23/04/2026 | 18:02:37 Thank you, Chair. Colleagues, Let's be direct about the situation we're facing. Since the printing press, every new technology has changed how we create. But the AI era isn't just another step. It is a particularly challenging shift that we are currently not ready for. Right now, AI companies are fuelling their data-hungry systems by taking whatever they find online. They are using the life's work of our artists and journalists as free raw material, without asking for permission and without... 21/04/2026 | 20:41:17 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Dear colleagues, Freedom of religion isn't just an abstract theory; it’s a vital part of any real democracy. As a Christian, I believe we must protect everyone’s right to hold their faith close and, just as importantly, to live it out in the open. The report before us shows worrying trends. Intolerance is growing across Europe, affecting both minority and majority groups, including Christians. We’ve seen acts of hostility against Christian... 03/10/2025 | 12:16:53 Thank you, Mister President. My topic is on free speech. Colleagues, We are living in a time when the question of values is critical for the future of our nations. Powerful forces push new agendas, urging us to abandon what we have inherited and forget the truths that built our societies. But values are not negotiable. Faith, truth, family and tradition are not just relics. They are the foundations without which no society survives. This is why free speech matters. Without the ability to... 02/10/2025 | 18:25:18 Colleagues, Europe's audiovisual industry is strong. We already produce more than the United States, and our local traditions, languages, and stories give us a unique identity. The convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series is designed to build on that strength by creating a framework for cross-border collaboration that allows European productions to reach wider audiences. Yes, there are risks. The definition of "independent producer" may not align with... 11/04/2025 | 10:27:52 Thank you, Chair. Dear colleagues, 2 March 2025 will forever be engraved in Latvian history, as our movie Flow received an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film, surpassing titles from studios such as Disney and DreamWorks, among others. It sent a strong signal to the rest of the world: that the kind of creativity coming out of Latvia is not only unique, but something the world is ready to embrace. With our growing infrastructure, our skilled workforce and stunning natural landscapes, I truly... 04/10/2024 | 10:37:43 Thank you, Chair. Dear colleagues, first I want to thank the rapporteur for his valuable contribution to the metaverse topic and all those involved in making this report possible. As the metaverse takes shape, it's clear it will fundamentally impact how we interact with information, media, and each other. This is not just a passing trend, but a transformative shift, and we must address both its opportunities and risks. The progression of virtual reality technology has been remarkable. In the... 18/04/2024 | 16:42:48 Thank you, Madam Chair. Dear colleagues, First I would like to congratulate the rapporteur for a very well-prepared report in terms of the government's role in regulating AI. It's not akin to playing with fire, but rather navigating an ever-expanding flame whose limits remain uncertain. These monumental advancements have already reshaped our daily lives, prompting us to ponder the future implications of AI's influence on society. As we peer into the future, it is necessary to take note of the...