Speeches

Mr President, Commissioner! I never thought that, as an Austrian Member of Parliament, I would give a speech on the plight of the people of Haiti three times. However, it is absolutely necessary. In recent months, the already hopeless situation has risen to a dramatic climax. The Haitian authorities are powerless against the dimension of gang crime. This year alone, about 800 people were killed and 540 people abducted in the first half of the year. The head of a children's home in Port-au-Prince reports about 14-, 15-year-old boys who are ready to shoot anyone with machine guns around their necks. More than a third of the population suffers from food insecurity, around 220,000 children from acute malnutrition. The blockade of the capital's main oil terminal leads to fuel shortages, so that hospitals can no longer maintain basic medical care for pregnant women and children. The European Union must take effective action: equip the authorities with the means and know-how to support them also in the development of the rule of law, democracy and infrastructure.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Putin's war on democracy, freedom and European values is taking place in Ukraine. However, another location can also be seen on the African continent. Russia is stretching its disinformation network across West Africa with the aim of denouncing the European presence, emphasizing and expanding Russia's supposedly positive influence. Military coup follows military coup, we regularly discuss here in the European Parliament the causes, consequences and consequences. Burkina Faso, translated: ‘the land of the upright’ has now shaken a military coup for the second time in eight months. The European Union must act and tackle the root causes of this development. Only then can the dramatic security and supply situation be managed. Only then can people be supported in their aspirations for democracy, peace, stability and the rule of law. What is unfortunately striking: Confidence in Europe has fallen sharply. The mass protests and violent riots that preceded the coup were directed against the interim government, but also against French institutions and companies. The protesters demanded the withdrawal of France and waved Russian flags. The new leader, Traoré, announced in a televised address that he wanted to reconsider his partnership with France and seek and find other partners who would help in the fight against terrorism. The head of the Wagner mercenary force, Prigozhin, assured his support in a statement. These events and these statements should be a wake-up call to the European Union. Russian interference and disinformation will only be ineffective if local people feel that Europe is a credible partner in the fight for a better life and prospects in their home countries. I thank you for all your efforts.

Madam President, Commissioner! Cohesion is a fundamental idea of the European Union. Cohesion policy is at the heart of European policy and it must be successful, because the future of Europe is decided in rural areas and in those regions that feel left behind, that are de-industrialised. This is also clear from the fact that there is greater EU scepticism than in other regions, that nationalist ideas are more strongly pursued there – and Brexit was also decided not in urban centres, but precisely in these regions. Therefore, Europe must act there and accordingly also bring the programmes specifically to the people who live there. Regional policy is more than promoting agriculture, industry and the economy. It is about being socio-economically effective. It needs childcare, education, cultural services, health facilities, mobility, energy efficiency, including civil protection and prevention. I am allowed to go overboard because that is exactly what Constanze Krehl lived, and I would like to thank you, Constanze, very much for your work and also congratulate you on this report. All the best!

Madam President, dear Commissioner, when huge oil fields were discovered on the shores of Lake Albert in Uganda in 2006, it was hoped that this would lead to a significant new source of foreign investment for economic uprising. But the hope is offset by the great potential danger of the plans, which have been marred by allegations of human rights violations, slow payments, disruption of children’s education, loss of traditional sources of livelihood, and unclear resettlement processes. The health, food security and water supply of hundreds of thousands of people would be threatened, and the expected oil spills would affect people’s livelihoods as well as the rich ecosystem, nature and climate. Journalists and activists who would report critically on the developments are intimidated and, in some cases, arrested. Ecologically diversity is threatened. Up to 140 oil wells are to be drilled in Murchison Falls National Park. We need to listen, inform and respond to communities concerned in Uganda and Tanzania. And we need to defend the human rights defenders and ensure human rights advocates, journalists and civil society groups are free to carry out the work in communities at risk.

Mr President, Commissioner! The New European Bauhaus is an opportunity and actually has potential, like its historical role model, to become a cultural movement and create new awareness. But it will only be successful if it reaches the people of Europe, if it does not become an elitist project, if Europeans can imagine something of it, if there is no contradiction between urban centres and rural areas, if access will be social, fair and inclusive. Especially in times of rising energy prices and the acute danger of the impoverishment of millions of households in Europe, the New Bauhaus can play a decisive role with a holistic approach. Above all, however, we need the necessary financial resources for this, and I am pleased to hear that a budget should be available as soon as possible. But the New Bauhaus must under no circumstances be financed from existing funds and programmes that have already reached their limits and which the Commission is constantly trying to shorten. If we are committed to creating the conditions for sustainable social and economic development, we will ensure an increase in the quality of life in the European Union.

Mr President, Commissioner, one of the most pressing concerns raised by young people in the Conference on the Future of Europe. It is therefore regrettable that there is no full debate here in the plenary of the European Parliament, that we are discussing this topic at a time when the visitors' gallery is empty and young people cannot hear and see when this Parliament is dealing with a topic so important to them. This year we have declared a European Year of Youth, also because young Europeans are among the most affected by the effects of COVID. The mental health situation among children and adolescents has reached an alarming peak. While some 10-20% of children and adolescents in the EU were affected by mental health problems before the pandemic, this figure has increased to 20-25% in the last two years. The suicide rate among young people has risen sharply. This sad development is a clear mandate for all policy makers to act. The adoption of this report in plenary should be a first step towards significant improvements for children and young people in Europe. Let's learn the lessons of this pandemic. COVID should be an opportunity to implement measures and investments in education that have been necessary for a long time and have been necessary before. The school is a place of interpersonal relationships and social contact. Schools should therefore be kept open in future crisis situations or pandemics. Early childhood education and care facilities are particularly important for the pedagogical and psychological development of children and their services should also be developed accordingly. We create better framework conditions in the learning environment through school psychologists and staff for special educational needs. We need more funding and a more inclusive approach to Erasmus+, Creative Europe and the European Solidarity Corps. Do we live up to the importance of international mobility and networking between teachers, cultural professionals and sports coaches? Let's finally achieve the goal of a European Education Area by 2025. A healthy learning environment prevents mental problems, especially by incorporating arts, culture, music and sports into curricula. Small local cultural initiatives, sports clubs and leisure facilities that do voluntary youth work need more support and funding. Enable easier access to education and digital infrastructure for all students, including from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and in rural areas. Let's implement measures to raise young people's awareness of the risks of digital technologies such as violence, cyberbullying and disinformation. There is also a need for efficient coordination between the European Union and the Member States, in particular with our cities and municipalities, with regional cultural, sporting and educational institutions. A gender-based approach, and in particular stronger support for girls affected by mental health problems, bullying and violence, is needed. A wide range of practitioners and researchers from the fields of culture, education, sport and adolescent psychology were involved in the preparation of the report. Recent studies on the impact of COVID-related closures of schools, cultural, sports and leisure facilities have also been taken into account and the authors of these studies have been consulted. I would like to thank the shadow rapporteurs for their constructive discussions and suggestions. I would like to thank you for the good, constructive and goal-oriented cooperation. It is now a matter of action and action, especially in the European Year of Youth. Let us show young people in Europe that they are the future of the European Union.

Mr President, Commissioner, Minister! Where is Greece going? The handling of this eavesdropping affair will show it. And the Greek prime minister has to accept the question of whether Greece is heading towards autocracy. However, he has the power to answer and refute this question. Yes, if nothing is to be concealed, then I ask: Why is the Committee of Inquiry not public? If there is nothing to hide, why does Mr Androulakis not know why he was intercepted? And then I wonder why journalists in the European Parliament say they feel lonely. There can be something wrong, and that means for us that we are taking a very close look at this situation, how this country is developing and what steps are being taken now. And what steps are being taken, this question must also please the Commission, because land on land seems to classify itself. And a violation of the rule of law has apparently become a matter of course when it comes to the use of such espionage software.

Madam President, One Member of this House, one Member of the European Parliament, was spied on. Nikos Androulakis' phone was tapped. To this day he does not know – and to this day we do not know – why. It is therefore essential that we deal with these events here in plenary and that we give it the opportunity to talk about them. It is a question of democracy, of freedom and the rule of law when mobile phones are tapped by Members of this House, but also by journalists. This is what we have to talk about, and I therefore call for the agenda not to be changed.

Mr President, Commissioner, esteemed representative of the Council Presidency! The fact that the post-Cotonou agreement has not yet been signed is the legitimate cause of a massive loss of confidence in relations between the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific and the European Union. This situation is to the detriment of the European Union and plays into the hands of Putin's Russia. And right away: It is not about unhindered immigration, but rather about offering a future and perspective to young people, to all people in these countries. It is also not about giving and taking, but about the implementation of common goals, about coexistence and also about being able to benefit from each other. Those responsible for delaying the entry into force of the agreement should be mentioned, as they harm the European Union and its citizens. A particularly important aspect for me: Education must be a top priority. It is key to employment, stability and a sustainable perspective for the lives of people in their home countries. Let us not leave the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific to the influence of Putin and China. Let words follow deeds!

Madam President, the attack on the Catholic Church of St. Francis in the city of Owo during a Pentecost service left up to 100 people killed or severely injured. There were many attacks by jihadist groups on churches in the north of Nigeria before, but never before did an incident like this take place that far away from the field of action of Boko Haram. It happened in south-western Nigeria, where Christians and Muslims used to live together peacefully. With only 187 police officers responsible for 100 people, the security system is underdeveloped and, in some parts of the region, does not exist at all and is in no way able to tackle terrorism. There is lack of trust in the judicial system. The structure of state institutions cannot match the enormous population growth. The European Union is well-advised in its own interests to show initiative and contribute to create a perspective and stability, above all, with regard to the situation of other neighbouring West African countries. It is urgent that, post-Cotonou, the Joint Africa-EU Strategy and Global Gateway come into effect.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, threats to stability and security shall never be the justification to leave the path of democracy. Democracy, rule of law and human rights ensure freedom, stability and prosperity. Fortunately, many countries in Western and Sahelian Africa consequently stand by this principle. But they are threatened not only by a difficult economic situation and the consequences of climate change, but also by questionable developments in the region: armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, military coups, followed by the depletion of basic human rights, refugee movements, and the lack of basic social services, education and even food. Putin’s war against freedom and international law does not take place only in Ukraine. Western and Sahelian Africa has already become a battlefield of his aggression. The Russian Government so far denies any links to the Wagner Group, but confirmed operations in Mali and Libya, which resulted in serious human rights abuses. Indeed, we also have to answer the question what responsibility the European Union and the Member States have for this situation. The European Union is obliged to defend stable democracy and the rule of law in the region. It has to support the fight for security and stability and against human suffering and despair.

Mr President, Commissioner! Pegasus has arrived in the heart of the European Union. In recent weeks and months, more and more revelations have emerged about the use of the Israeli private company's espionage software in several Member States. The establishment of a committee of inquiry is rather rare in the European Parliament, and this underlines the enormous importance of combating illegal wiretapping by citizens. It is about defending the fundamental rights of the European Union, its values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. We have to restore confidence in the security of our citizens. The task of the Pegasus Committee of Inquiry is to investigate the purchase and use of espionage software by national governments. The allegations weigh heavily: Phones and devices of politicians, judges, prosecutors, journalists, opposition activists, human rights activists and diplomats are said to have been hacked, yes, have already been hacked. Huge amounts of data have been stolen, reaching far into the private sphere of the targeted individuals. In most cases, we do not know the identity of the persons who have unlawful access to this data. The dangers of directly influencing democratic processes are evident. Parliamentary elections have recently taken place in Hungary, and there are allegations that this spying software was used in the process. It is therefore necessary to clarify the extent to which the use of Pegasus has influenced election results in our Member States. The attack on media freedom through targeted wiretapping of critical journalists must also be investigated, precisely because the studies on yesterday's Freedom of the Press Day revealed appalling deteriorations in Member States. However, the Committee must not only focus on the Member States where national investigations are also underway, but must also involve the European institutions. And as the last few weeks have shown, we can all be the target of espionage attacks after monitoring not only Members of this House, the European Parliament, but also a Commissioner and EU officials and staff with espionage programmes. Our Committee of Inquiry, which was set up two weeks ago, is therefore facing an intensive work programme over the next twelve months. With hearings, studies and missions We will make every effort to fully clarify allegations, to carefully investigate all indications and indications. And with that, we want and will also end speculation. This discussion is a starting point. There's a lot at stake. We need a sustainable and clear strategy to combat the illegal use of espionage software in order to protect those affected and the fundamental values of Europe and to gain trust.

Madam President, Commissioner! Sports fields and grandstands are places where racism can be addressed and overcome. But: Game termination due to racist insults of Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in the Netherlands on Saturday, racist insults of Israeli football professional Josef Ganda by fans in the Austrian Bundesliga on Sunday. This weekend, too, there have been repeated racist incidents at sporting events in Europe, which relentlessly show us the urgency for a determined fight against all forms of discrimination. The media-documented cases from professional sports are only the tip of the iceberg. For many amateurs and young people in Europe, discriminatory experiences on the sports field are still a sad reality. Sport is one of the most important factors for social cohesion and an equal society. Nowhere can integration take place so easily. Sports clubs and federations play a key role in social inclusion and in communicating common European values. The rules of the sport apply on the playing field. Origin or social status do not matter here.

– Madam President, Commissioner! For Europe, quick action is the order of the day. In order to ensure that the coup does not continue in Africa and that there is no domino effect, the European Union must strongly condemn and react to the military's violent takeover of power in Burkina Faso, but also help to combat the causes of this development. Since 2015, armed Islamist groups have been terrorizing the population with attacks. Thousands of people were killed in violent attacks in Burkina Faso. One and a half million people were displaced, mainly to the country triangle of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. This destabilization is fueling civil unrest and protests. The local security forces could hardly oppose the terrorists. Uncertainty and fear of Islamist terror are shaking the entire Sahel and preparing the breeding ground for anti-democratic developments. The result: With Burkina Faso, another West African state has left the path of democracy. The new military leadership has set up a commission for the return to constitutional order, but now actions must follow. Imprisoned President Kaboré and other political prisoners must be released immediately, a concrete timetable must be set for free elections. Burkina Faso must receive every support to protect its population from the ongoing terrorist acts of the jihadists, so that people do not have to flee violence, hunger and lack of prospects.

Madam President, Mr High Representative! Not quite a year ago, here in the European Parliament, we adopted the new EU-Africa Strategy for a Partnership for Sustainable and Inclusive Development. Now is the time to implement it. Our close cultural and economic relationship with Africa is threatened by natural disasters, political crises, violent conflicts, the influence of Russian and Chinese actors. The stability of Africa has an impact on Europe. It must be our common interest that young people want to and can stay in their home countries. If we saw only one side of Africa, we would be on a completely wrong path. The EU is already one of the most important partners and the African continent is in a dynamic and powerful development. We can support them in our own best interests by participating in the development of health, social and educational services, democracy, the rule of law and the rule of law. Good governance It also promotes freedom of the press and media, as well as vibrant parliamentarism. And Europe can and will also benefit from the promotion of the economy and the green and digital transitions. Let's put data!

Madam President, thank you very much, the joy is on my side! Commissioner! The European Union must have the greatest interest in the current developments in Sudan. The entire region is affected by political crises, armed conflicts and refugee movements of gigantic proportions. In order to take this into account, the European Union has, since September 2019, expelled Sudan from the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa More than 88 million euros have been made available to promote political and economic reforms. These funds must not under any circumstances contribute to the support of the military rulers, but must reach the people in need, especially children and young people. They shall be used to build and secure democratic structures based on human rights, independent judiciary, separation of powers and free and fair elections. Instead, the spiral of violence continues. Civilian protests in Khartoum, which the security forces responded to with tear gas and massive violence, killed at least seven people last Monday alone. These incidents highlight the need and usefulness of an EU-wide export ban on security equipment, especially digital surveillance technologies, to states that are not even willing to comply with minimum democratic standards. Clear signals and measures are needed. In any case, the democratic transformation in Sudan that civilian and military forces had already initiated – there was even a date for elections – needs to be relaunched.

Madam President, Commissioner, it is time that the European Union has a close eye on the ongoing conflict in Cameroon that has expanded permanently within the last five years. It has left more than one million people internally displaced. More than 3 000 have lost their lives. 2.2 million people are requiring humanitarian assistance. 66 000 have fled into neighbouring Nigeria. 700 000 students do not attend school because of a boycott across the Anglophone regions. 50% of the children in Cameroon are reportedly being abused. Homosexuality is threatened with prison sentences up to five years. Initially, peaceful protests by Anglophone civil society were suppressed with extreme violence. I hope and wish that there is still a possibility for mediation in the armed conflict in the Anglophone region, and aid organisations must get unrestricted access. Rule of law and fair trials have to be re-established and military courts for civilians abolished. It is the bilingualism of its people that has made Cameroon so special. It is our task to contribute that the people of Cameroon can live in freedom and without repression.

Madam President, Commissioner! Particularly in the COVID crisis, the importance of sport is once again becoming clear. Sport is physical activity, a contribution to health and a social, economic and cultural factor in Europe. Almost half of Europeans engage in sports at least once a week, children and young people especially in associations that make an invaluable contribution to our society through voluntary work and the promotion of young talent. However, they were also particularly hard hit by the pandemic. While sport plays a central role in everyday life, also in the form of immense interest in the transmission of sporting events in the media and in fan culture, it is unfortunately only a sideshow in European politics. In the only sports report of this legislative period, we give sports policy a strong profile. The historically developed European sports model is based on solidarity, open competition and financial balance between professional and amateur levels. Precisely because it is being attacked by the Super League, the European sports model must be protected from privatisation and further commercialisation. But public-law associations also need reform, and more transparency is needed. When it comes to the awarding of major sporting events, human rights and democratic standards must be the basis for decision-making. There needs to be more women in leadership positions in the associations, premiums and salaries for athletes need to be aligned. Sufficient financial resources for sport for the disabled and active support for members of minorities must be created. The fight against discrimination, sexual harassment and racism must be pursued intensively. Children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds must not be excluded from costly sports, such as skiing. More physical education at school and greater investment in sports infrastructure are also the basis for easier access to a wide range of sports. Of course, the objectives of the European Green Deal, especially in winter sports, must also be taken into account. Investments in sport are investments in our society.

Madam President, Commissioner! Already in May of this year, we debated the situation in Haiti and demanded that the rule of law be restored and that aid money arrive where it is most needed. At the time, we couldn't and didn't want to imagine that everything could get worse. But, just a month after our debate, President Moïse is murdered, and on August 14, the earthquake claimed 2,200 lives. Violence, corruption and gang crime are still on the agenda. Just a few days ago, 17 American missionaries were kidnapped with their family members, including children. All these developments complicate relief and reconstruction efforts following this devastating natural disaster. 650,000 people are in need of emergency assistance. Children can not go to destroyed schools, COVID-19 exacerbates the already dramatic food insecurity. The European Union must do everything it can to ensure stable conditions in Haiti. Only then will it be possible for help to reach the people who lack everything.

Madam President, we have to recognise that Kenya remains the only country in the region that grants asylum to people fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Since March, Kenya has been hosting more than 500 000 refugees, including an estimated 1 000 LGBTIQ+ refugees. Therefore, I want to express my explicit appreciation for Kenya’s willingness to accept this huge amount of refugees. Nevertheless, same-sex relationships are still illegal and even punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment in Kenya. In addition, a major problem in refugee camps is the lack of security for LGBTIQ+ people. We have to view the human rights situation in Kakuma refugee camp with great concern. In recent months, there have been repeated violent attacks on LGBTIQ+ refugees by other refugees and locals, many of them reported by the UNHCR. The refugees were attacked and injured. As a result, people who had already fled their countries have been forced to flee once again. In some cases, resettlement programmes have been carried out, which have not improved the situation of the discriminated person. The refugees end up in an area where they are not protected and where they are not allowed to stay legally. Chriton ‘Trinidad’ Atuhwera, a 22 year old, was killed by a firebomb after a homophobic attack in the Kakuma refugee camp. This case clearly shows that the situation is at a dramatic point. I call on the Kenyan Government and the African Union to consider its approach on LGBTIQ+. I welcome Kenya’s commitment to be a country of refuge, but I also request strongly that the Kenyan Government ensures adequate security in refugee camps and launches full investigations into the attacks on refugees, including the death of Atuhwera, and holds those responsible accountable.

Mr President, Commissioner! The day after the devastating floods in Belgium and Germany, I heard the mayor of an affected municipality speak on the radio. And he said: “The highest level we have ever measured was 5.05 metres. Today we are at 7.70 metres’. This shows quite impressively and is haunting: Such disasters as this year – be they severe floods, droughts, forest fires, tornadoes or a heat wave – are not something that has always been the case – this is something that has never been the case before. The consequences of these terrible disasters: Damage in the billions, but above all, they claimed countless lives. In this emergency situation, however, European cohesion was also demonstrated through civil protection measures in which forces from European countries jointly provided disaster relief. Austria also sent firefighters and soldiers to disaster areas. This is lived European solidarity, which we must also take as an example at the political level. I would therefore like to express my heartfelt thanks, especially to the volunteers who do unpaid professional work. Such natural disasters are becoming more intense and occur at shorter intervals. It is high time to allocate the necessary funds for prevention measures: Money for risk management, danger zones and emergency plans, flood protection, early warning systems, the purchase of necessary equipment. It must not be the case that a flood protection project is not implemented due to its costs. It cannot be that a fire engine cannot be purchased because of its cost. Above all, we need prevention through climate protection. Only by reducing CO2 emissions can we tackle even worse disasters.

Mr President, Commissioner, Mr Foreign Minister! For the third time since November last year, we have been discussing the current situation in Tigray, and that does not mean anything good. The situation remains catastrophic and can worsen at any time. Hunger and sexual violence are used as weapons. 60,000 refugees have crossed the border with Sudan, which now hosts one million refugees. Over 1.7 million people with a population of 6 million have been displaced from their home in Tigray. The United Nations warns that 5.5 million people in the region are in need of food aid and 400,000 people are at risk of starvation. UNICEF reports that approximately 10% of children under the age of five suffer from severe malnutrition. That's over 70,000 children. Therefore, full access by international organisations to all regions is necessary to enable humanitarian aid to save the population, especially women and children, from starvation. The European Union must impose targeted sanctions on those Ethiopian and Eritrean individuals responsible for the suffering and massacres. There must be consequences for this suffering.