Speeches

Madam President, High Representative, dear colleagues, since 7 October, we have debated Gaza nearly every plenary. No one here denies the suffering, but despite massive media coverage – often based on Hamas-supplied sources and political theatre across Europe, including university occupations and unilateral recognitions of Palestine – has any of this eased the humanitarian crisis? No. And suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, as loudly demanded by the S&D leader yesterday again, will not deliver a single kilo of food more to those in need. As Chair of the EU-Israel Delegation, I have tried to be an honest broker. I warned early: Israel's break with UNWRA was serious. I also told Israeli partners: if you cut ties, you must propose alternatives. I have tabled amendments in this House to reflect that need. Now is the time to act. Israel, the UN and aid groups must cooperate with one basic condition: that terrorists do not cease the aid. That should be obvious, and yet we cannot agree about it. Why? Because of some 'disdebate'. It's not about solutions. It's about hatred towards Israel. Let me be clear: under international law, genocide is one of the gravest crimes imaginable. It requires mass suffering and proven intent to destroy a group as such. That threshold is extremely high. The International Court of Justice did not find Israel guilty of genocide. It called for humanitarian steps, but it did not confirm the accusation. On the contrary, the court's president, Judge Julia Sebutinde, clearly stated, and I quote, 'no plausible basis for finding genocidal intent'. She called the case 'essentially political'. So I ask the colleagues on the left, why do you keep on repeating this claim? Words matter. False accusations fuel hatred, violence and antisemitism. Some respected members of the Berlin chapter of your party have left it, rather than remaining silent in the face of the anchoring of this toxic narrative. Let us be united as Europeans and all choose truth over ideology, clarity over chaos, and collaboration over boycott.

Mr President, High Representative, dear colleagues, let us speak plainly about who is truly escalating and destabilising the Middle East. Israel, a democratic state, has been fighting for its very existence since 1948. Its core policy objective has remained consistent – to survive, to defend its citizens fleeing from persecution globally, and to live in peace with its neighbours. Peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt, and more recently the Abraham Accords, are proof. On 7 October 2023, Israel was brutally attacked by Hamas and simultaneously assaulted by Hezbollah and the Houthis, terrorist organisations and shadow armies of Iran with one goal – the destruction of Israel and the extermination of its people. Let us be clear, instability in the region, first and foremost, stems from the Iranian regime proclaiming openly 'Death to America!' and 'Death to Israel!'. Unfortunately, the shifting posture of the United States under President Trump is another source of insecurity that we cannot ignore. The US solely has the attributes of a global stabiliser, and we Europeans have often seconded upholding the rules-based international order. But today, our coordination and cooperation is clearly insufficient, whether on Afghanistan, Ukraine, China or Iran. This lack of unity ...

Madam President, dear colleagues, in the plenary of 1 April, I said that 'the moment for realpolitik has come'. And this is what happened. Israel is fighting a total war against Hamas, because it poses an existential threat to its bare existence. Make no mistake: defeating Hamas is not a crazy idea of a right-wing government; defeating Hamas is a goal widely supported by the Jewish people. And, colleagues, unfortunately, I don't hear it clearly enough from the European foreign ministers and Kaja Kallas. It is also in the European interest that Hamas is defeated. With an active and strong Hamas, there will be no peace, no future, no two-state solution. I repeat: we as the EU must share Israel's strategic interest to defeat Hamas. But we also see that the trauma of 7 October and the fact that Israeli hostages are still kept has led to a blind spot in Israel with regard to the destiny of Palestinian civilians. Of course, there can be no deportation, no cutting-off of basic humanitarian and medical aid. We need real, safe spaces for civilians while the military action against Hamas is ongoing. Colleagues, now we need more – not less – collaboration with Israel to make sure that humanitarian aid which has been obtained really reaches those in need ...

Madam President, dear colleagues, the battle to drive Hamas out of Gaza is getting more and more intense. For the first time, Palestinians themselves have also taken to the streets against Hamas. I think we all hope that Hamas, this terrible oppressor of the Palestinian population and huge threat to innocent Israelis, will be defeated once and for all. That is still missing – living hostages will finally be liberated of Hamas tunnels and see light, food and love again. It has been 543 days. We, as the EU, as we all know, do not play a role in the current negotiations. But we could and should start to engage ourselves in the competition of ideas for the day after. I recommend that we do this in close cooperation with the Arab neighbours and the key players in the region. We should initiate and support any kind of process which leads to political emancipation from Hamas and to de-radicalisation. We, as the EU, have insisted that the Palestinian Authority engages in reform and becomes an independent, terror-free Palestinian state, potentially also including Gaza. What we need now are fresh, creative and politically grounded ideas. I would like to invite you, our new high representative, to engage with the Parliament in this regard and to continue visiting the region and testing solutions, together with regional actors, open to our values and respected by both of the conflicting parties.

Mr President, dear colleagues, we urgently need new guidance in this budget on EU funding for UNRWA, the unique agency for Palestine, which now operates in Gaza without effective international oversight since Israel has cut off contact to UNRWA on the basis of a Parliament's decision end of January. Mr Germain, Madam Gómez López, there is a serious risk that EU-funded humanitarian aid is being diverted to Hamas, an EU-listed terror organisation that has executed the attacks on 7 October, that controls the territory, that has deeply infiltrated local institutions and the education system, and that bluntly denies Israel's right to exist. There is evidence that humanitarian aid intended for the civilian population in Gaza is diverted. Former hostages testified that Hamas captors consumed UNRWA-branded food while they starved. UNRWA facilities have been linked to Hamas tunnels used for hiding escape routes and torture. Most importantly, UNRWA has failed to reform. The Colonna report of 2024 clearly states that UNRWA educational materials still include hateful and anti-Semitic content, strongly disregarding the opinion of...

Mr President! Dear colleagues! I would like to contribute to this discussion as rapporteur for the EU law on critical raw materials, which we adopted by a large majority here in Parliament last year. Particularly because the European Commission, led by Social Democratic Commissioner Urpilainen and Liberal Vice-President Séjourné, signed memoranda on the joint sustainable development of strategic raw materials last year. I admit, that surprised me. But in a way it was consistent. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo want to use their raw materials, and we in Europe need them. So when we always talk about partnerships on an equal footing with Africa, it was an opportunity to put this into practice. But since the signing in February and October, nothing has happened under this agreement that could now be called into question or even terminated. Nothing happened. On the contrary. These agreements contain important commitments that allow us to promote positive developments in both countries – guarantees of origin, due diligence and compliance with standards. Yes, the implementation of EU rules has not always been smooth in the past. But is that a reason to give up and withdraw now, especially now that both sides are showing a growing interest in cooperation? I say no. Our raw materials policy in Africa, especially towards strategically important partners such as Rwanda and Congo, must be characterized by patience, long-term commitment and reliability, and not by a premature breach of trust.

Madam President, Dear colleagues! The decisive political actor with real negotiating power in the Middle East is the US with its military strength. This is probably clear to everyone these days. But: We, too, as the EU, have strengths and basic convictions that we should bring to the Middle East. We are strong in providing humanitarian aid. We are experienced in building institutions. We are good at building regional markets, know-how in cross-border cooperation. And there's a lot to do here. Commissioner, you have described it, from the development of infrastructure to the development of renewable energies and water supply. We can achieve a lot with increased European engagement, including peace, and should therefore now sharpen our external economic instruments. At the same time, and I have heard far too little from you, ladies and gentlemen, we must also show our red lines very clearly. And these are: No cooperation with or financing of terrorists, deradicalisation, combating hatred, promoting democratic processes and unconditionally ensuring Israel's security.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I strongly believe in Europe's innovative power. That is why I am making policy in this Parliament and for our European Union. And that is why I have also advocated putting fusion energy on the agenda right at the beginning of this legislature – because we need to act. What is it about? We all know that we urgently need affordable, clean and secure energy for the baseload supply. And fusion energy could contribute a lot to that. The EU is excellent in fusion research, but so far there is no decisive step to put theory into practice – we need to close this gap. Firstly, this means: Target public research funding to quickly answer the remaining open but well-known scientific questions and insist on better cooperation between research institutions and companies. And secondly, and most importantly: support our European start-ups in the field of fusion energy. These companies need new public-private partnerships and reliable financial support, which is paid out when concrete milestones are reached. Because there is a spirit of optimism: 88 percent of companies in this area expect the first fusion power plant to feed electricity into the European grid as early as the 1920s, 1930s or even earlier. I would like to see a change of policy, which consists in no longer relying solely on individual major projects such as ITER and DEMO. From now on, we should also give European fusion energy start-ups with a wide range of technological approaches a real chance. The world is not waiting for us. The US and China are already investing heavily. But Europe has a broad and diverse top know-how to be successful in fusion energy. Let's lift this great potential for the reliable improvement of our energy supply together now.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, It is getting warmer and warmer and warmer on our planet, and now for ten years in a row. At the end of last year, we finally tore down the 1.5-degree target that we set for good reasons as a global community ten years ago in Paris, because from more than 1.5 degrees global warming irretrievable and uncontrollable changes will occur, because glaciers and polar caps are melting, because the tundra is thawing and because unprecedented heat waves and heavy rainfall are causing serious damage to us as well. This alarming development is one of the main reasons why I have decided to make policy in this Parliament and we have also changed course since 2019 with the adoption of binding climate targets. But we also noted in the last legislature how difficult it is to transform our fossil-fuel-based energy system, to get mobility, buildings and agriculture lower in emissions, to establish a circular economy, and that we need to invest a lot of money, colleagues, especially when global competition is faster, more disruptive and more decisive. And now comes the second but: No or less climate protection is even more expensive. Take a look at how much damage and reconstruction is currently being calculated for Los Angeles and how many billions have been caused by the floods and heat waves of material damage – not to mention the dead, injured and displaced. Whoever loses sense of responsibility and will for the future and who does not want to listen to scientists, I ask him to speak at least once with those affected or to seek the conversation with the insurers, who will soon no longer insure such damage, if we in Europe, but also worldwide, if we do not join together reasonably and climate change ...

Do you want to say that you have doubts in the Israeli justice system? Is this what you want to say? I don't have these doubts. I don't have doubts like Ms Al-Sahlani in the Israeli justice system.

I can't see a question, but if you mean: I talked about balance, about innocent Israeli hostages being released for convicted mass murderers who have helped kill hundreds, thousands of Israeli civilians. And I have pointed out this imbalance and the resulting insecurity resulting from the release of Hamas fighters, who will of course regroup, to this danger to the security of Israel.

Mr President, dear fellow Europeans, dear colleagues, whoever has met with the families of the hostages, whoever has a heart beating in their chest, could feel nothing but immense joy and relief yesterday evening, when the first three Israeli girls were released after 471 days in captivity. I would like to wholeheartedly thank all those who have worked tirelessly to make this agreement between Israel and Hamas a reality. But with Hamas – and here comes the painful truth – this agreement is a pact with the devil. The facts speak for themselves. For the release of 33 innocent Israeli hostages, 1 900 criminals of Palestinian origin, and often Hamas affiliation, will be freed. The cost of this agreement is extremely high in terms of Israel's security. Now, a plan is on the table for steps towards the release of all hostages and the permanent ceasefire in Gaza. But the crucial question remains: who will govern the ruins of Gaza? The Biden Administration has aimed at a big bargain with Saudi Arabia, including the relaunch of a diplomatic process for an independent Palestinian state. The incoming Trump Administration brokered the Abraham Accords and made Prime Minister Netanyahu agree to the current agreement. Yet the future remains uncertain. Unfortunately, the EU, hampered by its divisions, is not a political player in the region, but the EU is a vital donor of humanitarian aid and in this regard, let me be crystal clear. We cannot allow Hamas to rebuild itself in Gaza. It is time to close the tunnels permanently, to intercept the financial flows, to stop teaching children to glorify terror, and to dismantle the structures that cement hatred and deny the possibility of peaceful coexistence. We cannot afford to be blind or naive any longer. Now it's time for realpolitik.

Mr President, dear Vice-President Kallas, many important and true things have already been said by my colleagues, and I would like, therefore, to concentrate on a topic which was maybe not yet highlighted that much in the debate. I was very pleased to hear that you proposed to the Council to convene an Association Council meeting with Israel. This shows that you are focusing rather on dialogue with Israel and not on ousting Israel, which was lately the very wrong policy of your predecessor. For me, it is shocking to see that the relations between an EU Member State, like Ireland, and Israel can deteriorate to such a point that an ambassador is being recalled. It is high time that the EU sets straight its position towards the only stable democracy in the region, and to motivate Israel to play a constructive role in the upcoming process, helping to establish the new political authorities in Syria. In this regard, I also very much welcome your announcement to restart the high-level dialogue with the Palestinian Authority. There is currently a big opportunity for the EU in the Middle East to become more than just a donor of humanitarian aid, for example, an enabler for institution and democracy-building. I am strongly convinced that parliamentarian engagement and diplomacy can be beneficial to your efforts. Also, as a former German diplomat, I am very much looking forward to a close cooperation with you in the next five years.

Dear Commissioner, Dear President, Ladies and Gentlemen! Innovation is at the heart of our competitiveness in Europe. But what good are the best ideas if their implementation gets stuck in bureaucracy, high costs and a fragmented single market? With one European Innovation Act we have the opportunity to reduce these barriers by facilitating access to finance, fostering cross-border cooperation and giving young companies the space they need to grow without failing at national borders or complicated regulations. Europe has a high potential for innovation, as all indicators show. What is often lacking is the application, scaling, commercialization of innovative solutions. For this we need, yes, public support first, but above all venture capital and strategic investments. In order to make the EU more attractive for private and institutional investors, the existing blockades for the Capital Markets Union must finally be broken up. We should also make every effort to retain skilled workers in Europe. And our companies should be increasingly listed on the stock exchange. Our goal is a Europe where innovation takes place. A Europe that is not lagging behind, but moving forward – courageous and confident.

Madam President, Dear colleagues! We need clean drinking water like the air to breathe. The fact that we in Europe generally have very good access to clean drinking water is a civilisational achievement of which we can be proud, but which must also be maintained again and again. One of the most important tasks of the state is to monitor the cleanliness of drinking water. It is therefore very important that we collect and evaluate the latest scientific findings and data on the quality of our drinking water. Since this year, we have been working intensively on traces of microplastics and so-called eternity chemicals in our drinking water. For the first time, it has been possible to agree on uniform measurement criteria, which will hopefully now enable well-founded comparisons and the derivation of recommendations for action. Against this background, I would like to formulate the following two guidelines for the future: Firstly, the recyclability and degradability of materials should play an increasingly important role in the design of new products. And secondly, necessary substances, which have been proven to be toxic to humans, must always be safely processed and disposed of. I believe these two goals have the potential to engage us in detail over the next five years. I look forward to working with you!

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen! Today is a very important day. Just one hour ago, we launched the new EU Commission, an EU Commission – as President Ursula von der Leyen put it very clearly – that puts Europe’s industry and economy at the forefront of competitiveness. We as the EPP have made a massive commitment to this, and I am very pleased that we will now start the next five years under these signs. Anyone who listens to our company knows what to do. Firstly: Regulation only where necessary – as a framework that is then also valid throughout Europe and that best resembles that of our most important economic and value partners worldwide when introducing new technologies. Secondly: Consistency in legislation and withdrawal of reporting obligations and obligations that do not contribute to increasing productivity. And thirdly: Focus on innovation technologies and maintain technology leadership through smart financial support for market uptake and scaling. Our competitors are ahead of us in pursuing more strategic, long-term and decisive economic and industrial policies. Over the next five years, let us as the EU prove that we can do the same and continue to be at the forefront of future-proof jobs and prosperity in Europe worldwide.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, there is one single action that could decisively change the situation in Gaza: the release of the hostages by Hamas, unlike an ICC arrest warrant that oversteps its competences. It's been 417 days! The State of Israel has had to fight repeatedly for its survival. The attack of 7 October was not spontaneous: it was backed by extensive military preparations and significant funding. Israel, understandably, is now determined once and for all to ensure its security with all its might. However, the release of the hostages by Hamas would put significant pressure on Israel to alter its current actions in Gaza. Releasing 100 hostages in exchange for improving the humanitarian conditions for millions of Palestinians – only terrorists devoid of any humanity can reject that logic. Israel is offering USD 5 million per hostage to anyone who assists in their liberation. Blurring the lines between terrorists and civilians, as well as the tolerance of terrorism, is one of the greatest threats to any society. I hope more and more people will become aware and engaged in this fight, and draw a clear line between those who are willing to embrace the values of life, dignity and humanity, and those who don't.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen! The United Nations has reached its 75th anniversary. On the occasion of his 100th birthday, he set out to develop a future agenda that has now been presented: better involve young people, understand digitalisation as a new reality, improve the representation of all regions of the world in the Security Council. These are all very legitimate concerns. However, it is also striking that we will miss the 17 goals of our already adopted sustainability agenda, which includes a lot of future and more justice, by 2030 if we continue as before. And what is also striking, at the latest since the attack of Security Council member Russia on Ukraine, is that there is less and less agreement among the members on the basic principles of the United Nations: uphold peace and fundamental rights, adherence to the treaty, territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes, international cooperation, improvement of living conditions, more freedom. Does a process on new topics, which was initiated in New York on a rather abstract level, help? The Czech president was certainly right when he said: Work begins at home. And I would add that the work continues in Brussels. Because Europe, as a rich continent with developed social security systems and great technical know-how, can move a lot towards sustainability. But we definitely can't do it as Europe alone. For the protection of our planet, for future prospects for all in their homeland, we need a new dynamic for international cooperation within and outside the United Nations. My impression is that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to direct her new Commission towards such a more active international role. And I suggest that we consider you here as Team Europe Strong support from the parliamentary side.

Madam President, Commissioner! Today marks a new beginning – both in terms of staff and programme. Time to reflect on what role the European Union should play in the Middle East conflict in the future. We should examine and, above all, control what EU funds are used for, as the EU is currently the strongest in development and humanitarian aid in the Middle East. They must not flow into educational institutions and teachers who teach hatred, or end up in institutions that feed terror. Monopolies are rarely good, and this also applies to donor structures. In view of the reconstruction in Gaza and for a sustainable peace in the Middle East, we as the EU should press for the Arab neighbours of Israel to commit themselves in future, both in terms of personnel and financial resources, to the relief structures on the ground. As the EU, we should present a concept for new donor structures, a first important task for the new Commissioners responsible. In the future, it will no longer be just about managing refugees. On the contrary, the creation of jobs and conditions for a stable economy, for real prospects for the people of Gaza, must be at the forefront. This will only happen with a stable economic partner like Israel and, of course, with the private sector. So we need to achieve in Gaza what we want to achieve worldwide – creating livelihood earning opportunities so that people have prospects in their homeland and do not have to emigrate or despair or become easy prey for hate preachers. Aside from this, we need a new, coherent and, above all, stronger EU policy on Iran, as well as better political support for the Palestinian Authority; However, this would go beyond today's framework. There is a lot to do in the Middle East – let's do our part as the EU!

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! We are at a turning point. The energy transition must be completed in this legislature. This urgently requires the European Energy Union, i.e. a coordinated European energy policy and pan-European networks. Only with a genuine Energy Union will we increase our competitiveness, reduce energy prices and improve our energy self-sufficiency. Hydrogen should play a key role in this. This is also underlined by Mario Draghi in his report, in which hydrogen plays a similarly important role as renewable energies. In doing so, as we do in the EPP, he is focusing on openness to technology rather than unilateral electrification. Because relying solely on electrification carries risks. On the one hand, this entails an unwise technological bottleneck, and on the other hand, it leads to new risks due to our dependence on China for raw materials. With openness to technology, on the other hand, we can make electricity and hydrogen work hand in hand. Renewable energies can be stored and transported as green molecules, which would stabilize our networks. And the best part: It would require much less raw materials, as we could use existing infrastructures such as gas networks to transport hydrogen. This is the circular idea that we need in Europe. The hydrogen industry is growing rapidly all over the world. In order to promote the development of a hydrogen economy in Europe as well, we urgently need to simplify regulations and invest strategically. Energy security, low energy prices and the combination of renewables and hydrogen are key to increasing European competitiveness. I look forward to this new legislature. Let us seize the many opportunities ahead to make Europe's economy more resilient!

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen! Our 2021 strategy has failed. Anti-Semitism in Europe has not diminished – it is stronger than ever before. Jews must feel safe in Europe: This goal was clearly missed. On the contrary: Anti-Semitic attacks have increased massively. People of Jewish faith are afraid to wear their religious symbols publicly. Anti-Semitic smears calling for the annihilation of the State of Israel can be found on every street lamp. Scientists and authors are threatened and boycotted. Anti-Semitism has reached a new, dangerous dimension. Just a few days ago, our Berlin cultural senator Joe Chialo was shouted down and physically approached because he wants to ensure that tax money is not used to finance hatred of Israel or Jews. It is high time, and especially at the beginning of this legislature, that we all set our compass. Europe is built on the overcoming of hatred, on the reappraisal of history, which includes the extensive annihilation of Jewish life in Europe, on a security guarantee for the State of Israel, on the non-violent resolution of conflicts and on democracy. The measures of the anti-Semitism strategy are not wrong, but before us lies mainly a social challenge to which each and every one of us can contribute, namely to banish hatred and to oppose it, where it unfortunately already prevails. Hatred should not be the foundation of a society. It must not be planted in the heads of children. It must not be allowed to spread on our streets and, of course, it must not be financially supported. Let us be role models as European representatives and take action together! Unfortunately, the task is not smaller, it has become much larger.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. The staging of the Greens for this plenary debate really shocks me, because they still haven't understood it after five years: Climate and environmental protection can only be achieved with broad social and parliamentary majorities. They obviously want to split. Ursula von der Leyen in 2019 with the Green Deal the priority has been set correctly, and we have taken important pillars with majorities in the middle, Mr Liese has called them. And we, as the EPP, have made sure that it also becomes a modernisation and growth programme and thus a real deal for our European economy. Climate and environmental protection is made not only for an elite and in ignorance of the economic situation of many citizens and the economy, but together with them. Climate protection must be technically clean and financially supported, and it must take place worldwide in order to be successful. Dear Greens, join us on our inclusive journey. After the European elections, we will have enough to do to defend measures for environmental and climate protection against those who want to deny and ignore the problem.

Mr President, Commissioner! With the single market, its diverse industrial structure, its skilled workers and its innovative SMEs, Europe is in principle in a good position to compete internationally. But this competition is much more intense and the demands on our industry have become much greater. In order to keep our planet worth living, we have to produce differently. In order to defend our free social model, we must safeguard its economic basis. We have already achieved a lot for a European industrial policy in this legislature, but we need even more. When it comes to regulation, we need to ensure coherence and simplicity, focus on the essentials, the technically feasible, the most efficient and thus cost-effective solution for transition and testing phases, in short: Better legislation than before. Secondly: the conditions of competition. They must be fair and transparent. The Commission must address this issue more consistently, wisely and together with our partners around the world. Thirdly: investments. We will need six times as much as before. Conventional bank financing is increasingly coming to an end. That is why we, as the EU, should tackle the Capital Markets Union in order to attract more venture capital. Finally: The Commission cannot do this alone. All Member States are encouraged to speed up their administrative processes and invest in infrastructure. We now need together ambition and departure for industry Made in Europe.

Ms Incir, I don’t know if you listened to my speech. I didn’t talk about UNRWA at all. Let’s talk about what I’ve said. The most important thing is that we have a stronger role as the European Union. What I have seen in both regards – with regard to the situation in Gaza, with the civilians, and with regard to the hostages – we are not doing enough, and this is what I’m calling for.

Mr President! Plenary session after plenary session we discuss the situation in Gaza, but unfortunately Masse does not make a class. I have the impression that only the well-known positions for one's own satisfaction are exchanged, instead of finally working in the sense of a stronger foreign policy role of the EU. There are two things that I find increasingly unbearable: First, the fate of the hostages is increasingly receding into the background. I warned you about this weeks ago. The families of some 130 captured Israelis have had no sign of life from their loved ones, their children and their babies for months. What are we Members of Parliament doing? What do you do, Mr. Borrell, if you listen, personally, to ensure that the hostages do not forget, do not become collateral damage in the great Middle East conflict? The starting point of the current war was a brutal mass murder and the abduction of civilians. We must not allow this tool to be successful – from either side. Secondly: the role of our High Representative, Mr Borrell. He fell in love yesterday in a general attack on the President of the Commission. To this end: Unlike Mr. Borrell, Ursula von der Leyen can crisis. This has been proven several times in the last five years. Unlike Mr. Borrell, Ursula von der Leyen has built up enormous international trust. Ursula von der Leyen's decisions are based on a clear foundation of values, and she rightly thinks European security beyond the day. Where are Mr. Borrell's achievements? Does he seriously believe that something can be achieved in the Middle East with polemics instead of diplomacy? No, Mr Borrell's record is inadequate and his approach unsuitable. It is good that we have Ursula von der Leyen, who is shaping the face of the EU internationally, and not him. Happy retirement, Mr. Borrell! (The speaker agreed to answer a question on the blue card procedure.)