Rule of Law and anticorruption
Creating the EU’s new rule of law conditionality regulation was one of the most impactful legislative efforts of the European Parliament’s 2019-2024 mandate. The Regulation provides a robust tool to safeguard the Union’s financial interests and uphold its values. I gained an understanding of the intricate legislative process from drafting the proposal to negotiating it by reaching across political aisles, EU institutions and member state capitals; while incorporating inputs from experts and stakeholders.
For 10 years, it’s been groundhog day in Hungary. EU funds end up with a spouse of a Fidesz politician, but the case is never investigated. The EU is “deeply concerned”, but “powerless”
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) December 16, 2020
Come January, this excuse is gone.
Parliament will make sure of it.pic.twitter.com/EAfON7ydTq
What is the @EU_Commission’s plan? Handing out huge sums of money & sending Orbán out of the room whenever there’s a unanimous decision? Because that’s what happens if one yields to an extortionist.
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) January 17, 2024
My speech at today’s #EPlenary pic.twitter.com/ZwFBmHFV08
Budget
I have always viewed our EU budget as our most powerful tool for advancing our shared values. Whether it’s supporting local governments on the forefront of crises, advancing gender equality through inclusive development, or safeguarding the rule of law, the budget plays a pivotal role in promoting these essential principles. As a member of the Committee on Budgets and negotiator on many files including the 2024 budget, I have advocated for these priorities.
🎉 As one of the negotiators of the 2025 EU budget, I’m really glad that our guidelines passed @Europarl_EN
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) March 14, 2024
The EU is facing unprecedented challenges & we need adequate resources to address them. pic.twitter.com/7BSOHXmHLL
Women’s Health
Advocating for women’s health and rights has been my consistent priority, in line with my background as a medical professional. This has spanned diverse issues from safeguarding women’s reproductive health and rights and bodily autonomy, the fight to eradicate violence against women, or the economic and political representation of women. My gender mainstreaming work has involved collaboration across EU institutions and an extended network of civil society organizations.
Women’s rights are human rights. In Iran & everywhere. We honor the #WomanLifeFreedom movement for their courage to stand up for it.
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) September 20, 2023
At today’s @EP_HumanRights Committee meeting, my colleague @Frederiqueries & I presented our nominee for this year’s Sakharov Prize— #MahsaAmini pic.twitter.com/DbsKDF76Gr
I was seven years old when @HillaryClinton stood up at the @UN World Conference on Women in Beijing, and said—
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) March 8, 2024
Women’s rights are human rights.
This #WomensDay, let’s repeat: we don’t want flowers & best wishes.
We want policies for gender equality.pic.twitter.com/XjKh9nsZFm
Human Rights and Foreign Affairs
A firm commitment to our European values also informed my work on EU foreign affairs. I have focused on authoritarian influence in the EU; concerns about unanimity voting rule in foreign affairs; and worked to promote human rights in third countries through a stronger focus on anti-corruption and corporate due diligence. I gained invaluable experience as the negotiator of human rights urgency resolutions.
The Orban gov’t has invited Chinese police officers to patrol in Hungary. Let that sink in: they’re constantly rambling on about sovereignty, vowing to protect it from Brussels—then welcome police forces of a totalitarian dictatorship.
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) April 10, 2024
This must not go unaddressed @EU_Commission pic.twitter.com/H1yEtCycZq
In the past years, after some hesitation, the EU took firm steps to address democratic backsliding. Clearly, there will be growing pressure to abandon this path. But we cannot & must not.
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) September 13, 2023
Adressing President @vonderleyen at the State of the European Union debate today👇 pic.twitter.com/ri8slgIPJV
The new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence directive is a breakthrough!
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) May 31, 2023
An EU-level tool to ensure that 🇪🇺 companies, wherever they operate in the world, do not commit human rights abuses or destroy the environment— and if they do, they can be held accountable at EU courts. pic.twitter.com/RSkfQ62eik
War in Ukraine
A firm commitment to our European values also informed my work on EU foreign affairs. I have focused on authoritarian influence in the EU; concerns about unanimity voting rule in foreign affairs; and worked to promote human rights in third countries through a stronger focus on anti-corruption and corporate due diligence. I gained invaluable experience as the negotiator of human rights urgency resolutions.
When asked about the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant, Viktor Orban’s Head of Office said: “In Hungary, Putin would not be arrested.”
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) April 20, 2023
This, despite Russia kidnapping thousands of Ukrainian children. My intervention at the #EPlenary pic.twitter.com/UEkHhroBms
Because of Putin’s barbaric war, the people of Ukraine are bracing for a winter without power, without shelter.
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) December 15, 2022
Meanwhile, the EU’s illiberal populists, Orban & Morawieczki use their vetoes to block humanitarian aid, in exchange for money. Shameful. pic.twitter.com/CZ9G2u4NbR
Russian soilders use rape as a weapon of war. I know some politicians insist that we look away.
— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) May 10, 2022
But this is the reality emerging from Ukraine. And these are war crimes.
The European Parliament calls for a special international tribunal to fight impunity. Justice must be served. pic.twitter.com/9XtARlPTB7
Animal Welfare
With two dogs in our family, promoting animal welfare has been close to my heart. As an MEP, I have championed EU initiatives aimed at improving the treatment of animals in farming, transport, and research, advocating for higher welfare standards and stricter enforcement. Collaborating with animal rights organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders, I have pushed for comprehensive policies that address issues such as factory farming, animal testing, and illegal wildlife trade. My efforts have contributed to raising awareness and driving change towards more humane and ethical practices across the Union.
