What Reinier spoke about.

17

Jun

2026

Speeches EN

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Preparation of the European Council (joint debate)

Madam President, what's the definition of madness? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. According to that logic, the European Council is insane. Every time a wannabe dictator is finally voted out, another one pops up. And so we're held hostage by 27 national elections and national vetoes. The Council is kind of like the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who pushes a boulder up a hill, but every time he's near the top, it rolls back down, repeating for eternity. Seizing frozen Russian assets: almost there – veto! Making the European elections more democratic: almost there – veto! Abolishing the veto – veto! This Friday, Volt protests in front of the Council to demand national leaders do what most Europeans want: abolish the veto and unite. We will do this over and over again until we push that boulder over the top.

16

Jun

2026

Answers EN

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Achieving digital sovereignty and resilience for Europe, in light of recent developments affecting access to advanced AI technologies (debate)

Thanks a lot for this question. I think it is possible for Europe to create our own European tech stack and become entirely sovereign. For the first time in decades, there's actually more talented people coming from the US to Europe than there are going from Europe to the US, because Europe is simply a better place to live. Talent is an essential factor in creating our own European tech stack. That's one element. But if we also fix the capital markets union and create a well-functioning 28th regime, our successful companies can actually scale. So there are a lot of possibilities and we can do it according to our own values.

16

Jun

2026

Speeches EN

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Achieving digital sovereignty and resilience for Europe, in light of recent developments affecting access to advanced AI technologies (debate)

Mr President, colleagues, in Star Wars, the most powerful machine in the galaxy is called the Death Star. AI may not be the Death Star yet, but it's definitely not a simple digital service anymore. It's infrastructure for our economy, our research and security. So Trump's decision to block our access to Anthropic's most advanced AI models is no surprise. But if Washington can cut us off, it means we're not on the Death Star; we're in its sights. But there is a new hope. Although the Empire kept building bigger and louder, it was outflown by rebels in smaller X-wings who were simply smarter and better. For European tech sovereignty, our edge is never going to be bigger and louder; the European way is always going to be smarter and better. So let's not try to imitate the Death Star. Let's build X-wings. Commissioner, how will you create the conditions that enable Europe to build? I believe we can do it. May the force be with you.

21

May

2026

Speeches EN

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European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Stop destroying videogames’ (debate)

Madam President, (The speaker hummed the Super Mario Bros 'Ground Theme' tune) As a young boy 30 years ago, the most important decision for me was Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle. I loved playing Pokemon and wanted to be the very best. 30 years later, if I go to my mum's attic, pull out my old Game Boy and put in some new batteries, boom! Professor Oak is telling me to pick my starter: Charmander all the way. But today, too many video games will not work 30 years later. They might not even work 30 days later, despite games being sold with no expiry date. The moment the game makers decide to shut down support, these games become unplayable. Game over. No Charmeleon. It is bad for all lovers of games, as the 1.2 million people signing this petition to stop destroying video games shows. Our laws and game industry should learn something from Charizard and evolve. Stop remote disabling and keep games playable so that gamers who want to be the very best can actually catch them all.

19

May

2026

Speeches EN

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Europe's response to reduced US military deployments in Europe, particularly at its Eastern flank in the light of the latest US decisions (debate)

Madam President, Europe has been blindsided by Trump many times – threatening Greenland, betraying Ukraine. But for once, Trump is just doing what he said he would. The withdrawal of American soldiers from Germany and Poland should not come as a surprise to anyone who has listened to the US in the past years. At this point, I don't even blame Trump. I blame European leaders who are shocked – shocked! – when they should have seen this coming from miles away. European leaders, when it comes to our security, hope is a bad strategy. Instead, join our network of 40 MEPs acting across party lines to take our security out of American hands and into our own. Let's build the European defence union together. For every 5 000 troops Trump withdraws from Europe, we should replace them with 5 000 of our own. Bottom line: we need our own European defence, regardless of the latest clown show coming out of Washington. And that, by the way, is also the best way to strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance.

19

May

2026

Questions EN

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EU governance under pressure – institutional responses to global challenges (debate)

Mr Smith, so you say, actually, that the veto in foreign policy is so important to us. But what successes have we had as Europe on a global stage with our current foreign policy? We are fragmented and weak. So how on earth are we going to have a positive impact on our environment and the world around us, if we stick to this unanimous decision-making in foreign policy?

19

May

2026

Speeches EN

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EU governance under pressure – institutional responses to global challenges (debate)

Mr President, there is a man living in a cave. He has a piece of paper saying this is his cave and that he has sovereignty. But what will he do when people enter his cave and threaten to kick him out? Europeans don't want a sovereign cave. They understand real sovereignty is only achieved when you can actually shape your surroundings. This debate is about the EU's institutional response to global challenges. That's the understatement of the year! Europe is under attack and the institutional response is zero. No Treaty change, no extra democracy, and we remain paralysed. Meanwhile, Trump, Putin, Xi and the tech oligarchs have one thing in common: they are all afraid of a united Europe, so they are trying to destroy us. And the far right nationalists in this parliament are helping them do it. But what do we want? Nine out of ten Europeans want a more united Europe. How? Decide faster without vetoes. Defend ourselves with a European army. Elect a European Government that answers to all Europeans. The European moment is now. National leaders: losers have excuses, winners have a plan. So climb out of your caves and make a plan. If you care so much about sovereignty, make us sovereign. The only way to do it is together. From Portugal to Ukraine, let's create the United States of Europe!

19

May

2026

Speeches EN

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EU cybersecurity and preparedness in view of advanced AI systems (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, the newest AI model from Anthropic, Mythos, is so effective at finding weaknesses in software that they decided to only give access to a few companies from the US. In the wrong hands, it can be used to exploit digital vulnerabilities, like attacking bank accounts or health records at a speed and skill never seen before. Another wake-up call for Europe! Anyone who believes the best AI will always be available to us is making a dangerous assumption. As soon as AI models become strategic assets for cybersecurity, defence or economic power, access will become selective. If we do not have AI made in Europe, if we do not control our own digital infrastructure, we cannot control our own future. The next AI model might not be kept under lock and key. It might be pointed at us! So I ask you, Commissioner, to act quickly and build EU-owned infrastructure, data centres, cloud and compute on European soil. Invest in research and development of purpose-built AI, cybersecurity and open source standards. If we act quickly, we will still have a future made in Europe.

29

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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Danger of normalising relations with Russia, including its participation in major cultural and sports events (debate)

Madam President, it's remarkable that the far left and the far right use the same arguments about inviting Russia to sports and culture events. I will not give arguments but names. Oleksandr Pielieshenko, a European weightlifting champion, died on the frontline on 5 May 2024. Yurii Kerpatenko, a conductor, was murdered by Russian soldiers in 2022. Kateryna Diachenko, a talented gymnast killed in a Russian attack on Mariupol. She was 11 years old. I could read another 500 names of Ukrainian athletes and artists who will never compete or create again, or thousands of names of people who cannot play football, write or compose because they fight for their lives on the front lines. But I only have one minute, so I will instead say, until every Ukrainian is free to trade a gun for a paintbrush, to swap bunkers for sports fields, the participation of Russians in cultural or sporting events is an insult to the memory of the dead, and a mark of shame for any institution that hosts them.

29

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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The need to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish life in Europe, following the recent attacks against the Jewish community in the Netherlands and Belgium (debate)

Madam President, a family closes the curtains, afraid to be seen as they practice their faith. A woman hides her Star of David necklace as she walks down the street. A child sits in a classroom behind bullet-proof glass. This is unacceptable, but it is the sad reality for Jewish people in Europe. After centuries of persecution, Jewish people can walk down Amsterdam's streets full of memorials, but they still open their newspapers to see an attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam and an explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam. Antisemitism is a poison that is rising again. So we should stand in solidarity with Jewish communities, punish hate crimes, speak out against intolerance and invest in prevention through education. It does not matter how many memorials we build or moments of silence we hold for the dead if the living cannot live in peace.

28

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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Enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (debate)

Madam President, are we going to AI heaven where we all live like Greek gods served by AI robots, or AI hell where we are ruled by techno‑feudal overlords? Probably neither, but we are witnessing the start of a civilisational shift. The rise of artificial intelligence will shape our economies, our societies, and our future. The question is, will Europe build this future or merely endure it? We can either shape this technology with European values and clear ethical standards, or accept US technologies designed without them. That is why the Digital Markets Act must deliver and open the door for competition in the AI and cloud sector. We have the potential, but European innovators need a fair chance to build European cloud services and European AI, because if we do not shape this world, others will do it for us.

25

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 19 March 2026 (debate)

Madam President, colleagues, Trump demands that we follow him into war. International law is ignored again. Groceries are more expensive. Businesses struggle with high energy prices. A tank of gas costs more than ever. And the profits are flowing directly into Putin's pockets. All because of another reckless war the US Government started. That same United States raises tariffs, threatens to invade Greenland and has a security strategy that aims to destroy the EU. And now that same United States demands our help. Well, if you want our help, act like the ally we once knew – support Ukraine, show some respect for international law, and stop this destructive war. Europe, these are things we can demand when we are united. We can achieve so much more without a veto, without a traitor wannabe dictator in Hungary. Let's create a United States of Europe and speak with one voice.

11

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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EUCO and situation in the Middle East (joint debate)

Mr President, on Friday night, the first bombs fell on Iran. The Ayatollah was killed and we held our breath. What happens next? What will we do? Then, President von der Leyen announced that the EU will discuss this on Monday. Two weeks later, we still have not really found our course of action. Spain wants to go left. Germany wants to go right. And while we bicker about if this was a breach of international law – spoiler, it is – the result is a standstill because we do not have one foreign policy. We are bystanders. United action looks like this: a naval mission to free the Strait of Hormuz from mines and protect oil and trade shipping; bringing European citizens back safely from the Middle East together; collectively pushing the US to be clear on the goal of this war and act in line with international law. Divided, we will always remain reactive bystanders, but acting as the united states of Europe can lead us through any global crisis.

10

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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Tackling barriers to the single market for defence - Flagship European defence projects of common interest

Madam President, a German commander, a Belgian pilot and a Dutch engineer walk into a plane. No, this is not the start of a bad joke, it's what I saw last week at my visit to the Air Mobility Command in Eindhoven. This – multinational cooperation for transport and in-air refuelling – is great. It already works, but with EU leadership it could work even better. That is why I include it in this report on European defence projects of common interest. By buying big, complex systems like satellites together, we generate economies of skill and ensure taxpayers' money is used efficiently. To make sure they are also used effectively, we need to operate and maintain them in the entire life cycle, at Union level. And to create the systems of tomorrow, we need stronger EU synergies between research, innovation and industrial development. Commissioner, let's make it a reality, because the German, the Belgian and the Dutch I met are not a joke – they are a glimpse into Europe's future.

9

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (debate)

Madam President, I couldn't agree more, we need Treaty reform. But then if we reform the Treaties, what should the new Treaty look like?

9

Mar

2026

Questions EN

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Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (debate)

Mr Mandl, thank you for your intervention and for explaining that you envision a strong role for Parliament. This framework agreement contains some good elements that you also pointed out, but they are quite small – still baby steps. If you look further ahead in the future and have a bolder vision with larger steps that you could decide, what would that look like?

9

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (debate)

Madam President, colleagues, the European Council has threatened to take the Commission to court because of this agreement – before we even voted on it. That's perhaps the only time I've seen the Council act this fast. War in Iran? Ah, that can wait till Monday! Europeans getting a stronger voice in Brussels? Quick, bring out the lawyers! This agreement gives a little more power to the European Parliament and therefore more power to you, the people of Europe. And some countries in the Council don't want that, because they hold on to their power and their outdated nationalism of the previous century. But the Council isn't working well. It's like a merry-go-round: it's loud, flashy, sometimes fun to watch, but never really gets anywhere. It's democratic, yes, a meeting of national leaders – but in the end, your voice is diluted, twisted, and ultimately at the mercy of the veto from every wannabe dictator or stubborn nationalist. So instead, who should have more power in European politics? You. The people of Europe. You vote directly for this Parliament and deserve a Parliament which is the most important democratic body of the EU. One that can propose new laws, can vote a real European government in and out of office, and can summon any politician to an inquiry. That is a democratic 'United States of Europe' – a Europe of this century. And I want you, the European people, to be in charge of it.

11

Feb

2026

Speeches NL

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Urgent actions to revive EU competitiveness, deepen the EU Single Market and reduce the cost of living - from the Draghi report to reality (debate)

11

Feb

2026

Questions NL

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Urgent actions to revive EU competitiveness, deepen the EU Single Market and reduce the cost of living - from the Draghi report to reality (debate)

10

Feb

2026

Speeches EN

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European response to the attacks on the Ukrainian energy system causing a humanitarian crisis (debate)

Mr President, apparently, some European leaders were offended by Zelenskyy's comments in Davos. Seriously? What about the following is untrue? 'In Europe, there are endless internal arguments and things left unsaid that stop Europe from uniting and speaking honestly enough to find real solutions. [...] Instead of taking the lead in defending freedom worldwide, especially when America's focus shifts elsewhere, Europe looks lost'. Europe's problem is its institutions. The current way, Europe will remain a divided collection of small and medium‑sized powers. When we are united, we are truly invincible: 'a global force, not one that reacts late, but one that defines the future.' This is an accurate description of the current reality. So, to these European leaders that felt uncomfortable I say: if the truth makes you feel uncomfortable, please get more uncomfortable. You will never be as uncomfortable as the Ukrainian mum in Kyiv trying to keep her baby warm in the freezing cold. So, face the truth and act: set up a no‑fly zone, give the Taurus rockets, give all emergency heating and accelerate EU accession.

10

Feb

2026

Speeches EN

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European response to the attacks on the Ukrainian energy system causing a humanitarian crisis (debate)

I agree, but another way to help them could be to, for example, protect western Ukrainian skies with European air forces so that Ukraine has more protection and more capacity to focus on the front line and for fighting off the Russians. What do you think about that idea?

10

Feb

2026

Questions EN

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European response to the attacks on the Ukrainian energy system causing a humanitarian crisis (debate)

Mr Groothuis, I know you as a strong supporter for Ukraine and your call for stop with being complacent and us needing to be more busy with ourselves, it appeals to me. I also share your frustration towards some of the countries who put petty politics before support for Ukraine. But my question to you is, if we look at ourselves and we want to be busy with ourselves, what other steps can we take to make sure that Ukraine wins?

10

Feb

2026

Speeches EN

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Building a stronger European defence in light of an increasingly volatile international environment (debate)

Madam President, 'keep dreaming', Mark Rutte said. 'If you think Europe can ever defend itself without the US, keep dreaming'. Sure, we were asleep for too long, but this vision leads nowhere. Centuries ago, the Netherlands was seven little provinces, surrounded by threats, too weak to stand against them, dependent on protection from unreliable allies. And these seven provinces united and created the Dutch army. What if they hadn't, because 'Dutch army' sounded scary or because people without a vision told leaders, 'keep dreaming'? If they had listened, the Netherlands would not be here today. Colleagues, I don't give a ... what we call it – a European army, a European defence union, the European soldier sorority for all I care – as long as we get it done. We need autonomous defence with European command, capabilities and forces. This is not a dream; it's a plan.

9

Feb

2026

Speeches EN

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Mr President, in three months, on 9 May, we celebrate Europe Day. And we could be launching the largest democratic revolution in the history of Europe. 'Europe' – that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We cannot be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. We can build the United States of Europe, because Europe is a beautiful place worth defending. And should we succeed in the coming months, 9 May will no longer only be known as Europe Day, but as the day that Europeans declared with one voice: 'We will not go quietly into the night. We will not vanish without a fight. We're going to live on. We're going to survive.' That day we celebrate our 'European Independence Day'.

22

Jan

2026

Speeches EN

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Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges (debate)

Mr President, dear colleagues, around ten years ago Volt was founded. Since then, we've called for a European army. Since then, people have called us naive. Naive when we said that hiding behind the US was not an appropriate defence strategy. But now Putin's drones fly over Europe, the American noose tightens over Greenland and NATO is crumbling. And the only naive thing is thinking that we can go without a European army. We don't even have our own command headquarters. Dealing with today's global dangers with yesterday's national armies is like bringing a bayonet to a drone fight. While I applaud this action plan for European drones, we must do more to be fit for today's security challenges. Replace American generals, software and weapons with European alternatives. Start with the European countries that want to move fast and combine their militaries: others can join later. And finally, start to build a real European army to defend the United States of Europe. Opinion polls show Europeans want this. So let us not wait for war to unite us, let us unite to prevent war.