Speeches

Madam President, Commissioner! InvestEU supports the financing of companies and thus also helps to combat our current economic crisis. With the changes, we are now creating the framework to attract up to 55 billion in additional private investments. And we already know this from various other countries. Particularly by pooling legacy programmes in InvestEU, we ensure that existing funds work where they are needed. Smaller projects under €300,000 are often the source of large investments – but only if we do not impose regulatory burdens on them again. Reducing reporting requirements for this project is therefore a very important step. So let's not stifle the entrepreneurial spirit in the bureaucratic thicket.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! Europe's exit from Russian gas and oil is more than an energy policy decision. It is a moral necessity. Security of supply and price stability will of course take centre stage now, because we will no longer finance your war, Mr Putin. Of course, security of energy supply must be guaranteed and investments in renewable energy must be stepped up without additional bureaucracy. Unfortunately, the right side is not there again, but a PV system has nothing to do with Traumland. This is a reality today and very simple. I wanted to show them, but unfortunately they're not there anymore.

Mr President, Commissioner! I can only agree with my colleague. Yes, it is hard to understand that such a successful and innovative company as Google does not want to be able to comply with European rules. That's really ridiculous. Google is dominant in all stages of the digital advertising chain. This makes it almost impossible for many advertisers to cooperate on an equal footing. Therefore, the Commission's decision is to be welcomed and it also shows that our European instruments must be strong, effective and enforceable. Unfortunately, the colleagues on the right are not there. They have always been screaming for more competition in Europe, for more companies. Anyone can start a business every day. I did this 30 years ago, and my colleagues here could do the same.

Mr President, Commissioner! First of all, thank you to our rapporteur, Mr Hadjipantela. The multitude of different national tax laws within the EU naturally generates massive additional costs for us entrepreneurs. 87 percent of the EU-wide tax compliance costs of EUR 204 billion alone affect our small and medium-sized businesses. This fragmentation of the tax system leads to double taxation, legal uncertainty and competitive disadvantages. Digitization and automation of the tax administration is also highly timely throughout Europe. Simple, stable rules promote innovation and employment. De-bureaucratisation is the favour of the hour – as we have often heard today. But it must not be an empty word. It has to reach the farms – with real relief, clear rules and less effort.

Madam President, Commissioner! As an entrepreneur, social dialogue is very important to me, and the European model stands for it. But the amendment of the directive, which has been a reliable and practical basis for the last few years, is just so important to me that something is being destroyed here. Mandatory consultation before business decisions restricts freedom of action and slows down processes – especially now that we are in a situation where speed and flexibility are very, very important for companies. I also see the unrestricted assumption of costs for litigation as a problem. This promotes conflict rather than solutions. There is also too little focus on the principle of subsidiarity. In countries such as Austria, there is a functioning social partnership with collective agreements – we have just seen this in the case of metallers’ degrees. It only took a few hours for our employees and employers to come to an agreement. That is why I also believe that this harmonisation means that consideration of national specificities of the markets is lost. Democracy in the workplace is very important to me, but I still cannot agree with this proposal.

Mr President, Commissioner! On the one hand, we have been strategic partners with India since 2004, but on the other hand, we also have clear disagreements about whether it is about the acquisition of Russian oil, but also about the joint military exercises with Belarus and Russia. However, as our world is undergoing profound geopolitical change, Europe needs strategic partnerships with countries that stand for competition and innovation. India, with its young, well-educated population, has great potential for cooperation with Europe. The free trade agreement for open, free trade with India should also be tackled urgently. With the new strategic agenda, we are laying the foundation for a partnership that will be very valuable both economically and technologically.

Mr President, Commissioner! Yes, it is high time for a European digital tax. I am an Austrian entrepreneur and like many small and medium-sized enterprises and also large companies, I pay my taxes where my profits are incurred. Just like these entrepreneurs, I can't choose where I want to move my profits. However, large digital corporations have very different opportunities – and especially in our Member States – to benefit from tax breaks. The goal must be to tax profits where they arise. Yes, and as I said: Feared to death, he also died. We should not be guided by Trump, but by a really good European digital tax.

Mr President, Commissioner! If today we are over Clean technology We will talk about the future of our industry, our energy supply and our competitiveness. The European Clean techThe market already has a volume of 176 billion and will triple by 2034. It is therefore important that we develop and produce these technologies here in Europe. We must not again depend on China and the United States in these important areas. With the Clean industrial deal and the Net‐Zero Industry Act We have set the right course here in the house. Now it's about investing quickly and further reducing unnecessary hurdles. Especially for an industrialized country like Austria with innovative SMEs and strong companies in the technical field Clean tech This is a huge opportunity – and without nuclear energy, by the way.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! First of all, I would like to congratulate our colleague Anna Stürgkh on this INI report. Yes, the decarbonisation and associated electrification of the economy poses major challenges for Europe, mainly because our electricity grids are getting old and a true internal market for electricity is not yet in sight. It is estimated that around €584 billion will be needed by 2030 to modernise electricity grids and better connect Member States. At the same time, we know: The best network expansion is of no use if it fails due to local resistance. That's why we need to get citizens on board. Financial participation models, transparent planning and real participation can increase acceptance. In Europe, we find some examples that we can imitate. For example, there are shares of residents for energy projects in Alsace, or in Italy, residents can participate in the project by using state-of-the-art technology. Because the networks that we so urgently need for tomorrow must already be accepted today.

Mr President, Mr Executive Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen! The Clean industrial deal is the European Commission's industrial programme and promises to unite reindustrialisation and decarbonisation, i.e. to reconcile them. During the last legislative period, we have dealt mainly with the Green Deal Having looked into this and waited in vain for Timmermans' promised deal for the economy, it is now high time that we put Europe's competitiveness back at the centre. Our companies suffer, and you can hear that every time you visit our company. No to minimalist growth rates, strong technological competition, high energy prices and a tense political environment – these are the framework conditions that our companies currently face. Our companies, especially those in the energy-intensive sector, now need not only support for industrial transformation, but also a clear commitment to industrial value creation in Europe. The main objective is to reduce energy costs and provide efficient cross-border infrastructure in this area. Measures such as promoting and strengthening the hydrogen economy and much more are also important. And my colleague has already pointed it out – it also has to be fast. If we really want to finance the Industrial decarbonisation bench For me, this must be put aside, because we already have enough structures and bureaucracy.

Madam President, Mr Executive Vice-President! The RRF is a unique crisis instrument underpinned by European solidarity and fiscal responsibility. Austria has set a strong focus on digitalisation, climate protection and primary health care in its reconstruction plan. Nevertheless, the growth impulse is only 0.3 percentage points per year, but with a positive spillover through exports to Germany, Italy and Poland. Although the RRF was very important in the pandemic, the Court of Auditors has shown us how we can tackle weaknesses in crisis situations in the future. Now it is high time that we all take a serious look at the repayments of the billions, otherwise 20% will already be taken from the EU budget in 2028. That is why smart ideas are needed, because I believe that no one in this House wants to end up in a debt union.

Madam President, Mr Executive Vice-President! Yes, our European steel industry is suffering. But especially today, on this bleak day for industry, I would like to point out a committed example of the Austrian steel industry. From 2027 onwards, a green-electric electric arc will be in operation at the Linz and Donawitz sites – up to 30 % CO2‐Emissions are reduced compared to 2019. We thus reduce 5% of the annual CO2emissions throughout Australia. By 2050, Voestalpine is aiming for net-zero steel production. It is therefore important to quickly resolve outstanding issues such as the allocation of ETS allowances after 2034. This is the only way for our companies to plan for the long term, invest in innovation and decarbonisation and secure jobs.

Mr President, Commissioner! High energy prices are jeopardising Europe's competitiveness. Fast action is now required to reduce cost pressure, especially for our companies. Commissioner, you have put forward good ideas, but I have lacked one thing when I think of grid expansion. More and more citizens are preventing important leadership projects. Even though I'm going home today, I'm passing by a great infrastructure project that probably can't be implemented. There is now also a growing demand from citizens for underground cables, which are of course much more expensive; This, of course, leads to investors often jumping off. Commissioner, I believe that we need a holistic approach to involve Member States, municipalities, especially mayors, but also citizens, as we are doing to make cross-border electricity connections really possible.

Madam President, Commissioner! The Clean industrial deal It promises to reconcile reindustrialisation and decarbonisation. Our European companies now urgently need our support because they are struggling with minimalist growth rates, high energy costs, strong technological competition, overregulation and a tense political environment. I can certainly win something from the principles of your plan, but I still have a lot of open questions. There will certainly be new legislation again – please smart Without any additional bureaucracy. Member States are encouraged to reduce taxes on electricity, redesign corporate tax systems and implement permit-granting procedures; They also need your support. But also the design of the law to accelerate industrial decarbonisation with resilience and sustainability criteria as well as the creation of a hydrogen bank leaves some answers open for me, which we will certainly have to discuss in the future. It is important that our companies now get help, which was promised in the Green Deal, because our companies ...

Mr President! Commissioner! Satellites in space from the USA, 5G from China and manipulated submarine cables: This is the reality of our communication infrastructure. The EU's technological sovereignty is thus in jeopardy. This means uncertainty for the economy, for the administration, but also for the citizens. As with critical raw materials, we need a future infrastructure strategy with reliable partners, because we are still very attached to China and the USA. We also need to invest in European technologies. We must promote the strengthening of cybersecurity and an ambitious expansion of the European satellite constellation. An efficient and future-proof infrastructure is the foundation for innovation, competitiveness and Europe's digital sovereignty.

Mr President! Commissioner. Madam President Lagarde! War, energy crisis, unreliable supply chains and rising food prices have led to a massive loss of purchasing power for Europeans over the last three years. And one thing should not be overlooked: They have also led to policy changes in some Member States. While the US Federal Reserve acted early, it was felt that the ECB had been hesitating for too long, with tangible consequences for the European economy and for citizens. A currency is only as strong as the economy behind it. Europe must therefore increase its competitiveness in order to secure the euro in the long term. Less bureaucracy, more innovation, targeted investments for the economy and banks are now urgently needed to secure sustainable growth. You too, Madam President, will make a decisive contribution to this. Only with genuine reforms can we secure Europe's economic future and ensure that prosperity not only remains a promise, but is also tangible for all Europeans.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! The Qatargate socialist scandal has shown that NGOs need more control. Unfortunately, at the time, as we voted in Parliament, the left and also parts of the Renew had not voted in favour of our transparency motion. But it is clear: NGOs need to explain how they are funded, what their business model is and what their goals are – and this is no different for every company. And it cannot be the case that the European Commission pays NGOs for influencing MEPs in order to enforce left-wing green policies against agriculture and the economy, and that with European tax money. Well, that's so. And I think because you mentioned companies earlier, Mr. Freund: Companies have to prove everything in every promotion when they start funding and even if they get the funding then, these bills are highly complicated. You really shouldn't confuse this with business.

Mr President! Commissioner! Colleagues! On the occasion of the Green Deal, then Vice President Timmermans promised us a deal for the economy. Unfortunately, he broke his promise and there were obligations, reporting obligations, unclearly defined legislation and high cost increases for our economy. I have often pointed out that decarbonisation must not lead to deindustrialisation and that the competitiveness of the European economy is declining. First the Inflation Reduction Act The US has awakened us from sleep because the relocations of EU companies have already been felt in the regions. In order to prevent future emigration, a comprehensive and high-quality impact assessment is required for each legislative proposal. And this impact assessment must necessarily include a mandatory competitiveness check – unfortunately this has not been the case in the last period. I've been an entrepreneur for many years, but the situation we have now in the economy was the last one I had in 2007, 2008, during the financial crisis. I therefore ask you, Commissioner, to focus on competitiveness and give entrepreneurs more freedom.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! Apple has lost the years-long battle before the ECJ for billions of tax rebates in Ireland, has to pay 13 billion euros. This is not a threat to Apple’s very existence, which is a good thing, but it is a big sign for Europe. It's about profits outside the U.S., and in 2016, the European Commission decided that Ireland has received 23 years of distortive tax breaks. Experts have even calculated that the tax rate was 0.00% on a case-by-case basis. Of course, this state aid to the group provides competitive advantages compared to other companies, but for our internal market we need fairness between Member States. Of course, from time to time Member States would like to see State aid legislation extended. But one should think of other things such as reforms, such as less bureaucracy and burdens – this is also how one can make a location attractive. Fairness must apply to all companies, whether large or small, whether large corporations or the bakery next door. And we must also protect citizens in our countries from these practices, because the careful handling of taxpayers' money must be a top priority everywhere in Europe.

Mr President, Commissioner, esteemed colleagues, esteemed spectators! A stable, successful, affordable energy supply is the backbone of our industry and our economy and thus also secures our prosperity in Europe. Even though energy prices are now falling, they still remain two to three times higher than in the US. This is especially true when we consider that the United States Inflation Reduction Act and, with less bureaucratic constraints, continue to be interesting for outflows of European companies. We urgently need to eliminate this imbalance and create a level playing field for our businesses. The Commission has already provided some important impetus, such as: Net-Zero Industry Act or the EU Energy Platform or the Hydrogen Bank. I also welcome Mario Draghi's proposal for a stronger separation of renewable energy and fossil fuels. Our approval procedures are still a major problem. Here, too, we must not only work here, but also hold our national states accountable. Gold plating It no longer matters when it comes to renewable energy. But even with the greatest efforts – and we must not be deniers of reality – we will never achieve complete self-sufficiency; That's why we need sensible, reliable partners. Yes, energy security and sustainability are important. However, decarbonisation must not lead to de-industrialisation and competitive framework conditions are therefore needed for our industry, our SMEs to continue to operate successfully in Europe.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, The protection of geographical indications for agricultural products is an EU success story. Of the 3 761 products, 57 come from Austria, with the first protected products already registered before our EU accession. The new Regulation brings together the existing rules into a common system of protection and also improves the online protection of geographical indications. Simplified registration procedures, which last no longer than six months, show that agriculture can work even without overregulation. Yes, there are a lot of regional specialties that not only benefit Europeans, but they are also important export products far around the world.