WEBVTT NOTE Brussels Live. Transcribed and translated automatically from the original sound. Mistakes are possible. Independent service, not affiliated with the European Parliament or the European Commission. Source: © European Union. AI-generated: Transcripts, translations and summaries on this site are generated automatically by AI: speech recognition (Soniox), machine translation and summaries (Mistral AI). Not edited by humans before publication. EU AI Act, Article 50. 00:00:26.676 --> 00:00:31.664 Thank you so much. And first of all, let me thank my good friend, Minister Sošina, 00:00:31.716 --> 00:00:39.135 for his hospitality and for hosting a very productive meeting here today. 00:00:39.276 --> 00:00:45.636 It is very clear that the crisis we are in is. 00:00:45.816 --> 00:00:55.736 A crisis that primarily. Is a result of us being dependent on importing fossil fuel. 00:00:55.896 --> 00:01:00.889 So we call it an energy crisis, but actually it is a fossil fuel crisis. 00:01:00.996 --> 00:01:10.432 The European Union has spent 134 billion euros more on our energy since February 00:01:10.494 --> 00:01:17.892 than we normally do. So this is 134 euros that we've paid extra without getting 00:01:17.978 --> 00:01:24.657 anything extra. So this is why our citizens see very high prices of energy. 00:01:24.756 --> 00:01:29.092 It's a huge challenge in all member states. 00:01:29.256 --> 00:01:33.283 But we also have other challenges. Security is one. 00:01:33.396 --> 00:01:39.104 We have an aggressor in the east that has attacked our friends in Ukraine. 00:01:39.156 --> 00:01:44.874 We want to help Ukraine as best we can. We are also very well aware that there is an 00:01:44.917 --> 00:01:48.966 actual threat from Russia against the European Union. 00:01:49.056 --> 00:01:53.554 And therefore, of course, energy security becomes even more important because there 00:01:53.607 --> 00:02:01.947 is no security without energy security. So we need to stay on course with our 00:02:02.022 --> 00:02:07.067 transition because the answer to both of these challenges, the high prices and our 00:02:07.116 --> 00:02:16.566 security, is to deploy far more renewables, as fast as possible, to become a true 00:02:16.631 --> 00:02:23.736 energy union that are better connected than we are today, and we're working hard on 00:02:23.784 --> 00:02:30.414 these things. Last year we deployed a record of 89 gigawatts of new renewables in 00:02:30.484 --> 00:02:35.144 the European Union. This is quite an achievement. 00:02:35.256 --> 00:02:39.655 One gigabyte is enough to supply 1 million households. 00:02:39.756 --> 00:02:42.979 This year we hope to break that record again. 00:02:43.116 --> 00:02:46.351 We also need to become much more energy efficient. 00:02:46.416 --> 00:02:51.916 Since our last crisis in 2022, we've actually reduced our consumption of gas in 00:02:52.146 --> 00:03:02.396 Europe by 22%. This helps us, and makes it not easier but more manageable to be in a 00:03:02.467 --> 00:03:07.559 crisis like the one we're in now. And this is also why even though in many ways the 00:03:07.626 --> 00:03:12.537 crisis that we're in now is a worse crisis than the one we had in 2022, we are 00:03:12.601 --> 00:03:16.926 better situated at dealing with it than we were in 2022. 00:03:17.016 --> 00:03:22.716 So we have discussed these issues, and others today, it has. 00:03:23.256 --> 00:03:27.784 Been a very good meeting. We're not done yet, but we've already had some very, very 00:03:27.911 --> 00:03:34.917 good talks. And I want to also mention here that we are very happy that we've been 00:03:34.972 --> 00:03:40.721 able to welcome the Czech Republic and Poland as new members of CESEC. 00:03:40.836 --> 00:03:45.388 And we look forward to the collaboration with these two new countries. 00:03:45.456 --> 00:03:48.516 I can take one or two questions, but if there are any. 00:03:49.416 --> 00:03:54.235 You already mentioned how prices are so high of the fuel. 00:03:54.336 --> 00:03:59.556 Is it possible to make it even a little bit less than they are now? 00:03:59.976 --> 00:04:07.140 Yes. So on the short term, the thing that can be done by governments are, of course, 00:04:07.236 --> 00:04:13.716 different types of subsidies. IRH member states that choose this path to do it in a 00:04:13.796 --> 00:04:17.873 mindful way so that it is temporary and targeted. 00:04:17.976 --> 00:04:21.456 So that we don't risk undermining our long-term strategy. 00:04:21.576 --> 00:04:26.789 But then there's also electrification. Okay, electricity is also too expensive now, 00:04:26.847 --> 00:04:31.638 but still compared an average family in the European Union will save 60% on their 00:04:31.702 --> 00:04:36.832 heating bill if they change from a gas boiler to an electric heat pump. 00:04:36.996 --> 00:04:40.613 Insulation, renovation of houses is another thing that can be done quite fast. 00:04:40.656 --> 00:04:44.916 And if you support it from a government, it will also help our citizens. 00:04:45.936 --> 00:04:48.036 Croatia is doing the subsidies. It's using. 00:04:48.336 --> 00:04:51.603 Yes. I do know, and do know that, and I think that's a very good idea. 00:04:51.696 --> 00:04:58.652 It's also doing it in a way that does not undermine the long-term strategy, but 00:04:58.698 --> 00:05:00.882 actually that supports the long-term strategy. 00:05:00.936 --> 00:05:01.656 Okay, thank you. 00:05:01.656 --> 00:05:02.856 Thank you. 00:22:40.116 --> 00:22:41.316 Welcome 00:22:58.356 --> 00:23:02.241 On the shoulder. Weapon. To the leg. Arms. 00:23:02.294 --> 00:23:03.494 Legs. 00:51:45.576 --> 00:51:53.682 All right, let's say my best month of so thank you very much. 00:51:53.736 --> 00:51:57.636 Wonderful. Thank you. Thank you. Secretary General, how are you? 00:52:23.316 --> 00:52:28.850 I'm especially pleased to be here following yesterday's discussions in the Foreign 00:52:28.915 --> 00:52:34.651 Affairs Committee. Make marking an important step towards Poland's ratification of 00:52:34.716 --> 00:52:39.956 the decision, enabling proxy voting for pregnant women and new mothers. 00:52:40.056 --> 00:52:46.206 In the European Parliament, Poland becomes the 10th country to complete the process, 00:52:46.270 --> 00:52:51.316 assign of how rapidly ratification is progressing across Europe. 00:52:51.396 --> 00:52:57.874 We are seeing increasing hybrid threats here in Poland and across Europe. 00:52:57.936 --> 00:53:04.469 Poland has long been sounding the alarm about the threat from the east, and Europe 00:53:04.540 --> 00:53:10.637 has heeded the call. Across our union, we are investing in defense and preparedness, 00:53:10.716 --> 00:53:15.981 and here I would like to thank Poland for its leadership on this, both in the EU and 00:53:16.139 --> 00:53:22.027 in NATO. In the European Parliament, we have delivered legislation to boost our 00:53:22.116 --> 00:53:27.674 capabilities, strengthen our defense industries, and facilitate cooperation across 00:53:27.730 --> 00:53:32.833 borders. And here I really thank Polish members of the European Parliament that have 00:53:32.885 --> 00:53:34.176 led these negotiations. 00:53:34.536 --> 00:53:41.352 I also informed the Chair that as regards the amendment to the European Electoral 00:53:41.414 --> 00:53:47.412 Act to allow Members of the European Parliament who are before or after childbirth 00:53:47.524 --> 00:53:54.955 to vote by proxy, yesterday the Foreign Affairs Committee gave a positive opinion 00:53:55.027 --> 00:54:02.288 and today, after completing all formalities, the Sejm will submit it. 00:54:02.429 --> 00:54:10.536 Decision and for acceptance to Mr President of this decision. 00:54:15.456 --> 00:54:21.614 Mr President, I welcome the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta 00:54:21.687 --> 00:54:26.616 Metsola, who is paying an official visit to Poland with a delegation. 00:54:40.236 --> 00:54:45.782 Poland also saw the danger coming long before the rest of us. 00:54:45.996 --> 00:54:52.032 For years, you warned us about Russia. About energy dependence. 00:54:52.116 --> 00:54:59.057 About what the Kremlin was capable of. And too many in Europe did not listen. 00:54:59.196 --> 00:55:06.832 Now you are right. Europe should have heard you sooner. 00:55:06.996 --> 00:55:13.666 Today no. Buddy needs convincing. Your presidency of the Council of the European 00:55:13.716 --> 00:55:17.656 Union put security at the top of Europe's agenda. 00:55:17.736 --> 00:55:22.917 You are building the east shield and you are the first to draw on Europe's new 00:55:22.986 --> 00:55:29.178 defense funding with almost 44 billion euros coming here most of it spent with 00:55:29.248 --> 00:55:35.763 Polish companies. Poland knows what it means to stand on Europe's front line. 00:55:35.856 --> 00:55:39.608 Whether it is the illegal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine or the 00:55:39.672 --> 00:55:45.076 instrumentalization of migration at your border with Belarus drones over your 00:55:45.146 --> 00:55:52.562 territory or sabotage on railway lines you have met all of it with determination and 00:55:52.656 --> 00:55:59.329 clarity of purpose. These threats are designed to test our resolve divide our 00:55:59.436 --> 00:56:07.474 societies and undermine our democracies. And across our union all of us now face 00:56:07.577 --> 00:56:13.228 them. When Poland's security is tested Europe's security is tested. 00:56:13.296 --> 00:56:24.352 And we must and we will stand together to face it down shoulder to shoulder. 00:56:24.636 --> 00:56:28.223 So long live our parliaments. Long live Poland. 00:56:28.296 --> 00:56:30.036 Long live Europe. Dziękuję bardzo. 00:56:42.396 --> 00:56:49.716 If that is 12 people, the European Union looks like we are far from. 00:56:49.836 --> 00:56:53.490 But it is not the bleakness and suffering of those years that. 00:56:53.556 --> 00:56:56.556 That in many respects is also the story of. 00:58:06.216 --> 00:58:08.874 I greatly respect the European Parliament. 00:58:08.934 --> 00:58:14.997 I am extremely grateful to it for, in times that were exceptionally difficult for 00:58:15.089 --> 00:58:19.835 me, honouring me with the Andrei Sakharov Prize. 00:58:19.975 --> 00:58:28.778 The Jan Karski Eagle Award for the European Parliament is awarded for representative 00:58:28.928 --> 00:58:35.223 unification of Europe and shaping the European reality in the name of a common, 00:58:35.290 --> 00:58:36.490 better future. 00:59:05.136 --> 00:59:10.894 It is such an honor to accept the Jan Karski Eagle Award on behalf of the European 00:59:10.959 --> 00:59:16.874 Parliament. I am humbled to be part of such a prestigious list of laureates. 00:59:16.956 --> 00:59:23.024 On behalf of all my colleagues in the European Parliament, dziękuję bardzo. 00:59:23.256 --> 00:59:33.848 Few countries have done so much to build Europe as Poland and her brave sons and 00:59:34.001 --> 00:59:41.052 daughters. Europe will never forget their sacrifices, and it is fitting that we 00:59:41.134 --> 00:59:46.766 celebrate European democracy here, in this beautiful city. 00:59:46.956 --> 00:59:52.545 We will live up to the responsibility that you bestow on us today. 00:59:52.716 --> 00:59:56.220 As Professor Karski taught us, witnessing is not enough. 00:59:56.316 --> 01:00:05.667 We must stand up for what is right. We made that same promise to you, dear Andrzej. 01:00:05.856 --> 01:00:12.991 For five long years, you were imprisoned for speaking out against oppression. 01:00:13.116 --> 01:00:18.958 Last year, our house awarded you the Sacharov Prize for freedom of thought, while 01:00:19.061 --> 01:00:27.018 you were still behind bars. This year, all of Europe rejoiced when you crossed the 01:00:27.096 --> 01:00:32.583 Polish border into freedom. And it was such a privilege to welcome you to our 01:00:32.658 --> 01:00:39.983 parliament as a free man, shortly afterwards, you remind us that not even prison 01:00:40.096 --> 01:00:47.001 walls can silence the truth. Your courage carries forward Jan Karski's legacy and 01:00:47.082 --> 01:00:51.636 challenges us to keep standing up for our democratic future. 01:01:11.196 --> 01:01:19.193 My friend Waldemar Piasecki. Białacki, like the President of Ukraine, I invite Mr 01:01:19.255 --> 01:01:22.116 Andrzej Seweryn, honorary member of the society. 01:01:22.296 --> 01:01:26.196 It is a mission that I know Jan Karski would be proud of. 01:01:26.736 --> 01:01:30.515 It deserves all the nations and citizens of Europe. 01:01:30.607 --> 01:01:37.206 It is a great pleasure for me to thank Madam President for the introduction to the 01:01:37.260 --> 01:01:43.039 next volume of Waldemar’s book in Warsaw, and we plan to promote it on 28 November 01:01:43.097 --> 01:01:48.121 in the concert hall. In light of the war raging beyond Europe’s eastern border and 01:01:48.190 --> 01:01:52.716 the escalating international tensions, peace cannot be treated as a given. 01:01:54.696 --> 01:01:55.896 You.