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”They are prepared”

On Monday, July 7, 2025, Slovenian MEP Irena Joveva addressed the European Parliament during a heated plenary debate ahead of a vote on the resolution “On the remembrance of victims of the post-war communist period in Slovenia.” Her intervention was a sharp condemnation of what she described as a dangerous political rewriting of history: “They love their homeland so much that they’re ready to sell it. Much like they would change the historical truth.”

Joveva began by placing the debate in a broader geopolitical context. While the world is facing wars, genocide, and the unraveling of liberal democracy—with equality reduced to a mere illusion—some MEPs, she argued, have chosen instead to distort Slovenia’s past by promoting a historically inaccurate resolution aimed at rewriting its post-war period.

She strongly denounced this deliberate political instrumentalization of history, calling it a form of cynicism of the lowest kind. In her speech, she pointed out the glaring hypocrisy of those supporting the resolution:

“The resolution is being endorsed, for example, by those in Austria who question Slovenia’s territorial integrity through their national anthem. And by those who, over the weekend, shouted that they are prepared at the concert. So these so-called Slovenian patriots love their country so much—they’re ready to sell it.”

Joveva emphasized that such actions are not about honoring victims or upholding dignity, but are instead a calculated attempt to reshape historical narratives to serve narrow political agendas:

”They are prepared. They’ve begun rewriting history. And they will continue by tearing down everything we once took for granted in the European Union.”

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This is not patriotic

What we are witnessing is not patriotic —it is a series of unnecessary and harmful provocations that run counter to the spirit of the European Union.

It is natural for every country to take pride in its history, language, symbols, and traditions. That cultural richness is a cornerstone of Europe’s diversity and shared identity. But historical facts are clear—and so are their often painful consequences. Precisely because of this, at a time when Europe is increasingly confronted with dangerous nationalist tendencies, historical distortion, and divisive rhetoric, we must demonstrate greater political maturity and responsibility.

There is no place in Europe for one-sided provocations that deepen mistrust and sow division within the European community.

This is not merely a matter of symbolism. The impact is most acutely felt by the Slovene minority in Austria, which has long—and rightfully—voiced concern about its increasingly precarious position.

We believe that such actions by certain Austrian politicians represent a step backward. And we are convinced there are better, more constructive ways to express one’s patriotism.

Europe cannot—and must not—become an arena for competing, aggressive interpretations of the past. The European project is built on cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Provocations that serve narrow domestic political interests at the expense of our common European future have no place in the Union—a Union founded precisely to prevent territorial ambitions and hostile nationalism from ever taking root again.

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The four-leaf anti-corruption leaf

“You can’t imagine how toxic it all is. It’s unbearable. And the ‘big macho’ is losing his grip on reality.”

“It’s not easy. It’s not pretty. And it’s going to get harder. Uglier. But… if the will of the people is strong enough, it cannot be stopped. And that will—finally—is growing stronger. Hope still lives.”

These are just some of the voices we heard during our fact-finding mission to Hungary. We saw, with our own eyes, what is happening on the ground with projects funded by EU money. Public good? Not quite. More like: “All of this belongs to me.” Or at best, “to my family and friends.”


And that’s still acceptable—apparently. But for the public? So that citizens might benefit from these projects? From anything at all we’re doing?


Forget it.

That’s the mindset—and more importantly, the modus operandi—of those in power in Hungary. But you know what? Hope truly does die last. And democracy in Hungary is not dead yet.

That’s why this mission was so important. Because it confirmed, unfortunately, just how crucial it is not to give in to the Hungarian government.

And yet we’re seeing a weakening of the EU’s political resolve, including in the suspension of EU funds directed at Hungary—a necessary but uncomfortable step. Why is this resolve fading? Let’s be honest: political calculation. The usual games, which I’m used to by now, but that doesn’t mean I’ll ever accept them.

Just like I won’t accept being told to “stay quiet” when fundamental rights are being violated. Even such a basic one as the freedom of assembly.

That’s why I’m speaking up—clearly and loudly—to express my full and unconditional support for tomorrow’s Pride Parade in Budapest. With all my heart and soul.

Oh, and one last thing—you figured out who the “big macho” is, didn’t you?
Yes, the one who underestimates the power of the people’s will.
So to the people, I say: You’ve got this.
Show it tomorrow.

You’ve got this.

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On the day when the world watches the madness of leaders who think the wolrd belongs solely to them

On the day when the world watches the dangerous absurdities of leaders who genuinely believe the world exists solely for their own power…

…on the eve of Slovenia’s Statehood Day, a day long dreamed of by generations before us—generations whose persistence and courage laid the foundations of our Republic…

…we find ourselves dealing with efforts to revise historical truth.

Wonderful. Truly.

Today, the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions adopted a resolution on the remembrance of victims of the post-war communist period in Slovenia—a text that is anything but an honest or balanced reckoning with the past.

A text that deliberately omits the key context of World War II.
Yes, today we are debating World War II.

Wonderful. Truly.

A text that simplistically equates resistance to fascist occupation with “communist violence.”

A text offering a distorted version of history—the very version that Slovenia’s SDS party has used since its founding to divide, to campaign, and to fuel its political program.

And the greatest irony?


This resolution was passed with votes from parties like Germany’s AfD, Italy’s Brothers of Italy, Austria’s Freedom Party, and Hungary’s Fidesz.


So much for reconciliation.

Because it’s easier to ignore certain historical facts—and reshape others to allow for selective amnesia—and then, for good measure, exploit parliamentary procedures in the process.

Wonderful. Truly.

It’s also ironic that the final version of the resolution included proposals from our own political group, Renew Europe, calling for the condemnation of collaboration, revisionism, and the unacceptability of using history for political gain. Which, in itself, is genuinely commendable—this part I do mean seriously. And yet, this very inclusion makes the resolution logically inconsistent—a contradiction in terms, both historically and politically.

Let’s be clear: No one is excusing or denying post-war atrocities.
But the political exploitation of painful and still-traumatic historical events in such a manipulative and inflammatory way is simply low and indecent. I wish this chapter could be closed once and for all. But this resolution only reinforces what many of us already know: SDS is not interested in reconciliation.

And for all the smearing, Slovenia has nothing to be ashamed of. The fight for national freedom against Nazi occupation will never—morally or historically—be wrong.

The European Union, meanwhile, has a lot on its plate. Challenges that are, let’s say… less than 80 years old. So to my fellow colleagues, especially those in the largest political group in this Parliament: perhaps you could use your position to do something constructive—for Slovenia and for the EU.

It might do you some good to engage with the present and the future, sincerely and honestly, without historical revisionism, ideological divisions, or conspiracy theories.

And above all, it would do our beautiful country some real good.

Because that would actually be…
Wonderful. Truly.

 

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Shameless Hypocrites

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Member of the European Parliament Irena Joveva participated in the European Parliament’s plenary debate on halting the genocide in Gaza and the possibility of EU sanctions. “Finally. With the title of this debate, this chamber is officially acknowledging what some of us have been saying for years. What is happening in Gaza is genocide,” she declared.

In her address, Joveva took a hard line against those who, despite daily reports of atrocities, continue to justify Israel’s actions or ignore the international community’s responsibility to halt the genocide:

“Those of you who still refuse to see it, who continue to hide behind courts or legal technicalities, are not just complicit. You are shameless hypocrites. You are undermining the very legal foundations you so proudly claim to defend.”

She also condemned the political manipulation and distraction tactics surrounding Israel’s attacks on Iran—launched, notably, just as domestic and international pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was mounting.

“A coincidence, is it? /…/ And then some still dare to speak of Israel’s right to self-defense ‘in this context.’ What context? The Israeli army is shooting at people standing in line for food. These are not stray bullets in the fog of war. This is deliberate, cold, calculated. Even the little humanitarian aid that makes it through is being turned into a deadly weapon.”

In light of all this, Joveva issued a clear and urgent call for decisive EU action.

“Stop. Do not be complicit. Impose sanctions on Israel. If you don’t, you continue to support genocide. If only one side has an army, equipment, and weapons… this is not a war. This is a massacre.”

 

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It is clear who threatens the stability in the Middle East the most

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Member of the European Parliament Irena Joveva took part in a plenary session of the European Parliament during a debate on the growing threat of instability in the Middle East following escalating Israeli-Iranian military tensions, the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and the genocide in Gaza. Joveva made a pointed statement during the session: “It is painfully clear who poses the greatest threat to the stability of the Middle East.”

“The Middle East is torn by conflict. Genocide. Suffering. Injustice—not driven by ancient rivalries, but by ongoing impunity, military aggression, and systematic denial of human rights.”

With these words, Joveva opened her address, continuing with a firm denunciation of Israel’s sustained attacks on Gaza, its devastating strikes on Lebanon, and its increasingly aggressive posture across the region. She stressed that these actions do not constitute legitimate self-defense, but are part of a deliberate pattern aimed at destabilizing the region.

Amid rising tensions with Iran, Joveva also highlighted the harmful role of the United States, particularly that of the Trump administration, whose aggressive rhetoric she said was further inflaming an already volatile situation.

She went on to call out the double standards of those who continue to justify such armed aggression under the pretext of self-defense, despite clear evidence pointing to who truly threatens regional stability. To them, she had a direct message:

“If the European Union truly wants peaceful and diplomatic solutions, then it is long past time to draw the line against this aggressor—starting with suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement and enforcing the rulings of the International Criminal Court. Immediately.”

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“Yes, anti-Semitism is on the rise. And yes, anti-Islamism is on the rise.”

On 7 February, MEP Irena Joveva (Svoboda/Renew) took part in a debate on the need to combat the growing anti-Semitism and hatred of Muslims at the plenary session in Strasbourg. ”Yes, anti-Semitism is on the rise. And yes, anti-Islamism is on the rise.”

Let’s be honest and say both. Let’s also honestly say why. Because of the escalation of the situation in Gaza. Because of the war in Gaza. Because of the genocide that Israel has been carrying out against the Palestinian people for at least four months.

But although it is triggered like a tsunami after an earthquake, it is actually a deep-rooted structural racism based on hatred. Unfortunately. Hatred is like a virus and spreads like an epidemic. It also brings violence, hate crimes, revenge on religious or ethical grounds into our society. Their manifestation is further accelerated by social networks, which enable online attacks, the spread of conspiracy theories and disinformation. All of the above has no place in modern society.

And it saddens me that it is precisely on the basis of such horrific acts that radical right-wing political parties thrive and grow, even though it is precisely we – politicians – who must lead by example, teach and direct the moral and value positions of people. A patriot is NOT someone who demonstrates this by hating others.

You can watch the full video here.

Photo: EP – Alexis HAULOT

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“We cannot pretend that there is no interference by foreign countries in our democratic processes.”

On 6 February, MEP Irena Joveva (Renew Europe/Svoboda) took part in the debate on Russian interference in democratic processes in the European Union at the plenary session in Strasbourg. ”We cannot pretend that foreign interference in our democratic processes does not exist,” the MEP stressed in her address.

Among other things, the MEP expressed deep concern over reports of espionage against one of her MEPs. Joveva stressed the need for the European Parliament to treat the matter extremely seriously and expressed the hope that a thorough investigation would be followed by concrete measures by the competent institutions.

Nevertheless, she warned that MEPs should not deny the fact that foreign interference in democratic processes in the European Union is real.

”And the methods for doing so are increasingly sophisticated. Today’s debate is the result of information about the influence of Russian secret services on one of our colleagues, but the problem is much bigger.”

Joveva reminded those present of the Ibiza scandal, when the then leader of the Austrian Free Democrats was secretly filmed. Among similar cases, the MP also highlighted Russian loans to the French National Front Marine Le Pen, as well as reports from American intelligence agencies stating that Russia has spent at least 300 million dollars on financing various political parties around the world.

According to the MP, these controversial practices are still happening, but they do not originate only from Russia. The MP is also concerned by the fact that far-right parties are the most susceptible to these practices. As the MP emphasized, ironically, it is precisely the most nationalistic parties that are willing to act even against their own national interests.

The MP concluded her speech with a call for clarification and the setting of at least minimum standards to prevent such practices.

BACKGROUND

On January 29, the Russian investigative newspaper The Insider revealed that Latvian MEP Tatjana Zhdanoka had been working with the Russian FSB intelligence service for two decades. The officer cited emails between Zhdanoka and two Russian officials that allegedly contained detailed reports about her work in the European Parliament, particularly in terms of promoting pro-Russian sentiment in the Baltic region. Zhdanoka, who is currently an unaffiliated MEP, strongly denies the newspaper’s claims of working with the intelligence service. Her former Green/EFA political group has also launched an investigation into the allegations against Zhdanoka. Zhdanoka was also among the 13 MEPs who voted against a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March 2022.

You can watch the full video here.

Photo: EP – Alexis HAULOT

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“Achieving gender equality is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.”

On Tuesday, 6 February 2024, MEP Irena Joveva addressed the participants of the international event ”Gender Mainstreaming in the European Union” in Novo mesto, which took place as part of a wider project for women’s equality. In her address, the MEP highlighted the ambitious goals set by both the European Commission and the European Parliament in their efforts to achieve greater gender equality in the Union. ”Achieving true gender equality is not a sprint, but a marathon made up of small steps,” the MEP said.

As she stressed, every step that society takes is a step closer to a fairer future for all genders, and especially for children. Only an environment in which every individual can develop to their full potential, regardless of gender, will create a world of equal opportunities for all:

”Although the path to gender equality is fraught with many obstacles, it is precisely the joint commitment of the various stakeholders involved, and above all the diverse civil society initiatives such as yours, that are essential for the development of breakthrough policies regarding the emancipation of women in all aspects of society.”

Meanwhile, the MEP is saddened by the fact that the Union is still faced with situations where women receive lower pay than their male colleagues for the same work. As she explained further, the European Parliament adopted new legislation last year for wage transparency, the publication of gender-neutral job titles and the possibility of penalties for those employers who violate these rules.

In addition to eliminating the gender pay gap, one of the priorities for MP Joveva is to promote the representation of women in decision-making bodies. As she stressed, she advocates for women’s voices to be equally recognized and taken into account in both the political and business spheres. As an important achievement, the MP mentioned the adoption of the 2022 directive, which aims to have at least 40% of non-executive directorships in companies held by the underrepresented gender by June 2026.

“Since boards of directors are traditionally dominated by men, this directive will finally give women a fair chance to rise to the top of companies. The criterion of competence in the selection process will now be more important than ever.”

The MEP sees gender quotas, which are often the subject of debate, as a powerful tool for ensuring gender equality in the political arena. She highlighted the fact that women make up more than half of the population of the entire European Union, yet men still hold a two-thirds majority of seats in national parliaments.

“Advocating for quotas is not a compromise on meritocracy, but a recognition that talent, ability and leadership qualities are not specific to one gender.”

In the concluding part of her speech, the MEP recalled that she is also striving for improvements in the area of inequality because of her own experiences, which have encouraged her to be even more active in advocating for change as an MEP.

”In my youth, I witnessed gender discrimination in my late mother’s case. Later in life, I experienced it myself, although in a less cruel way. Now I have a daughter. And I wish with all my heart that she would not have to witness, endure or feel the cruelty that comes from gender inequality. Or, to be more realistic, I wish at least that she would feel it much less than we did and still do. I hope that we will reach a point where character, good work and results count, not gender.”

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2024!

Dear youth,

I believe that you have all already fully stepped into the year 2024. Just like us.

The first plenary session of the year, where I spoke about the state of media freedom in Greece, is behind us. A country that is historically known as the cradle of democracy, but today, unfortunately, is anything but that. That is why I am not silent and that is why we must monitor the implementation of European media legislation there as well. Because I do not want the cradle of democracy to become its graveyard.

On the day when South Africa presented its arguments in its lawsuit against Israel, I publicly announced that I had addressed letters to the authorities at the European Commission with specific questions and demands. They have six weeks to respond. Because I want the EU as a totality to have as much political power, to call Israel’s actions in Gaza by their right name. THIS. IS. GENOCIDE.

You also know about my efforts for Slovenian in the digital world. It may sometimes seem as if nothing is happening, but that is not true. Unfortunately, it is moving slowly, but now I have come to terms with the procedures in the European institutions, because … it is better to start and persist than to do nothing, right? It is moving, it really is. The two competent European Commissioners have responded to my letter regarding the need to revise the European Directive on Audiovisual Media Services. They assured me that they will be happy to include me in further procedures, and thanks to their response, we now have a piece of paper: the ban on linguistic discrimination WILL be legally established at the European level. Because I want our mother tongue to be respected as it deserves.

Yes, the European elections are just around the corner, but I prefer to direct my energy towards what I can still do through my work. For you. My will to work has not and will not change – regardless of the period (before the elections) we are in. Because, you know … we are not all the same.

Irena

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