Speeches

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 power to support the rules-based order; His work is essential to the implementation of the Dayton Agreement. On the other hand, Milorad Dodik systematically undermines state institutions, refuses to implement decisions of the Constitutional Court and repeatedly threatens to secede Republika Srpska. Bosnia and Herzegovina does not need a division, but a uniform approach. The European Commission is also called upon to: It must take clear and unequivocal action against those who are constantly violating this policy.

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 integrate them into the national army and into the governing structure. While these developments are promising, challenges, of course, persist. The recent violence in Latakia, where more than 1 500 people lost their lives, highlights the fragile security situation. And this needs our engagement. No Syrian should live in fear anymore. Therefore, it is positive that we discuss Syria and that we work for a good future for the Syrian people. They deserve it.

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. The ongoing threats from Russia, including the instability in the region of Transnistria, continue to jeopardise Moldova's sovereignty and European aspirations. Despite these pressures, Moldova has remained determined, pushing forward with its reforms and advancing EU standards with unwavering resolve. And the growth facility is not just a financial tool, it is a clear message of our united support for Moldova.

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 results are overturned by Recep Erdoğan and his ruling party. This is not the way to join the European Union. While the threat of terrorism, of course, is a legitimate concern, counter-terrorism efforts should not be misused to erode the principles of the rule of law and freedom of expression. We need to re-evaluate the status of Turkey as a candidate for EU membership, and we have to consider alternative partnership options.

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, step by step, with supporters from many sectors of the society. The protesters believe the incident was a consequence of systemic corruption, and their demands are for accountability and transparency. I think they need support. And in response to these demonstrations, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević has resigned, stating his intent to defuse tensions. So what is necessary now? Serbian leaders have to engage in an open dialogue with this protest movement. The path forward must be paved with transparency and steadfast commitment. This is a condition for Serbia's EU integration to continue in a positive way. Italy's Minister Tajani mentioned yesterday he sees Serbia in the European Union in 2029. I am not that optimistic, but I hope he is right. So Serbia has to continue with its reform agenda, which is absolutely necessary for a future in the European Union.

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 the Gulf Cooperation Council – with which we have increased trade by over 35 % only in one decade – highlights this potential. We need a free trade agreement with the GCC, but we also have to address the negative role of Iran and its proxies, destabilising the region. And our support for a two‑state solution for Israel and Palestine has to play a key role in this strategy, like the support for Israel in their fight against Hamas terrorists.

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.

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 in the European Parliament, but the huge majority here is supporting Ukraine, not least because this struggle is also a struggle and a fight for democracy, freedom and the rule of law globally. Russia's aggression threatens European and international stability and security. Therefore, we must enhance our support by increasing economic assistance for Ukraine's recovery and restructuring. We have to counter Russian propaganda and disinformation.

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 term threat to its own citizens, to Israel, to neighbouring Arab states, to Ukraine with the drones and other support it provides to Russia, and to EU citizens who are taken hostage. The actions of the Iranian authorities are shocking and absolutely unacceptable. We must support the civil society, as well as EU citizens in the country, and widen restrictive measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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 on opposition politicians, all undermining the principles of free and fair elections. But something absolutely new for me was the use of surveillance cameras in all polling stations. I have observed elections in 35 different countries, but this was absolutely new for me. Such actions are unacceptable for a country with EU candidate status. We have to support all the democratic forces and we have to say it very clearly: the 'Georgian Dream' stopped European integration and they are very close with Russia. This is the situation, and here we have to be loud and clear.

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. I think this is one of the biggest crises in our neighbourhood, and we have to condemn all politically‑motivated arrests and violence against activists, and all forms of repression. Free and fair elections overseen by the OSCE, the Council of Europe and other international organisations are crucial for restoring democracy, and the so-called presidential elections on the 26 January, next weekend, are not free and fair – they are a farce, like Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said, a real farce.

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 Ukraine, is only promising if we continue to work together. The President of the Commission, as well as the High Representative, must quickly take the appropriate steps at European level in order to quickly enter into discussions with the Trump administration. The US remains our central partner in the EU, and our relations here are based on our shared values: Democracy, freedom and the rule of law. We have to fight for it and keep the United States on our side.

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 strategic importance when it comes to our community of values, but also very, very important for our security. For Austria, it has always been clear that the Western Balkans are part of Europe, and it is our shared responsibility to actually step up again. Delaying EU accession poses a danger for us that other forces that do not like our democracy, our rule of law, will gain greater influence with human rights here. The summit should therefore have a clear vision and be based on the conviction that all states belong to the European Union.

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 spreads false narratives and creates divisions among EU Member States and among their Euro-Atlantic allies, in order to weaken and also to make us in a way weaker that our cooperation, our unity, is not as strong enough. This manipulation also extends globally, depicting the West as the aggressor and Russia as the victim. The EU and the Member States must actively counter these false narratives by promoting accurate historical accounts from reputable sources and based on verified facts. We must also seek accountability for Russia's actions. Disinformation is part of a broader campaign of aggression. Holding Russia accountable means addressing both its crimes and information warfare that supports them. Ultimately, truth is the strongest ally of Ukraine. By combating disinformation, we defend our principles of democracy, human rights and the international, rules-based order.

Mr President, it is positive to see the end of this brutal terror regime in Syria. Now we must support Syrians in an orderly transition to a stable, functioning and democratic state. We must maintain continuous dialogue and keep the channels of communication open with the provisional government. Therefore, it was absolutely the right step of the new High Representative, Kaja Kallas, to send a high-ranking diplomat immediately to Damascus. We can assist in the rebuilding of institutions and democratic state structures, and we need there an inclusive government and a peaceful transition in order to support the rebuilding of society and the economy, and to reunite families and communities. We must encourage and assist Syrians in Europe to return to their homeland. 98 000 of them are in Austria. The majority are young men – they are needed in their country to rebuild the society and the economy.

Madam President, firstly I want to start positive: I want to mention that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is a convention with strong support by the member countries of the United Nations: 196 countries are party to it, including every member state except the United States. This is a record number, but there is a big 'but': we have to see that the adoption of this important convention doesn't mean that all the rights are really fulfilled. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to advocate for and uphold the rights of every child across Europe and around the globe. Every child has the right to education, also all girls in Afghanistan. As European parliamentary Members, we must make decisive actions to take inspiration and enhance our own projects in our Member States. And we have to use our development projects to support the needs of children, especially in countries where living standards are very low. We must recognise the importance of EU initiatives such as the European Child Guarantee. Let us move forward with determination to fulfil our obligations to the children. Together we have to work for a future where every child's rights are respected.

Mr President, Iran's regime is one of the most brutal on our planet. It kills and tortures its own citizens, with women most strongly persecuted. The regime has been trying through all means to suppress the protests triggered by the death of the 22‑year‑old Mahsa Amini. In addition to arrests of numerous demonstrators, many death sentences were carried out in connection with nationwide protests. The way Iranian authorities are dealing with the protesters, especially with young girls and women, is shocking and absolutely unacceptable. Although Iran is a UN member, has formally recognised the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is unfortunately among the five states in the world that most frequently apply the death penalty. We must support the Iranian civil society and widen restrictive measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Madam President, Madam President of the Commission! It's good to see you on the 1st. You can start with your Commission in December, and it is also necessary that you focus on competition and the economy. That was the success story of the European Union, and that must remain the success story. Only with strong economic performance can we also finance our European model of life for our citizens. Less bureaucracy, more innovation and research, as well as a comprehensive capital market, are absolutely necessary here. This Capital Markets Union is a prerequisite here. At the same time, however, we must also step up our efforts to ensure our security. Putin-Russia poses a great danger here. We need more for our defense. But we do not need friendship treaties, as the Freedom Party of Austria concluded with the Party of Putin. And we need sustainable European solutions to illegal migration. Our Commissioner, Magnus Brunner, who comes from Austria, also needs the support of the 27 nation states. One last point: The European Union will also be strengthened – economically and security-wise – if the Western Balkans find their home here with us – in the European Union.

Mr Predisent, dear colleagues, I asked to take the floor, because for me, the Turkish occupation of Cyprus is like the Russian occupation of Ukraine. Of course, the scale is smaller, but the legal implications are the same. A gross violation of international law. Russia's consulate on the Turkish side shows that this issue is an international one. It is not only an issue of Cyprus, and therefore it is our obligation to support the unity of Cyprus. It is our duty to keep this important European topic high on our agenda. We must never forget that the unilateral declaration of the independence of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus constitutes a severe violation of international law, which undermines Cyprus sovereignty. As European parliamentarians, we must oppose any attempts to legitimise the TRNC. It is our duty of each of our Members of this Parliament to condemn this illegal occupation.

Mr President, dear colleagues, unfortunately, one cannot speak of fair elections in Georgia. I tell you why. There was pressure on voters, more before the election day as on the election day. This is only one of many criticisms which election observers from the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the OSCE and NATO Parliamentary Assembly have noted in their final statement. As one of the observers, I agree with the final statement that elections unfolded amid entrenched polarisation in an environment mired by concerns over recently adopted legislation, its impact on fundamental freedoms and civil society. Through death threats towards opposition politicians during the campaign, as well as in many other aspects, we can clearly see that the Georgian governing party is pointing towards Europe, but in reality it is heading towards Russia. If they do not change their course, Georgia will fall behind in its rapprochement with the European Union.

Mr President, dear colleagues, our Lithuanian colleague mentioned that the Council of Europe opposed to give Azerbaijan credentials for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. I was one of these 75. We are now blacklisted by Azerbaijan. We are not allowed to enter this country, even on official missions. That is the real face of Azerbaijan. There are currently six inter-state cases pending before the European Court of Human Rights concerning Azerbaijan. In addition, Freedom House has designated Azerbaijan as one of the most authoritarian states globally. Arbitrary arrests, torture are a common feature in the country, and more than 300 individuals are currently in prison for political charges. At the heart of all this, now the COP conference is coming to Baku next month. I think we should not give Azerbaijan a chance to create a false impression of a country of tranquillity and of respect for human rights. This is not Azerbaijan: it is the opposite.

Madam President, colleagues, since 24 February 2022, we have been focused on Ukraine and since the 7 October 2023, Israel and Palestine have been occupying our attention, which is necessary, but we should not forget the plight of the Belarusian people. The regime of Lukashenka has been exerting systematic repression against Belarusian civil society, independent media, dissidents and all those opposed in any way to his brutal regime. Tens of thousands of people have been detained and there are still more than 1 350 political prisoners. The European Union must play an active role in supporting the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a democratic future – this is our duty.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen! Tens of thousands of people have been severely affected by the ongoing severe floods, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, when I think of the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Romania. Never before has there been such rainfall in Austria in such a short time. Yes, we have a natural disaster, and it is important to think first of all about the people affected, to thank the emergency agencies for their tireless efforts, but at the same time, of course, we are also massively challenged in politics. Our regional, national governments are doing everything they can in these hours. But we also say: If you help quickly, you help twice. This is where the European Union comes into play. In my opinion, the EU Civil Protection Fund and the procedure play a central role here, because Europe can and also shows this solidarity here. The European Commission plays a key role in the coordination of civil protection assistance measures and plays a significant role here, even when it comes to transport and operating costs. This EU solidarity fund has also come to Austria's aid several times, and we expect this European solidarity again for the heavily affected federal states, when I think of Upper Austria, Lower Austria, my home federal state of Styria, but also Burgenland. In addition, I think it is important that the planned review procedure on the Civil Protection Mechanism is also completed quickly by the Commission here, because we will continue to have natural disasters in the future; Climate change is evident here. We have to do everything in terms of renaturation projects and flood protection measures, and we also have to spend a lot of money to keep this ecological disaster that we see here from happening in the future.

Madam President, dear colleagues, the latest elections in Venezuela took place within an authoritarian regime that has presided over democratic backsliding for more than a decade, as many colleagues mentioned it already. Maduro didn't win the elections and he is still in power. That's the problem and we can never accept such a situation. Since Nicolás Maduro assumed the presidency in 2013, the situation has become worse day by day, and the dictatorship is meanwhile established. Maduro consolidated his power by creating an alternative legislative body to eliminate the National Assembly, and then using a packed Supreme Court to sideline the legislature and bar the major opposition figures from the presidential elections in 2018 and 2024. During both elections, international observers have found there has been limited freedom for political opposition, biased media coverage favouring the ruling party, and restrictions on civil society participation. The situation in Venezuela directly affected the European Union. It was mentioned the number of asylum applications submitted has dramatically increased. The people of Venezuela deserve free and fair elections and all results must be transparent and verifiable. We must do everything in our power to increase international pressure on the government in Venezuela. That is our duty today and tomorrow.

Madam President, Yes, we have a great common challenge, and our enormously important task is to actually strengthen our competitiveness. What do we need? We need to complete the internal market, we need to significantly improve the capital and energy market situation, and we need to invest massively in the technology sector. We need more Europe here. We need less when it comes to overregulation. It is not enough to talk about it, we have to act – and now it is time to act. A new debt package does not immediately bring with it structural changes that we need. But what it certainly brings is a new interest burden and that is not a good means for more growth. I am optimistic that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will make announcements in the right direction before and after 9 June. All initiatives in this regard are supported by me, but also by our Federal Government with Chancellor Nehammer.