,

“So go and do what you can to stay human. Otherwise, nothing will matter.”

“Can a person get used to war? Of course, they can. I got used to it. I don’t like it, but I did. I live according to the existing conditions, I work, think, eat… But – can a person get used to it and remain normal? That’s a more difficult question. A kind of Friday decided about Irma. I had long forgotten that there is such a thing as Friday, then the weekend, then holidays and similar things, and the month of August is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and similar joys of carefree people. For us, this does not exist. They assigned us another kind of sport. A game with death. Yours or someone else’s, but in the game there is always only one thing – to exist or not to exist. As if that is something. What is important? To survive at all costs? That is not important either. It is important to live as a human being, but if it doesn’t work, then nothing else matters. Not even to live. So go and do what you can to remain human. Otherwise, nothing will matter.”

You have read a passage from a book that I have been reading for months. Not because I could not spare those few minutes before going to bed, but because the personal story of the author of The Sarajevo Princess, doctor Edo Jaganjac, is so deeply moving that …

… it is difficult to comprehend. Is it really so difficult to be human in inhuman conditions? How is it possible that nothing is sacred, not even the lives of children and young people?

And today, when many – especially young people – are courageously standing up against autocracy, against the falsification of history and against dehumanization, it is crucial to understand that the crime in Srebrenica has a name. Genocide. This is not an opinion, but a fact confirmed in the courts.

With the responsibility of individuals – not of a nation.

This is a demand for responsibility – not collective guilt.

This is respect for the victims – and for all those who, within Serbia or anywhere else in this world, want a society without denial, without manipulation and without glorification of criminals.

This is a demand that heads not be turned when international humanitarian law is only valid on paper.

When even hunger is a deadly weapon.

When a child in Gaza, seeking only a sip of water, does not know if he will survive.

When a hospital or a refugee camp is no longer a protection or a refuge, but a potential trap.

When the international community is too late to prevent these atrocities. As it has been so many times before. As it was 30 years ago. Again.

The international legal order is collapsing not only under the weight of bombs, but also under the weight of indifference. Dehumanization. And with looking away.

“So go and do what you can to remain human. Otherwise, nothing will matter.”

 

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Listen Carefully, Colleagues

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Slovenian Member of the European Parliament Irena Joveva took part in a plenary debate on the European Commission’s progress report on North Macedonia for the years 2023 and 2024. In a powerful and emotional speech, she reminded her colleagues that the report reflects the European journey of a candidate country and its people.

At the outset, Joveva emphasized that the purpose of the report is to monitor the progress of a candidate country that has, throughout its accession process, faced repeated instances of unjustified conditionality, political blockades, and disrespect. Despite these obstacles, she said, the people of North Macedonia have consistently upheld the values the EU claims to champion—perhaps more so than some current member states.

She was unequivocal in stating that the report must not, under any circumstances, become a forum for debating the existence of the Macedonian nation, its language, or identity:

“While I personally support the paragraph in question and will not vote to have it removed, I must be honest with the Macedonian people: I know it hurts. It hurts me, too. But do not accept the narrative that the European Parliament has taken your identity or language from you. That is simply not true.“

Joveva went on to condemn political manipulation and populist misinterpretations that exploit sensitive issues of identity to undermine both the EU enlargement process and public trust in European institutions. “The Macedonian language is authentic. Your attempts to deny it are modern-day fiction. A national identity that has endured for centuries will not be erased by one vote or your lobbying.”

She concluded her speech by reminding that the Macedonian nation does not need anyone else’s permission to exist.

Foto/EP: Brigitte HASE

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EMFA is one of the greatest achievements of our previous term

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Slovenian Member of the European Parliament Irena Joveva took part in the European Parliament’s plenary session during a debate on the state of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) across EU Member States.

Joveva opened her remarks by stressing that EMFA stands as one of the cornerstone legislative achievements of the Parliament’s previous term. The act was developed in response to growing concerns over media interference and political pressure—concerns rooted not in theory, but in real, lived experiences, including her own country:

“This legislation was born out of necessity. It came as a response to direct political attacks—such as those by the Janša government on the Slovenian Press Agency and RTV Slovenia. Unfortunately. And when you experience this firsthand, you understand just how vital strong European safeguards really are.”

She warned that while the act is set to come fully into force in just one month, many Member States are failing to take its implementation seriously. Some have yet to begin preparations at all. In light of this, Joveva called on the European Commission to immediately initiate infringement proceedings against governments that are falling behind:

“Since the act’s adoption, media freedom has deteriorated in parts of the EU—Slovakia is just one example. And no media outlet anywhere in Europe is truly immune to political pressure. Media freedom is like any other freedom: once it’s suffocated, it’s incredibly hard to bring back. Its value only becomes clear when it’s gone.”

She also underlined that the EMFA includes a range of crucial safeguards: protection for journalists and editors from political interference, insulation from private interests, and limits on the unaccountable influence of digital platforms. But these guarantees, she stressed, are only as strong as the political will to enforce them:

“Provisions on paper are not enough. Without firm, consistent implementation—especially by the Commission—these safeguards risk remaining little more than principled declarations, devoid of real impact.”

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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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