiden vahvan tuen, ja on erinomaista, että Suomi on tähän periaatteeseen nyt vahvasti sitoutunut.

Jotta Eurooppa menestyisi myös tulevaisuudessa, Euroopan on uudistuttava. Kuten komission varapuheenjohtaja Katainen painotti, meidän teollisuutemme on uudistuttava. Meidän on investoitava lisää innovaatioihin, digitalisaatioon ja koulutukseen. Vain tätä kautta pystymme vahvistamaan ja varmistamaan kestävän hyvinvoinnin tulevaisuudessa. Mitä konkreettisia aloitteita Suomi aikoo edistää nyt syksyn aikana Euroopan kilpailukyvyn vahvistamiseksi?

 
  
  

VORSITZ: RAINER WIELAND
Vizepräsident

 
  
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  Eero Heinäluoma (S&D). – Mr President, Mr Prime Minister I congratulate you on the excellent work you have been doing to prepare the programme of the Finnish Presidency. It’s clearly future oriented and, you could say, pro-European. Perhaps it is also a somewhat progressive one. So I’m happy to see you here.

I am especially delighted that you have put two very important issues so high on your agenda: the struggle against climate change and the need to respect the rule of law, also in our own Member States. Here you can count on and trust our support when you are implementing this programme.

However, this programme is not so ambitious when it comes to taxation policy. Today we know that the big multinationals/technology giants are not paying their fair share of the cost of the welfare societies. At the same time, they need all the services, higher education and all the infrastructure to make a profit here in Europe.

The French Government has made some very bold decisions recently and yesterday we saw that the President of the Commission shares the same opinion.

 
  
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  Elsi Katainen (Renew). – Arvoisa puhemies, arvoisa pääministeri Antti Rinne on todella hienoa nähdä teidät täällä. Onnea ja menestystä teille puheenjohtajuuden haasteisiin! On selvää, että Suomea velvoittaa puheenjohtajana tänä syksynä ennen kaikkea useiden käytännön asioiden hoito, kuten esimerkiksi monivuotiset rahoituskehykset tai maatalouspolitiikan uudistamiseen liittyvät asiat.

Puheenjohtajuuden hankalasta ajankohdasta huolimatta olisin kaivannut aika yleisluonteisiin teemoihin nostoja niihin kysymyksiin, jotka koskettavat yhteistä suurinta haastettamme: ilmastonmuutoksen torjunta ja myös siihen sopeutuminen. Suomella on puheenjohtajamaana aivan poikkeukselliset näytöt siitä, miten metsistä ja pelloilta löytyy ratkaisuja ilmastonmuutoksen torjuntaan, ilman että luonnonvaroja tarvitsisi museoida. Meillä on kokemusta siitä, miten harjoitetaan kestävää metsätaloutta ja kuinka lähes arktisissa oloissa tuotetaan tutkitusti maailman puhtainta ruokaa vähäisellä hiilijalanjäljellä.

Pyytäisin vielä Teitä, pääministeri Rinne, pohtimaan, mitä tältä kaudelta voisi jäädä elämään. Voisiko se olla käytännön läheinen suomalainen tapa harjoittaa maa- ja met... (Puhemies keskeytti puhujan.)

 
  
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  Ville Niinistö (Verts/ALE). – Mr President, thank you Prime Minister for your rather bold speech on the rule of law and human rights. It’s very timely today, as I would also like to congratulate Finland for the hundred-year anniversary of the form of government in Finland – the Finnish constitution, that gave the Finnish people the right to freedom of expression and political rights. These rights need to be protected today everywhere in Europe. So I wish you success with that and I hope that you raise the current ongoing processes on Article 7 in the Council during your Presidency.

But my main question and my main point is on climate change. The Finnish Government itself wants to take up the discussion on the 55% target to 2030 in emission reductions in Europe and it should be taken up this autumn. It is not enough to discuss the 2050 carbon neutrality target if we want to achieve what we have promised in the Paris Agreement, that is that we are actually limiting global warming to 1.5°. Even the European Union is not doing enough as it is and we should be honest about it: even my home country of Finland is not doing enough. So we need to raise the discussion on the 55% target that von der Leyen yesterday also promised to do in the Commission. This should be taken up this autumn in order for the European Union to be strong in the UN discussions when the Secretary-General is organising a meeting on climate. I hope you raise this issue this autumn in the Council too and ensure that it moves forward.

 
  
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  Teuvo Hakkarainen (ID). – Arvoisa puhemies, Suomen pääministeri, Suomi puheenjohtajamaana on ohjelmassaan kokonaan unohtanut Euroopan ulkorajojen valvonnan välttämättömyyden. Viimeiset hetket estää Euroopan muuttuminen Afrikaksi ja Lähi-idäksi ovat käsillä. Vihamieliset kulttuurit tulevat väistämättä tuhoamaan nykyisen Euroopan. Eikä tähän välttämättä mene kuin muutama vuosikymmen.

Avatkaa jo silmänne! Rajat on suljettava vaaralliselta maahantunkeutumiselta. Euroopan ja kansallisvaltioiden tehtävänä on huolehtia omistaan eikä ryhtyä kulkuriukkolaumojen elättäjäksi. Suvereenilla valtiolla on oltava oikeus omiin rajatarkastuksiin aina kun se on tarpeen ja niin pitkäksi aikaa kuin se on tarpeen.

(Suosionosoituksia)

 
  
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  Anna Fotyga (ECR). – Mr President, on the rule of law, diplomacy is still a useful and relevant tool in a mutual relationship between EU Member States. Under your Presidency, which is known for its pragmatism, we have to avoid a hasty, selective and in particular politically biased approach to the issue. I hope that – although invisible – the security and sustainable exploitation of the Baltic Sea is still high on your agenda.

 
  
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  Martina Anderson (GUE/NGL). – Mr President, Prime Minister Rinne, Britain could crash out of the EU under the Finnish Presidency. Both Hunt and Johnson are saying that the backstop in the Withdrawal Agreement must be removed. Not modified! Not adjusted! But removed! They are heading towards the cliff with both feet firmly on the accelerator.

Many in the North of Ireland look on in horror. We do not want to crash out, or to be dragged out, of the EU. We voted to remain.

Prime Minister Rinne, there is a solution. The EU is committed to upholding the Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts, and that includes the democratic right provided for in the Good Friday Agreement to a referendum on Irish unity. In 2017, the European Council stated that if a democratic process leads to the reunification of Ireland, the North of Ireland will remain, of course, in the EU. Therefore, this Presidency of the Council needs to acknowledge this legitimate pathway for all of Ireland to stay in the EU.

 
  
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  John David Edward Tennant (NI). – Mr President, I would like to welcome the Prime Minister. Finland’s Presidency of the Council will mark 25 years since the Finnish people voted to join the EU in 1994. But as you celebrate your silver anniversary, the silver is being tarnished. The democratic values that you supported are being eroded as the Commission undermines democracy by, in effect, seeking to annex Northern Ireland against the wishes of the UK. The Commission needs reminding that they are not mentioned in Article 50. It is the Council who are the decision-makers and you hold the symbolic presidency of that Council. The priority of your Presidency is common values and the rule of law. I urge you – be strong, be brave. Stand up for democracy – for our decision to leave. And dare to treat us as friends and neighbours. That is, and always was, the desire of British Eurosceptics. The attitude of the Commission risks the good relations between us. Step up to the plate. Uphold democracy.

(The President cut off the speaker)

 
  
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  Dolors Montserrat (PPE). – Señor presidente, primer ministro, ayer abrimos una nueva etapa con la primera mujer presidenta de la Comisión. Con su liderazgo femenino continuaremos trabajando por la igualdad real y efectiva de los hombres y de las mujeres en Europa.

El inicio de la Presidencia finlandesa coincide con el inicio de la legislatura, pero también con un momento crucial en la construcción europea. Su objetivo es compartido por nosotros: fortalecer el proyecto europeo. Necesitamos una Europa más fuerte, más unida y más segura.

Por ello, la defensa del Estado de Derecho es fundamental para fortalecer el proyecto europeo. No se puede construir ningún proyecto democrático, ni de libertad ni de igualdad, sin respetar las leyes, las normas que entre todos nos hemos dado. La mejor respuesta, el mejor antídoto para el nacionalismo y el populismo es la defensa del Estado de Derecho de la Unión y de los Estados miembros. Sus aciertos serán nuestros éxitos.

 
  
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  Birgit Sippel (S&D). – Herr Präsident! Ihre Ratspräsidentschaft ist nicht lang, meine Redezeit noch viel kürzer, und deshalb kurz und knapp: Grundrechteschutz darf kein Lippenbekenntnis sein. Gut, wenn es das Leitmotiv der finnischen Präsidentschaft ist.

Konkret können, ja, müssen Sie nach zwei Jahren endlich die Blockade der E-Privacy-Verordnung aufbrechen. Es ist inakzeptabel, dass Nutzer online ausgespäht und zum Spielball von Facebook und Ad-Trackern werden. E-Privacy, das ist Schutz von Privatleben, Meinungsfreiheit und anderen wichtigen Grundrechten. Und beenden Sie bitte die Blockade der Dublin-Reform. Denn das wäre, ergänzt um reguläre Migrationswege und eine echte Zusammenarbeit mit den Herkunftsstaaten, ein Meilenstein, um unserer Verantwortung gerecht zu werden. Sie haben viel zu tun. Verlieren Sie also keine Zeit. Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Erfolg und freue mich auf die Zusammenarbeit.

 
  
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  Nils Torvalds (Renew). – Herr talman! Bästa statsminister Rinne! I sitt tal i går använde den nyvalda ordföranden för kommissionen uttrycket ”hundra dagar”. Alla som har sysslat lite med politisk historia vet att uttrycket ”hundra dagar” härstammar från Franklin Delano Roosevelts första tid som Förenta staternas president. Han höll ett tal den 4 mars 1933 inför jättestora utmaningar, och då sa han att han snabbt ska skrida till åtgärder.

Av dina 100 dagar som statsminister har 40 dagar redan gått, vilket betyder att klockan tickar och att vi har ganska bråttom. Därför hoppas vi att ni har så mycket tid som möjligt att ge all energi för att åstadkomma de beslut som vi behöver för att förhindra att klimatkrisen blir allt värre. Avslutningsvis även några ord på finska.

Toivotaan, että teidän aikanne täällä on myötärinnettä eikä vastamäkeä.

 
  
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  Aileen McLeod (Verts/ALE). – Mr President, as a new Member for Scotland, I congratulate Prime Minister Rinne on putting climate change at the core of Finland’s Presidency programme. Given the scale of the climate emergency we face, I hope Finland will push for more ambitious EU climate change measures and targets, and you have Scotland’s support in doing so. Despite Brexit, Scotland will continue to play its part in safeguarding our planet for future generations. Scotland is a world leader in tackling climate change and we are presently legislating for zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest, and for our economy to be carbon neutral by 2040. As Scotland’s former climate change minister, who also represented Scotland at the Paris talks, I know that we are stronger and more effective by working together for a more sustainable Europe. Mr President, Prime Minister, colleagues, Scotland is committed to remaining inside the European Union, working with you in tackling the pressing challenges that we face. With that, I wish Finland all the very best for a very successful Presidency.

 
  
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  Jérôme Rivière (ID). – Monsieur le Président, Monsieur le Premier ministre, le choix de la Présidence finlandaise d'être sponsorisée par une marque de constructeur automobile est tout simplement révoltant. C'est bien cette Union européenne, désormais plus préoccupée par des intérêts financiers et non au service des peuples que nous dénonçons. Alors que l'immigration est la première préoccupation des peuples d'Europe, ce sujet ne figure pas dans vos priorités. Les citoyens des nations européennes doivent savoir que les sous de BMW comptent plus pour cette Présidence que la lutte contre la submersion migratoire.

Quant à la priorité affichée de renforcement des valeurs communes et de l'état de droit, comment la prendre au sérieux? En démocratie, le droit a comme seule source la volonté exprimée par les peuples souverains. En tentant, hier, de mettre au ban les peuples hongrois et polonais, aujourd'hui italien, pour les punir des choix politiques exprimés, vous tentez, trente ans après la chute du mur de Berlin, de mettre en place la théorie de Léonid Brejnev de souveraineté limitée.

Mais, comme l'a démontré hier la majorité étriquée réunie par Mme von der Leyen, votre hypocrisie ne dupe plus grand monde, les jours de cette Union européenne qui voulait s'affranchir des peuples sont désormais comptés.

 
  
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  Charlie Weimers (ECR). – Herr talman! Ärade statsminister Rinne! Det finska ordförandeskapet understryker i sitt program vikten av att effektivisera återsändandet av personer som vistas olagligt i våra länder. Vänligen informera er partibroder, statsminister Löfven, om detta.

Samtidigt måste vi stoppa den dödliga och lukrativa verksamhet som människosmugglarna bedriver på Medelhavet. Ni har uttalat att signaleffekten, det vill säga möjligheten att med båt komma in i Europa, kan påverka beslutet att lämna hemlandet. Vänligen informera er partibroder, statsminister Löfven, om detta.

Om kvinnorna i al-Hol-lägret som anslutit sig till IS återvänder kommer de enligt er skyddspolis sannolikt att öka terrorhotet i Finland. Är detta orsaken till att ni hittills vägrat konsulär hjälp för deras återvändande? För nog är det så att statlig hjälp med dessa individers hemresa strider mot det nordiska rättsmedvetandet? Herr statsminister, vänligen informera er partibroder, statsminister Löfven, om detta.

 
  
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  Isabella Adinolfi (NI). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, "Uniti nella diversità" è il motto dell'Unione europea, ma sembriamo averlo dimenticato, pensando invece che sia la normalità che alcuni Stati membri vogliano imporsi su altri.

Adesso più che mai dobbiamo guardare non solo alla crescita economica, ma anche alla crescita culturale, umana e sostenibile dell'Europa.

Sono campana e la mia terra, come il resto del Sud, è stata dimenticata da tutti, ma sono anni che aspettiamo la bonifica di aree contaminate con i rifiuti tossici di tutta Europa, anni che aspettiamo che vengano salvaguardate le nostre eccellenze, anni che aspettiamo tutela per i nostri agricoltori e pescatori.

Occorrono investimenti e programmi che, guardando alle problematiche e alle peculiarità di ogni territorio, vadano a creare quelle opportunità lavorative e di vita, in particolare per i giovani, che possano fermare lo spopolamento e far ripartire l'economia.

Mi auguro che nei prossimi 5 anni, siano questi i punti cardine dell'azione di quest'Aula. Le politiche basate sull'austerità sono state un fallimento pagato a caro prezzo dai cittadini europei.

Adesso cambiare non è più una scelta, ma una necessità.

 
  
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  Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE). – Excelențele voastre, noi, românii, am dovedit pe 26 mai că suntem hotărâți să apărăm valorile statului de drept, dar așteptăm o dovadă clară a Parlamentului că nu am fost mințiți. Am făcut investiții costisitoare, am securizat frontiera de est a Europei, suntem santinelă a civilizației europene și ni s-a promis clar aderarea la spațiul Schengen. Dar am fost amăgiți. România îndeplinește din 2011 condițiile de aderare și cere ferm ceea ce i se cuvine. Eurosistemul nu-și permite creșterea sentimentelor eurosceptice în România. Țineți cont de asta!

Populiștii români, care mimează valorile statului de drept, se folosesc de respingerea aderării la Schengen pentru a ataca Uniunea Europeană. Una spun aici, alta spun la București. Din fericire, intervențiile Președintelui României și protestele societății civile au blocat atacul împotriva justiției. Cer președinției finlandeze, dar și doamnei Ursula von der Leyen, să se implice în rezolvarea acestei probleme. Nu perpetuați nedreptatea făcută poporului român. Românii au avut a treia prezență la vot la euroalegeri, România merită să fie în Schengen. Este în interesul securității tuturor.

 
  
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  Miapetra Kumpula-Natri (S&D). – Mr President, dear Prime Minister Rinne, as a Finn I’m happy to see you amongst the European leaders who wants to protect Europeans and European values. I’m delighted to see the Finnish Presidency is prepared to take Europe on the sustainable path forward and not give up, but strengthen and not weaken Europe.

The topics chosen by the Presidency are climate change, putting citizens in focus and promoting a more social Europe, and tightly protecting the rule of law and human rights. These are all timely now.

It is crucial to act now on climate. We can: we are a region of 500 million citizens. The European Parliament wants to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 and yesterday we heard the same figure from Ursula von der Leyen in this very same Hemicycle.

If the European Union wants to be the global leader in climate action and the global leader in technological solutions to boost jobs, I think that the EU should have a clear and solid message to take and present in September when the United Nations have an extraordinary summit on climate. Would you agree, Prime Minister?

 
  
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  Luisa Porritt (Renew). – Mr President, Prime Minister, in the past few days, unity has been the consistent message I hear from European representatives, from new Commission President von der Leyen yesterday to yourself today.

Millions of British people agree with the words that you just uttered, but together we are stronger. The priorities you’ve set out in your programme, such as tackling the climate emergency, protecting the rule of law and supporting refugees from around the world, are global challenges that require strong cooperation at the multilateral level.

My country and yours cannot address these issues alone. Your programme says Brexit should not dominate the EU agenda at the expense of other items. I agree and no one is more fatigued by Brexit than us Brits. But we do need time. The ticking clock which is Article 50 has done none of our countries any favours. That is why I appeal to you personally and other European leaders to give us an extension for as long as possible to sort out our own mess. European values are British values ...

(The President cut off the speaker)

 
  
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  Robert Roos (ECR). – Voorzitter, in het Finse voorzitterschapsprogramma wordt migratie onder het kopje “Andere kwesties” genoemd, maar migratie is momenteel een van de grootste problemen van de EU. In 2018 is twee derde van de asielaanvragen binnen de EU niet gehonoreerd. Geen vluchtelingen dus, maar economische migranten. En mensen verdrinken en dat is verschrikkelijk.

Maar dit komt omdat de EU het verkeerde signaal afgeeft, waardoor de mensen uit Afrika ondanks de grote risico’s de overtocht naar Europa wagen. Het migratieprobleem zorgt voor grote onrust. De verdeling van migranten binnen de EU is mislukt. Het probleem moet bij de wortel worden aangepakt. Het bedrijfsmodel van mensensmokkel moet per direct worden afgebroken. Migranten moeten voordat zij de oversteek kunnen maken, worden teruggestuurd naar het land van herkomst of het veilige land van doorreis.

Is Finland bereid dit probleem aan te pakken, een duidelijk signaal af te geven en de buitengrenzen hermetisch af te sluiten?

 
  
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  Diane Dodds (NI). – Mr President, I would like to give a warm welcome to the Finnish Presidency team to the House today. As the deadline of 31 October looms, the Finnish Presidency will be dominated, whether you like it or not, by the EU’s response to Brexit. Both candidates in the race to become the new British Prime Minister have rejected the backstop. The backstop, as I have said many times in this House, threatens the constitutional and economic integrity of the United Kingdom. The EU can continue to go down the path of intransigence, promoting a deal that will never make it through the UK Parliament, thereby ensuring no deal. This will of course present serious challenges to the MFF, which is one of your priorities, and ultimately the pockets of European taxpayers. Or it can act in the interests of its own businesses, farmers and citizens by pursuing a more sensible and pragmatic outcome to show that the EU can listen. A solution on the Irish border is possible with political will. But a proposal which imposes trade barriers in the United Kingdom...

(The President cut off the speaker)

 
  
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  Tomas Tobé (PPE). – Herr talman! Ärade statsminister! Vi ser mycket fram emot det finska ordförandeskapet med en tydlig agenda om att värna rättsstatens principer, öka konkurrenskraften och också med höjda klimatambitioner.

Jag vill även särskilt nämna att vi välkomnar att ni prioriterar Europas säkerhet, vilket är viktigt inte enbart för att kunna bekämpa den gränsöverskridande brottsligheten och terrorhotet utan också för att kunna möta ett alltmer aggressivt agerande från Ryssland. Inför dessa hot är ensam inte stark, och det är viktigt att Europa håller ihop.

Som svensk ledamot är jag så klart också extra glad över att ett grannland nu tar över ordförandeskapet. Vi har mycket gemensamt, och vi önskar er lika stor framgång nu som i årets ishockey-VM. Onnea matkaan!

 
  
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  Pedro Marques (S&D). – Mr President, Mr Prime Minister, yesterday’s voting at this Parliament resulted in a great push for a swift advance to the European project. Let me point out some of the most urgent dossiers that should be on the table within your presidency.

The MFF – one of the most urgent dossiers. The trilogues are far from the end. The Council has the prerogative to decide, but the European Parliament also has to approve.

There was a resolution from this Parliament with much higher ambition than the Commission proposal. We need to develop our positions rapidly in order to reach an agreement.

The euro. The euro was tested over the last 10 years and the eurozone reform is incomplete. We need to create a real fiscal capacity. We need the stabilisation mechanisms that this group has pushed for in the past and are now part of the programme of the newly elected President of the Commission. We also need the Early Detection and Exclusion System (EDES), to complete the banking union.

Finally, the European Pillar of Social Rights – make it legally binding. That is a clear priority for this group. It is now a priority for the Commission. I wish you all the best, Mr Prime Minister.

 
  
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  Nicolae Ştefănuță (Renew). – Domnule președinte, domnule prim-ministru Rinne, cetățenii orașului meu, Sibiu, protestează de 583 de zile pe stradă. Mișcarea „Vă vedem” spune guvernanților: „vrem justiție, nu vrem corupție”. Acești oameni, precum și alții ca ei din toată Europa, ne-au trimis pe noi aici. Pentru ei trebuie să apărăm statul de drept. Tot la Sibiu, în 9 mai, liderii acestei Uniuni Europene au spus foarte clar că trebuie să apărăm cu toate mijloacele statul de drept și democrația în Europa. De aceea, aștept de la președinția finlandeză să ducă mai departe dosarul bugetar în privința statului de drept și să inițieze mecanismul MCV-ului european. În același timp, acest proces nu trebuie să se întâmple într-un vid democratic. Nu uitați de rolul Parlamentului European aici și de rolul Curții de Justiție. Domnilor, fără stat de drept nu există justiție, fără justiție nu există mediu curat, fără justiție nu există sănătate publică, fără justiție nu exista Europa unită. Vreau să vă mulțumesc și pentru compensarea dioxidului de carbon pe care v-ați angajat să o faceți, ca președinte.

 
  
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  Dubravka Šuica (PPE). – Poštovani predsjedavajući, gospodine premijeru, drago mi je da ste danas iznijeli Vaše prioritete finskog predsjedavanja. Evidentno je da imate veliko iskustvo iz ’99. i 2006. i sada posebno me veseli što smo zajedno u triju jer ja dolazim iz Hrvatske i što će Hrvatska preuzeti predsjedavanje 1.1.2020. od Finske. Dakle, slažemo se u prioritetima.

Posebno pozdravljam, naravno, borbu protiv klimatskih promjena koja je kompatibilna s jučerašnjim programom naše nove predsjednice Komisije. Također, naravno, konkurentnost, socijalnu uključivost, sigurnost građana Europske unije, ali ono na što vam želim posebno skrenuti pažnju i što nas posebno interesira, posebno nas nove članice, jest kohezijska politika, što znači da nas jako zanima Višegodišnji financijski okvir. Na tome ćete raditi vi, sigurno ćemo i mi nastaviti. Nama nikako nije u interesu, niti ovaj Parlament to želi, da se kohezijska politika smanjuje.

Dakle, vrlo je važno da koristimo do maksimuma tu politiku, da koristimo sredstva jer naše politike se zapravo gledaju kroz Višegodišnji financijski okvir, kroz proračun. Jedino na taj način možemo odgovoriti na potrebe naših građana. Nadam se da ćete to uvažiti.

 
  
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  Udo Bullmann (S&D). – Mr President, I would like to thank Prime Minister Rinne for coming here and to congratulate him on his Presidency and on the motto he picked, sustainability.

Prime Minister, sustainability is the key issue that is going to shape our future and you rightly say that is the case within the European Union as well as beyond. This is exactly the same as what we think in the Socialists and Democrats Group, exactly what we have been working for, during the last two years, to focus on as our central element of our political programme.

Let me underline one element. Please help us to make clear that sustainability also has to be the guiding principle of our external policies: trade, development, foreign affairs and especially the international fight, against inequality. That is crucial and you have our full support.

 
  
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  Λευτέρης Χριστοφόρου (PPE). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, οφείλω να χαιρετίσω τη φινλανδική προεδρία και να τονίσω ότι είναι ιδιαίτερα σημαντική, γιατί θέτει ως ύψιστη προτεραιότητα τη διασφάλιση του κράτους δικαίου, των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, του ευρωπαϊκού και διεθνούς δικαίου αλλά και των ευρωπαϊκών αρχών και αξιών. Όμως από τούτο εδώ το βήμα του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου οφείλω να τονίσω με όλη τη δύναμη της ψυχής μου και να υπενθυμίσω ότι εδώ και 45 χρόνια – ολοκληρώνονται αυτές τις μέρες 45 χρόνια– η Τουρκία κατέχει ευρωπαϊκό έδαφος, κατέχει την Κύπρο.

Πέραν τούτου η Τουρκία αυτές τις μέρες, αυτή την ώρα που μιλάμε, εισέβαλε στη θαλάσσια περιοχή της Κύπρου, στην Αποκλειστική Οικονομική Ζώνη, παραβιάζοντας κάθε αρχή, κάθε δίκαιο. Χαιρετίζουμε ως θετική ενέργεια την απόφαση του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου να λάβει μέτρα. Αυτά τα μέτρα όμως δεν βρήκαν απήχηση στην Τουρκία και οφείλουμε –μιας και είναι εδώ και οι τρεις θεσμοί– να αποδείξουμε ότι αυτές τις αρχές και τις αξίες τις σεβόμαστε και τις εφαρμόζουμε με όλες μας τις δυνάμεις και είμαι βέβαιος, φίλε Φινλανδέ πρωθυπουργέ, ότι, αν στη Φινλανδία συνέβαινε κάτι ανάλογο, θα παίρνατε κάθε δυνατό μέτρο για να αναχαιτίσετε την τουρκική προκλητικότητα και επεκτατικότητα, που είναι προσβολή και πρόκληση αλλά και ντροπή για την ίδια την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, γιατί εισβάλλει σε ευρωπαϊκό χώρο και ευρωπαϊκό έδαφος.

 
  
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  Der Präsident. – Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Wir kommen nun zum Verfahren der spontanen Wortmeldungen. Ich muss Ihnen sagen, dass wir fünfmal so viele Wortmeldungen haben, wie wir im vorgegebenen Zeitrahmen bewältigen können. Wir haben zeitlich etwas Luft. Deshalb werde ich einige mehr zulassen als die ursprünglich vorgesehenen. Sie haben bitte Verständnis dafür, dass ich mich bei den Fraktionen zunächst auf die Kolleginnen und Kollegen konzentriere, die entweder aus dem Land der Präsidentschaft kommen oder aus einem Land kommen, wo sich Kollegen an der Debatte bisher nicht beteiligen konnten.

Spontane Wortmeldungen

 
  
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  Michaela Šojdrová (PPE). – Pane předsedající, pane premiére, máte velmi ambiciózní a také entuziastické cíle. Hovořil jste o tom, že chcete, aby evropské školství bylo nejlepší na světě. To by bylo jistě krásné, ale my víme, že jsou to členské státy, které odpovídají za kvalitu svých vzdělávacích systémů. Nicméně, znamená to tedy, že podpoříte navýšení programu ERASMUS, dokonce na trojnásobek tak, jak to navrhuje EP a včera podpořila kandidátka na předsedkyni Evropské komise?

Pak mám ještě jednu prosbu: v trialogu bude probíhat jednání o programu evropského sboru solidarity a já bych chtěla, aby se podařilo dohodnout, aby prostředky pro cestování, dobrovolnou práci, stáže pro mladé lidi do 35 let byly zajištěny. Chci Vás tedy vyzvat k tomu, aby Vaše předsednictví pomohlo dokončit jednání o tomto programu.

 
  
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  Κώστας Μαυρίδης (S&D). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, εκφράζω τα συγχαρητήριά μου στη φινλανδική Προεδρία, ξεκινώντας με μια υπόδειξη: Είμαστε μια κοινότητα κανόνων και αξιών που αντανακλώνται στον πολιτισμό μας. Ανάμεσα σ’ αυτές τις αξίες μας η αλληλεγγύη και ο σεβασμός του κράτους δικαίου. Αλληλεγγύη: Θα έχουμε ολοκλήρωση της τραπεζικής Ένωσης με πανευρωπαϊκή εγγύηση των καταθέσεων; Περνάμε τώρα στο κράτος δικαίου: Στην Ανατολική Μεσόγειο, κράτη εντός της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και κράτη εκτός επιχειρούμε τα τελευταία χρόνια να χτίσουμε μια συνεργασία ευημερίας και ειρήνης με επίκεντρο την αξιοποίηση της ενέργειας και τον ρόλο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης μέσω της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας. Η ενέργεια έχει ζωτική σημασία για την ίδια την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. Στο τελευταίο Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο λήφθηκε απόφαση για την επιβολή μέτρων εναντίον της Τουρκίας, που παραμένει ο διεθνής παραβάτης στην περιοχή. Πέρα από τα λόγια και τις λεκτικές δεσμεύσεις, εκεί, στην Κύπρο, κρίνεται ο πολιτισμός μας.

 
  
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  Mauri Pekkarinen (Renew). – Arvoisa puhemies, arvoisa pääministeri, kohta kaksi vuosikymmentä sitten Eurooppa päätti, että 20-luvulle tultaessa Euroopan unioni on maailman kilpailukykyisin talousalue. Niin ikään päätettiin, että kolme prosenttia bruttokansantuotteesta pitää sijoittaa tutkimukseen ja kehittämiseen. Me tiedämme, että molemmissa tavoitteissa Eurooppana olemme epäonnistuneet aika pahoin. Mitä Suomi aikoo tehdä, jotta tuo tavoite voisi joskus toteutua? Pidättekö realistisena sitä, että jossakin vaiheessa todellakin olisimme maailman kilpailukykyisin talousalue?

Täällä uusi komission puheenjohtaja piti eilen hyvän puheenvuoron, mutta hän ei juurikaan maininnut maataloutta, joka on tärkeä toimiala koko Euroopan turvallisuuden yhden osan kannalta. Miten Suomi aikoo edistää ruokaturvallisuutta, ruoan tuotantoa Euroopassa ja viljelijöiden toimeentuloa, joka monella tavalla on tällä hetkellä haasteellisessa tilassa?

 
  
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  Heidi Hautala (Verts/ALE). – Arvoisa puhemies, Suomeen kohdistuu odotuksia neuvoston päätöksenteon avoimuudesta, ja haluaisinkin todeta, että kun puheenjohtajani Ska Keller sanoi, että meillä on paljon ideoita, miten tätä voitaisiin tehdä, niin mainitsen niistä pari. Ensinnäkin neuvoston työryhmien pöytäkirjat pitäisi saada julki ja hallitusten kantojen pitäisi ilmetä niistä. Tämä olisi päätöksenteon ja lainsäädännön avoimuutta, joka perustuisi puhtaasti lakiin ja oikeuskäytäntöön.

Toiseksi myös trilogiasiakirjat pitäisi saada julki, koska nekin ovat lainsäädäntöasiakirjoja. Toivon, että Suomi edistää tällaista laillisuutta, koska neuvostossa on käytäntöjä, jotka ovat selvästi lainvastaisia. Kun Te puhuitte kansallisten parlamenttien asemasta Suomen hyvän käytännön mukaisesti, niin haluan todeta, että tämä neuvoston rajoitettu tiedonsaanti vaikeuttaa myös kansallisten parlamenttien mahdollisuuksia olla mukana päätöksenteossa.

 
  
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  Ruža Tomašić (ECR). – Poštovani predsjedavajući, gospodine premijeru, vladavina prava temelj je ove zajednice. Trodioba vlasti, neovisnost pravosuđa i poštivanje ustavnih vrijednosti i europskih ugovora osnovne su pretpostavke za članstvo i sudjelovanje u europskim politikama.

EU mora ostati demokratska zajednica demokratskih država i svako daljnje produbljivanje njezinog demokratskog deficita ili erozija principa zapadne demokracije na nacionalnoj razini nisu koraci u pravom smjeru. Jedan od tih pogrešnih koraka bilo bi i uvođenje glasovanja kvalificiranom većinom u području vanjske i sigurnosne politike, čime bi se omogućilo preglasavanje manjih članica.

Također, vidljiva je i opasna tendencija širenja definicije vladavine prava tako da ona obuhvaća isključivo liberalne društvene vrijednosti. Tradicionalne vrijednosti i konzervativni svjetonazor želi se ne samo ograničiti u javnom prostoru već iz njega potpuno izbaciti. Uvođenje novih mehanizama služi nametanju liberalnog svjetonazora suverenim državama, što je protivno duhu Unije i predstavlja opasnost za njezin dugoročni opstanak.

 
  
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  Petros Kokkalis (GUE/NGL). – Mr President, Mr President of the Council, your country has adopted the most inspiring climate goal in the world – of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. However, as we stand, we risk missing the targets set by the Paris Accord, especially in view of the latest climate events and our increasing comprehension of their nature. Finland, with its bold climate action, shows the way of the future and we really need your progressive leadership. I therefore ask you fully to integrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals globally agreed by the United Nations, as measured by Eurostat, into the new multiannual financial framework. Let’s invest in a world for all people. Thank you, and I wish Finland the best for a successful presidency.

 
  
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  Edina Tóth (PPE). – Elnök Úr, örömmel tölt el, hogy a finn elnökség által bemutatott prioritások közül az egyik a klímavédelem. Úgy gondolom, rendkívül fontos, hogy az EU klímavállalásait úgy határozzuk meg és úgy érjük el, hogy ez az Unió globális versenyképességét ne korlátozza, és ne járuljon hozzá a kibocsátások növekedéséhez a harmadik országokban sem. Az EU hosszú távú dekarbonizációs stratégiája kapcsán fontos a széles körű vita. Ezzel kapcsolatban szeretném hangsúlyozni, hogy ideológiai vita helyett alapos elemzésre és tervezésre van szükség, valamint megértőnek kell lennünk azon tagállamok felé, akiknek a legnagyobb nehézséget okozza a kitűzött célok elérése. Ugyanakkor fontos az is, hogy a klímacélok elérését technológiasemleges módon kell végrehajtani úgy, hogy a célok mögött legyenek megfelelő uniós források. Kiemelném annak a fontosságát, hogy a Párizsi Megállapodás céljainak végrehajtásához valamennyi részes fél hozzájáruljon. Az EU jó példával jár elöl, de elengedhetetlen, hogy a világ országai is hasonlóan ambiciózus célokat tűzzenek ki.

 
  
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  Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D). – Mr President, Prime Minister Rinne, we warmly welcome your aggressive commitments and your agenda for the first rotating presidency of this mandate of the European Parliament. I have the honour to chair the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and to attend the relevant JHA Council of Ministers over the next couple of days in Helsinki, particularly on the 20th anniversary of the Tampere Council, which launched the areas of liberty, justice and security. In this regard, I would like to stress two points. First, the sooner the Finnish Presidency gets a mandate from the Council to unblock the asylum package under the Dublin regulation the better. Second, as regards the rule of law, you must take seriously the resolution adopted in January this year to link budgetary benefits to Member States in full compliance with the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This is the most relevant point on your agenda. We wish you well. We wish you the best.

 
  
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  Anna Julia Donáth (Renew). – Elnök Úr! Először is gratulálni szeretnék az EU soros finn elnökségének, hogy a jogállamiság fenntartását és védelmét tűzte ki az egyik fő prioritásának a következő hathónapos ciklusra. Ezt egy nagyon fontos üzenetnek tartom, már csak azért is, mert ez alól az EU korábbi két soros elnöksége sajnos kibújt. Az Európai Unió nemcsak gazdasági, hanem értékközösség is, ezért az EU-nak nem csak túlzott deficit esetén kell következetesen fellépnie, hanem az uniós alapértékek megsértése esetében is. Enélkül a demokratikus értékek nemcsak az Unióban értékelődnek le, hanem a tagállamokban is. A finn elnökség számára azonban lenne egy fontos üzenetem is: noha a jogállamiság szerves része a bíróságok autonómiájának és függetlenségének fenntartása, és ennek mindenképpen prioritásnak kell maradnia, de az EU nem korlátozhatja kizárólag ezekre a jogállamiság védelmét. Ennél sokkal szélesebb körben kéne fellépnie. Elengedhetetlen például a sajtószabadsággal és a médiapluralizmussal kapcsolatos problémák kezelése is, ugyanis egy propagandamédiával uralt országban nem beszélhetünk igazi demokráciáról. Köszönöm szépen, sok sikert és jó munkát kívánok!

 
  
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  Ellie Chowns (Verts/ALE). – Mr President, I welcome Prime Minister Rinne’s words on unity and sustainability.

But, Prime Minister, you’ll know as I do that words are not enough. We’ve not yet seen evidence that EU leaders have truly heard the voices of those calling for change: the school climate strikers, the extinction rebellion protesters, the millions who voted Green in May. European leaders have been too slow to respond, too keen to conserve the status quo, rather than conserving the planet. We don’t have time to waste, and we can’t go at the pace of the slowest. So I urge you, please, as a first step, deliver on your promise – zero carbon by 2050. Get the Council to put its money where its mouth is and then to increase its level of climate ambition further.

Another big issue facing your Presidency is Brexit. This is not a little local difficulty on the margins. The Brexiteers threaten our common European values. They’re funded by dodgy sources. They don’t care about those left behind. They’ve poisoned our political debate with lies and pandered to extremists. Those of us who are both British and European, who defend fairness, openness and truth, ask you to stand with us together, zusammen, ensemble.

(Applause)

 
  
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  Mick Wallace (GUE/NGL). – Mr President, it’s good to hear that the Finnish Presidency will prioritise the challenges of climate.

But I think it’s important that we take on board that one of our best options in the fight against climate system breakdown is a dramatic global tree-planting programme that would sequester greenhouse gases. Yet, the Mercosur trade deal will ensure that we speed up the deforestation of the Amazon. Trade deals that facilitate a race to the bottom, in terms of environmental protections and quality standards, are incompatible with meaningful climate action.

The smaller farmers of Ireland and Europe are already finding life difficult. Bringing in cheap food, cheap meat, cheap grain from the Mercosur countries is not the way forward. The farmers that can have the potential to sustainably work farming are being pushed out of existence by trade deals like this.

 
  
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  Seán Kelly (PPE). – Mr President, Finland is a great country and I think they will have a great Presidency. There are many great colleagues and also a wonderful Commissioner.

I have just two questions, one in relation to Brexit. I was very pleased when President von der Leyen, said she was going to honour the Withdrawal Agreement and the backstop, and also be flexible on an extension, if required. Will the Finnish Presidency ensure that the Council are equally flexible, if appropriate? Second question: I’ve been involved in trying to end the biannual clock change for a number of years. We passed a resolution in Parliament and the Commission did a public consultation where over 80% of respondents said they wanted to end it. The next six months are going to be crucial for the Council to make decisions in that regard. Will the Finnish Presidency ensure that the decision of Parliament and the voice of citizens will be respected in that regard?

 
  
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  Margarida Marques (S&D). – Senhor Presidente, a União Europeia é uma comunidade de valores. Apoiamos, por isso, a proposta da Presidência de reforçar e usar as ferramentas de controlo do Estado de Direito da União Europeia. Segunda prioridade, a Europa tem de enfrentar, e deve fazê-lo agora, importantes desafios. Uma forma ao nosso alcance de reduzir a incerteza é trabalharmos para que esta Presidência encerre as negociações no Conselho sobre o próximo quadro financeiro plurianual já no Outono de 2019. Os Estados-Membros precisam desta certeza para que, em janeiro de 2021, possam ter o próximo ciclo financeiro ao serviço dos cidadãos, das empresas europeias e da União Europeia.

Apoiamos um quadro financeiro ambicioso e equilibrado com a flexibilidade necessária e suficiente para que o futuro quadro financeiro plurianual possa, eficazmente, responder às prioridades políticas da União e também aos imprevistos.

(O Presidente retira a palavra à oradora)

 
  
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  Λουκάς Φουρλας (PPE). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, καλωσορίσατε, κύριε πρόεδρε, καλή επιτυχία στην φινλανδική Προεδρία. Μιλήσατε για ισχυρή Ευρώπη, για Ευρώπη της ασφάλειας, για ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα. Προέρχομαι από τη μοναδική ευρωπαϊκή χώρα που είναι κατεχόμενη εδώ και 45 χρόνια και η οποία δέχεται αυτή τη στιγμή δεύτερη εισβολή, και μιλάμε για ευρωπαϊκό έδαφος και μιλάμε για την Τουρκία, η οποία θέλει να γίνει μέλος της ευρωπαϊκής οικογένειας. Αυτό θέλω να το έχετε πάντα κατά νου.

 
  
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  Maria Grapini (S&D). – Domnule președinte, domnule Comisar, vreau să vă doresc succes. Dumneavoastră preluați președinția după președinția țării mele, o președinție de succes. Vă doresc succes!

Îmi place ce am auzit aici. Doriți să țineți cont de problemele cetățenilor, piața unică, foarte importantă, eu sunt vicepreședinta Comisiei pentru piața internă. Doriți, de asemenea, securitate, educație, cercetare. Sunt lucrurile de care avem nevoie. Dar avem nevoie de o singură Europă. Vă rog foarte mult, pe președinția dumneavoastră, încercați să nu mai separăm est-vest. Încercați ca cele două state, România și Bulgaria, să facă parte din Schengen, pentru că întrunesc aceste condiții.

Și vreau să vă mai rog ceva. Ați spus că trebuie să ținem cont de cetățeni. Am sesizat fostul prim-ministru din Finlanda, de un caz foarte grav din Finlanda, cazul doctoriței Smicală, cu cei doi copii luați și separați minorii de mamă. Încercați să rezolvați și să dați exemplu că se pot respecta drepturile omului.

Și nu în ultimul rând, vă rog foarte mult să țineți cont în negociere la pachetul pe mobilitate și la fondul de coeziune: trebuie să le negociem în așa fel încât să nu separăm Europa în două.

 
  
  

PRESIDENZA DELL’ON. DAVID MARIA SASSOLI
Presidente

 
  
  

(Fine della procedura catch the eye)

 
  
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  Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (Renew). – Señor presidente, un minuto simplemente para denunciar la arbitrariedad con la que el presidente anterior ha gestionado las intervenciones del «catch-the-eye». Ha marcado dos criterios al final: prioridad a los finlandeses y que no intervendrían los diputados de Estados miembros que ya hubiesen intervenido.

He estado desde el primer momento y me he asegurado de que estaba inscrita. No ha cumplido los criterios y, desde luego, quiero recalcar que he estado escuchando desde el primer momento, y denunciar que no comparto los criterios y no comparto la arbitrariedad.

 
  
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  Presidente. – Però onorevole, scusi, lo strumento del “catch-the-eye” è uno strumento, come Lei sa, che non può consentire a tutti di intervenire, per cui la scelta del presidente Wieland sarà stata quella, diciamo, idonea a consentire a tutti di parlare nei tempi previsti.

 
  
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  Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President of the Commission. – Mr President, as the Prime Minister heard he has strong support for his Presidency agenda from the Members of this House. In particular, two topics were raised in most speeches, namely rule of law and climate policy.

Rule of law, or lack of it, is like oxygen: you realise the value of it when it’s running out. As I said in my introductory speech, the Finnish Presidency is the first to prioritise the rule of law, and for good reason. Independent judiciary, free and pluralistic media, human rights and human dignity, democracy – these are the basic values upon which European integration, but also our Member States, have been built. So, even if one wins the majority in the national elections, it does not mean that these fundamental values can be violated. The fact that this is one of the priorities of the Presidency allows this House – the European Parliament – but also the Member States, to take a position on this very fundamental issue. On behalf of the Commission, I want to thank you once again for what you have chosen to prioritise.

On climate policy, some Members said – quite well – that, just as important as talking about dates or years or percentages, is to devise ways of how we can achieve our ambitious targets. Here the circular economy comes into the picture. Yesterday I was very pleased personally when the newly elected Commission President von der Leyen said that she will propose a new circular economy action plan that will concentrate mostly on the construction sector and the textile sector, which are resource-consuming sectors where we need to improve our actions.

Finally, from the Commission’s perspective, it’s very positive that the Finnish Presidency makes a new experiment, improving the transparency of the work of the Council. From my own personal viewpoint I’ve been wondering what on earth needs to happen for the other European institutions to follow the example of the European Commission, which is by far the most transparent institution in the EU. I must say that I only have very good experiences of this transparency in the European Commission, so I encourage the other European institutions to follow their example.

 
  
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  Antti Rinne, President-in-Office of the Council. – Mr President, thank you for this very important opportunity for me to address Parliament on our priorities in the programme. I would say that the big issue for me is climate change. I will now say a few words in Finnish.

Hyvät ystävät, minulla on neljä tytärtä ja kolme lastenlasta. Suomessa olen käyttänyt useamman puheenvuoron, joissa olen todennut, että haluan heidän kysymykseensä siitä, mitä teitte ilmastonmuutokselle, vastata sen, että kaikki mitä osattiin ja pystyttiin tekemään. Ja että saatiin pysäytettyä ilmastonmuutos. Toinen vaihtoehto on se, että emme tehneet mitään, koska emme uskaltaneet tehdä yhdessä yhtään mitään.

Nyt on tärkeää, että eurooppalainen yhteistyö keskittyy ottamaan ilmastopolitiikassa johtajuuden tavalla, joka saa maapallolla ilmaston globaalin lämpenemisen pysäytettyä siihen 1,5 asteeseen, joka on koko ihmiskunnan näkökulmasta ja tulevien sukupolvien näkökulmasta äärimmäisen tärkeä tavoite, ja se pitää viedä läpi.

I believe, also, that the big question of the rule of law is very important for the whole European future. I think that the big issue is that we, together, can make stronger and stronger these rule of law principles when we are developing our cooperation here at European level. Thank you very much and I hope we can work together in future as closely as possible.

(Applause)

 
  
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  Presidente. – Grazie signor Primo ministro, buon lavoro. Inizia un semestre molto importante che accompagna l’inizio della legislatura.

La discussione è chiusa.

Invito tutti i colleghi a prendere posto.

 
  
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  Alessandra Moretti (S&D). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, prendo la parola per un fatto molto grave che è successo oggi.

Gentile colleghe e colleghi, oggi è venuto a mancare un grande italiano, un grande cittadino europeo, Andrea Camilleri, uno dei più autorevoli intellettuali contemporanei, tenace difensore dei valori di libertà, democrazia e giustizia, implacabile antifascista, convinto europeista, un maestro umile che ha saputo raccontare, attraverso gli episodi di Montalbano, la Sicilia, terra meravigliosa e generosa, madre di uomini straordinari come lui.

Penso a Giovanni Falcone e a Paolo Borsellino. Grazie Maestro Camilleri per ciò che ci hai regalato e per aver rappresentato l'Italia nel mondo con la tua scrittura indimenticabile.

 
  
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  Presidente. – Grazie on. Moretti.

Dichiarazioni scritte (articolo 171)

 
  
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  Monika Beňová (S&D), písomne. – Európska únia ako spoločný európsky projekt nespochybniteľne zaručuje mier a prosperitu pre obyvateľov jednotlivých členských štátov. Nedávno sa uskutočnili voľby do Európskeho parlamentu a občania jasne ukázali, že stoja za spoločným európskym projektom. Vyžadujú však od nás, ako svojich zástupcov, aby sme vyvinuli najväčšie možné úsilie na minimalizáciu vplyvu klimatických zmien a aby sme vytvorili podmienky pre čisté, energeticky efektívne a moderné hospodárstvo, ktoré zabezpečí tvorbu nových pracovných miest aj v budúcnosti. Fínske predsedníctvo má skvelú príležitosť, aby sa spolupodieľalo na vytvorení lepšej budúcnosti, ktorá bude sociálne, ekonomicky, ale najmä ekologicky udržateľná. Počas nasledujúcich mesiacov bude kľúčové, aby sme spoločnými silami zachovali jednotu Európskej únie, ktorá je destabilizovaná tzv. brexitom a aby sme ukončili tento bolestivý proces pre všetky zúčastnené strany. Nemenej dôležitou výzvou pre fínske predsedníctvo bude aj otázka doriešenia odňatia prídavkov pre zamestnancov z iných členských štátov Európskej únie v Rakúsku, pretože ide o nebezpečný predsedens vytvárania dvojitej kategórie občanov, čo je v modernej a konkurencieschopnej Európe neprípustné. Pevne verím, že fínskemu predsedníctvu sa bude dariť aj v oblasti hladkého prechodu na ďalší legislatívny cyklus a pri budovaní konštruktívnych vzťahov, pretože iba spoluprácou môžeme spoločne Európsku úniu posúvať ďalej.

 
  
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  Andor Deli (PPE), írásban. – Köszönöm, Csalódással kellett olvasnom, hogy a finn soros elnökség programjában az EU nyugat-balkáni bővítése nem kapott megfelelő helyet. Gyakorlatilag egyetlen egy bekezdésben szerepel ez a téma. Ezzel ellentétben az elmúlt időszak bolgár, osztrák és a román elnökségei is kiemelten kezelték ezt a kérdést. Európa stabilitása és egysége kulcsfontosságú és ebben mindenki egyetért.

Ehhez azonban szükség van a nyugat-balkáni tagjelölt országok mielőbbi csatlakozására. A bővítés sajnos több „régi” tagállamban nem közkedvelt téma, de ez nem lehet indok arra, hogy azt az uniós politikát, amely 2004-ben sikeresen megteremtette Európa nyugati és keleti felének egységét, a kellemetlen, nyomasztó kérdéskörök kategóriájában végezze. Arra kérem a finn elnökséget, hogy operatív szinten hozzák helyre ezt a hiányosságot, hiszen nem szabad törést okozni abban a folytonosságban, amely az elmúlt két évet jellemezte, és amelynek az Európai Parlament az egyik legnagyobb támogatója.

 
  
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  Ádám Kósa (PPE), írásban. – Üdvözöljük a Finn elnökség törekvéseit. Örvendetes, hogy a munka jövője kapcsán részletesen vizsgálni kívánják a platform munkavállalók helyzetét, előtérbe helyezik a folyamatos, élethosszig tartó tanulást és elemezni kívánják a részlegesen foglalkoztatható személyek helyzetét. Itt szeretném felhívni a figyelmet arra, hogy a fogyatékossággal élő és megváltozott munkaképességű személyek munkaerőpiaci integrációja napjaink kiemelt kérdése, ezért csalódottan látom, hogy ez nem szerepel az elnökség programjában, pedig bevonásuk a munkaerőpiacra hatalmas potenciált rejt és a segítő technológiáknak hála egyre kevesebb akadály áll foglalkoztatásuk előtt.

A munkaerőhiányra korunkban modern válaszokat illene adni, de ez a finn elnökségi programban sajnos nem sikerült: közismert tény, hogy az automatizáció és a robotika korában egyre képzettebb munkaerőre van szükség és nem az alacsonyan képzett személyek bevándorlásának segítésére.

Meglepő, hogy a finn elnökség mégis a bevándorlást támogatná, hiszen statisztikák mutatják, hogy a képzetlen bevándorlóknak csak néhány százaléka képes munkát vállalni a befogadó országban. Ugyanakkor a munkaerő szabad áramlása kulcskérdés, egyben pedig az EU négy szabadságnak egyike, ezért szükséges, hogy az Európai Unió állampolgárai megkülönböztetés nélkül vállalhassanak munkát más EU tagállamokban. A Kelet-Európai munkavállalók mobilitása nem szenvedhet csorbát a Nyugat-Európai tagállamok protekcionizmusa miatt: azonos bánásmód illeti meg őket és nem hozhatók hátrányba a munkaerőpiacon sem adminisztratív, sem más intézkedések által.

 
  
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  Leszek Miller (S&D), na piśmie. – Dziękując za ambitny program prezydencji fińskiej, zwracam się jednocześnie o podjęcie trzech kwestii, które są kluczowe dla zapewnienia sprawiedliwości, równości społecznej i poszanowania europejskich wartości.

Po pierwsze, kluczowe jest uzgodnienie ram finansowanych. Potrzebujemy ambitnego budżetu, uwzględniającego znaczące wsparcie dla polityki spójności i polityki rolnej. W tym kontekście apeluję do prezydencji fińskiej o aktywne wspieranie stanowiska Parlamentu Europejskiego w sprawie budżetu UE po roku 2020, przewidującego większe środki na rolnictwo i rozwój regionalny.

Po drugie, istotne są działania mające na celu wprowadzenie europejskiej płacy minimalnej na poziomie zapewniającym godne życie dla wszystkich Europejczyków. Obecne różnice w tym zakresie między krajami członkowskimi są nie do zaakceptowania. Europejska płaca minimalna jest kluczowa dla zmniejszenia nierówności między obywatelami UE, likwidacji ubóstwa i zapewnienia równych szans.

Po trzecie, cieszę się, że praworządność jest ważnym elementem programu prezydencji. Dlatego wspieram planowane działania w tym zakresie. Zwracam jednak uwagę na rozważne podejście do powiązania przestrzegania praworządności z wydatkami z budżetu unijnego. Nie możemy dopuścić do sytuacji, w której za nieprzestrzeganie prawa przez rządy państw członkowskich będą płacili młodzi ludzi, naukowcy, rolnicy czy inne grupy beneficjentów środków unijnych, którzy wyznają nasze europejskie wartości i którzy pokładają w Unii nadzieję na lepsze jutro.

 
  
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  Valdemar Tomaševski (ECR), raštu. – Liepos 1 d. Suomija perėmė pirmininkavimą ES Tarybai iš Rumunijos. Pradinis svarbiausių veiklos krypčių nustatymas buvo suderintas su Rumunijos programa, o tai suteikia vilties dėl Bendrijos politikos tęstinumo šiuo sunkiu Europai laikotarpiu. Galbūt Suomijai pavyks įgyvendinti šią užduotį, ko jai ir linkiu. Iš savo pirmtakų Suomija paveldėjo keletą neišspręstų dabartinių klausimų, tokių kaip brexitas ar būtinybė tęsti pastangas, kad ES taptų konkurencingesnė tarptautiniu mastu ir dar labiau skatintų socialinę padėtį. Bet, mano manymu, kai ko trūksta – tai vertybių, kurios buvo besivienijančios Europos pagrindu, paminėjimas. Turiu omenyje krikščioniškąsias vertybes, apie kurias kalbėjo steigėjai, ir apie kurias šiandienos Sąjunga pamiršta, kenkdama pati sau. Todėl norint siekti teisingesnės ES, kurioje visi piliečiai galėtų naudotis ekonominio ir socialinio vystymosi teikiamais privalumais, svarbu gerbti tinkamą pasaulį ir grįžti prie Europos, paremtos Roberto Schumano arba Alcide de Gasperi vizija, šaknų. Taigi reikia grįžti prie principų, įsišaknijusių Europos tapatybėje. Taip pat būtina užtikrinti ES piliečių saugumą, siekiant gerinti migracijos politiką, įskaitant ES išorės sienų kontrolę. Tačiau taip pat svarbu stengtis sumažinti nelygybę ES šalyse. To ypač laukia naujųjų valstybių narių, tokių kaip Lietuva, gyventojai.

 
  
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  Monika Vana (Verts/ALE), schriftlich. – Wir begrüßen das Programm der finnischen Ratspräsidentschaft mit seinem Fokus auf den wichtigen Themen Klimawandel, Menschenrechte und einer Stärkung des Rechtsstaatlichkeitsprinzips. Der Anspruch der kommenden Ratspräsidentschaft, Europa sozialer und nachhaltiger zu gestalten, ist seit langem eine Kernforderung der Europäischen Grünen.

 
Ultima actualizare: 7 noiembrie 2019Aviz juridic - Politica de confidențialitate