Villy SØVNDAL

Policy topics Villy SØVNDAL is active on

What Villy SØVNDAL has said (29)

• 2025-09-25 “E-003734/2025 Answer given by Ms Albuquerque on behalf of the European Commission The EU has adopted a wide range of sanctions on Russia targeting its ability to conduct and finance its war of aggression 1 . Import restrictions on iron and steel are one of the most stringent sanctions of the EU. Most of them entered into force in March 2022. All EU steel imports from Russia are under sanctions. Two specific types of semi-finished products are subject to a quantitative gradual declining limit (quota) until September 2028. This allows EU industry to find alternatives. Diversification requires investment on new semifinished units across the globe. EU sanctions cover a number of liquefied natural gas (LNG)-related restrictions but do currently not prohibit to service tankers transporting Russian origin LNG unless they are designated by the EU. The EU has designated 557 vessels, including 15 LNG tankers. The designation of a vessel entails a port access ban and the prohibition to provide services, irrespective the flag of the vessel. EU sanctions also prohibit access to ports for Russiaflagged vessels, including vessels that flew the Russian flag before February 2022. The EU has imposed sanctions on more than 2500 individuals and entities in view of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, including Russian leading businesspersons. Those measures include freezing their assets in the EU. EU sanctions are kept under regular review; adoption is decided solely and unanimously by the 27 EU Member States under the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. The implementation and enforcement of EU sanctions is the competence of the Member States. EU sanctions are applicable to all legal and natural persons falling under EU jurisdiction. 1 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/eu-and-world/sanctions-restrictive-measures/sanctions-adopted-following-russiasmilitary-aggression-against-ukraine_en.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• 2025-01-09 “P-000080/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU is by far the most important economic partner of the United States (US). While the EU has different protective measures at its disposal to ensure its economic and commercial interests are respected 1 , the EU-US relationship is balanced. No one is taking advantage of each other, but rather having a shared interest in nurturing and further developing the relationship. The EU is open and pragmatic and ready to think big on how trade and investment opportunities can be increased between the two and how the EU and US can work together on shared challenges, like economic security and non-market policies and practices. The EU reiterates that the sovereignty of states must be respected. The EU has committed to a mutually beneficial partnership with Greenland. The partnership supports Greenland in the pursuit of its own objectives in terms of growth, security and connectivity and the EU will continue to invest in Greenland and into this value-based partnership. In close collaboration with Denmark, the EU stands with Greenland in upholding Greenland's right to selfdetermination. The EU remains ready to work further with the US and other allies, and in close collaboration with Denmark, on security in the Arctic region including in Greenland. The Transatlantic relationship is founded on a shared history and strong bonds. For decades, this partnership has been a cornerstone of peace, security, and economic growth. The EU is ready to deepen and strengthen this relationship, discuss shared interests and address global challenges together. 1 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/enforcement-and-protection_en”
  EU-US trade relations · EU-US relations
• 2024-12-13 “E-002932/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU has consistently and actively raised the case of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, alongside other human rights defenders in Bahrain to demand their unconditional release. In May 2021, the former EU Special Representative for Human Rights addressed a letter to the Foreign Affairs Minister of Bahrain, urging the release of Mr Al-Khawaja and other political prisoners on humanitarian grounds. The EU has raised Mr Al-Khawaja’s and other cases in its annual EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogues, including the eighth dialogue held in Manama on 8 December 2024. The discussions covered critical issues such as freedom of expression and association, the rule of law, fair trial rights, and the death penalty. The EU welcomed the pardons of more than 2 500 prisoners in Bahrain in 2024. The EU encouraged Bahrain to further align its policies with international human rights law, particularly in the areas of the rule of law and civil and political rights with particular focus on freedom of expression, assembly and association. The EU remains committed to continued high-level engagement on this matter. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights has expressed interest in visiting Bahrain, referencing an invitation extended to his predecessor. The EU will continue to call for the release of Mr AlKhawaja and other human rights defenders in Bahrain through available diplomatic channels.”
  EU competences on human rights · EU relations with Gulf countries
• 2024-12-13 “E-002933/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU has taken significant steps to address Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, leading to the oppression of Crimeans and turning the peninsula into a base for Russia’s war of aggression launched in February 2022. The EU will never recognise this annexation, which violates international law. The policy of non-recognition includes diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and restrictions since 2014, as well as non-recognition of any Russian passport issued in Crimea. Since July 2022, the EU has imposed sanctions on 45 individuals and two entities responsible for the illegal deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainians, and 16 individuals and five entities for the ‘re-education’ and militarisation of Ukrainian children. These sanctions aim to pressure Russia to cease its violations and hold perpetrators accountable. Additionally, the EU has supported efforts at the United Nations and other platforms to document and condemn Russia’s actions. The High Representative/Vice-President will continue to reinforce these measures and to propose new listings related to human rights violations. The EU will continue engaging with civil society and human rights advocates to monitor and hold regular dialogues on Crimea and other occupied territories. The EU keeps pressing for stronger international action to ensure Russia is held accountable. The EU will work on further diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian initiatives to protect Ukrainians and preserve their identity.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term) · EU-Ukraine relations
• 2024-12-13 “E-002931/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The fall of the Assad’s regime marks a historic moment for the Syrian people, who have endured immense suffering and demonstrated extraordinary resilience in their pursuit of dignity, freedom, and justice. All Syrians should now have the chance to know the truth about the fate of their loved ones. All Syrians, in the country and the diaspora, must have an opportunity to reunify, stabilise and rebuild their country. The EU is pursuing early engagement with Syria’s new leadership while exercising prudence. The EU is very attentive to the statements but more importantly to the acts of the new authorities. All stakeholders should engage in an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned dialogue on all key issues to ensure an orderly, peaceful and non-discriminatory transition, guided by the respect for international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, nondiscrimination, pluralism and tolerance among all components of society. The European Council has tasked the Commission and the High Representative to develop actionable options to support Syria’s transition. The EU’s efforts are being carefully assessed with the Member States and coordinated with key partners.”
  EU-Syria relations
• “Next I'm going to speak in Danish. I'm always surprised when I hear the far right talking about the pain on the Israelis, but can't understand the losses for the Palestinians in a situation where it becomes more and more desperate for the Palestinian people in Gaza, on the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, Israeli bombardment are leaving Gaza in ruins. People without homes, without hospitals, without schools. It's a collective punishment of a whole people for the terrorist attack on the 7th of October. Israel is blocking everything food, water, medicine, fuel and in the few distributions there is, they are being shot at. People are going hungry, they are being killed, and we're just looking at it. And that's why the resistance against the war is growing in Europe and in Israel and everywhere. In order to get the fighting to stop and to get the hostages home. We have to make the Israeli government stop the bombardments. Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Thank you very much And very much welcome here. I'm a Danish MEP, meaning I'm one of the Baltic Sea countries, but I'm also an Arctic country. So somehow these are the two main conflicts I think we're going to deal with in the coming years. We visited Ukraine in March, just after the Americans had pulled their support, their economic support, the military support and the intelligence support, which means that five times as many people were killed because they did not have time to get them into protection when the bombs and things came. Just after that, there was a meeting in London where all the European countries, not only EU countries, but also, of course, Britain, also Norway, also Canada, also Turkey met. And at the same time there was a meeting in Paris among the military chiefs. The impressive thing to note is that this was NATO minus us. Why that? Because there was a general concern. How far can we trust us? For the time being, when it's when it's when it's serious. We cannot plan from what we hope. I mean, I think you as a military chief would warn against that. Do you plan both for the best scenario and the worst scenario? And the worst scenario would be that us not committing the agreements we have in the chapter five NATO. That's my first question. Second question regards, Ukraine. Imagine, as you said, that Ukraine is under Russian control, 800 very well trained troops with combat experience, with all the innovation they brought that would threaten for decades Europe in its present situation. Just to say it's so important. On the 18th of December that Europe decides to use the frozen assets that we can finance and Ukraine can finance the future. Thank you very much.”
  EU-Ukraine relations
• “Thank you very much. Thank you very much. And thank you very much for being here. I would like I would like to start with a quote. The larger issue facing Europe, inclusive activities of the European Union and other transnational bodies that undermine political liberty and sovereignty, migration policies that are transforming the continent and creating strife. Censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition. Creating birth rates and loss of national identities and self confidence. Quote. Finished. This was not from Russia. The quote that was released the day before yesterday from the from the American American administration. The Trump administration. I just want to ask. This is fundamental questions raised. It's a criticism of us for not being democratic. Not allow free speech, not allowing, uh, the continent to take care of itself. I mean, I think in my years of politics, I never experienced anything near to this insulting way of treating an allied. What do you say to that? What are the consequences of this? How would you describe the US if you should give a description of that in the present situation? And when this is serious, it's not just because of the insulting tone which we have heard before from this administration. It has wide ranging consequences Further cooperation because you can cooperate with allies with whom you share values. Which values do we share for the time being with an administration who is not for green transition? Who is not for international strong bodies, who are not who are not supporting Ukraine, who are in hiddenness for peace in the Middle East. Thank you.”
  EU-US relations
• “Thank you very much. Since our normal speaker on this item, Mr. String is busy elsewhere. I'm going to speak on behalf of the green Group. We very much welcome the strong report by rapporteur. It's time of the instability and therefore the EU needs to significantly, significantly and strategically increase its external financing envelope in order to increase independence from the US and from strong alliances with our partners around the world. Additionally, it's crucial that we are coherent in the promotion of our values, as EU might be one of the few actors left in the global level to promote democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The projects we fund must be value, complement and financial conditionality based on their principles is therefore also key in our cooperation with third countries. But this also means that we should no longer let our foreign policy agenda being hijacked by our migration interests, that the times that we let our foreign policy agenda be hijacked by migration interests should be over. We strongly reject the proposed readmission and conditionality in global Europe. We understand the need for flexibility, flexibility, but with certain safeguards. We need to secure an ambitious budget for imperial humanitarian aid in line with our treasures and with the European consensus on humanitarian aid. 85% of the budget being reserved for programming funding. Plus, we need to ring fence 15% of the programme funding for supporting civil society since their role in the promotion of democracy and the rule of law is key. That needs to be reflected and pinned down in global Europe. Thank you.”
  EU development aid (migration conditionality)
• “I'll speak in Danish. With this historic decision, We are continuing our liberation from Russian tyranny. We need to move away from fossil fuels which are destroying the planet and financing Putins war chest. So I'm particularly pleased with this agreement which has been reached. I believe that this agreement was only possible thanks to a good spirit of cooperation between the rapporteurs and Mr. Niinistö, and the Commission too. We now need to be very clear about what comes next. We are turning off the tap of tyranny to Putin, but that means we need to fund our own green energy sources a lot more so that European citizens are not facing a cost of energy crisis so that we can be truly autonomous. Never again should we dependent on any regime in the West or the East. We need to liberate Europe and develop the technologies that will allow Europe to be truly independent, that will require courage, and that will also mean that we can't just substitute Russian gas with Trump oil. We need to ensure that we keep producing in Europe, and we're not totally at the mercy of these geopolitical winds so that we have a global energy independence for the EU in such a way as to ensure that we're not continuing to fund Putin. We need to invest in the future, in our common hope.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Thank you chair. I'm going to speak in Danish. The United States and Israel have attacked Iran and removed the top of the priest, the regime who have killed thousands of their own citizens and caused terror in the Middle East. This war reminds us that there is a new world order where international law does not apply, and Trump can do whatever he wants and only respects their own power. And there seems to be no clear plan for the future. The war has spread already through the Middle East into Lebanon with many displaced people and many people killed. I have been a critic of Bush's illegal war in Iraq for years, and I'm also against the brutal regime in Iran. We've seen it again and again. Bombing is simply not enough. International organizations, rules and standards are necessary in order to protect us against endless wars in the future. These are prerequisites for peace. Thank you.”
  EU-Iran relations
• “Thank you. I'm going to speak in Danish there. Benedetta. Scudieri. Yes. Thank you. I'm representing Benedetta Scudieri Scuderi. And on her behalf, I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr. Danielsson, for a good report. I feel it is very important that when it comes to our workers that they be protected. And of course, we're talking about all sorts of groups of workers. We do need a properly organised labour market and it has to work smoothly and we have to have to have good labour relations. This has always been the case. Our Europeans need good working conditions, we have to fight criminality. And I think that is obviously a very good initiative. And when it comes to those people who are working but are still poor. Then obviously that's one of the things we have to tackle across the European Union in work poverty. We know that there are all sorts of examples of exploitation. Accidents at the workplace. Extremely lengthy subcontracting chains where there is no control whatsoever. And I don't really understand why people can't see this as being a good idea and and a good initiative. There are very many illegal things that should be revealed and discovered as especially if we apply the rules properly. And I think, therefore, what we need a stronger rules in order to tackle these very lengthy and complex subcontracting chains. And this is the responsibility of the employers. And the employers are also responsible for health and safety at work. And I would like to stress that we do have the space so that we have this European Social Security card. So we do need a strong economy. Yes, but we also need a strong labour market. And people have to be able to go to work without worrying about their health and safety. So we're looking forward to further cooperation and an ambitious report.”
  EU policy on employment subcontracting
• “This is completely new geopolitical reality where some of the big powers have left behind the international world order. So it's decisive. We have to fight this pressure from outside. Some of our very best friends in this changing world is the Canadian people. 77% of Canadians want to increase cooperation with the EU, so we should show due diligence and do even more to integrate more with the Canadian economy and our European market on a whole host of areas. We share an understanding of global warming, and Carney's government has been a steadfast support for Denmark and Greenland vis a vis the threats from the US. Alliances should be built with countries that are like minded and share our interests, so we have to increase our alliance with Canada. Thank you.”
  EU-US relations
• “In Hungary two months ago showed a new course for Hungary, but also for Ukraine and for Europe and for the rest of the world with no. There's no support that can be released for Ukraine, and there can be a new package of sanctions. It's an important turning point. There are still. Threats from Europe, from Russia against the civilian population. There's still bombing homes and hospitals and energy infrastructure. It's important that those responsible are brought to justice. And there's a lot that points to that. We should act now. We should strengthen cooperation. We should keep up the pressure and bring the Ukraine closer to the EU, together with the other candidate countries. We should make it clear to Putin that is, indifference for human rights has huge consequences for him and his regime. It's important because we are in this geopolitical situation. It's important that Europe stands on its own feet. That means more cooperation on defence and cooperation. We should make ourselves more self-sufficient and Ukraine as an important part of that. Thank you.”
  EU-Ukraine relations
• “Here in Parliament There are some members from the extreme right who are spreading a message saying you can't be competitive and at the same time, be ambitious when it comes to green policies.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Yes. My name is Villy Sovndal. And thank you very much for the chance. Uh, my my question is targeted on the Middle East and the biggest humanitarian crisis we have seen for many years with the catastrophic situation in Gaza and also the Israelis attacks in Lebanon and the many refugees. Unwra is more needed than ever is a foreseen payment this month on track? In addition, would it not make sense to strengthen the support now that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating in both Gaza and Lebanon? And second, regarding the funding package for the Palestinian Authority, the commission said it would present the comprehensive program in early September, but this hasn't happened, despite the urgency of the Palestinian situation on the ground. Ground. Why? Why the delay? And one last question. What is the Commission doing to alleviate the Israeli restrictions on Palestinian economy, or are we just compensating and subsidizing the increased restrictions imposed by Minister Smotrich? It's because we are unwilling to pay any pressure on him to put any pressure on him and the Israel government. Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Thank you very much. We sit here in a nice warm room in the worst winter Ukraine has been through because of the bombardment of everything. I think it's really necessary to step up to deliver a lot more quick than we were able to do in two ways. One is help with the energy system, uh, more systematically than we do. And second is securing the necessary weapons for defense in Ukraine. Last I visited Ukraine, a lot of the capacity they had to produce weapons were not used because of the lack of finance. Is that still a situation that they could produce themselves a lot more if they had the money needed? And there are a lot of, uh, advantages by letting them produce it themselves. They produce things that can be used, uh, and which are tried in real fight. Thank you.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “Thank you very much. I'm going to speak in Danish In Europe we believe in alliances and agreements, and this has worked for us since the Second World War, the end of the Second World War. Trump thinks you can just do what he likes, take what he likes, and we believe in alliances. He doesn't. America first is what he wants and what he believes in, which will end up being America alone. Our model seems more attractive and appealing to us. And why, you know, people want to join us is because of our economic success. Rule of law, legal security, uncertainty. You know, nobody wants to join. Go into Russia, for example, with them taking, you know, steps against Ukraine. We need to. Resist and be resilient against this pressure from outside.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “Thank you very much for being here. I visited you a couple of years ago when you were still discussing the possibility of this, and now it's unfolding. Two questions. First of all, when I visit the defense industries, I think they are like every other industry. What's important for them is to know, is there a future market? Because part of it is long term investments. What can we do from the European Parliament in Europe to secure that there is a future market? It's well known that we buy we only produce about 25% of our weapons we use in Europe, in Europe. It's also well known that the stocks are emptied because we gave a lot to to to Ukraine. And could you be helpful in securing a future or is it a work we have to do? Uh, that's the first question. The second question is about co-producing. Uh, you mentioned that you like very much, uh, projects where, which were co-produced between more countries. Is that also Ukraine? Are you making active investments there? Are you making investments in the way that joint production between Ukraine and one or more member states, which is giving a lot of, of, of, of good things for Europe because there's so much innovation going on in Ukraine that we have to learn from their way of looking at warfare. And the best way of doing that is making common supply chains and common training. Et cetera. Et cetera. How do you how are you? Which are your possibilities with cooperation with Ukraine? Thank you.”
  Defence spending
• “10:47 – 16:11:50): Thank you very much. I think we all understand the situation of gravity we are in right now. We are not the ones causing the problems that's the one who wants to deny to follow international rule of course that's putting damage in Ukraine going on but it's also the fully cares Trump and Netanyahu are creating in the Middle East. I do not want one sentence to defend the Iranian regime but when you want to do like they did to attack a country you need to have a plan you need to have some allies you have to have some international body behind you when you do that. So I think what we learn from this is that we need to make much more energy on the international alliances with the ones who agree with us. Thank you.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “08:36 – 12:10:49): Yeah thank you very much and thank you very much for your personal presentation a very strong one thank you for that. When you reached my age you have been in a world with the biggest progress for mankind ever if you measure on the development in democracy if you measure on the fight against poverty if you measure upon living age so you can see the progress that has taken paid pay place broadly that's that's part of the European history and we all know why because we had a rule of a a world of rules we had a world of trying to help those who were poor those who are in troubles that's that world that does not longer exist because of us because of Netanyahu because of a couple of other guys Putin etcetera. So we are one of the islands of strong defense for this world of rules and I think the good message is we are not alone we a lot of countries if you listen to Canadian Prime Minister's speech in in Davos there are a lot of countries who still want a world based on rules based on order based on respect based on negotiations based on doing something to help the ones who have not many chances this life. And I think the most important thing for Europe just now is to look out for reach out for strengthen these alliances as one thing and as another thing could you say what else could we do seeing from your point of view which we do not do well enough now to strengthen the support we want to give the very good work you are doing thank you.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “(15:23:30 – 15:25:17): Thank you, dear. Dear colleagues, hybrid warfare is becoming more and more apparent throughout our continent. Just last year, we saw drone incursions in the airspace of several European countries, including my native Denmark. I think this marks the beginning of a time where it will be increasingly diff difficult for us as Europeans to exactly pinpoint which style actors are trying to interfere in our countries. And that raises relevant questions because what is actual hybrid warfare? Where is the line drawn? Is hybrid warfare about exercising covered operation to sow disunity within our member states and between our member states. Time again. Is hybrid warfare about consistent secret influence campaigns? Is hybrid warfare about currently challenging the sovereignty of people? The draft of this report focuses a great amount on the eastern flank of our union, and it should. The protection of our eastern flank is highly important with the aggression we now see from Putin and his allies. However, I believe that we must guard our union on multiple fronts. We have to acknowledge the growing pressure in the Arctic. We have to acknowledge that it is difficult to always recognize our good friends and allies. I would like to thank you, Rasa, for a very good starting point for this report. I look forward to working with you and with my fellow shareholders on drafting this report. Thank you.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “Thank you for being here again. I fully share your impatience. A lot have been done, but even more is lacking. When I visit Defense Industries, their main claim is that they need more security for the future if they are going to make the long term investments. Could we make somehow some kind of, uh, de-risking some guarantees in a situation where you said we are going to replace what's produced in the US today? That's one question. And the second one is about Ukraine. When I was the last time, they had a lot of capacity which was not used, but they had a lack of finance. To use this capacity. There are a lot of good reasons for doing it. It's in real life. It's half the price. And it's, uh, it's it's money to Ukraine. Can we do more to make this joint co-productions with them?”
  Defence spending
• “For your very clear presentations. Uh, I just want to put a word to those in this room who now are left, but who only see European decline. Isn't it interesting that we are in a situation where at least ten countries, if you also look to the north, uh, wanting to get members of the European Parliament opposite, we have some of the once I think be wondered by the people who spoke just before in Putin and Trump have to force people with war, or with threats like Trump do with Greenland and with Canada to get part of, of their of their union. I think we should not only stand up against disinformation from outside. I think we should also speak very clear when there is so much nonsense in this room. I mean, it's not only words that counts. It's more important to see how countries act and the way they act is. We have about ten who want to be members. The others have none. That's a real difference about attraction. Thank you.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you. I'm going to speak in Danish today. I've just come back from Palestine and the West Bank, where I also saw the incredible limitations that people have. People are not allowed to go to certain areas. They're constantly subject to checkpoints. They can't have day to day life was the name. They've set up shelters in Hebron to avoid the things that are thrown at them. They're not able to get into shops. There are a lot of flats which have been taken over by settlers. There are cameras and armed soldiers and poverty, which has been caused by occupation and the hopelessness because Israel is holding the tax money that they levy from the Lebanese. I saw Israelis who wouldn't recognise that Lebanese people even existed. But we also luckily met some Israelis who recognised that the Lebanese were people who had rights.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “And have high social standards. I would like to suggest that you invite them to come and visit Denmark, because we can show them that those three things are not opposites, but they are. They can go hand in hand or they might be requisites one for the other. We are probably one of the countries in Europe with the highest economic growth. I would find that to be a really useful initiative. I want to make a statement regarding enlargement and Ukraine. When you visit Ukraine, you're likely to be very impressed by the incredible energy that you find there. Regardless of the bombardments and the fact that many of their functionaries and their civil servants are now fighting at the front. They are able nonetheless to work towards enlargement in an impressive or impressive speech. The same thing goes for Moldova. I would like to ask you to say a bit more elaborate on what you said about gradual integration. What are the concrete steps there. Could it be, for instance, that we complete one chapter, implement it, and then embark on the next chapter so that gradually you become a member, a member state? Then there's Albania and the West Balkans. When I was foreign minister during the last Danish presidency, I negotiated with Montenegro and Albania. That's 13 years ago. I believe that we need to draw up some an approach, a model that is much more comprised than what we see today. Otherwise we will be witnessing unpleasant tendencies. Finally, I want to wish you all the best with the Danish Presidency. We have great faith in your how you will be dealing with this. Thank you.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you. I will speak in Danish. Many monstrosities have been committed by Putin's regime, with attacks on a fully innocent neighbor and kidnapping and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. Bombardment of civil targets, areas of residents and hospitals. More than a million young Russian men have died as a result or suffered life altering injuries. He doesn't care, and thousands of young people from the Global South have been tricked and deceived into participating in the attack on Ukraine. Interviews provide convincing evidence that they didn't know what was happening to them. So these four years of crime have had a terrible impact for Ukraine. For the young Russian soldiers who've lost their lives in a meaningless war. And also those who have been deceived into participating in this war.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “49:18 – 17:51:01): Thank you very much. I'll speak on Greenland mostly. It's so important that we continue to strengthen and build upon our shared European relationship with Greenland with a huge geopolitical importance in the present geopolitical situation. We must do so through close and trusting cooperation with the people of Greenland on a lot of areas both on economic cooperation, on connectivity, on green transition, on mining in a responsible way and in security. I believe in a future where we can build an even deeper relationship and where we continue to hold great respect for traditions, the culture and dynamics and the right to self determination that define Greenlandic society. I'm in contact with my Greenlandic colleagues who greatly value the support that comes from not only the parliament but across our shared union. If it is the wish of the Greenlandic people, I certainly also believe that the EU should play a stronger role showing that we stand steadfast with the population in a time marked by great geopolitical turbulence. Therefore I also see it as very positive that we now see indication from Commission to increase the EU financial contribution to Greenland. I hope for greater dialogue and deeper cooperation in the future but remember nothing about Greenland without Greenland. Thank you.”
  EU policy on the Indo-Pacific region
• “Thank you very much, chair, and welcome. It's also a pleasure to see you here. I'm going to speak in Danish. Then it's easier to share some secrets as well. First of all. I think there are two things that are going to determine how this war ends. One is our willingness to contribute what is necessary. And when I talk about willingness, I'm talking both for Europe and the US. I'll come back to that point later. And the second point is the economics of it. If we manage to get a stranglehold on the Russian economy, economy which seems to be working, and people say that sanctions don't work, but it does. But we really need to get a grip on the shadow fleet, a much better grip than we have at the moment. And we need to look at the purchase of Russian gas and oil. Those are the two stranglehold we can have on the Russian economy. The Danish model has three advantages. First of all, it's cheaper to produce in Ukraine. Secondly, it's a tried and tested equipment. And thirdly, the answer to those countries who say that they haven't got the capacity to produce, we say just send the money to Ukraine. They have the capacity that's just waiting to be used. So it would be a disaster for Europe if Ukraine falls. Because then we would have Russia and our borders. And this is why we need to act. And then I have a question about the Baltic and regional cooperation. The Baltic is going to be a high tension area in the foreseeable future. Is the Danish initiative to have a regional defense partnership around the Baltic? Thank you.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)