Speaker 1en
Thank you so much. And first of all, let me thank my good friend, Minister Sošina, for his hospitality and for hosting a very productive meeting here today. It is very clear that the crisis we are in is. A crisis that primarily. Is a result of us being dependent on importing fossil fuel. So we call it an energy crisis, but actually it is a fossil fuel crisis. The European Union has spent 134 billion euros more on our energy since February than we normally do. So this is 134 euros that we've paid extra without getting anything extra. So this is why our citizens see very high prices of energy. It's a huge challenge in all member states. But we also have other challenges. Security is one. We have an aggressor in the east that has attacked our friends in Ukraine. We want to help Ukraine as best we can. We are also very well aware that there is an actual threat from Russia against the European Union. And therefore, of course, energy security becomes even more important because there is no security without energy security. So we need to stay on course with our transition because the answer to both of these challenges, the high prices and our security, is to deploy far more renewables, as fast as possible, to become a true energy union that are better connected than we are today, and we're working hard on these things. Last year we deployed a record of 89 gigawatts of new renewables in the European Union. This is quite an achievement. One gigabyte is enough to supply 1 million households. This year we hope to break that record again. We also need to become much more energy efficient. Since our last crisis in 2022, we've actually reduced our consumption of gas in Europe by 22%. This helps us, and makes it not easier but more manageable to be in a crisis like the one we're in now. And this is also why even though in many ways the crisis that we're in now is a worse crisis than the one we had in 2022, we are better situated at dealing with it than we were in 2022. So we have discussed these issues, and others today, it has.
Been a very good meeting. We're not done yet, but we've already had some very, very good talks. And I want to also mention here that we are very happy that we've been able to welcome the Czech Republic and Poland as new members of CESEC. And we look forward to the collaboration with these two new countries. I can take one or two questions, but if there are any.
Speaker 2en
You already mentioned how prices are so high of the fuel. Is it possible to make it even a little bit less than they are now?
Speaker 1en
Yes. So on the short term, the thing that can be done by governments are, of course, different types of subsidies. IRH member states that choose this path to do it in a mindful way so that it is temporary and targeted. So that we don't risk undermining our long-term strategy. But then there's also electrification. Okay, electricity is also too expensive now, but still compared an average family in the European Union will save 60% on their heating bill if they change from a gas boiler to an electric heat pump. Insulation, renovation of houses is another thing that can be done quite fast. And if you support it from a government, it will also help our citizens.
Speaker 2en
Croatia is doing the subsidies. It's using.
Speaker 1en
Yes. I do know, and do know that, and I think that's a very good idea. It's also doing it in a way that does not undermine the long-term strategy, but actually that supports the long-term strategy. Okay, thank you.
Speaker 2en
Thank you.
Speaker 1en
Welcome
Speaker 3pl
On the shoulder. Weapon. To the leg. Arms. Legs.
Speaker 1en
All right, let's say my best month of so thank you very much. Wonderful. Thank you. Thank you. Secretary General, how are you?
I'm especially pleased to be here following yesterday's discussions in the Foreign Affairs Committee. Make marking an important step towards Poland's ratification of the decision, enabling proxy voting for pregnant women and new mothers. In the European Parliament, Poland becomes the 10th country to complete the process, assign of how rapidly ratification is progressing across Europe. We are seeing increasing hybrid threats here in Poland and across Europe. Poland has long been sounding the alarm about the threat from the east, and Europe has heeded the call. Across our union, we are investing in defense and preparedness, and here I would like to thank Poland for its leadership on this, both in the EU and in NATO. In the European Parliament, we have delivered legislation to boost our capabilities, strengthen our defense industries, and facilitate cooperation across borders. And here I really thank Polish members of the European Parliament that have led these negotiations.
Speaker 2pl
I also informed the Chair that as regards the amendment to the European Electoral Act to allow Members of the European Parliament who are before or after childbirth to vote by proxy, yesterday the Foreign Affairs Committee gave a positive opinion and today, after completing all formalities, the Sejm will submit it. Decision and for acceptance to Mr President of this decision.
Speaker 1pl
Mr President, I welcome the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola, who is paying an official visit to Poland with a delegation.
Speaker 1en
Poland also saw the danger coming long before the rest of us. For years, you warned us about Russia. About energy dependence. About what the Kremlin was capable of. And too many in Europe did not listen. Now you are right. Europe should have heard you sooner. Today no. Buddy needs convincing. Your presidency of the Council of the European Union put security at the top of Europe's agenda. You are building the east shield and you are the first to draw on Europe's new defense funding with almost 44 billion euros coming here most of it spent with Polish companies. Poland knows what it means to stand on Europe's front line. Whether it is the illegal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine or the instrumentalization of migration at your border with Belarus drones over your territory or sabotage on railway lines you have met all of it with determination and clarity of purpose. These threats are designed to test our resolve divide our societies and undermine our democracies. And across our union all of us now face them. When Poland's security is tested Europe's security is tested. And we must and we will stand together to face it down shoulder to shoulder. So long live our parliaments. Long live Poland. Long live Europe. Dziękuję bardzo.
If that is 12 people, the European Union looks like we are far from. But it is not the bleakness and suffering of those years that. That in many respects is also the story of.
Speaker 2pl
I greatly respect the European Parliament. I am extremely grateful to it for, in times that were exceptionally difficult for me, honouring me with the Andrei Sakharov Prize. The Jan Karski Eagle Award for the European Parliament is awarded for representative unification of Europe and shaping the European reality in the name of a common, better future.
Speaker 1en
It is such an honor to accept the Jan Karski Eagle Award on behalf of the European Parliament. I am humbled to be part of such a prestigious list of laureates. On behalf of all my colleagues in the European Parliament, dziękuję bardzo. Few countries have done so much to build Europe as Poland and her brave sons and daughters. Europe will never forget their sacrifices, and it is fitting that we celebrate European democracy here, in this beautiful city. We will live up to the responsibility that you bestow on us today. As Professor Karski taught us, witnessing is not enough. We must stand up for what is right. We made that same promise to you, dear Andrzej. For five long years, you were imprisoned for speaking out against oppression. Last year, our house awarded you the Sacharov Prize for freedom of thought, while you were still behind bars. This year, all of Europe rejoiced when you crossed the Polish border into freedom. And it was such a privilege to welcome you to our parliament as a free man, shortly afterwards, you remind us that not even prison walls can silence the truth. Your courage carries forward Jan Karski's legacy and challenges us to keep standing up for our democratic future.
Speaker 2pl
My friend Waldemar Piasecki. Białacki, like the President of Ukraine, I invite Mr Andrzej Seweryn, honorary member of the society.
Speaker 1en
It is a mission that I know Jan Karski would be proud of.
Speaker 2pl
It deserves all the nations and citizens of Europe. It is a great pleasure for me to thank Madam President for the introduction to the next volume of Waldemar’s book in Warsaw, and we plan to promote it on 28 November in the concert hall. In light of the war raging beyond Europe’s eastern border and the escalating international tensions, peace cannot be treated as a given.
Speaker 1en
You.