Speeches

Dear President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, It is really sad that in the 21st century we still have to discuss the issue of violence against women. Violence against women is primarily a terrible weakness, which has a not inconsiderable group of men. There's nothing to gloss over about that. This is certainly not a cavalier offense, it's just criminal. That should be punished, psychologically processed. But even those at risk have to fight their failure on their own responsibility. It is now necessary to close the legal loopholes in legal protection. But some countries still have to sign the Istanbul Convention. I would also like to see a campaign at European level to increase public awareness and civil courage. Only weak men beat women; Strong people are on your side on an equal footing.

Dear Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, The European Union is once again facing a migration crisis. The small country of Austria already has 100,000 more asylum applications this year than in the record year of 2015, and although we are a landlocked country, 75% of our refugees have not been registered in any other EU or Schengen country. It is therefore high time for a common migration policy that makes a clear distinction between migrants and economic refugees, that ensures effective border control of the external borders, that takes full action against smugglers and their billion-dollar business, and that: Last but not least, which also gets the distribution of refugees without pull factor on the row. The Council and Parliament have committed themselves to implementing the proposals of the Commission's Asylum and Migration Pact. This should now be our top priority, because our citizens are frightened anyway because of the many crises. And I don't think we all want these empty rows to get fuller – there on the right.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Many studies and also operational practice show that listed companies with a gender balance also perform better in their business results. That is why it is also important from an economic policy point of view that an agreement is reached now. It is gratifying that those Member States that have already done preparatory work are now exempted, as they already have the relevant laws guaranteeing fair and transparent selection procedures. But there is one thing we need to be aware of in this debate: We are talking about a microcosm of very successful and well-educated women. In this context, however, it is of great concern to me that we support girls in basic education in the so-called STEM subjects, because then they will not only be able to work in higher-yielding companies and thus also in better-paid industries, but will also have an easier time breaking through the glass ceiling in the future.

Madam President, Commissioner! NextGenerationEU is the largest joint funding programme of the Union that benefits Member States directly, on the one hand in the form of grants and, on the other hand, in the form of loans. For this purpose, 150 billion euros will be raised annually by 2026. The choice of this comprehensive programme was necessary in order to cope with the reconstruction in the individual Member States. I congratulate the Commission on the successful loan programme. Because one thing is clear: We must not put on a debt backpack for the next generation, let alone slip into a debt union. Yes, the ECB's increase in key interest rates is necessary to combat inflation. It is therefore all the more important that a swift implementation of the institutional agreement on the introduction of further own resources is swiftly tackled.

Madam President, Commissioner, esteemed President of the Court of Auditors! Every year in the debate on the Court of Auditors' report, we ask ourselves the same question: What is the error rate and how much of it is attributable to fraudulent intent or lack of knowledge about the handling of EU funding? Large companies have departments that are exclusively engaged in the application and processing of EU funding. But what do medium-sized companies do that do not have this expertise? Many do not even try to submit something because they do not do this effort. But as a result, we also lose a great deal of potential. Therefore, I can only agree with the statement of the Austrian representation to the European Court of Auditors, Mrs Berger, that we need to simplify the funding models for SMEs so that everyone has the same opportunities. I am convinced that this will certainly not lead to more fraud in funding.

Mr President, Mr Minister, Commissioner! I can certainly win some savings suggestions, but certainly not at Horizon in Heading 1. Europe's future depends on four strategic cornerstones: Research, development, innovation and digitalisation. I know that many here can't do anything with business and technology. But think of the Green Deal, which can only be implemented with new research results and new technologies at all. Only 17% of global research and development expenditure comes from the European Union. And we still have some catching up to do when it comes to investing in our companies. Here we are behind the US, behind China, behind Japan and behind South Korea. Right now, in a time of change, it is important to position ourselves strongly in global competition and also to underpin our leadership, our economic leadership claim. Therefore, the focus must be on the programmes that will certainly strengthen Europe in the geopolitical environment.

Madam President, As an entrepreneur, I can tell you that everything has moved in this House since the last SME discussion, on the one hand, and nothing on the other. Nothing, because the framework conditions of SMEs have not improved, and everything, because the force of the war has hit our SMEs with full force. They must not forget that our SMEs are still weakened by the COVID pandemic, and they are currently facing problems with financing, supply chains and staff shortages, as well as increasing bureaucratic constraints. And the biggest problem is the huge price increases for them. Yes, I also welcome the Commission's SME package. But still: We need to act quickly now to get these price increases under control. Commissioner, I really have to say, from the point of view of SMEs: It's really five to twelve!

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! Energy costs, scarcity and rising energy prices are putting more and more pressure on our industrial companies, and many of them are already having to shut down production lines or close down companies. Our strategy, our reorientation, is very positive, but now action must also follow. We need a rapid reduction in energy costs, we need intensive research funding. There is no need to discuss in committee whether Horizon Europe will be cut or not, whether the Council will allow it or not. In Austria, we have a 14 percent research premium. This is the best support from our industrial companies. It is also important that we support our industrial companies in diversifying export markets. We want to avoid dependencies, and we need to encourage them to do so. And last, but not least: Fast approval procedures. I have looked at this in the Commission proposal, but it will also take about three years for us to get there. If you help quickly, you help twice. Commissioner, please work quickly to ensure that our industrial companies will soon be better off, because we are already talking about a total failure of the European Union.

Dear Madam President, Madam President of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, The European economy is facing gloomy times. More and more burden packages are weakening competitiveness. Whether in the implementation of the Green Deal or the Russian sanctions, there is simply a lack of accompanying measures for our companies. One in five German companies is considering whether to relocate its production site abroad. The statements of the German Minister of Economic Affairs that the bakery should close temporarily because of high energy costs and the population can buy cheaper from the discounter, not only create confidence. This is very bad for the German economy, but also for the European economy. It is therefore all the more important that we now rapidly reduce energy costs at European level in the interests of businesses, jobs and competitiveness. The European Union must now show that it cannot be brought to its knees economically by self-proclaimed political alpha wolves.

Madam President, Commissioner, dear President Hoyer! Yes, first of all, thank our two rapporteurs for their excellent work. Dear visitors! The European Investment Bank is the only international financial institution owned by our Member States and which, through our European legislation, helps to achieve the common objectives of the European Union. The European Investment Bank has done an excellent job in these crisis-ridden years. Last year, with 95 billion loans, many SMEs were supported in their investments and – as Mr President has already mentioned – also this important vaccine research and production by BioNTech/Pfizer. Yes, now in February, of course, the European Investment Bank was faced with new challenges, which we now have to solve in the future. The European Investment Bank has long been committed to the Green Deal. As early as 2025, 50% of the loan volume is to go into this climate finance. What is most important to me for the future is that digitalisation, innovation and research are the top priorities, especially with regard to the Green Deal. After all, sustainability also means that the transformation process succeeds and that the employment and competitiveness of European companies is also ensured in this transformation. I welcome the investments made by the European Investment Fund in education and thus directly into the labour market. With these investments, we should also do much more with dual training in the future, i.e.: Teaching, support. This is because Germany, Switzerland and Austria show that this system is the best tool for employment and, above all, for combating youth unemployment – not to repair it with the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, as we have just done in Spain and France, but to proactively invest in dual training; I believe that this is the best way to help the citizens of Europe. Mr. Hoyer, I congratulate you and thank your team for their excellent work.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! In principle, it must be the task of a state to ensure with the respective legislation that forced labour is prohibited and punished accordingly. It is sad that forced labour occurs not only in third countries, but also in Europe. Therefore, it is important not to protect the black sheep, because in addition to the human catastrophe, forced labour also leads to significant distortions of competition. Forced laboratoryBanning products from the market is important, but even more important is finding the right backers, but also making sure that companies are accused only on the basis of sufficient evidence. In any case, it is difficult for many, especially small businesses, to be able to obtain information on their working conditions from their indirect suppliers in third countries. False accusations of companies, disregard for trade secrets, excessive obligations would lead to a huge competitive disadvantage in the European Union. All in all, we from the EPP welcome a WTO-compliant trade instrument, because forced labour must no longer have a place on this planet in the 21st century.

Madam President, The UNHCR forecasts that 8.3 million people will have to flee Ukraine. It's really incredible: This corresponds to the population of my Member State, Austria. 90% of them are women, but 2 300 unaccompanied minors have also been registered. You've all mentioned it before: Protection and help are needed at all levels. As rapporteur of the Roaming Regulation, it was very important to me that refugee women in particular could continue to be able to stay in contact with their relatives and friends in Ukraine. Together with Commissioner Breton, I was able to convince the European telecommunications companies that there are unbureaucratic SIM cards available for the Ukrainian refugees, but also that the roaming fees for the Ukrainian providers must be reduced so that there are not also immense costs for the refugees when they call their loved ones at home or send messages. An important step for hundreds of thousands of women from Ukraine who are now in the EU to make their lives a little bit easier.

Madam President, Yes, it is gratifying to note that the European institutions and agencies use the money of European taxpayers on the basis of principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Nevertheless, discharge for a few organizations is expected to be postponed. However, the internal management problem at Frontex in particular must not prevent the Agency from guaranteeing the protection of our EU external borders as well as border management. I welcome, Commissioner, the notification based on the conditionality mechanism to protect the EU budget. Those who want to benefit from the EU must also abide by our principles. The rule of law must be the DNA of the European Union. Digitization is also a crucial point for me. We need comparable data and uniform reporting from Member States so that the use of EU funds can be monitored at any time. For the future, the first priority must be to ensure effective control of the Reconstruction Fund. Mr President Lehne, I would like to thank you very much for your excellent work and wish you all the best.

Mr President, I want to close this debate in a special way. The terrible Russian war against Ukraine is having a devastating impact on the Ukrainian population. Over three million people have already made their way to the EU. These refugees try to stay in touch with their relatives and friends who have remained in Ukraine. This is often resulting in immense roaming costs. Many European operators have already announced that they will suspend roaming costs for their customers inside and outside of Ukraine. I welcome those efforts but unfortunately this has no significant impact on Ukrainian refugees as they are using Ukrainian SIM cards and are not customers of the European operators. I want to take this opportunity to call on European operators to go a step further and truly make a difference for Ukrainian refugees by temporarily suspending the wholesale caps they are charging their Ukrainian partners. This way the latter can offer their customers free roaming in the European Union. In addition I am urging European operators to provide Ukrainian refugees unbureaucratic access to European SIM cards, possibly with special tariffs, so that they can stay in touch with their family back in Ukraine.

Madam President, dear Commissioner McGuinness, dear colleagues, first, I would like to thank the Slovenian Presidency and Commissioner Breton for the good cooperation during the trilogue negotiations. Special thanks to the shadow rapporteurs and the involved staff for your excellent work. I am convinced that we found a good agreement for European citizens and businesses. The new Roaming Regulation is not just a simple prolongation, but it represents a significant improvement for all end-users. Consumers will benefit from the same quality of service across the entire Union. This means that operators cannot deliberately slow down the data speed of the customers anymore. Furthermore, the new regulation foresees increased transparency obligations in terms of value-added service numbers as well as emergency communication. From now on, consumers will be able to better differentiate between ordinary numbers and numbers where additional charges apply. This access to emergency communications when travelling will be easier and more transparent. The mobile telecommunication market as a whole, and especially the roaming market, are developing fast. With the development of future network technologies as well as the increased use of IoT—devices and M2M services, we are looking towards an exciting future. In order to keep the regulation up to date, we need to gather as much data as possible, to take the right action to foster innovation and facilitate business development. Therefore, the Roaming Regulation extended reporting obligations, which brings us in the position to keep the finger on the pulse of the market. It is very clear that the European Parliament needs to stay in charge of the next review of the Roaming Regulation. In this regard, the European Parliament fought to take out the delegated act and prevailed, as Parliament we are pushing the Commission to have a closer look into fair-use policies. It is a fact that a true ‘roam like at home’ experience is only possible when end-users can benefit from the full subscription abroad. The balance between the ability of operators to offer roaming services sustainably and the possibility for customers to use the tariffs as extensively as possible should be re—evaluated. We also tackled the topic of the intra—EU calls. It’s not understandable for our citizens when I have to pay surcharges when calling from my Member State to another EU country but I don’t have to pay extra when I’m travelling across the Union. The Roaming Regulation contains a provision that urges the Commission to carry out an evaluation of the current situation. Last but not least, the most important issue in this regulation, the wholesale caps. Low wholesale caps empower small operators to offer a roaming service sustainably and are key for more competition in the telecommunication market, and I think that’s necessary. At the end, we found a balanced agreement which takes into account both aspects: the consumers and the investment needs of operators. Starting with two euros in 2020, we gradually reduced the wholesale charges on data to one euro in 2027. I know there’s still a lot of work in the future and I’m looking forward to the discussion now.

Dear Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, The combination of the multiannual financial framework and the recovery plan requires a modernisation of the Financial Regulation. It is important to me that not only taxpayers' money is used efficiently, but that we also look at the effects of this use of funds on the population and the economy. In order to combat abuse, it must continue to be possible to identify the final beneficiaries – Monika Hohlmeier has already mentioned them – of the EU programmes, of course under the existing data protection directives. I would also like to thank you, Monika, and Tomáš Zdechovský, for your great commitment to the Babiš case. With Arachne and with EDES, we have control systems that only partially benefit the Member States, either because it is duplicative for them or because they are generally overburdened with bureaucracy. And here, perhaps, we should see if we can better connect the systems. I am sceptical about the re-use of unused funds; I can think of it for research and innovation. We still have a lot of catching up to do.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! The Pandora Papers show that the circle of people involved in questionable financial transactions extends far beyond the usual drug and weapons milieu. Apart from the fact that these funds are also used to fight terrorism, the damage affects us all – everyone, everyone who pays their taxes and levies in the interest of the common good. In 2020 alone, 164 billion were lost in EU Member States only as a result of cross-border VAT fraud. That's about the amount we have in an annual budget. Therefore, more stringent measures are necessary, especially in the area of increasing cryptocurrencies. These must be subject to the same rules as conventional currencies. Money laundering has reached a level that requires a new authority. Austria as a historic bridge builder between East and West would be an excellent location for this.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! The Joint Undertakings are not only a European success story, but also a bright spot on the European research horizon. These new cooperation projects are essential to achieve our European goals – such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, driving digitalisation – or to better manage future pandemics. Two areas are particularly close to my heart: the involvement of SMEs and start-ups, because we have particularly creative, motivated minds, but also in line with our industrial and SME strategy in order to pool even more resources. We are talking about 10 billion euros that we are investing here. This is doubled by the partners, but the overall economic leverage effect is of course many times greater, especially with regard to jobs and further investment. Today we had the budget discussion here, and in some programmes, according to the Commission, it was no longer possible to increase and absorb additional funds. Then perhaps you should invest these funds in these programs and turn these nine stars into maybe twelve. This would also benefit European competitiveness.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! Like no other EU budget, this 2022 budget is driven by climate change. After all, here in the House we have adopted the 55% greenhouse gas reduction target. We all know: ‘The Green Deal cannot fly without innovation, research and digitalisation.” Only in this way can the transformation process succeed and employment and competitiveness can also be secured in the course of change. I therefore welcome additional funding for Horizon Europe, for Digital Europe, but also for SMEs in the Single Market Programme.. Let us promote European entrepreneurship together, because only with a successful economy can our social systems be guaranteed and secured. Against this background, however, I also see opportunities for savings – namely, if, according to the Commission, it is not possible to absorb so many funds in certain programmes. The Green Deal must go hand in hand with the promotion of our entrepreneurs, otherwise it is doomed to failure.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! Where would we be today if, since the establishment of the European Research Area in 2000, we had given research and development and innovation the same importance as we do or need to do today? Now it is time to implement our projects with full force. Particularly important to me in this context is the research cooperation between universities, universities of applied sciences and business, entrepreneurs. We need the chain from basic research to applied research to practical application. This works excellently in my state of Upper Austria, and I can only recommend it. Just as important as the climate targets already adopted are binding research targets for our Member States, which must be at least 3% of GDP. Because already in my country, i.e. in Austria, we are above this level of 3%. Only with research and innovation can the transformation process succeed, and we manage to secure employment and competitiveness even in times of change.

Dear Mr President, Commissioner, dear Mr Hoyer, ladies and gentlemen, Today we report on the EIB's financial activities in 2019, a time when the world has not yet gotten out of joint and Europe has been on a very good economic path. The EIB's loan signatures amounted to 63 billion, 14% more than in the previous year. But also in the area of sustainability, the EIB has already developed and defined a clear strategy. What has been put into this report by the left is not comprehensible to me. It shows that common sense and operational reality as well as knowledge of the current state of research and development are ignored. This annoys the entrepreneurs, but it also annoys the citizens. The Green Deal requires entrepreneurship, research and development, and therefore this area should also be a top priority in this report, not the left-wing ban policy. However, the EPP, as the voice of reason in this Parliament, will continue to work to ensure that access to finance is fully available for our businesses, that transparency requirements are designed in such a way that they do not lead to envy debates on the ground and, as a result, creative companies no longer want to invest, and that transitional solutions such as gas continue to be supported. Because sustainability also means that the transformation is successful and that employment and competitiveness of the European economy are also secured in the course of change.