Speeches

Madam President, Commissioner! Europe is a continent of savers, but unfortunately not a continent for investors at the moment. Many people consciously rely on security, and that gives an enormous potential. Around 10 trillion euros are currently in bank deposits, which would do us very good to finance growth. Financing is not a secondary issue, but could also be a lever in economic policy times – but especially for young people. Young people learn differently: They go online, they look for hidden advertising, they look at disinformation, and that's why financial education is the most important protection. Anyone who understands how markets work, who can assess risk, makes better decisions and is not so easily victimized. The so-called finfluencers must also abide by the rules. It cannot be that everything is strictly controlled by banks and that nothing is actually controlled by finfluencers when it comes to investment recommendations. It is important that we have less bureaucracy in the future, responsibility in the digital space. I believe that this is the right way forward for a strong European Union competitiveness.

Mr President, Commissioner! The protection of the European Union's financial interests is not a technical issue, it is above all a matter of economic rationality, but also of political credibility. Especially in times of economic uncertainty, rising costs, especially for companies, we have to look particularly carefully at how we deal with our tax money. Because any abuse not only damages the budget, it also damages our credibility with the companies, but also with the population. In the report we see clearly: Fraud is more complex, international and above all professionally organized. And while our control mechanisms are getting better and better, we need access that combines anti-fraud and economic efficiency. Firstly, this means: less bureaucracy, but better, risk-based controls. Companies and beneficiaries must not be put under general suspicion, but we must look where the risk is actually high. Secondly: Use digitization as an opportunity, because data analyses can help to detect irregularities at an early stage and thus make procedures more efficient. And thirdly: Clear consequences of abuse. Anyone who intentionally misuses EU funds must be appreciably held accountable. To put it freely according to the Austrian legend Niki Lauda: We have nothing to give away.

Madam President, Commissioner! Tomorrow we will conclude an important chapter for the European Banking Union. The aim of the CMDI reform was clear from the outset: we want to protect the taxpayer and secure financial stability. For me, one thing was crucial: proportionality. We have successfully prevented proven national security systems, as we currently have at savings banks and cooperative banks, from being hollowed out through the back door. My assessment is therefore positive: firstly, we have achieved the protection of savers and thus strengthen confidence in the internal market. Secondly, we emphasize personal responsibility. In the event of a crisis, the banks themselves are liable first and not the citizens. Thirdly, we have found a European solution that respects local specificities instead of forcing one-size-fits-all solutions. We say yes to cooperation, but no to a creeping debt community. We are making Europe crisis-proof without sacrificing the stability of our proven national pillars. This is a good compromise for the population and also for the economy.

Mr President, Commissioner! Yes, I welcome the fact that, with this energy package, the Commission has identified key priorities from the Clean industrial deal and the Affordable energy action plan Implemented. Yes, Commissioner, I hope you are already working on the Energy Union, because I think we will need it quickly – mind you for Austria without nuclear power. Modernizing our networks still costs a lot of money. Therefore, we must be in the Clean energy investment strategy mobilise both public and private capital as soon as possible, as planned. Unfortunately, the colleagues on the right half are no longer there. But I can tell you from my own experience: I've been 95 percent energy self-sufficient for a year, and the right doesn't have to pretend it's a science. Anyone can do that, and it's not difficult. So let's do it together.

Madam President, First of all, thank you to our rapporteur – it was a very constructive work. Yes, the European Semester is the moment in the year when we honestly look at Europe's economy. Where are our Member States? Where do we need reforms and where do we need to invest more to be or remain competitive? It is clear to me that sound public finances, structural reforms and future investments go hand in hand. This is precisely why the European Semester is a key instrument. Because the challenges are real: Europe's population is ageing, and this has direct economic consequences. Skilled workers are becoming a decisive competitive factor for our continent. In addition, there is a need for framework conditions that enable innovation and thus keep companies in Europe. However, the European Semester must not become a collection of political desires, but must focus on real reforms. In the last legislative period, we have seriously neglected the competitiveness of our companies and are now presented with the calculation: no to minimalist growth rates, high energy costs, strong technological competition. And as if it weren't enough, there's also a tense geopolitical environment. We now need to strengthen competitiveness. Because one thing is clear: only a strong economy can secure a social Europe.

I think we have to go back there and see how we put it there. I don't think it will be possible to get $300 billion out of your pocket so quickly. But if we all work on it together, I think we'll make good progress.

Madam President, Madam Executive Vice-President! The DNA aims to accelerate high-speed networks, complete the fragmented internal market and strengthen the security of digital infrastructure. Digital networks are the basis for competitiveness, industrial strength and strategic autonomy. And of course, when we have 27 different regulatory frameworks, it's clear that we have a clear competitive disadvantage compared to the US and Asia. It is therefore high time to create an innovation-friendly climate and environment. Of course, these networks cost money, and we are also talking about EUR 300 billion per year here, and we also have to think about how we can finance it. It requires predictability, the possibility to expand and scale business models, but also, above all, less market intervention. As Rapporteur of the Roaming Regulation I have advocated for a citizen-friendly Europe, as shadow rapporteur on the Gigabit Act for an expansion-friendly Europe and now, of course, I will also be strongly committed to an innovation-friendly Europe.

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.