What Günther spoke about.

21

May

2026

Speeches DE

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Advancing towards a care society: addressing the gender care gap (A10-0083/2026 - Eleonora Meleti, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut)

Madam President, Nursing and care are issues that concern all of us and are looked away from far too often. And when that happens, nursing and care become women's issues in the vast majority of cases. Because where there are no suitable support services, women, daughters or daughters-in-law usually have to step in unpaid and provide for the family members in need of care. This is about activities that also push the people who do the care work to their limits, both mentally and physically. Nevertheless, this is still often taken for granted and taken for granted in our society. I support this report because I hope it will lead to better support for both those in need of care and those providing care in the future.

21

May

2026

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The multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea and ways forward (A10-0121/2026 - Isabella Lövin)

Madam President, The Baltic Sea is a prime example of how nature needs more than well-intentioned declarations of intent. We are talking here about a valuable ecosystem that is about to collapse, although the problems have long been known and the means to achieve improvements would also be available. We must not allow the rescue of the Baltic Sea to fail due to unclear responsibilities or the legal grey area between the Common Fisheries Policy and the Marine Strategy Directive. It is high time that we turned this confusion into a best practice example and showed that everything would be possible with the existing means. Let's finally get rid of the many ambiguities and start protecting the Baltic Sea effectively!

21

May

2026

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Decision of the Azerbaijani Parliament on suspending cooperation with the European Parliament (debate)

I might as well ask a counter-question: Is this picture only given outside the European Union or is it not also given within the European Union? And I think that's exactly what it is – first of all, this European Parliament is unique, unique in the world. And I believe that the essential point is also that we create more understanding also in the nation states for the work that must be done here, so to speak, from three institutions – which must find a compromise here at the end of the day. And I believe that there is still a lot to do for us, but also, so to speak, for the Members of the national parliaments.

21

May

2026

Answers DE

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Decision of the Azerbaijani Parliament on suspending cooperation with the European Parliament (debate)

I believe that Parliament is always a place of dialogue, including compromise. I think that's our strength. Here, too, we are, so to speak, a place of compromise between the various groups, which, of course, also result from the logic of a Parliament. It's not always easy, but we accept majorities. I believe that this is exactly the point that is very, very essential for this House, that we can also act as mediators – where perhaps the international community of the European Union does not have its strength.

21

May

2026

Speeches DE

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Decision of the Azerbaijani Parliament on suspending cooperation with the European Parliament (debate)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, As a member of the EURO‑NEST delegation, I find it extremely regrettable that Azerbaijan has declared its withdrawal from the Assembly. EURO‑NEST aims to create a parliamentary dimension in the neighbourhood policy of this region. The military conflicts between Azerbaijan and Armenia have shown how urgent this is. Especially in such a situation, I can only invite all actors to use every opportunity for dialogue in order to find a lasting peaceful solution. Azerbaijan's announcement to cease cooperation with the European Parliament is also so regrettable because it sets out one of the fundamental problems of our European Union. We need to think if a country wants to continue to be economically connected to the EU, but refuses to cooperate with our democratic institutions. This shows that the European Union is far from being perceived as a united whole from the outside. Here we urgently need a new self-image. The European Parliament is not an annoying marginal phenomenon, but an integral part of our common Europe! This needs to be clarified in all relationships. We like to stress that Europe is a beacon for human rights and democracy, but that must not be just lip service. Europe must stand up for its fundamental values and show that it takes itself seriously. This means that we must ensure that our fundamental values are respected in all areas. For me it is clear: A little bit of Europe is not enough. Those who want to profit from us economically must also accept our democratic principles. Only on this basis can our common Europe really develop its full strength and communicate our values effectively. In the world we live in, we need one thing above all else: more democracy, more dialogue and a willingness to compromise. This is exactly what this House stands for, and this is what the entire European Union must radiate.

27

Apr

2026

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Madam President, PFAS or eternity chemicals are a ticking time bomb. They poison our soils, pollute our groundwater and thus pose a threat to the health of people in Europe. This is exactly what the EU Chemicals Agency confirmed a month ago and recommended far-reaching bans on eternal chemicals. This must now be taken into account in all policy areas. Of course, this also includes projects such as the Chemical Omnibus, which is intended to help strengthen the competitiveness and innovative strength of our chemical industry. This is good and important, especially because it is the security of many jobs in the European Union that depends on it. But the safety of our jobs must not be bought with the safety of our health and nature. We need strong environmental standards that ensure that health is clearly at the forefront. Therefore, a fast and strict ban on PFAS would be extremely important.

9

Feb

2026

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World Cancer Day (debate)

22

Jan

2026

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Brutal repression against protesters in Iran (RC-B10-0071/2026)

Madam President, The regime in Iran has long since passed its expiration date. The protests of recent weeks clearly show that people have had enough of oppression and disenfranchisement. The only means left to the regime to maintain power is brutal violence. And that is precisely where the European Union cannot and must not simply watch. The European Union is not only a peace project, it is also a beacon for human rights and fundamental democratic rights. But this cannot only apply within our borders, it must radiate far beyond the borders of the EU. That is why I voted today against the violence in Iran and therefore for tougher sanctions against the regime. Let us give a loud audible voice to the demonstrators in Tehran and the whole of Iran, and let us make our contribution to regime change.

22

Jan

2026

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Motion of censure on the Commission (B10-0063/2026)

Madam President, There is really more important work to be done in the European Union at the moment than voting on a motion of censure against the von der Leyen Commission at almost every plenary session. But there are still these games, and there are two reasons for that. The first is that while the right-wing factions would have the strength to shape politics, as always they would rather go in search of scapegoats than cooperate themselves. The second reason is that Commission President von der Leyen has not yet understood that political cooperation can only work with trust and transparency. I hope that she finally understands the motions of censure as what they really are: They are a reminder of a policy in which no one feels taken along. I did not vote for von der Leyen, partly because she never tried to address these concerns. But I did not vote in favour of the motion of censure today, because the EU has to show strength right now and must not wear itself out in internal and internal quarrels.

27

Nov

2025

Speeches DE

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EU position on the proposed plan and EU engagement towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine (RC-B10-0545/2025)

27

Nov

2025

Speeches DE

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EU strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities post-2024 (A10-0211/2025 - Rosa Estaràs Ferragut)

13

Nov

2025

Speeches DE

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Conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (A10-0205/2025 - Michal Wiezik)

Dear Madam President, We live here on the blue planet and yet in the past we have managed to overlook the problems in our oceans. But if we are really serious about preserving our biodiversity and really want to take care of it, there must be no more blind spots. Even when it comes to areas that are outside national spheres of influence. This is precisely why the directive is an important step in the right direction. Let us work together to ensure that our oceans can recover and that biodiversity in the planned protected zones has the chance to flourish again. I am therefore pleased that we have taken up such an important issue here in the European Parliament.

13

Nov

2025

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Framework for achieving climate neutrality (A10-0223/2025 - Ondřej Knotek)

Dear Madam President, It is right and important that today we have re-enshrined the planned climate neutrality by 2050 and at the same time agreed on an interim target for 2040. But overall, we are faced with a compromise that makes it clear that not everyone has yet understood the importance of climate protection. This is about much more than limiting global warming and stopping natural disasters. If we see climate protection as an opportunity in Europe and consistently focus on research and development of ecological technologies, we can regain technological leadership in these areas and thus secure jobs, value creation and prosperity here in the European Union.

23

Oct

2025

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Key objectives for the CITES COP20 meeting in Uzbekistan (B10-0450/2025)

Madam President, If you close your eyes to the still flourishing illegal wildlife trade, you will accept the decline in our biodiversity as well as avoidable animal suffering. Against this background, there can only be one position for the EU, namely as a clear advocate of strong and effective species protection, which puts a stop to illegal trade both here in our country and in the countries of origin of the endangered species. The upcoming conference, COP 20 in Uzbekistan, can and must be a further milestone on the path to effective protection of all species if we manage to strengthen international cooperation and increase traceability. That is precisely why I voted in favour of today's resolution.

23

Oct

2025

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UN Climate Change Conference 2025 in Belém, Brazil (COP30) (B10-0445/2025, B10-0458/2025)

Madam President, Climate protection can only work if we really take all people with us and ensure that we firmly anchor climate protection in their everyday lives. This is precisely why we finally need a counter-model to the daily traffic avalanches in the metropolitan areas and to the deliveries of goods that circle half the world. With regional funding, the EU has the power to create such a counter-model and to make our rural regions a good place to live and work again through targeted investments. Because our goal must be short distances, short distances for us people to the workplace, to childcare, to medical care, but also short distances for all products that we need to live. These would be good examples and flagship projects for the upcoming COP 30 in Brazil.

22

Oct

2025

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UN Climate Change Conference 2025 in Belém, Brazil (COP30) (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner! For tangible improvements, which are also globally credible, we must finally consider climate action in all areas over which the EU has an influence, from the next common agricultural policy to the promotion of our industry. At the same time, sustainable agriculture means more biodiversity and better opportunities for smallholder structures. At the same time, more clean production in Europe means fewer international transport routes, secure European jobs and more value creation and prosperity. Anyone who believes that less climate protection secures our industrial companies is greatly mistaken. Only if we take over the technology leadership again worldwide, especially in environmental technologies, can we secure jobs and production sites. Climate protection can be a job engine. With the mass, poor working conditions and outdated technologies, we will not be able to meet the next challenges. That would be a strong message to the world that we could place at COP 30 in Brazil.

10

Sep

2025

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Role of cohesion policy investment in resolving the current housing crisis (A10-0139/2025 - Marcos Ros Sempere)

Mr President! The housing shortage in Europe has long since grown into a social crisis. Rising rents and home construction costs are just one of many excesses fueled by high inflation in recent years. People in Europe are facing increased costs in almost all areas of life, and the European Union must finally respond to this. That is why I voted in favour of this resolution today, but I say at the same time: That's far from enough. In her State of the EU address today, Commission President von der Leyen acknowledged that Europe is in the midst of a social crisis. We need to act resolutely with the means of cohesion policy in order to tackle these problems and enable people to return to an affordable life and a positive vision of the future.

10

Jul

2025

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Tackling China's critical raw materials export restrictions (RC-B10-0324/2025)

Mr President! I voted today in favour of the motion for a resolution on measures against China's export restrictions on critical raw materials. Not only because we rely on rare earth metals from China to drive the green transformation of our industry, but also because we have to take a new direction in global trade. In recent years, it has become fashionable again to limit exports of raw materials, for example, or to suddenly impose tariffs. All of this has led to the global political climate now being marked by mistrust. We must not allow our agreements and thus also our good relations with our trading partners to be dismantled piece by piece. The EU now faces two difficult challenges: On the one hand, to widen our supply chains as quickly as possible in order to further reduce our dependencies, and on the other hand to promote a return to mutual trust on the political world stage.

10

Jul

2025

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Endometriosis: Europe’s wake-up call on the gender health gap (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Today we are talking about the better treatment of endometriosis and in reality we are talking about a profound problem in our health care at the same time. Our health care system is quite blind in one eye, namely the eye that should see the female perspective in medicine. This comes from the fact that until now we have only adapted the medical visual acuity to the prototype man. A medicine that doesn't realize that it takes different approaches to meet the needs of women and men doesn't really do anyone justice in the end. Here, however, even among men, a much stronger sensitivity is needed. Any initiative that contributes to this is welcome. It is also crucial that we as a Parliament, together with the EU Commission, continue to set up initiatives for more research on endometriosis, even in times of tight budgets. Unfortunately, there are still too many open questions. We really have a huge responsibility here.

19

Jun

2025

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Protecting bees: advancing the EU's New Deal for Pollinators (debate)

Madam President, esteemed Commissioner! It is high time for us here in the European Parliament to talk about bees again, because the bee is one of the most useful and important animal species that exists and needs our special protection. But that is precisely what it does not currently have – on the contrary. The problems that bees face are getting bigger and bigger. The mild winters promote mite growth and thus disease transmission to the bees, which alone has led to immense losses this year; Loss rates of 30% are not uncommon. But even the bee colonies that survive the winter have no rosy prospects, because they have to look for their food between ever larger monocultures and pesticide-contaminated plants. In short: It can't go on like this! We finally need a serious program to protect bees. I am glad that the European Commission is addressing this issue, but I hope you understand that I am skeptical. Because until now, the Commission has not been the great protector of bees, otherwise it would not have allowed the use of pesticides such as glyphosate once in a while, otherwise you would have already cleared up the practice of emergency authorisations for problematic means. I understand that farmers need yield security, but if we do this only with means that harm the bees, then in the end nobody has any of it. We must finally make it clear to everyone, and it must be clear to us all that pesticides are not the only solution, but a serious problem. A problem that is everywhere – in soils, in water bodies, in our drinking water and ultimately also in our bodies, and that is precisely where environmental toxins and eternal chemicals have nothing to look for. Let's look for a solution that will help everyone: Nature, the bees, and so do we. We finally need a European research strategy for effective and ecological pesticide alternatives. This is the only way to give agriculture new tools with which it can work sustainably and securely. Let's put the problem at its roots and give our environment a real chance to recover!

7

May

2025

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Democratic legitimacy and the Commission’s continued authorisation of genetically modified organisms despite Parliament’s objections (debate)

Madam President, esteemed Commissioner! Today we are once again talking about the Commission's approval of genetically modified plants. We are also talking about the Commission's approach to democracy in our common Europe. Once and for all, we here in Parliament are voting against further authorisations for genetic engineering, and once and for all the Commission is simply going beyond this. This is legally permissible, but it is not reasonable. Our common Europe depends on people having a say, and that is exactly what they have here in the European Parliament. It is high time that the concerns of the people, which are also expressed here in Parliament, are taken seriously. Finally, set a sign for more sustainability, for more sustainability in agriculture without further GMO approvals and for more sustainability in dealing with our democratic institutions. This is what Europe really needs.

6

May

2025

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The European Water Resilience Strategy (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner! The right to clean water should be a matter of course for us in Europe. But that's not it. We all know the environmental protection reports that point to the dangers of eternal chemicals – the PFAS – in rivers and lakes, in groundwater and thus also in our drinking water. The expiry of the PFAS would be a very significant and important step. But there seems to be a lack of courage here. This immediately leads me to the still high use of pesticides in Europe. We need a joint research strategy on ecological pesticide alternatives. Our agriculture finally needs new tools to work in a sustainable and sustainable way, especially in the face of climate change. There must be no compromise on the quality of our water. And the Commission must also consistently step up to the toes of those Member States which are in default here.

16

Dec

2024

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Right to clean drinking water in the EU (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner! Access to clean drinking water is a human right – we have agreed on this here in the European Parliament in recent years. But this is not self-evident. This also means that we have to deal more intensively with which pollutants find their way into our water supply. We need a new approach to the topic of microplastics. We need to pay more attention to the ever more frequently detected eternity chemicals, the PFAS. It is also important to keep an eye on pesticides and their reduction. Here, as in the past five years, I am calling for a European research initiative for real and effective ecological alternatives to the pesticides used so far. When financing all these steps for our water quality, the focus must be on the polluter pays principle. We must not allow it to be constantly softened.

25

Nov

2024

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Outcome of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2024 in Cali, Colombia (COP16) (debate)

Madam President, Mr Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen. In the meantime, it should be clear to everyone that our natural resources are not well-ordered. This applies to our climate, this applies to the health of our soils and waters, and this applies to the stock of species. That's why COP 16 in Colombia should have been a real milestone to finally stop this negative trend. Once again, however, the funding issue has remained unresolved. As long as subsidies or trade agreements do not first pay attention to environmental protection, nothing will change. This is precisely where our common Europe must lead and also face global responsibility. We don't have to save the world and we won't save the world if we declare ourselves environmental champions and world champions here in Europe, but close our eyes to what causes our policies in other parts of the world.

14

Mar

2024

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Promised revision of the EU animal welfare legislation and the animal welfare-related European citizens’ initiatives (debate)

Madam President, esteemed Commissioner! The European Union currently has to deal with enormous challenges, which cover an incredible number of areas. Against this background, however, I have the impression that animal welfare is deliberately pushed backwards. This is often argued with the security of supply in food production, in addition to resistance from interest groups. However, I think that the focus should be on those people who take a closer look at animal welfare and who also demand a change in the way we handle our food production. If we want to be credible as a European policy, we must not listen to those who say: "This is not possible", but must be the initiator of changes and changes. There is no doubt that we also need to protect our domestic and European standards, which are eroded by imports. A topic that reaches me very often at the moment is also questionable and unfortunately lucrative business models with pet animals, which were supposedly rescued from killing stations. This requires a much more determined look at the Member States and also at the Commission.