What Reinhold spoke about.

17

Jun

2025

EN Speech

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2023 and 2024 reports on Montenegro (debate)

Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, I want to underline what the Commissioner and also our rapporteur, Šarec, said. Yes, Montenegro is a frontrunner towards EU accession with a fully committed, pro-European government. There is also strong support from society: more than 75 % of the people back EU integration, and European legislation is supported by the governmental parties, but …

7

May

2025

EN Speech

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Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania

Madam President, Tundu Lissu is a long life fighter for human rights and democracy, currently serving as chair of Chadema, the biggest opposition party in Tanzania. He was arrested and charged with high treason on 10 April ‑ which carries a death penalty ‑ after calling for electoral reforms during a peaceful rally. International organisations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch or the …

6

May

2025

EN Speech

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2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye (debate)

Mr President, colleagues, this report is both timely and necessary. Yes, Türkiye remains an important partner for the European Union politically, economically and strategically, but a strong partnership, however, must be based on shared values, on a commitment to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. Let me underline clearly that respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all…

3

Apr

2025

EN Speech

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110th anniversary of the Armenian genocide

Mr President, dear colleagues, the Armenian Genocide resulted in the murder of over 1 million Armenians and as well countless Assyrians, Chaldeans and Pontic Greeks. We remember the victims of violence, murder and expulsion and honour their memory by reaffirming our commitment to truth, justice and reconciliation. The recognition of historical truths is not merely an academic exercise. It is a mor…

2

Apr

2025

DE Speech

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Delivering on the EU Roma Strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen! How we treat minorities shows whether we are actually able to enforce respect for human rights for all. The largest group in Europe is the Roma and Sinti. More than 10 million people from Spain to Romania, also recognized as an ethnic group in Austria. That's the one, the positive. The negative: Roma are of course – and unfortunately so – affected by disadvantag…

2

Apr

2025

DE Answer

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Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (debate)

The worst thing for me is that Orbán is stealing Hungary's future in the European Union, pushing Hungary more and more into isolation. This is the biggest theft of Hungary's future.

2

Apr

2025

EN Speech

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Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, 'Je suis Marine', said Prime Minister Orbán two days ago. What did he mean? The misuse of EUR 2.9 million. Is this what he shares with Marine Le Pen? But it's not this statement on X that is concerning. The recent legislative changes in Hungary should be a wake up call for all democrats in Europe. They undermine fundamental rights, weaken democratic institutions a…

1

Apr

2025

EN Speech

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Targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security (debate)

Madam President, the targeted attacks against Christians in Congo are horrific acts of violence which demand our immediate attention and decisive actions. What do we have to do? We must intensify, of course, diplomatic efforts with DCR authorities to ensure the protection of all religious communities. We must establish a comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanism, and we have to hold perpetr…

1

Apr

2025

EN Speech

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Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, as many colleagues mentioned already, the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is not just an attack on an individual, it is an attack on democracy. Detaining a leading opposition figure, along with 100 others on politically motivated charges, is an attempt to eliminate political competition ahead of a crucial election. This repression extends beyond pol…

1

Apr

2025

EN Speech

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Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 (debate)

Madam President, the EU is not only an economic and political union. Two of our cornerstones are human rights and democracy. Looking around the world, we see increasing threats to these principles. Authoritarian regimes are suppressing civil society, independent media and political opposition. But the misuse of EUR 2.9 million, as it was done by Le Pen and her party members, that has nothing to do…

1

Apr

2025

DE Speech

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Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025 (debate)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, If a speaker in front of me has attacked the French judiciary so head-on, it shows how important it is that we stand by European values, that we defend our legal system, and that can only be done if the European Union remains strong and united. Because if in the tone of the Putin spokesman Peskov after the abuse of 2.9 million euros here is done as if nothing…

12

Mar

2025

DE Speech

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Secessionist threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the recent escalation (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. Thirty years after the end of the Bosnian war with 100,000 victims, Bosnia and Herzegovina is once again at a crucial point in its history. At a time when the country needs stability and the rule of law to move towards the EU, dangerous separatist tendencies are holding it back. On the one hand, High Representative Christian Schmidt is doing everything in his po…

11

Mar

2025

EN Speech

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The need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, we have to monitor developments in Syria very closely. We see, on the one hand, progress; on the other hand, of course, also setbacks. It is vital for the country to continue developing national unity. It's good to see that the government finalised an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, and they have to use the chance to integrat…

10

Mar

2025

EN Speech

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Establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, like many speakers before, I want to underline that Moldova has made significant progress, particularly in areas of governance, the rule of law and anti-corruption. Under the leadership of President Sandu, the country has demonstrated strong political will and commitment to reforms. However, Moldova still faces substantial external challenges. T…

12

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

Mr President, the recent actions by Turkish authorities, including the removal of mayors and the detention of opposition officials, once again raise significant concerns regarding the state of democracy in Türkiye. These highly worrying developments, often justified on grounds of alleged terrorism affiliations, have led to the replacement of elected officials with state appointees. Election result…

11

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Political crisis in Serbia (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, we stand at a pivotal moment for Serbia, a cornerstone country for the Western Balkans, with significant impact to the security and stability of the region, and of whole Europe. The tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which claimed 15 lives, ignited a wave of protests which have become now a big movement initially started by students but now, s…

11

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Wider comprehensive EU-Middle East Strategy (debate)

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the EU must act in adopting a comprehensive strategy for the Middle East very fast, particularly in the light of the developments in Syria and Israel. We have a responsibility to lead on fostering cooperation and diplomacy in the region, not least because it has a strong impact on our own security, stability and prosperity. Our relationship with th…

11

Feb

2025

DE Answer

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Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression (debate)

A short answer on my part: Putin can end the war in the minute, immediately. He has it in his hand. The second: The Freedom Party of Austria still has a treaty of friendship with Idinaya Rossiya, the party of Putin. It has not been dissolved. This is your problem: You're on the wrong side! We remain on the side of Ukraine.…

11

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression (debate)

Mr President, colleague Steger, you should be ashamed of your speech. Three years have passed since Russia launched its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, displacing millions and causing immeasurable suffering. And the spirit of the Ukrainian people remains unbroken, demonstrating remarkable resilience against Russian tyranny. You and your party colleagues are still the voice of Russia here…

22

Jan

2025

EN Speech

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Systematic repression of human rights in Iran, notably the cases of Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, and the taking of EU citizens as hostages

Madam President, as so many colleagues mentioned it before, the regime in Tehran is among the most brutal on earth. It has been desperately trying for all means, including murder and torture, to suppress civil society and the nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. Countless demonstrators have been arrested and death sentences are regularly carried out. The Iranian regime is a long…

21

Jan

2025

EN Speech

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Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the 24 October parliamentary elections have raised serious questions about the Georgian Government's commitment to democratic values and to European integration. As one of the election observers, together with my colleagues, we noted significant irregularities, including political pressure before the election day, misuse of state resources and attacks o…

21

Jan

2025

EN Speech

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Need for actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus (debate)

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the people of Belarus have faced brutal repression for years from Lukashenka's regime, and therefore it is our obligation to keep this issue on our agenda. The August 2020 elections were rigged and were followed by violence aimed at silencing civil society, and therefore we have to support civil society in Belorussia in their struggle for democracy…

21

Jan

2025

DE Speech

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Geopolitical and economic implications for the transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. The United States remains Europe's most important partner even under an elusive President Donald Trump. A stable transatlantic axis is essential in all areas, whether it is about military issues, about our economic situation, but also about environmental issues. Joint action by the US and the European Union, especially in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukra…

18

Dec

2024

DE Speech

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Preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit (debate)

Madam President, Dear colleagues! It is a good thing that Croatia has been in the European Union for more than ten years. It is a pity that its neighbours – Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro – are at different distances from being a member of the European Union. In view of today's summit, we should once again focus our attention more on this key region. It is not only our neighbour and of str…

17

Dec

2024

EN Speech

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Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, Russia's action in Ukraine demonstrates how disinformation can be weaponised to justify aggression. By distorting history, Moscow frames its invasion as legitimate, falsely asserting that Ukraine is not a sovereign nation, as it was mentioned before by my colleagues. These tactics also aim to divide Europe and the Western world. The Kremlin state-controlled media …