What Andreas spoke about.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! Again with Albania. A decade ago, Albania dealt with the rule of law in a fundamental and thorough way, more than any other Member State of the European Union through which vettingProcess, where 500 out of 800 people failed, through the establishment of the independent investigative authority SPAK, which now conducts investigations regardless of political standing from all political camps. I am also sure that in the same hardship, the observance of property rights, environmental assessment, flora and fauna protection, nature conservation will continue to receive this attention and in the future. I am also sure that nature is protected, just as the Vjosa Delta and the Vjosa River have been protected in the past. I am sure, and I also appeal, that the authorities and the government take these issues as seriously as the fight against corruption is taken seriously. In the same way, however, we must also take seriously the fact that economic development and social issues are placed at the heart of Albania's politics. The health system needs to be reformed, social security needs to be increased, the education system needs renewal. These are all big projects. And all these major projects can only be achieved through European reform pressure and through this ambitious goal of achieving European membership. Albania is ready to implement these reforms at a monkey's pace, and I find that admirable, because of course they are not only light reforms; And that's very, very important. Finally, let me say one more thing: It is also important to consider projects such as Roam Like at Home expand to the Balkans because they are a signal in the daily lives of the people of the Western Balkans. Opportunities for the future must be exploited, and this is the great story of this European enlargement, because these opportunities for the future also bring about change. And I am not only grateful for that, but I am also grateful that the Commissioner here is a fierce fighter for these opportunities.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. Enlargement policy is one of the most important foreign policy instruments of the European Union, because it creates stability, it creates security, it creates prosperity on our continent, and it also gives people a future perspective. And it is precisely this European perspective for the future that is the strongest incentive for democratic reforms and social progress in the enlargement countries. And thus also directly to the front-runner Number two in this enlargement discussion, namely Albania. Albania already has a foothold in the European Union, because the special thing about Albania – one could even say the recipe for success – is that over 90% of the population in Albania supports EU accession and that large parts of the political spectrum agree on this European project. And so the goal that the accession negotiations can be concluded by the end of 2027 does not seem to be a dream anymore, but to have become a realistic perspective. Albania has demonstrated its exceptional commitment to European integration and all negotiation clusters have been opened in 13 months; This also shows that there is a political will to reform. Now to the focus of this year's report, namely the social issue; The social question is particularly important, not only for me as a Social Democrat. EU accession must not only be a technocratic process, but it must also improve the daily lives of citizens and arrive directly. That is why we need a strong welfare state, an expansion of trade unions and effective protection of workers. At the same time, the rule of law process remains the foundation of this accession process. The decisive factor is not only new laws, but also consistent implementation. That is why we welcome, for example, the adoption of key anti-corruption laws and measures to improve the protection of whistleblowers. Another important, and currently also very intensively discussed point in Albania is the sustainable development of tourism. Already in the previous report and also in this year's progress report, we say one thing quite clearly: Sustainable tourism is the only sustainable way. Tourism creates jobs and growth, but only in the long term if nature and the environment do not get under the wheel. And it is precisely the European Union that sets clear standards here, and that, in turn, is an additional argument for Albania's accession to the European Union. Incidentally, I am also sure that all these European legal instruments - from an environmental impact assessment to the protection of natural areas, the protection of birds and other animals - will also be taken into account, because ultimately they are European standards, and Albania, I am sure, wants to meet all European standards and does not risk anything here. And finally: Enlargement is not just about opening chapters; Enlargement also means closing chapters successfully. The closure is not enough either, but the implementation and arrival of reforms in the population are important. This can only be achieved through consistent implementation of sustainable reforms, reforms that strengthen the rule of law, reforms that promote social justice, and reforms that bring concrete improvements to people. What I have also seen as rapporteur on my many trips to Albania makes me so optimistic. In Albania, this objective is being worked on together – by the government, civil society, social partners and many committed citizens. That's why I'm convinced, and that's my message here from this lectern: Albania has the chance to become the next success story of European enlargement.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Azerbaijani President Aliyev has described the European Parliament's criticism as an obsession. This is a typical case when an autocratic leader does not understand what the fundamental democratic task of a parliament is, namely to push for human rights, the rule of law and compliance with international law and to address it openly – and also, yes, exactly when it is politically inconvenient. These are the moments when you have to talk about it. Our resolutions as European Parliament on Azerbaijan are based on concrete concerns, namely the situation of Armenians after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the treatment of prisoners in their own country, the protection of fundamental freedoms and also the treatment of cultural heritage. Peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains central and an important goal. But one thing is also very clear: There can only be lasting peace if human rights, the rule of law, media freedom – these fundamental rights – are a foundation for peace and a foundation for societies in both countries. It is therefore highly regrettable that this suspension of parliamentary cooperation has been put on the side of Azerbaijan, as we continue to push for dialogue. Because you can only say the criticism and the suggestions for improvement to the other person when you meet for talks; Therefore, dialogue is important. But one thing will also be very clear: As the European Parliament, we will always oppose authoritarian tendencies and regimes and address them for the other uncomfortable truths. Because: It is about human rights – including the people of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Europe.

Mr President! Dear colleagues, Never before has the rejection of the Iranian regime by its own people, by the Iranian people, been greater than it is now, and the price the people pay for this resistance is a very high one. Because the borderless brutality of the regime cannot stop the resistance of the population. Therefore, it is very important that we remember again from this place: We need the release of political prisoners. An international court is needed to hold the mullahs and the Revolutionary Guards accountable and accountable. And we need support for the political opposition in the country, the opposition that wants a democratic future for Iran. I have my doubts as to whether supporting the Shah son is the right way to go. And we must support these democratic forces for a democratic Iran. An Iran that is multi-ethnic, that is multi-religious, that also gives women and minorities in the country their space in democracy. This is what we must stand up for, and this is what the people of Iran are fighting for.

Mr President! After New York and Geneva, Vienna is the only UN headquarters that is also located in the European Union. And just as there is a seat in the EU, there is also a need for an EU seat in the UN Security Council. The multiple crises of our time in particular show how important international law and multilateral institutions are. And you have to say one thing very clearly: We don't need less of it, but more and better. We must reform the UN and free it from the freezing grip of the superpowers and their despots. We also need more Europe and European engagement in the EU. But the EU not only stands for diplomacy, it also stands for concrete assistance such as UNICEF, the WHO or the World Food Programme. The United Nations is not perfect, but it is still the best place where conflicts are resolved by law and discussion and not by violence and war.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Precisely in a world in which we are currently living, where stable partnerships are breaking apart at once for decades, it is all the more important to equip ourselves for the future with robust instruments for international cooperation and to be not only equipped for European interests and what the European Union has, but also well positioned globally. The Global Gateway, as well asGlobal Europe In general, it is an important tool for this. These instruments enable value-based, socially responsible cooperation and are a strategic foundation for a strong, interconnected and stable future for Europe. There are also many examples where this has already happened successfully. In 2023, for example, Moldovan railways started to expand and strengthen their rail network in order to create an efficient means of transport from the EU to Ukraine. This, for example, has also been funded by Global Gateway investments. If we do the right thing, it is good for Europe and the world.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. There is also great news from Iceland in the area of EU ‑ enlargement, as the Social Democratic Icelandic government has announced a referendum on EU ‑ accession on 29 August. Iceland is an important partner, a stable democracy and part of our European values ‑ and Economic Area. Accession would be a great asset for all of us – the European Union as a whole and for Iceland. But as rapporteur for Albania, I would also like to emphasise above all the special importance of the Western Balkans. The enlargement of the EU ‑ means more stability, more legal certainty and economic prospects for millions of people. And we must not leave the geopolitical field of the Western Balkans to the other actors who are trying so hard to gain a foothold there. That means, ladies and gentlemen, especially in times of growing geopolitical tensions, the EU must show: Our continent remains open to democracies that share our path.

For example, I think it's primarily about distinguishing between private short-term rentals, where someone might put their apartment on a platform over the summer, where they themselves are on vacation, and the large commercial companies that do that. Secondly, we must also see, for example, that apartments in subsidised housing, such as municipal buildings and subsidised housing, are not made available for Airbnb. And we have to allow that you also allow maximum limits, allow a healthy mix in the societies and in the cities. This is urgently needed, and that would be our proposal.

Thanks for the question. This gives me the opportunity to say one thing clearly: We do not want to ban short-term rentals. They are an important part of the tourism market. But what we must not allow is that the business model of temporarily renting an apartment to tourists is more profitable than providing housing to those who are so desperately looking for housing in cities. That's why we need rules. Many cities and mayors – Barcelona, Vienna and others – are looking for these rules and we need to give them the opportunity to intervene in the market in order to be able to make policy for the people who live in the cities.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner! I believe that the message of this report is very clear and unequivocal: Housing shortages must be tackled by all available means and at all political levels. People in Europe expect the EU to act and the housing crisis, you know, does not stop at national borders. Our report also shows that we can do a lot at European level. We call for the regulation of short-term rentals, more investment in affordable housing and finally the fight against speculation. Because it is precisely housing policy, if I may say so, of my hometown of Vienna, the red Vienna, which is the basis and model for successful housing policy throughout Europe – and sometimes also worldwide – that provides affordable and good housing for people. Now it is because the European Commission and we, as the European Parliament, are putting these proposals into practice. Because it is high time to address this issue, because housing is an absolute fundamental right.

Madam President, The famous artist Bad Bunny said at the Super Bowl: The only thing stronger than hate is love. It is shameful that such a quote is needed at a major sporting event in the United States; It is a terrible testimony to the situation. We must not be shaking our heads and pretending that racist, oppressive and excluding policies are only a problem of Trump policy and only a problem in the USA. We heard it here: There are also enough parties and politicians here in the House and in Europe who, like Trump, demand similar security structures to ICE. We must be aware of how quickly a country can slip into authoritarian structures. And that is why we must oppose these tendencies, whether they are in the US, in Europe or here in the European Parliament. What we want is a European Parliament that, as democrats, clearly opposes these authoritarian tendencies.

Mr President, peace and stability in Syria is not only essential for a stable Middle East, but it is also important for European security. And, right now, those who were our closest partners in fighting for this security, namely, the Kurdish communities in northeastern Syria, are living with an unstable ceasefire following weeks of persecution and dramatic killing. A long-term, stable Syria can only be built on an inclusive society. Inclusivity for the Kurdish, for the Druze, for the Syriacs, for the Christians, for the Alawites, for the Yazidi, for the Ismaili and Sunni Arab communities. Of course, Syrian sovereignty must have precedence, but this is not only a question of a country's right of sovereignty, it is also a question of human rights and of self-determination. Therefore, I think we have to be clear: what is going on now in Syria is not good. We have to work together with all those who are asking for a stable Syria to establish an inclusive society there.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, The European Parliament and especially the S&A/D Group have repeatedly criticised the murderous Maduro regime. This is precisely why we also have a moral obligation to criticise the actions of the US government and Donald Trump on 3 January. It's a breach of international law, what happened there, it's a breach of the United Nations Charter. Donald Trump is not talking about the people of Venezuela. It's not about democracy, it's about freedom. What is at stake is access for some oligarchs to Venezuela's oil resources. Europe is a community of values. As a community of values, Europe stands for rights, fundamental rights and human rights. Therefore, we also stand for the strength of the law and condemn any action that enforces the law of the stronger. This is unrestricted everywhere. Whether it's the Russian attack on Ukraine or the Trump attack on Venezuela or the Trump attack on fundamental European values, Greenland and Europe. That is why we, as the European Union, must now send a very clear signal. We stand with all severity on the side of the law. But this also means that Europe is defending itself against what the US government is presenting. That also means standing up with all the instruments we have, from commercial law instruments to political instruments, to defend ourselves now in order to create a world based on the right, on the right that emanates from all and for all.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, The Arctic is not only a climate hotspot, but also a strategically important space that is becoming increasingly important for international security and geopolitical interests: Climate change, security policy, international trade, resource scarcity bring a seemingly remote location to the center of geopolitical dynamics. Russia's strong historical and geographical influence is also increasingly complemented by China's rising interests. This is a dangerous development for Europe. The US is also becoming more and more interested – let's just look at the Greenland issue. The EU must therefore act as a strong actor in the Arctic and defend our values there as well. This means: Investing in research, climate action and diplomatic efforts. Close cooperation with Norway and Iceland is particularly important and the accession perspective of these countries is always to be desired, especially with regard to cooperation in the Arctic. Let's not leave the Arctic to countries that want to benefit from climate change by exploiting raw materials and monopolizing important transport routes. Let's make a European project out of the Arctic!

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! The conclusions of the European Council address a very important issue for Europeans, namely the question of affordable housing. There is an urgent need for the European Union to also address the issue of affordable housing. Many citizens can no longer afford the increased rent and basic costs. We need more access – not to housing, but to affordable housing of high quality. What does that mean in concrete terms? Living is not there to speculate. Housing is not something that can be left to the market, but housing is a fundamental right and therefore policymakers must also see that there is more affordable housing – through more money, better regulations and also through regulations such as Short term rentals in tourist areas. Yeah, we need all that. We need social housing, a social housing policy, as it is made successful, for example, in my hometown of Vienna.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, President Ursula von der Leyen spoke of affordable Europe and that in many areas life is no longer affordable for Europeans. Housing costs in particular have risen massively here, and affordable housing has become a scarce commodity for many Europeans. There are first successes, also at European level. We have our own Commissioner on this issue, we have our own committee in the European Parliament. But now we also need to ensure that the words will be followed by action, that short-term rentals and their platforms are finally regulated, that there is more funding also from the European level that supports housing and renovation – EUR 300 billion is missing in this area. And we need a state aid law that will make affordable housing, including for the middle class, and support for affordable housing possible again in the future. And we must finally fight homelessness – that horrendous figure of 1.2 million people being homeless every night in Europe – with deeds.

Mr President, Commissioner! Four years ago, the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, that is, four years of systematic oppression of Afghan women and girls. They are forced into private life and deprived of the right to independence and education. And they are also disproportionately affected by the devastating humanitarian situation in the country. And in recent months, this spiral of violence and oppression has escalated. In the earthquake at the end of August, the rescue of women and girls was also made impossible and delayed because men are allegedly not allowed to touch women, according to the Taliban. And at the end of September, the Internet was turned off for 48 hours, so that women and girls lose their last connection to the outside world again. The Taliban are doing exactly the opposite of what a government needs to do for their country. On the other hand, we must act in the European Union. That is why I have no understanding if individual European governments or individual European ministers believe that they can negotiate with the Taliban. There is no negotiation with them. We must stand on the side of human rights.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, One of the biggest problems, if you ask Europeans, is the cost of living and, above all, the cost of housing. Housing must not become a luxury, housing is a fundamental right – this sentence must now also become a built, tangible, habitable reality for Europeans. The Affordable Housing Plan also gives us the opportunity to improve the lives of millions of people in Europe, such as families, who are forced to leave their homes because they can no longer afford them; tenants who spend half or more of their disposable income on housing; young people who need to reach the age of 30 or 35 before they can move out of their homes; and the 400,000 children and minors who are homeless every day. We not only have it in our hands – it has also been raised today by you, Madam President – it is a central issue. But it is high time that we also get into action, that we implement this plan for affordable housing with all the important measures very quickly. Europeans can no longer afford it.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, It is only two and a half weeks before this landmark election in Moldova on 28 September, and we see what we have seen in elections there in the past, namely that Russian influence on these elections is already increasing massively in advance. President Maia Sandu stressed today that what is happening in Moldova must be a serious warning for the whole of Europe, and she is absolutely right, because Moldovan and therefore also European democracy is seriously endangered by this interference from Russia; There are examples from the past. At the same time, it also shows that this acceding country is an important bulwark against this Russian aggression; therefore it is important that we actively support Moldova not only now before the elections, but in principle as the European Union, in order to fend off interference, to strengthen the democratic process and to safeguard European fundamental values.

Madam President, Madam Commissioner, since the tragic collapse of the roof in Novi Sad, too many peaceful protesters have been threatened, tear gassed, defamed as terrorists and beaten up. Too many heads of students have been beaten by police batons and commanded by Vučić, the President of Serbia, himself. Too many red lines have been crossed. Yet still Vučić is a member of the European People's Party, but hopefully not for very long in the future. What we need is targeted sanctions, clear words. We have rightfully condemned the police brutality and the oppression through violence and everything that happened. Now we need to do more than just to condemn; we need to act. Targeted sanctions and also clear words by the European institutions like also the Commissioner was finding yesterday. It is our duty to support the people of Serbia and their fight for their freedom. It is in favour of Serbia, but against the brutal regime of Aleksandar Vučić.

Madam President, Commissioner! Housing in particular is one of the problems of European citizens, who are the same in all European Member States. Over the past 15 years, rents have risen by 26 percent on average, and people with the lowest incomes are already paying 40 or more percent of their disposable income for housing. This is an unreasonable state, because living is a fundamental right, the roof over the head is a fundamental right. That's why we need to do more: not only use cohesion funds for this, but much, much more. We need €300 billion of European money. We have to stop speculation, we have to stop speculation. short-term rentals How to regulate and contain Airbnb and the like. We must enable more subsidised housing, including for the middle class, in our competition law. We need to strengthen tenant protection to protect people from unjustified dismissals and extreme increases. And we must not forget about climate protection, which also requires money – for thermal renovation. Housing is a fundamental right that everyone should be able to afford in Europe.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Something happened again: Champagne scandal, Le Pen, personnel affair and now also the investigation into alleged misappropriation of over 4 million euros in tax money. The list of scandals of the far-right parties from the European Parliament alone is long. And if we add to this what has been done in the national parliaments and in the municipal councils, then the list will be much longer. The FPÖ from Austria is often directly involved, and it is probably clear: This is not an isolated case, but a structural problem with this party. The accusations are large and must be fully clarified. A thorough and transparent investigation, a rapid investigation and also consequences for the parties involved are needed. And I think it's also significant today: Instead of clarifying what you actually have to say in your defence or as justification, you simply stay away from this debate as if nothing had happened. And it can't be like that. And one thing must be said quite clearly: The FPÖ and its MEPs, and also in national politics, are always very quickly offended when criticized. That's a bit cheap to complain about, but at the same time it's quite expensive to cash in. This is the method of the FPÖ, and we must firmly oppose it.

Madam President, Commissioner! The rumors surrounding the European Commission's MFF proposal are irritating, let's say mildly. Therefore, it should be emphasized: We have foreign policy challenges, but at the same time we also have the challenge of strengthening this European Union internally and making it a European Union of people. That's why it's important: Keeping the EU budget small also keeps Europe small. We want a large and strong Europe that courageously finances social-ecological transformation, social cohesion and just transformation. It is precisely for these questions that, in my view, three things are very central. Firstly: We need a European housing fund. Housing and housing costs are central interests of citizens. Secondly: We need money for infrastructure, for an express train system in Europe – and this is very urgent! And thirdly: We need a European Social Fund. If we ask ourselves where the money comes from? The digital companies with a digital tax would be an idea.

Madam President, it's been a long time since my first meetings and visit to Macedonia, or FYROM in those days, as it had to be called. Since those days, I have seen politicians in the country, some which were terribly corrupt and fled the country, but also others which beat the high effort to solving the problems in order to have a better future for the country, going beyond the line for a better future. Therefore, I would say that it is also important nowadays to have such politicians and for my colleagues also in the ruling party and the Government in North Macedonia to adopt the necessary steps in order to get the negotiations for the European Union membership. But I also call on the Bulgarian politicians to understand that an accession of North Macedonia is in the interest not only of North Macedonia, but especially also for Bulgaria. Therefore, they should work together and not try to block the accession of North Macedonia.