2024.10.24

R. Juknevičienė. Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia

Mr President, dear colleagues,

this year’s Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to scientists who demonstrated that societies with poor rule of law and institutions that exploit their population do not generate prosperity or positive change. The South Caucasus region is now exactly the place where this theory can be tested. While today it may appear that regimes – like the Aliyev regime – trampling on the rule of law and democracy are strong, we need to take the long view.

That is why Armenia’s shift away from Russia and towards a European way of life must be a priority for the European Union. This weekend showed the toxic role the Kremlin played in Moldova’s elections, and revealed the extent of its infiltration in Georgia’s current government. We also clearly see how Putin is exploiting long-standing historical tensions between Azeris and Armenians.

Therefore, today we agreed among the groups on a resolution, and we are very clear: the European Parliament condemns the direction that the Aliyev regime continues to take and expresses clear support for Armenia’s chosen European way of life.

2024.10.23

MEP P. Saudargas. Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns

Madam President, dear colleagues,

Europe is full.

In parallel with a strategic and cautious integration policy – which is a long‑term solution – the only answer is fostering returns. We should be especially alert in the context of instrumentalised immigration. During Lukashenko’s hybrid attack on Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, around 150 000 illegal crossings were registered in a short‑time slot, and these crossings were accompanied by the special forces of Belarus, which in some cases forced the migrants to enter the European Union using their brutal armed force. Any kind of further escalation is possible in such a context. Our countries faced a need for an urgent solution.

We Lithuanians built a physical barrier on our own account in a record time, but what we really lacked was the common European‑wide approach to returns. The negotiations with third countries on admitting their nationals, for example Iraq, were complicated. Only together as the EU, we can do it.

To demolish Schengen and to build walls between ourselves is not a European solution. To strengthen the external borders and to foster the return process, this is the answer.

2024.10.22

MEP P. Saudargas. Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

Mr President, dear colleagues,

we are talking about money here. I have a few questions for you. How much does a life cost? How much does one Ukrainian cost? Mother, father, daughter, son, sister, brother. Hundreds of thousands lost their lives in Ukraine. No billions can bring them back.

Second question: why does the war last so long? Because we have been debating for too long; about tanks and F-16s, about support and sanctions. We are too slow.

Third question: why do the sanctions fail to break the aggressor? Not only the third countries are to blame, but ourselves, because there are traitors and cheaters among us.

And the question of today: can we use Russian frozen assets to pay the needs of Ukraine? We have to do it. We owe it to Ukrainians. We are in big debt because it is not our sons and daughters dying out there, dying for us. This is the least we can do to make Russia pay. Slava Ukraini!

2024.10.10

P. Saudargas. The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues,

after the resurrection from COVID, the automotive industry of Europe faces new big challenges. And this is really painful because we were always leading industry in the world.

Dear colleagues, if I would ask you to close your eyes and imagine a car of your dreams, I am sure that most of you would imagine the European brand.

There are many obstacles. Commissioner Dombrovskis mentioned energy prices, labour market and raw materials. But I think there are more.

First of all, China’s technological invasion. But what bothers me most: the enormously high sustainability targets. The global warming is a major problem, but we cannot solve it alone. We have to have America, Asia, Africa on board.

Here I would like to address one paradox. We are quite innovative and leading in some green solutions: wind power, hydropower, hydrogen technologies and others, except solar. But we ourselves are in much greater demand of these products – because of the goals – than the rest of the world. Hence, once again, we are consumers and not the producers. We massively import solar panels and Chinese electric cars. We trap ourselves in an economic greenhouse. More import than export.

Dear colleagues, we can deal with China only if we stand united. The approach towards Chinese electric cars should be unanimous.

2024.10.08

Strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration

Mr President, colleagues,

the upcoming election in Moldova is like the final battle for Putin. The Kremlin is openly paying voters in Moldova, trying to block the country from its future success. The biggest nightmare for Putin’s Russia is the European future of neighbouring countries. He fears that if Ukraine becomes successful and if Moldova and Georgia follow the European way of life, Russians will begin to ask themselves, ‘Why are we living in a country of hatred and hopelessness?’

As a Lithuanian, I want to send a message to the people of Moldova.

The EU gives many opportunities for a better life for everyone. Before Lithuania’s membership in the EU, we had almost the same GDP as your country does today: around 36 % of the EU average. Today, our GDP is at 90 % of the EU level. Our country has caught up with long-time EU Member States like Spain or Portugal. Dear Moldovans, do not be afraid to embrace the EU with your hearts and minds. It is our shared path as part of the same family, our European family. Leave the Russkiy Mir behind. We stand together with you.

R. Juknevičienė. The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

Mr President,

first of all, many thanks to the colleagues from other groups with whom we agreed a strong resolution on Georgia this morning.

The European Parliament sends a very clear message to Bidzina Ivanishvili and his collaborators from the Georgian Dream: membership in the EU is incompatible with their politics. You cannot be pro-European and pro-Kremlin at the same time. You cannot support the European way of life and glorify Stalin at the same time.

The European Parliament will be closely monitoring the upcoming elections. We once again reiterate that the conduct of the elections should fully adhere to international standards. If the Georgian Dream continues following Lukashenka’s path, the EU will be forced to react and reassess Georgia’s fulfilment, including visa‑liberalisation benchmarks.

We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili. The Georgian Government must be held fully accountable for any harm caused to Saakashvili’s life and health.

Now, the decision on the future of Georgia is in the hands of the Georgian people. Dear Georgians, nobody can be more responsible for Georgia’s future than you yourselves can. We hope that the Georgian people will find their way back to the democratic European family.

P. Saudargas. One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas

Madam President, dear colleagues,

a year ago, the world was horrified by the unprecedented barbarism of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. I witnessed video footage from that tragic day and was shocked by the brutal reality. Hamas terrorists had complete disregard for human life and showed deep hatred towards random, innocent civilians, as if the terrorists were shooting at people on the streets and settlements, like in a violent video game – completely disconnected from any sense of humanity, ethics or morality. It is beyond comprehension.

Our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and to those still waiting for hostages who remain missing or in captivity. While a two-state solution remains a strategic goal, our immediate task is to stand united and work for peace in the region. The conflict has now escalated beyond Gaza, spreading to Lebanon and involving direct conflict with Iran. And what’s next? Direct involvement of United States and other countries? And then what? Further escalation is not in Europe’s interest.