Speeches

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen. In particular, I greet all those people who have so far been able to form an opinion for themselves and who want to do so in the future. Because the Digital Services Act It is truly a particularly worrying encroachment on our digital freedom. Under the guise of consumer protection, a censorship apparatus has been created here that threatens our freedom of expression. The fact that the DSA is now even to be tightened because technology companies are resisting the imposed censorship is alarming. The EU is trying to expand its control over the digital space and silence critical voices. The DSA intervenes in platforms’ business models, forcing them to delete or block content – this is nothing more than prescribed censorship. We do not want the EU to determine what we can see or read on the Internet. The free flow of information is the basis of information in a democracy. So let's fight together for a free internet where diversity of opinion and innovation can thrive – without patronising regulation.

Please also read the statistics. I am only sufficiently aware of these statements, including from the regional parliaments. We have good evidence in the crime statistics, which are also published.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we must speak an inconvenient but important truth. Violence against women is not an abstract statistic, but a daily reality that deeply shakes our society. In recent years, we have seen a worrying development. Violence against women has increased, not least due to challenges of immigration and changing cultural dynamics. It is crucial that we discuss this reality openly and honestly, yes, also talk about the downsides of migration. Imported patterns of violence from different cultural backgrounds require a differentiated but clear view. Integration means not only proximity, but the incorporation of common values of respect and equality. A good picture is also: At a border, not a dress, a backpack, a piece of luggage is parked, but you take it with you. Particularly worrying is the increasing violence among young people. We need to invest in education and prevention. Schools and families play a crucial role here. The European Union must address this issue with all its consistency. We need better victim protection, consistent law enforcement, comprehensive prevention programmes. Violence against women is not a marginal phenomenon. It is an attack on our common humanist values. So let's act together!

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. My focus today is very consciously on children and young people – above all because until recently I was in a classroom myself and could or had to see what challenges and changes are coming to us. Our answers are half-hearted at best, not to say: Not enough. A third more girls with anxiety disorders in clinics since 2019. Eating Disorders and Depression Rise Dramatically, and What Do We Do? We are discussing mental health coaches in schools – as if that were even a bit sufficient. Where is the comprehensive prevention strategy? Where are the massive investments? Where are our approaches to starting at the roots? The gender gap is also particularly frightening. Girls suffer disproportionately, while boys may fall through the cracks. Let me also make one thing clear at this point: Conditions such as those during the coronavirus pandemic, which have massively fuelled these mental illnesses, must not be repeated under any circumstances.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen! The recent storm disaster has severely affected not only Austria, but also many of our neighbouring countries in Central Europe. The images of the devastation and the reports of the affected communities are shocking. These events remind us how vulnerable our societies are to the forces of nature and how important it is to be prepared for such crises. Although the European Union has provided first aid through its Copernicus Earth observation programme, the response remains insufficient. By the afternoon of 16 September, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism had not yet been officially activated. This clearly shows that there is a lack of concrete measures to help the people on the ground in these times of crisis. The delay in activating such mechanisms can mean the difference between life and death and is unacceptable. There is an urgent need for the EU to improve and speed up its crisis management mechanisms. We need to learn from these events and make sure we are better prepared. This includes greater cooperation between Member States and more effective use of existing resources. It is my first speech here in this House, and in the midst of these challenges I would like to highlight the tireless commitment of the volunteers. Their commitment and solidarity are a shining example of humanity in times of need. These helpers often work in extremely difficult conditions and risk their own lives to help others. Particularly tragic is the loss of four lives in Austria, including a courageous firefighter whose victims we honor with deep respect. His commitment reminds us of what true devotion means. Let us fight together for better preparedness for such disasters, for Austria and the people of Europe! Only through joint efforts can we ensure that we are up to future challenges and provide our citizens with the security they deserve.