Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ

Policy topics Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ is active on

What Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ has said (37)

• 2026-06-17 “(09:22:38 – 09:27:15): Gracias. Thank you, president. I listened carefully to what mister Weber had to say. Any European citizen following carefully might think that for Europe, China is bad. The US is good to boil it down to its simplest terms, but the world is far more complex. We need to understand that foreign relations, trade and commercial relations are far more complex than that simple message. We need to get serious when we're talking about European sovereignty playing a key role in a difficult world. That is exactly what we are experiencing. Some celebrate the agreement reached between The US and Iran today. And, yes, any move towards peace is good news, but let's not duck the truth. 7 more than 7000 have died. Citizens or cities have been raised. Millions are grappling with inflation, all to get us back to square 1. Some turned a blind eye to illegal and immoral war waged by Trump and Netanyahu. Now we can see what those promises of security and democracy were worth. And so I ask you, where is the democracy promised to citizens of Iran? Democracy cannot be born of bombs built on rubble nor does it flourish as thousands die. It is grotesque to hear Trump boast of his victory in reopening the Strait Of Hormuz. Where is the wind there? The Strait Of Hormuz were already open before the war began. He's boasting about solving a problem he himself created. We are seeing oil companies rake in massive profits while millions of families pay higher bills, rising mortgages, and more expensive weekly shops. So let me ask the European Commission, when are you going to come forward with a proposal to tax windfall profits? We need to learn the lessons here. A European response is to wean ourselves off oil and gas, accelerate the implementation of the green deal, invest in renewables. We can see more examples of double standards. Citizens European citizens were humiliated when a humanitarian floater flotilla bound for Gaza was attacked. The council was unable to sanction Ben Gavir. We see the same impunity allowing genocide to continue in Gaza. What about the same cowardice, shown to the International Criminal Court? Trump sanctioned international justice for judges for doing their job, but you refused to trigger the blocking regulation. You claim to defend the rule of law, but you abandon it when it is attacked by Trump. This week, we will, see things exacerbate even further. The EPP and far right will approve a regulation opening the, door for, detention centers outside the European Union, black holes where human rights are violated. Mister Weber, when you visited Pope Leo the 14th, did you tell him all about these plans? Did you explain to him that you are seeking to send fellow humans to detention camps in countries where human rights are violated. When the pope visited Spain, he said that no 1 can kneel before the lord and despise their brother. Discrimination on the basis of a person's origin is something that violates the dignity of all human beings. These are not revolutionary words. Christian values, values that you claim to defend while doing deals with the far right and trampling those values underfoot. You are eroding our values. Now it is difficult to maintain that Christian dignity that you claim to defend. We want to to face that key question. Do we want a Europe that bows to others, hostile migrants, resigned to injustice, or do we want a Europe that is loyal to itself? True to itself, social democracy will opt for international rule of law over the law of the jungle.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine · EU-US relations · Support for International Criminal Court
• “It is a business serving his cronies. If we truly want peace, Gaza must be governed by the Palestinian Authority and not by a council dividing power and influence. And Mr. Webber, time has proven you wrong. You accused us of breaking the pro European coalition by opposing the infamous trade deal with Trump. Today we find ourselves in this solution. But it's not too late to come to the right side. And we have worked. We should work in unison. United way to defend Ukraine because it was working for Europe. And again, we must work for this unity to defend the sovereignty of Europe when it comes to the Monroe Doctrine. Against this, the European Union must respond with greater sovereignty in defence, energy, technology and trade. This context should not paralyze us. It should push us forward, including through strategic alliances like the agreement with Mercosur and building a majority as quickly as possible in the European Parliament. Because our goal must be this to transform any crisis into an opportunity to strengthen Europe and in the stead of Europe, of silence, submission and fear, we will build a sovereign Europe of courage, democracy and dignity. A Europe that does not kneel, that does not stay silent. A Europe that knows how to defend its place in the world. Thank you very much.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Thank you. Chair. Commissioner colleagues, we find ourselves at a decisive moment for the global economy. The president of the United States is intimidating us with unjustified tariffs. He's intimidating his main trade partners, including Mexico, Colombia, Canada and China. And he threatens to extend this senseless trade war to the European Union. Excellencies, let's not kid ourselves. Trade has led to great prosperity in our time. Since 1990, trade has increased worldwide by 24% and has taken a billion people out of poverty. Protectionism threatens to undoing this progress. And with Trump's destructive policies, the false patriots of the extreme right, what will they do? Will they kowtow to Trump while prices rise and millions of jobs are lost in sectors such as aluminum, steel, automobiles and agriculture. Colleagues, we cannot sit idly by. We need a strategic vision to protect the working class. We are the European Union. We have market power, we have legislative power, and we are the largest trade power in the world. Let's strengthen our single market, because a more integrated union will be our best defence when we see external threats. If we do away with internal borders and stabilise our markets, our companies will be able to fight back. Let's diversify our trade agreements instead of becoming isolated and dependent from a single trade partner. Let's speed up our trade relations with strategic blocs in blocks in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Let us be strong in defending our most affected sectors. If Washington hits us with illegal tariffs, let us reply with tariffs in strategic parts of the US economy. Let us use the Enforcement Regulation, the Safeguard Regulation and the anti Coercion instrument so that we can close our markets to their goods and services.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you, Madam President. President von der Leyen. President von der Leyen. Sorry. Terribly sorry, but here it has been made very clear who your main enemy is, Mr. Weber and the European People's Party. You did your best. You did what you could today to try to bring a work programme to us here today for all pro-European forces to rally together behind it. You did your best, but now you can see who is responsible for the European alliance and platform not working in this house. And that problem has a name Manfred Weber and European People's Party. Today we heard you call for urgency and unity. But the question echoing through the streets of Europe is another one. Where is Europe? Because the urgency and unity which we need cannot come at the expense of ambition or the interests of European citizens. Where was Europe when you signed an unfair deal with Trump? Accepting 15% tariffs without any retaliation is unacceptable, promising the US hundreds of billions of euros of oil and gas purchases and defence investment without the authority to do so is an abuse of power. You went to Scotland to bury the Draghi and Letta reports and our strategic autonomy under a golf course. Let me remind you where you should be investing here in Europe. €800 billion a year in common debt to finance the green transition, digital transformation, defence and the social model.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you very much, president. Today we are proud, proud with this historic step that's being taken. The first European plan for affordable housing. A plan which doesn't drop from the sky. It's the work, the result of three years of work from the previous legislature as well. And it is the result of the determination of the S&D Group in order to put housing at the centre on the top of the agenda. It is the result of a compromise between the Commissioner, Commissioner Jorgensen. Thank you. Thank you very much for sharing this particular conviction, which is fundamental, that housing is not a good a merchandise piece. It is something which is absolutely fundamental because the reality is very, very difficult indeed. In the last 15 years, the prices of housing has increased more than 60% in the European Union and rent approximately 30%. 62% of European Union citizens are afraid that they will not be able to live in dignity. And 200,000 million, a thousand people and hundreds of thousands of young people. Children live in a situation of homelessness without a roof over their heads. This is a social emergency, and for that reason, this particular plan is extremely important. And that's why right now it's important to implement it as quickly as possible. We need massive investment, uh, 3 billion in order for dignified housing. And we have to provide state support as well, so that governments can be able to provide for social housing and housing for the middle class as well.”
  EU housing policy
• “We need to regulate short term rentals as well, to return cities to those who live in those cities and those who work in those cities and not expel those individuals, professors, nurses, young people, the elderly from their neighborhoods. Uh, we need to stop this short term rental scourge, and we have to provide for a rent which is just and reasonable. And we need a we need to deal with this with a proper roadmap before 2030. Clarity is necessary. The period of speculation ought to come to an end because the right to a home is is cannot be the benefit which only a few enjoy. In other words, we have to change promises into reality. A high 60% of Europeans, 70% have said that it is a right. Housing is a right. It is part of the European social contract, if you like as well. And it is something that affects the quotidian life of individuals as well. We have to build Europe, and building Europe means building homes as well homes which offer security, dignity and a future. And we have to work together for a Europe of welfare, where housing is one additional pillar in this social model a Europe that protects, that takes care of and that meets the needs of citizens. This is the Europe that all together we have to continue to build. Thank you.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Thank you. President. We are at a decisive moment in a world shaken by wars, the climate crisis and growing inequalities. European citizens expect more than just diagnoses. They expect answers. Answers that only a social and united Europe can provide. And tomorrow, for the first time, the European Council is preparing to ask the Commission to present a European affordable housing plan. This is an historic step, and it would not have been possible without the tireless work of the social democratic group, because it is social democracy that has put housing at the centre of the European agenda with a clear principle having a home is a right, not a privilege. Between 2010 and 2025, house prices in the European Union have risen by more than 60%, and more than half of urban residents say that access to affordable housing is their main concern, their main worry. And more than a million Europeans remain homeless. Us. For this reason, we are proposing an ambitious response €300 billion in European investment for decent housing, a reform of state aid to facilitate access for low and middle income families, the regulation of short term rentals, the strengthening of tenants rights and a European loan for sustainable renovation with clear social criteria. Because a home is not just a roof over our heads, it's where we raise a family, care for our loved ones and build hope. And that hope must also guide our action in the face of the climate emergency. The EU will only be strong if it leads the green transition with social justice. That is why we advocate maintaining the 90% emissions reduction target for 2040, turning it into law and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
  EU housing policy
• “And we shouldn't forget that the world is larger than Trump, 80% of our exports actually go to other markets. Let's strengthen our agreements with Japan, Canada and Mexico. Let's make progress on Mercosur, on India and our partners in sub-Saharan Africa. Let's diversify our supply chain and make sure that the EU becomes a world leader in fair trade, sustainable trade. But then there's an issue that's fundamental. And that is there are some points that are not up for negotiation. The rule of law is not up for negotiation. European legislation is not up for legislation. We are unique in the world, and this is what made us different and strong. And we can't accept blackmail, which will mean that Europe changes its legislation. We've made so much progress in ensuring prosperity, Clarity in ensuring equality and ensuring sustainability. The European Union can't be held hostage to electoral fears. We have to, in fact, make a choice now. Do we want to be a strong, sovereign world voice, or do we just want to be bystanders, subject to the whims of a multi-millionaire demagogue who despises what the European project stands for? Ladies and gentlemen, we are at a turning point. This is the time for us to raise our voice, to proudly defend the European project, and to prove that when faced with chaos, the European Union is the hope for a fair, democratic and sustainable order. Thank you”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “Our position is clear. We will amend the agreement. We will demand that US producers comply with the same standards that we require in the union, because farmers cannot be the losers in your pact with Trump. And if Trump continues his trade war against our digital laws, we must activate the anti coercion instrument. Miss von der Leyen. Where is Europe when Gaza is dying? Every day? More than 600 more than 64,000 Palestinians killed 2 million displaced homes, hospitals and schools razed to the ground. Famine used as a weapon of war. Children machine gunned while searching for food. I would have liked to invite Ignat here today. A Palestinian child or one of the families of a Palestinian journalist who has been killed and those of children killed looking for food. Because behind every individual story, Salma, Rahim, Mohammed, the list goes on. There are thousands and thousands of children whose voices will never hear again. They died in a massacre perpetrated by the Israeli government. We have waited too long. We heard your proposals. We heard your presentation of proposals that we should withdraw from the agreement. We call for complete a complete break with the agreement. We welcome those steps, but they come too late.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Thank you president. Mr. Weber. If you're going to teach lessons and make sure they're the right ones. I mean, the popular party in Spain is currently concluding agreements with the far right, with one principle a national priority. So you're comparing that with a xenophobic party like all bands, but if you're going to give us lessons, please make sure they're the right ones. Anyway, let me move on to the subject of today's debate. Two months ago, an illegal and irresponsible war against Iran was begun by Trump and Netanyahu. They promised a rapid war of freedom, but actually, they've sowed destruction, death, and fanaticism. And now we see a trail of blood extending from Iran to Gaza via the West Bank and Lebanon. And in Lebanon, we're talking about 2000 dead, 1.2 million people displaced, and the occupation of 10% of its territory. That's not security. I think we could safely call that devastation. And given that Mrs. von der Leyen, Europe can't simply stand and watch, we can't watch history happening. We need to be the guarantor of the international law of international law, democracy and peace. Now, let me say this loudly and clearly. We support the right of Israel to defend itself against Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Revolutionary Guard guards. But that doesn't include crimes against humanity. And they have crossed all red lines. And we've heard nothing at all from you, Mr.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “The European Union needs to keep on track. The 90% for 2040, in terms of climate objective, should be turned into specific legislation. It's not just a question of reducing emissions. We need to adapt. We need to get a European law on fair transition and a directive on fair transition or just transition, because social justice and. Preparation to changes go hand in hand. We've also tried to take specific steps in the area of sustainable competitiveness. And this is a way in which we can support SMEs and a European programme for the social leasing of vehicles. We asked for this to create incentive for clean mobility and accessible mobility. Allow me also to speak about the protection of minors in the face of social platforms. A lot of families in Europe are concerned about how to protect our children. This program, clearly, ladies and gentlemen, is an example of the European Union makes progress when it establishes a dialogue and not when you block things. So all of this needs to be turned into a reality. That is why we need to choose for the alliances to start working in this Parliament. We can work together to make this program a reality. Or perhaps you want to look in the other way with totally different agendas. But our union at the moment cannot allow to make any mistakes. The Social Democrats want to continue building. We believe in a Europe that protects, that makes progress and protects and unites territories. Europe that is prepared to be victorious. Victorious. To be courageous. Building this Europe, a Europe that is still the biggest promise and hope for the future. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you very much, president. Now, can we afford to have a Europe that's bogged down while Putin intensifies his war against Ukraine and launches incursions on European territory? Can we stand idly when Trump has declared a trade war on our workers? Can we remain silent in the face of Netanyahu's genocide against the Palestinian people. Can we resign ourselves to the rise of a far right that wants to destroy our social achievements? The response is simple no, we cannot. But something has to be very, very clear in this particular debate. The European Commission cannot use as a crutch those who deny climate change, which is killing our citizens, and it is destroying our territories as well. It cannot deny gender based violence, which is costing the lives of millions of women, the right to abortion. Those who applaud the genocidal war of Netanyahu and have turned everything into even housing into speculative business for vulture funds. This is not the Europe we need. It is the Europe that we have to defeat Madam Aubrey. Mr. Schirdewan, I'd also like to address you. We share the same position on Gaza. We condemn genocide and demand an immediate end to Netanyahu's impunity. But there's something that divides us. You have given up negotiation as a means of achieving results. And instead of continuing to press for concrete measures in the face of genocide, you're proposing this motion that you know will fail and you know it will fail. And that would require the support of the white to win anyway. This isn't a political response. You. You are not Europe, and I am not Europe. It's not individuals that are Europe. It's not this building. And it's not the Berlaymont either.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. President von der Leyen, president. Costa. This is where Europe either lives or dies. Now we are accountable to the millions of our citizens who went out into the streets of Rome on the 15th of March. Workers and students, because they know that the European Union is their best hope for the future, and we are there for duty, bound to listen to their voices and to heed their demands. Now, in the face of Russia's military offensive against Ukraine in the East and in the West, Trump and his tariffs, and within an assault on our values from Russia's allies, such as Hungary under Orban and the false patriots from the extreme right threaten millions of jobs and the prosperity of our citizens. And if we don't remedy that, then this betrayal of Europe will have consequences for our industrialists, for our farmers, and for our consumers. But we are not going to allow that to happen. We are going to defend our workers and our companies in the automotive sector and in the steel and aluminium sectors with all of our commercial cloud, and we are not going to allow anything else to happen and we will use the weapons at our disposal if necessary. We will also defend our interests in Ukraine, because a partial ceasefire must not then allow a war criminal, Putin, to continue his offensive. Rather, we should be calling on Putin to withdraw from all Ukrainian territory.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “Now, tomorrow's council faces a historic responsibility the The European Union must use the €210 billion of euro of Russian frozen assets for a loan. It's a matter of justice and solidarity and security. The Socialists and Democrats, the S&D group, will move forward with a fast track solution here. Putin cannot enjoy impunity in the face of massacres in Bucha, Kramatorsk and Mariupol, nor the kidnapping of 20,000 Ukrainian children. Those who destroy, who wreak havoc must pay the price. If we do not stop Putin in Ukraine, then our own security will be at stake. The only response to Trump and Putin is to turn away from flattery and embrace strategic autonomy. We need defence autonomy through deep and safe. We need energy autonomy. We need an immediate proposal to ban Russian oil. We need trade autonomy. We must immediately approve the Mercosur trade agreement. We need technological autonomy. And we must defend our legislation, such as the Digital Services Act. Mrs. von der Leyen. Strategic autonomy will not be possible without a strong multiannual financial framework. Cuts will only benefit the enemies of Europe. Now, we do not decide today merely on a political position with deciding on the type of Europe we are, and we want to be a Europe of fear submission, or will we build a Europe of courage, justice and autonomy? There are those who wish Europe to be weak and divided. Let us build a strong, sovereign Europe, one that is true to its values. That is the type of Europe at stake, the type of Europe that we will champion.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “It's not the Council. It's not the prime ministers either. Europe is all of us, all citizens. And for that, I'd like to say to you that we listen to the voices of hundreds of thousands of citizens, men and women in Europe who have gone on to the streets in Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, Milan, throughout Europe, calling for an end to genocide immediately. Let's listen to those voices. If the the role our is for us to really move forward on this particular front. Uh, and we played a role in getting rid of the, uh, certain components of the trade agreement with Israel. Uh, also, it is thanks to us that digital sovereignty, European digital sovereignty was protected. And also climate neutrality is something that we call out for, uh, in the face of the empty cry of the far right and, and a left that has given up on governing, our response is clear dialogue, negotiation and compromise are what will bear fruit and improve the lives the lives of European citizens. These are not words. These are deeds. You have to choose between your allies and those who are not our friends. Support on you for you is not unconditional. You have to understand that we want to see those promises that are in the working programme of the Commission. We want those realised, those that were presented to us in November, because the socialists will not allow for Europe to be enchained by fanaticism. We want peace, not war. We want justice, not genocide. We want solidarity, not a self-centered approaches. This is the Europe that we will never allow. Collapse. This is the Europe that Social Democrats will defend staunchly to the last moment. Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Weber and Mrs. von der Leyen, on the adoption of the death penalty law against Palestinians. That's utterly unacceptable. That hurts me. And if it hurts me, imagine what those millions of Europeans feel who don't understand Europe's complicit silence. So we are not going to be quiet on this. We want facts. Suspend the association agreement with Israel. Let's have sanctions imposed on the Netanyahu government. And I would also say to you, Manfred and the EPP, complacency has one name. Servitude, servitude to those who are dynamiting the international order, which is based on rules servitude, which weakens Europe and makes our citizens poorer because the war is not only killing people over there, it also strikes us here. It strikes European families with high electricity bills. It strikes workers because inflation is back, and it's striking our economies because we have this energy dependency that makes us vulnerable. So recommendations aren't enough at this point. We need to act. We need leadership. We need clear, brave and fair measures. We need a European tax on the windfall profits made by oil companies, which are making money out of this war. We need to decouple the prices of gas and electricity so that people can have cheaper energy bills right away. We need to make state aid rules more flexible.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “To the autocrats allied with Putin and Trump within the European Union. Orban has crossed every line with his new law banning pride celebration in Hungary to all Democrats across Europe. I want to send a message. Let us take to the streets of Budapest this year to celebrate pride and defend European values. The LGBTQ community is not alone. We stand with you because there is no place for discrimination or hate in our union. And as long as Orban continue attacking fundamental rights, we will block EU funds to his government members. There was another motto in Rome that we must remember today. Our true enemies are ourselves. When we forget our fortune, our fortune is democracy, peace and social justice. We will not allow them to be taken from us. We will defend them with all determination that our citizens expect from us. That is where Europe is made. And together we will make Europe. Thank you.”
  LGBTIQ+
• “Thank you. President Donald Trump's new national security strategy is not a misunderstanding nor a jest. It is a statement, a hostile statement against the European Union. It describes us as adversaries, legitimizes the far right, and embraces a world governed by autocrats and unscrupulous multimillionaires. There is a historic duty incumbent upon us to take Trump's national security strategy and turn it into a declaration of independence for the European Union. Allow me to address you, Mr. Weber. You cannot say that you champion the European project while you do deals with Trump's allies here in this House, with the fake patriots on the far right who seek to destroy Europe from within. Mr. Weber, when you ally yourself with extremists, you align yourself with Trump's values. Are those the values that the EPP defends? The values of a man who attacks media, attacks universities, threatens judges. There is no middle ground possible between European democracy and Trumpist authoritarianism. Let's be clear on that. And let me turn now to you, Mrs. von der Leyen. Flattery has failed. Appeasement has failed. European history is clear on this. Appeasing autocrats never brings peace, only more conflict. We saw yesterday how Trump's North American administration threatened the European Union for legislating to protect the rights of European citizens against Big Tech. And here I did not hear a single word about that in this debate. Silence is not the answer. Let us be clear. We in the Socialists and Democrats will be clear. We are defending European freedom and we have the freedom to legislate. In the face of those who seek to attack us.”
  Foreign interference in Europe
• “Thank you. President, Commissioner Zivkovic. The commission work programme is not only a technical document. It reflects the values that unite us. And it's a source of principles that define the European project. This programme cannot allow to go backwards in social advances when what they buy people who are seeking to destroy their European dream. Colleagues after the summit in Madrid, in Madrid by the false patriots, we've witnessed how the extreme right, with its simplistic and dangerous rhetoric, is trying to resuscitate mantras of the past. They say make Europe great again after Mr. Trump. But they are not calling for greatness. They are calling to destroy Europe. How can Europe be great when they intend to deny women the their full rights? How can Europe be great again when they attack immigrants who are vital for keeping up our workforce and our pension systems? How can Europe be great again when they propose for the very wealthy not to pay taxes? How can Europe be great again when they deny climate change, even though science is very clear that this is a real threat caused by human activity. This is the same extreme right that wants to sabotage the digital transition by favoring oligarchs and corporations who only defend their their business interests. It's also the extreme right that praises Trump. While he is imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum from Europe. Explain this to Europe's workers. Colleagues from the extreme right. You don't mean to make Europe great again. What you're really saying is let's destroy Europe again. And before those who only have a project of hatred, the European Commission has a weighty responsibility to give a wide ranging and ambitious response a response that cannot exclusively focus on a competitiveness compass while ignoring the causes of social discontent.”
  EU political integration
• “That's why we were putting sanctions in place against this government, and we were going to do that, um, to suffocate the dictatorship. But it's one thing to not cry for the regime, but it's another thing to stay silent in the face of the death of innocents, because many of us do feel a lot of sorry for the 150 girls who were killed in a school in Minab by US bombs. We feel sorry for the 500 civilians killed in Lebanon by Israeli attacks. We feel sorry because all of these lives have the same value, and that is why we need to speak clearly. The military attack of Israel and the US against Iran violates the charter of the United Nations. If we accept that major powers can bomb whenever they want, then international law ceases to exist and we end up with the law of the jungle. This war is already affecting our companies, our workers. The price of oil and petrol have shot up again, and it is unacceptable just to look, uh, to the other side. Ignore the facts. We're talking about a potential migratory crisis. And let me say, uh, Mr.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “Weber, uh. The truth. You have called for the EU to speak with a single voice when it comes to foreign policy, and I completely agree with you, but we have to actually do this in practice. And it starts by saying the most fundamental truths. Uh, you have to speak out against the violation of the charter of the United Nations. I think it's right to call for unity, as the European Council has done, and to show solidarity when a country of the EU is attacked. And you had an opportunity to stand by Spain's side when the Conference of Presidents. We tabled a motion to talk about this. But instead of standing up for Spain, you sided with the far right. Instead of showing a message of unity and solidarity with the country of the EU, that is how you show your solidarity. The European Union. Was meant to be something different. It wasn't the law of the most powerful. It was the rule of law. And that is the principle that we have to defend today, uh, against these autocrats. This is the principle that needs to guide the voice of the European Union in our world, peace, Justice and dignity for all peoples. Thank you very much.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “Madam president, when we talk about competitiveness today, we are not talking about some abstract concept or some trendy catchword. We are talking about the real lives of millions of Europeans, of people who are working harder than ever, and yet who feel every day that they are slipping back a little more. Because while productivity has increased for decades, wages have not kept pace. Because today in the European Union, more than 8% of people in work are at risk of poverty because since 2015, the price of housing has gone up by 63%, making access to housing a genuine social emergency. And because in the depths of winter, more than 9% of our citizens cannot afford to heat their houses. So, to put it bluntly, a Europe that is suffering is not a competitive Europe. We all hope to improve competitiveness. Of course we do, but not as an end in itself, but as a way to improve people's lives. Competitiveness can never mean impoverishing those who sustain our economy. So I want to be very clear. Um, Mr. van der Leyen, Europe will not compete by reducing salaries or eroding social rights. That is not economic strength, that is structural vulnerability. And Mr. Weber, do you really think or does the Europe does the Partido Popular really think that racing to the bottom is going to make Europe stronger than the United States and China? Do you think that deregulating at top speed with the omnibus package is going to make us more competitive? We have a different answer. We say being competitive is not being cheaper, but being better.”
  Minimum wages harmonisation at EU level
• “Thank you. President miss von der Leyen. Sorry to have to say this, but every time Manfred Weber stands up to speak about this motion of sensor, he actually causes more problems for you. Anyway. As president of the Social Democratic group, I want to make it clear from the outset that this motion, led by the far right, will not receive the support of my group, not because we defend the entirety of the Commission's course, but because we will not give a single vote to those who like Audubon, Le Pen and Abascal, want to destroy the European Union. This motion is not an act of scrutiny. It is a reactionary assault on the heart of the European project. And in the face of this assault, there can be no doubt we will stand where we have always stood in defence of the European values of dignity, freedom, democracy and equality. Mr. Weber, it's rather ironic that you have been spending a year trying to defend pro European groups, that ECR is a pro-European group and now a member of the ECR, has stood up here to defend a motion of censure in the European Commission. It's rather ironic, isn't it? How can we build Europe with climate change deniers, those who attack the 2030 agenda, those who despise science, want to silence women, defend Nazism, dismantle public services. Or ally themselves with Putin and Netanyahu to destroy international law and annihilate Ukraine and Gaza. The far right does not want a better Europe. He wants it to be no Europe. What we want as Social Democrats, however, has to some extent been achieved. We've built the European Union. Brick by brick. We have combated authoritarianism, and we will continue to defend a Europe that protects, cares and liberates.”
  EU political integration
• “We want a social compass by the European Commission to eradicate the poverty of 95 million Europeans, to do away with bad working conditions and high, uh, house prices. Colleagues, it's not enough to just look at economic indicators. European competitiveness will only be real if we have good living conditions for our citizens. Europe will only be competitive if we can guarantee quality jobs that guarantee new rights for the working class. Europe will only be competitive if we can guarantee proper wages. And Europe will only be competitiveness if we have access to housing, which allows for proper living conditions without homes having to spend 40% on housing, and will only be competitive if we double the European budget and create a permanent investment Instrument to move forward in the Green Deal. The digital transition, social protection and the European industry colleagues. The problem of European competitiveness cannot be regulation. It cannot be everything. We've worked together in order to build the European social model. If the European Commission wants us by their side to cut red tape and simplify, then the Socialists and Democrats will be behind them. Yes. If what the Commission wants to do is to deregulate and destroy. Several decades of work, then don't count on the socialists. We wanted to say high and loud, that we are in favour of a Europe that integrates people not. We don't want to have just numbers and populism. We want to see the quality of life for our For our citizens social justice, solidarity, innovation and progress. Thank you very much.”
  EU competences on social policies
• “Europe does not have a lot of fossil fuels, and a lot. Every euro we pay for gas and oil is actually lining the pockets of those who scorn our democratic values. That is why we need mass investment in renewable energy sources, clean energy and quality green jobs. And the European Competitiveness Fund has this role to play. It has to help industry and flank workers in their just transition. Because the Made in Europe brand will only make sense if it translates into decent jobs in the EU. And we have to protect truth because we have toxic rhetoric from the right. Ladies and gentlemen, Europe must not and should not have to choose between social justice and competitiveness. This is not a genuine choice. The real choice is the following. Either we build a Europe that protects citizens, or we will be playing into the hands of fear and authoritarianism. Let us build a Europe that does not compete by pushing wages down by. By being trailblazers in the field of innovation, we mustn't depend on oil from autocrats, but depend on our own clean energy. Europe shouldn't abandon its workers, young people or elderly. That's the kind of Europe we need. We need to stand up for peace. And let us also take into account that this is the single market that Europe deserves. Thank you very much.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources) · Energy (green transition)
• “But, Mr. Weber, let me be very clear. This motion is also the direct result of the failure of your totally misguided strategy in the European Parliament. They ask pro-European European groups to be responsible while they negotiate policies with the far right. Sorry, but it's not on. We need to continue working. Didn't you vote with the far right to block the ethics body? Wasn't it you who joined forces with the radicals to dismantle the Green Deal? Launch a witch witch hunt against environmental NGOs. Remove references to the child. Guarantee. Guarantee? Isn't it your group that uses the Petitions Committee to attack governments that are not from your political group, such as the governments of Spain or Slovenia? I think that's food for thought. And miss von der Leyen. Don't look the other way. Why did you announce your intention to withdraw the Green Claims Directive? One day after the People's Party in the far right demanded it in a letter. To whom do you owe your support? Where is the commitment you made to the pro-European majority to preside over the commission, the People's Party. I say to you today, who do you want to govern with? Do you want to govern with those who want to destroy Europe, or those of us who fight every day to build it? Respect the legislative agreement. Respect your word, and if you betray it once again, be clear that social democracy will lead the resistance. We will not give an inch because in the face of hatred, in the face of lies, in the face of destruction, our response will be more Europe, not less. More democracy, not less, more justice, not less. Thank you very much.”
  Von der Leyen
• “It is possible to do it all to make progress with these new challenges, whilst also defending the Europe that we know now. Ms. Frederiksen, we welcome your push for the Equal Treatment Directive. Even though it has been withdrawn, you have decided not to give up because equality cannot be shelved. The fight against discrimination cannot be postponed. And building a Europe without racism, homophobia and sexism is a democratic imperative, and it is also urgent to raise our voices beyond our borders in Ukraine with the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in response to Putin's massacre, and in Palestine with the suspension of the Association Agreement with Israel in response to Netanyahu's genocide. And let us not forget Frederiksen Denmark's history in Europe is the history of a country that has known how to defend its convictions with courage. A country that has not needed to raise its voice to be heard. A country that has understood that sovereignty is not lost in our Union. It is shared, multiplied and transformed into collective strength. Let us remember the words of gent's autocrat, the Danish prime minister who signed the accession treaty in 1972. In his speech in Brussels, he said my wish is that the communities pursue their internal policies in a progressive spirit of social awareness. I echo that wish. And with your presidency. Miss Frederiksen, we have a real opportunity to make history. Once again, thank you very much, very much.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• “We want a European adaptation law that will prepare us for heatwaves, droughts and fires. A just transition directive that protects workers through training, dialogue and anticipation, and a more ambitious social climate fund to that connects climate justice with social justice. And as we build a sustainable future, we cannot ignore the present pain. And in Gaza, a ceasefire and the release of hostages are essential. But peace will only be real if it leads to a viable Palestinian state. Nor can peace be built on impunity. Council must act by suspending the association agreement with Israel. Netanyahu must be held accountable for his genocide, and justice is non-negotiable. Table and with the criminal Putin. We must be equally firm. We know that Putin does not want peace, and only defeat will bring him to the negotiating table. For that reason, we must now approve the 19th sanctions package, confiscate the €200 billion in frozen Russian assets, and definitively ban imports of Russian oil and gas, as this House has proposed. Council cannot continue delaying the inevitable. Ladies and gentlemen, let us build a Europe that once again looks at citizens in the eyes. A Europe that offers shelter to those who have none. Peace to those who suffer from war. Work to those who seek dignity and a future. To those who know only uncertainty. Because when Europe dares to be brave, it becomes credible again. And when Europe shows that it's human, it becomes great again. Thank you very much.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022) · Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Madam von der Leyen In Greenland is not simply a NATO issue. It is also the responsibility of the European Union, and therefore we must take it on and not look the other way. The same for Latin America. Generic statements are not enough. We must speak clearly. Trump's aggression against Venezuela and his threats of force against countries like Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Panama and Canada are unacceptable. And they are illegal. Europe cannot normalize them because America does not belong to Trump. It belongs to the peoples of the countries there in Venezuela. Trump has made his goal clear. It is not democracy, it is oil. He proves this by dismissing the democratic opposition. And announcing U.S. control over Venezuela's oil industry. That is his only interest. Therefore, our position must be clear. We must condemn the violation of international law while actively engaging to facilitate a veritable democratic transition. Madame von der Leyen, I cautioned you during the plenary and today this has been confirmed. The policy of appeasement and complacency towards Trump does not work. When you do not respond and respond in time to the problems, the problems only worsen. How many more provocations will be needed for you to react? And allow me to be clear on Gaza, Trump's so-called peace board is not a peace project.”
  EU-Venezuela relations
• “Thank you very much, president. No to war? Yes to international law. That is the feeling of a large part of European citizens. And you, Mrs. von der Leyen, have said that Europe cannot be a custodian of the Old World order. But the problem is not whether the world order is old or new. The problem is who you allow to violate this order. When Europe responds with complacency, appeasement, what it's doing is opening the door to autocrats like Trump and Netanyahu, and they're allowed to trample all over it without consequences. Your responsibility is not to declare the international order obsolete. Your responsibility is to defend. It is to demand compliance with these norms, to stand up to these autocrats with facts. You're standing up to Trump if you use the anti coercion instrument. When the EU is threatened with tariffs, you stand up to Netanyahu. When you put sanctions in place, when genocide is committed, you're standing up for the green, uh, because, uh, renewable energies will free us from the gas and oil from the most cruel tyrannies. Mrs. von der Leyen, you justified the attack against Iran, saying that we shouldn't cry for the Iranian regime. You're right. No Democrat is crying for the dictatorship of the ayatollahs, a regime that brutally repressed its people, particularly women, and who destabilize the whole region for decades.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “Thank you. Madam. Mrs. von der Leyen. Today we can say quite clearly that a part of this work programme of the European Commission has a Social Democrat seal, and this clearly shows that the dialogue, cooperation and commitment between European forces gives specific results for citizens vis a vis noise and division. We have chosen responsibility and action thanks to the joint work between the Commission and the Parliament and the promotion of our political group and the impulse of our group, we European Union will have a European plan on affordable housing. We know that housing is not a luxury, it's a right. We will also look at state subsidies so that the municipalities can build public housing without being penalised. And we're also going to table a legislative proposal on short term rentals so that our cities can continue being cities we can live in and not investment parks. So this is a policy that puts people before the market. But there's no dignity without employment, without employment, without rights. That is why through a European strategy against poverty with specific objectives and through finance, we have been able to include this strategy to make sure that not a single child in the union can grow up without having opportunities. We are promoting an act on quality employment, with legislative proposals for the use of artificial intelligence at the place of work, and the right to disconnect, and to home working from home. That is true European progress and it also makes us look at the future. European economy is not only going to be strong when it creates green jobs. That is why we why we defend a green pact with social justice.”
  EU housing policy
• “And we should also call for a legislative proposal from the European Commission to freeze and use the Russian assets to benefit Ukraine. And if we do so in Ukraine, we must also do so in Gaza. We cannot employ double standards. We are seeing many, many people who have been killed been injured and thousands who are refugees. So what more needs to happen for Europe to suspend the Association agreement with Israel? Ladies and gentlemen, it is important that Europe take its destiny in both hands. We have credit guarantees which are not sufficient. We need to have a defence policy which is funded with a common debt. And at the same time, we have to beef up our welfare states, because that is the best bulwark against the extreme right. We have to counter Trump and Putin with a robust and competitive economy. But we cannot boost competitiveness by sacrificing all of our environmental targets. It's important that we do comply with the Green Deal. Mr. Weber, our group, the Socialists and Democrats know exactly what needs to be done. We have to work consistently. We have to show a united front. We have to be pro-European. And you know that you are listening to the extreme right, because that is where you are seeking alliances. But we are quite clear as to what our position is.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “That is why we need a true and genuine European care pact, because we cannot have a strong economy by propping it up with exhausted women and invisible care. That is why all member states have to fully implement the directive on minimum wage. When we talk about competitiveness, we also have to ask ourselves the following question. Competitiveness for whom? Speculative funds. Big multinationals, or is it competitiveness for the European citizens that prop up this continent with their hard work? Because competitiveness shouldn't be tantamount to deregulation. We cannot have economic sovereignty without social sovereignty, and that cannot be a robust single market. If we have an EU that is fragmented across the board and where young people are fleeing their cities because they can no longer afford a home. We need tourist rentals to be regulated. We need to protect people against speculation. We have to bear all of this in mind. But at the same time, we have to think about the fact that European citizens are bearing the brunt of unfair wars. And while that is happening, energy companies are raking in exorbitant profits that are unacceptable. So we need a European windfall tax. It is vital to do so in order to take into account this social dimension. Now we also have to speed up with the Green Deal and not the opposite. The far right wants to convince us that the green transition is the crux of the problem, but the reality is exactly the opposite.”
  EU housing policy · EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Better investing in people, in clean industry, in innovation and in social cohesion. Because genuine competitiveness comes from quality jobs, continuous training, robust public services and workers who have a voice in their companies. If we want real competitiveness, we need a more integrated single market which protects people and not just profits. A Green Deal as the engine of growth and sovereignty a key for reducing our dependence on others and for reducing the cost of energy for families and businesses. And an ambitious European industrial policy with a genuine made in Europe approach in strategic sectors, solid supply chains and public procurement that rewards quality, decent employment and sustainability, and not just the lowest price. And we also need a digital transformation whereby platforms obey the laws and protect consumers, because without rules that are respected, there can be no lasting innovation and competitiveness. The report clearly recognises that the European Union needs to invest at least €800 billion per year to sustain its economic and social model. And yet, the next multiannual financial framework is not at this level. Ladies and gentlemen, the European Union was born to transform cooperation into strength and solidarity into power. And now, in an unstable and fragmented world, our competitiveness will be our ability to protect, innovate and lead all at the same time. This is the Europe that we defend, and this is the Europe that we must build if we want to continue to be relevant, free and strong. Thank you very much.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you. President. Thank you. Commissioner Donald Trump and his vision of the world are a direct threat not just to trade international trade, but also to the values that underpin our democracies. His trade war against the EU with unjustified tariffs threatens our industries and his. His constant threats is the sign of an authoritarian economic policy that despises international trade and cooperation amongst equals. Together with his partners from the far right within the European Union and outside of the Union, they don't believe in laws. They believe that might is right. And faced with this, we cannot give in. We are here to firmly defend the European model, a model based on social justice, on the rule of law, and which puts people at the heart of the economy. The European Union has to respond firmly. Our response has to be displayed on various fronts protecting our workers, our consumers, our companies. The defense of the international order that's based on rules through the WTO, which needs to be reformed and to be strong. And we need to negotiate from a position of strength with Trump without giving in to any kind of blackmail. We have the tools, but we have to use them when necessary. If this threat continues to exist, we have to adopt sanctions on companies that don't comply with our laws, and we have to react against this threat and blackmail from the US. We also have to reform the single market. We have to encourage internal demand and to help with direct aid for industry, for the regions most affected by this trade war.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you very much. Madam president, when we hear people talk about the single market, too many citizens think of rules, regulations, procedures and statistics. They think of something that is far away. But let us ask ourselves a straightforward question. What is the point of the biggest market in the world if millions of Europeans can't fill their fridge or heat their homes or pay the bills? The single market is a historic achievement. It has led to prosperity, and it has turned Europe into a global power. But it will not survive the 21st century if it becomes a machine that just helps a handful. While poverty, precariousness and fear increase. 95 million people at the risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU at the moment. One out of four children in Europe lives under that threat. How can we talk about competitiveness when millions of citizens live in permanent uncertainty? How can people trust Europe when having a job is not enough to extricate yourself out of poverty? So we have to say it loud and clear European competitiveness will only be sustainable if it has social soul. That is why we need an ambitious, quality job act because European workers deserve rights. When a. There is AI abuse at the workplace where there are problems with the right to disconnect and other problems. That's why I would like to thank president von der Leyen for unveiling the Quality Job Act today.”
  Child poverty policy
• “Flexible. Excuse me. And we need to activate the escape clause for the stability and growth pact. We need to protect the most vulnerable social energy rates. Stop stopping supply being cut off to those who can't pay. We also need to reactivate tools such as shore to protect jobs. And above all, we need to firmly act in favour of the Green Deal, because the only way that we can break this dependency that makes us poorer is to speed up the transition towards renewable energies. Let's not fall into the far right trap and dilute the Green Deal. The Green Deal is not the problem, it's the solution. Europe has the resources. Europe has the talent and has the strength. What's missing is political will. If you're really concerned about citizens, ladies and gentlemen, show it. Europe was born from the ashes of war to defend peace, dignity and justice. And now we're seeing people who want to impose the law of the jungle. But we need to decide what kind of Europe we want to build. We, the Social Democrats, are clear on that. We want a Europe that doesn't bend the knee to power, that defends the law, a Europe that protects its citizens and leads for peace. That's the Europe that we're going to fight for, and that's the Europe we're going to be working for.”
  Energy (green transition)