Reinhold Lopatka
Member of the European Parliament · PPE · AT
“Madam President, I understand the anger of my colleagues, and the recent brutal killing of 28 Christians, including Pastor Markus Nyam, in Kawel village, is another reminder that religious persecution remains a tragic reality in Nigeria. We have to keep in mind that this was not an isolated incident.”
“Mr President, my dear colleagues, reconstruction is an important step towards providing the people of Gaza with the prospect of returning to a semblance of normal life. Hopefully, it is soon possible.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, as Commissioner Šuica mentioned, the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in El‑Obeid is yet another tragic reminder that the people of Sudan continue to pay the highest price for a conflict they did not choose.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, Russia's brutal war of aggression has shown that there are no grey zones on our continent, no place for grey zones. We must therefore continue supporting all enlargement countries who are demonstrating willingness to progress on the path of EU integration.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, for Europe to thrive in a multi-polar world, economic and political agreements are essential, especially with reliable and like-minded countries like Mexico. This is why the modernised strategic partnership agreement is so important.”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, in Nicaragua, the political imprisonment of human rights defenders is not an isolated incident. Their detention is part of a broader campaign to dismantle democracy and suppress dissent.”
The complete record
Every one of 134 lines we hold for Reinhold Lopatka, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 3.
“Madam President, I understand the anger of my colleagues, and the recent brutal killing of 28 Christians, including Pastor Markus Nyam, in Kawel village, is another reminder that religious persecution remains a tragic reality in Nigeria. We have to keep in mind that this was not an isolated incident. Across Nigeria, Christian communities continue to face repeated attacks from Boko Haram and other Islamic State terrorists. Christians are not a small minority in Nigeria – nearly half of the 242 million inhabitants of Nigeria are Christians. So what do we have to do? We need stronger early warning and monitoring mechanisms within the European External Action Service, and we must support those who promote dialogue and resist the spiral of hatred. We owe this to the victims of Kawel. 3-0472-0000”
“We have to call to all parties and also external actors to agree to an immediate ceasefire, engaging, meaningful dialogue and working towards a peaceful, Sudanese‑led political process that respects human dignity and the rule of law. 3-0426-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, as Commissioner Šuica mentioned, the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in El‑Obeid is yet another tragic reminder that the people of Sudan continue to pay the highest price for a conflict they did not choose. Reports of discriminate attacks on civilians, the destruction of vital infrastructure and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance raise serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law. Those responsible for atrocities against civilians must be held accountable. At the same time, we must ensure that humanitarian organisations can reach those in need. Millions of Sudanese are facing displacement, hunger and a complete lack of basic services.”
“Mr President, my dear colleagues, reconstruction is an important step towards providing the people of Gaza with the prospect of returning to a semblance of normal life. Hopefully, it is soon possible. The EU conducted an assessment in April, together with the World Bank and the United Nations, finding out that we would need USD 71.4 billion to rebuild the Palestinian enclave. Reconstruction must go far beyond rebuilding roads, hospitals and schools. It must restore hope and the foundation of a lasting peace. The European Union is already the largest humanitarian donor to the Palestinians – it has to be mentioned. However, its construction also needs accountability. Therefore, I think the terror organisation of Hamas cannot play any role in the future of Gaza.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, Russia's brutal war of aggression has shown that there are no grey zones on our continent, no place for grey zones. We must therefore continue supporting all enlargement countries who are demonstrating willingness to progress on the path of EU integration. Moldova has shown a strong determination in the implementation of reforms, in the face of challenging circumstances, despite disinformation campaigns and hybrid attacks from Russia. While there are still some changes necessary, of course, we cannot allow Moscow to undermine Moldova's European cause. Russia's actions remind us that enlargement is not a bureaucratic exercise, but one of the EU's most important geopolitical instruments to strengthen stability, security and prosperity across our continent. Candidate countries must deliver on reforms.”
“While we are separated geographically, we are united by shared values and by a clear mutual interest in strengthening our partnership. 2-0256-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, for Europe to thrive in a multi-polar world, economic and political agreements are essential, especially with reliable and like-minded countries like Mexico. This is why the modernised strategic partnership agreement is so important. It is not only a trade agreement, it is a strategic investment in our common future. This partnership opens new opportunities for European agri-food exports, improves access for EU companies to public procurement and services in Mexico, and supports small and medium-sized enterprises through simpler rules and procedures. It enables us also to strengthen Europe's global competitiveness by diversifying supply chains and deepening cooperation with a key partner in Latin America.”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, in Nicaragua, the political imprisonment of human rights defenders is not an isolated incident. Their detention is part of a broader campaign to dismantle democracy and suppress dissent. Tragically, Brooklyn Rivera, leader of an indigenous party, died after spending more than 970 days in detention. At the last EuroLat Asssembly, EPP and like-minded parliamentarians from Latin America adopted a declaration strongly condemning this personalist regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, which has become a brutal dictatorship. It persecutes and imprisons dissidents, strips citizens of their nationality, forcing them into exile, and has even extended its repression beyond Nicaragua's borders through acts of violence and murder. We must continue to support human rights defenders.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, a government cannot claim to be moving towards Europe, but is acting against all our democratic principles. Unfortunately, what we see in Turkey is exactly that. The reality is alarming: 28 mayors and 120 opposition officials have been arrested and removed from office, and Turkey now ranks 159th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index. These are not isolated incidents. These are results of a broader democratic backsliding that we cannot ignore. Let me be clear: yes, Turkey on the one side remains an important partner, a NATO ally. But on the other side, we cannot come at the expense of our values to have a Member like Turkey. Therefore, I think we have to do everything to support the civil society and I see no chance for a membership of Turkey. 2-0382-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, even if the US‑Iran framework agreement is signed this Friday, the threats coming from Iran remain. The regime in Tehran is not only cruel and lawless towards its own people, but also towards the countries in the whole region with its attacks and, of course, with its sponsoring of terrorism. As Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula, I would like to express from the European Parliament our heartfelt solidarity for the peoples of the region and full support through all possible means, including through parliamentary diplomacy. Europe and the world cannot afford a continuation of this war, which affects all our economies. We must urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to meaningful negotiations. 2-0094-0000”
“Mr President, colleagues, behind the headlines of war and geopolitical confrontation, the Iranian regime is intensifying its repression against its own people. And it was mentioned already – Amnesty International published this Monday that at least 2 159 executions have been taken in 2025. Protesters are shot, students and journalists are detained, and torture and forced confessions remain instruments of repression. And also religious minorities: Christians and Baha'is are persecuted simply because of their beliefs. And while the world is distracted, the regime tightens its grip through fear, isolation and violation. I think Europe must have a clear answer: we need targeted sanctions against judges who sign death sentences, prison officials who oversee torture, and against Islamic Revolutionary Guard commanders who enforce repression.”
“The Cuban people deserve freedom and economic opportunities, and Europe must continue here to stand with the people of Cuba. 2-0457-0000”
“Madam President, Cuba is facing its biggest crisis, with low productivity in the country but also because of the fuel blockade. Ninety percent of its 11 million people are suffering and living in poverty. We have to see this humanitarian and political situation in Cuba, and it remains concerning. And it is our duty, of course, to clearly call for the release of all political prisoners and for respect for civil liberties. But we should remain realistic. Isolation and increased pressure by the US will not improve the lives of the Cuban people. I see the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement as a chance for the European Union to channel and raise human rights concerns, directly and consistently with the Cuban authorities. We have to continue in this engagement.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, three years after the outbreak of war in Sudan, the conflict has turned into one of the gravest humanitarian catastrophes of our time. More than 150 000 people have lost their lives; over 14 million have been displaced. This crisis is not only a regional tragedy – when suffering reaches such a scale, it becomes our shared responsibility to act. In the face of this humanitarian crisis, the European Union must continue to insist, as I see it, on three key priorities: first. all parties in this conflict must commit to an immediate and lasting ceasefire; second, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be guaranteed; and third, there must be accountability of all human rights violations committed during the conflict. The people of Sudan cannot be forgotten while they are facing such violence and suffering.”
“Frau Präsidentin, sehr geehrte Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Erst vor wenigen Tagen hat die Israelitische Kultusgemeinde in Österreich eine Statistik veröffentlicht: Die Zahl antisemitischer Vorfälle hat leider auch in Österreich einen Höchststand erreicht. Im letzten Jahr waren es 1 532 dokumentierte Fälle. Diese gezielten Angriffe auf jüdisches Leben zeigen, wie wichtig es ist, nicht nur die Debatte zu führen, sondern auch gemeinsam und entschieden gegen alles – und wenn es nur am Beginn ist –, was antisemitisch bei uns passiert, entschieden vorzugehen. Und es vergeht ja kein Tag, wo wir nicht von neuen Opfern hören, heute auch wieder aus London. Wir alle tragen eine historische Verantwortung – besonders wir in Österreich –, jüdisches Leben zu schützen. Und daher bin ich froh, diese Reden heute hier gehört zu haben.”
“Daher müssen wir meines Erachtens auch die Chancen sehen, Beschleunigung für das Freihandelsabkommen, Beschleunigung für strategische Partnerschaftsabkommen mit den Golfstaaten. 3-0100-0000”
“Frau Präsidentin! Die anhaltende Krise im Nahen Osten hat schwerwiegende und weltweite Folgen – auch für das kleine Österreich, aus dem ich komme. Einer der mehr als 6 000 vom Iran ausgehenden Drohnen- und Raketenangriffe hat eine Anlage in den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten getroffen. Und diese Anlage ist im Gemeinschaftseigentum von ADNOC und der österreichischen OMV. Die wollten heuer an die Börse gehen. Das ist verschoben, dies wäre ein börsennotiertes Unternehmen im Wert von 60 Milliarden Euro. Und das Zweite, was man natürlich auch sehen muss: Die Auswirkungen betreffen ja nicht nur die Petrochemie. Die Auswirkungen betreffen ja nicht nur unsere Erdölversorgung, sie betreffen Düngemittel – 30 % der Düngemittel gehen durch diese Straße von Hormus. Was brauchen wir? Engere Zusammenarbeit mit den Golfstaaten.”
“And above all, we must remain guided by genuine development cooperation principles – poverty reduction, human development and the avoidance of new debt traps. 2-0071-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, I want to underline that Global Gateway has already delivered tangible results, only to mention three of them. First, across Africa the EU is investing in renewable energy infrastructure from large‑scale solar projects to emerging green hydrogen corridors. Second, we are expanding digital connectivity. And third, we are strengthening trade routes by upgrading ports and rail links. These initiatives are creating jobs and transferring knowledge to economically deprived regions. And as the report rightly highlights, the Global Gateway will fulfil its potential if we strengthen governance, transparency and development orientation. If we are not continuing with our initiatives, China will use all this for its interests.”
“Frau Präsidentin, meine sehr geehrten Damen und Herren! Die Staats- und Regierungschefs in ihren Schlussfolgerungen – aber auch heute zu Beginn unserer Sitzung Präsidentin Metsola – haben richtigerweise festgehalten, dass der Krieg im Iran und die Angriffe auf die Golfstaaten natürlich keine regionale Krise sind. Sie sind ein Stresstest – nicht nur für Europa, sondern für die Weltwirtschaft. Sie stellen nicht nur unsere Energieversorgung infrage, sondern sie heizen auch Debatten an. Wie kann man richtig auf solches Vorgehen einer solchen Diktatur, wie es das Mullah-Regime ist, hier die richtigen Antworten finden? Meines Erachtens kann unsere Antwort nur sein: eine engere Zusammenarbeit mit den Golfstaaten, hier nicht nur Freihandelsabkommen abzuschließen, sondern auch wirkliche strategische Partnerschaften einzugehen.”
“3-0074-0000 Reinhold Lopatka (PPE), Antwort auf eine Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“. – Europa macht gerade das Richtige. Wir haben hier unsere Bestimmungen verschärft. Der zuständige EU-Kommissar hat hier die Unterstützung im Parlament gefunden. Das ist genau der richtige Weg: geordnet in dieser Frage vorzugehen, illegale Migration zu verhindern, aber auch andererseits alles zu tun, dass im Iran endlich dieses Terrorregime ein Ende findet und hier ein Systemwechsel kommt. 3-0075-0000”
“(The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 3-0073-0000 Alexander Jungbluth (ESN), Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“. – Vielen Dank, Herr Kollege, dass Sie die Frage zulassen. In der Debatte ist heute deutlich geworden, dass uns die Linke jetzt schon argumentativ darauf vorbereitet – auch zusammen mit vielen NGOs –, dass es wieder zu sogenannten Fluchtbewegungen kommen könnte und dass sehr, sehr viele Menschen jetzt durch diese Konflikte wieder nach Europa strömen könnten. Wir wissen aus der Vergangenheit, dass das sehr, sehr negative Begleiterscheinungen für die Völker Europas hatte. Deshalb würde ich fragen – gerade die EVP –, wie stehen Sie dazu, zu dieser Argumentation? Würden Sie das mittragen? Oder würden Sie mit der Rechten im Parlament dafür Sorge tragen, dass wir Europa endlich zu einer Festung ausbauen?”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, never forget this. The mullah regime in Iran, which is still in power, is a terror regime. UN sources reported that, in January, they killed more than 35 000 of their own people. Iran funds terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah or the Houthis. Iran arms Russia with drones. And Iran was close to becoming a nuclear power. We should not forget, Iran has in its constitution the destruction of Israel. On the other side, we have the UN Charter, which proposes, how I see it, to protect human life, but not to shield regimes that slaughter their own people. When the Security Council is paralysed by vetoes coming from Russia, a strict formalist reading of the Charter betrays its own spirit. Therefore, Israel and the United States were legitimate to start this operation.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, we must strengthen and deepen our relationship and our partnership with Canada. Canada is one of the most trusted partners and a close friend of Europe. And our cooperation is built on shared values – democracy, human rights – or our commitment to a rules-based international order, which is so important in these days. Our cooperation is deeply economic. Since the provisional application of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada, our economy has increased by around 65 %, reaching EUR 80 billion in goods trade annually. The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, recently highlighted that middle powers gain strength by acting together. That's the most important thing in days like this. Let's do exactly this.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, we must always keep at the top of our minds that the future of the European countries that share our values lies in the European Union. Enlargement remains a strategic investment in peace, stability and prosperity in Europe. This has been our shared commitment, especially for the Western Balkans, since at least the Thessaloniki summit of 2003. Enlargement is a two-way street, and the EU needs to do its part just as the candidate countries, of course, have to do their reform agenda. Montenegro is the frontrunner in the accession process. As the EPP's shadow rapporteur for the country, I closely follow the country's reform efforts. And when a candidate country delivers the necessary reforms in line with European values, we also have to keep our promises. That's our task. 2-0443-0000”
“Yes, we have a demand for critical raw materials, but that must never contribute to conflict and instability. We must ensure transparent and conflict-free supply chains in line with our values and our strategic interests. Therefore, the European Union should strengthen humanitarian assistance. We have to support political mediation to stop mass displacement because of ongoing violence against civilians. We should support the people and we should do everything so that military groups are not supported. 2-0576-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is deeply alarming. Hundreds of thousands of people are suffering from violence, displacement and extreme poverty. Entire communities live in fear, and vulnerable groups, especially women and children, pay the highest price. Therefore, we must be very clear: the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be fully respected. Any support for armed groups by external actors is unacceptable and only prolongs the suffering of the civilian population. What the region needs is not further escalation. It needs diplomacy. The European Union should actively support regional mediation efforts and work to prevent a direct confrontation between the states there. Europe has also its own responsibility.”
“Solidarisches Vorgehen sollte eigentlich Sozialdemokraten nicht fremd sein. Aber das, was hier gemacht wird mit diesem Alleingang, ist das genaue Gegenteil davon. Europa funktioniert aber nur dann, wenn wir solidarisch vorgehen, uns an gemeinsame Regeln halten und auch Rücksicht nehmen aufeinander. Nur so kommen wir zu Lösungen – schwierig genug in der Asyl- und Migrationsfrage. Das Vorgehen der spanischen Regierung ist leider das genaue Gegenteil davon, und daher ist es striktest abzulehnen. 2-0524-0000”
“Frau Präsidentin, werte Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Die spanische Migrationspolitik läuft den Bestrebungen der Europäischen Kommission fundamental entgegen. Während EU‑Kommissar Brunner hier in seinem EU‑Asyl- und Migrationspakt ganz klar auf Vorhersehbarkeit, Steuerung und europäische Koordinierung setzt, geht die spanische sozialistische Regierung hier einen nationalen Sonderweg. Über 500 000 irregulär aufhältige Migranten sollen einen legalen Aufenthaltsstatus bekommen – durch ein vereinfachtes Regulierungsverfahren. Ja, das ist eine nationale Entscheidung, aber die hat europäische Folgen, und da ist es richtig, dass wir das hier auch diskutieren. Denn mit diesem Aufenthaltstitel bekommen diese Menschen natürlich einen Zugang zum Schengen-Raum. Stark belastete Länder wie Deutschland oder Österreich haben hier eine zusätzliche Belastung.”
“Third, by supporting a civilian‑led political future for Sudan, not as a distant aspiration, but as a condition for lasting peace. Together with the United States and the Gulf countries, we have to stop this humanitarian catastrophe. 2-0352-0000”
“Mr President, what we see in Sudan today is the collapse of the state. For years, civilians have been paying the price through hunger, displacement, sexual violence and the killing of thousands of people. More than an entire generation is being pushed to the brink, while humanitarian access is deliberately obstructed. Civilians are being actively targeted through attacks on hospitals or markets. External actors, state and non‑state, that pursue their own strategic interests in Sudan are supplying weapons and financing armed groups. What should be the answer? Europe must, therefore, act with strategic clarity. First, by demanding an immediate and verifiable ceasefire with clear consequences for violations. Second, by using sanctions and accountability mechanisms against those responsible, also against those external actors who enable them.”
“What we need is a sustainable ceasefire, a ceasefire that ensures security, the respect of international law and the protection of civilians. We have to support the Syrian Government, but we have to be also on alert. 2-0327-0000 Intervenții la cerere 2-0328-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the situation in Syria is fragile and complex. First, especially in north‑east Syria, the UN reports that more than 170 000 displaced people need humanitarian assistance. Second, another big issue are the detention camps like Roj and al-Hol. I had the chance to visit an Austrian woman with her two children in the Roj camp. Over 28 000 people are in these camps. Some 8 000 are foreigners. We have to have security in our minds. Many of the people are brainwashed by ISIS. And third, we have to see the difficult situation of the Kurdish people. They are by far the largest minority in Syria, with more than 2 million people. The Kurds have played a big and a key role in the fight against the terrorists of ISIS. We should not forget this and their rights and security must be ensured.”
“The EU has repeatedly raised its concerns in public and in meetings with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities. Today, the European Union reiterates its call for Jimmy Lai's immediate and unconditional release. The European Union will continue to call on China and Hong Kong to adhere to the Sino-British Joint Declaration and Hong Kong's Basic Law, to respect international commitments, and to preserve the 'one country, two systems' principle. 3-0512-0000”
“Since then, hundreds of opposition politicians, journalists and civil society activists have been arrested. Most independent media outlets were forced to close and many civil society organisations had to disband. A free and independent media is vital for resilient societies and ensuring government accountability. Criminalising speech and political dissent breaches Hong Kong's international commitments and its own Basic Law. The prosecution of Jimmy Lai further undermines confidence in the rule of law, a cornerstone of Hong Kong's attractiveness and success as an international business hub. The European Union, through its office in Hong Kong and Member States' representations on the ground, has closely followed national security trials and regularly attended the court hearings.”
“Most of this time, he was held in solitary confinement. In December, the Hong Kong High Court convicted him on national security grounds, and he now faces a lengthy prison sentence and will likely spend the rest of his life in jail. The trial against Jimmy Lai was politically motivated. He was prosecuted for his support for freedom of expression and for democracy in Hong Kong. The independent newspaper that he founded, Apple Daily, was forced to shut down in 2021, and six former journalists from Apple Daily were charged. This is a striking example of the clampdown on the free and independent press in Hong Kong. It demonstrates the dramatic decline of the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong since June 2020, when Beijing imposed the National Security Law on Hong Kong.”
“Madam President, today we are confronted with a disgrace that shows the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party: the conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai is not justice, it is political revenge. His trial was a shame. Let us be clear: this isn't just about Jimmy Lai, it is about the Chinese Communist Party that suppresses dissent wherever it exists – targeting journalists, minorities and human rights defenders – and is responsible for more than 1 000 executions each year, more than any country on this planet. Jimmy Lai must be released now, and the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities must also be held accountable. 3-0510-0000 (End of catch-the-eye procedure) 3-0511-0000 Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, Jimmy Lai has now been detained for more than five years.”
“This case also underlines a broader strategic lesson for the European Union and the international community, as I see it. Sustained political engagement with smaller Latin American countries matters, and we have to invest in these countries. In the case of Honduras, based on what we have observed on the ground, there is no factual or procedural justification for a recount. The elections were fair and the democratic will of the Honduran people is very clear. It must be respected. Nasry Asfura is the new president of Honduras. 3-0482-0000 Catch-the-eye procedure 3-0483-0000”
“Madam President, let me start with the key point. The election was in line with modern international electoral standards. Voter turnout was high and there was no evidence of systematic irregularities on the election day. Nasry Asfura won the presidential elections. He is a successful former two-term mayor of Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. But what is deeply concerning, however, is the reaction of the current left-wing government. There is a visible reluctance to accept the outcome, combined with attempts to delay or politically reinterpret the result behind the scenes. This is particularly dangerous in a country where politics, state structures and organised crime remain closely intertwined. Honduras is a fragile state, and political uncertainty further increases the risk of instability.”
“I think such a strong partnership can be built on open and constructive dialogue, and also the European Parliament should play here a role. The European Union and India share an interest in stability, peace and the rules-based international order. I think this is an excellent foundation for a good agreement. 3-0329-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, India, the world's most populated country, is already our partner. We are not at the beginning of a partnership. The EU-India trade exchange is substantial. We reached, in 2024, an exchange of goods around EUR 120 billion, and our trade has tripled in the past two decades. This is precisely why we must now conclude a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement. Significant progress has been made. Two thirds of the negotiating chapters are already finished, but we must be honest: the most difficult chapters remain unresolved and EU-India relations must go beyond a trading level. We need strong partners in a future-orientated security and defence partnership and we have to deepen our technology cooperation.”
“Selbstverständlich sehen wir die Europäische Union als ein Gebilde, das auf Subsidiarität Rücksicht nimmt. Aber in den großen Fragen brauchen wir die europäischen Entscheidungen. Und diese Kommission jetzt hat gezeigt, dass wir alles tun, um den Wirtschaftsstandort wieder zu stärken. Ja, es hat in der letzten Periode überschießende Regelungen gegeben, aber da hatten wir nicht diese Mehrheit, die wir jetzt hier im Europäischen Parlament haben. Die setzen wir voll ein, um uns wirtschaftlich zu stärken. Dazu gehören aber nicht Zollerhöhungen, wie es Trump vorhat und wozu Sie sich verschweigen. 3-0048-0000”
“Mich überrascht, dass gerade Sie von der EVP über Souveränität sprechen. Weil Sie die Europäische Union doch seit bald zehn Jahren regieren und Sie doch verantwortlich für Maßnahmen wie den Green Deal, das Verbrennerverbot, das Lieferkettengesetz sind – alles Maßnahmen, die unsere wirtschaftliche Wettbewerbsfähigkeit erheblich geschädigt haben und damit auch Europa Souveränität genommen haben. Wir haben unsere Interessen nicht entschieden vertreten und deswegen sind wir in der Situation, in der wir sind. Deswegen werden wir zum Spielball fremder Mächte, aufgrund der Politik, die Sie zu verantworten haben. 3-0047-0000 Reinhold Lopatka (PPE), Antwort auf eine Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“. – Das Konzept der Europäischen Volkspartei ist seit den Gründervätern ein ganz klares.”
“Wenn es um die Sache geht, verschweigen sie sich. Hier geht es darum, dass wir stark und gemeinsam als Europa auftreten. Wir müssen hier selbstbewusst und geschlossen auftreten. Ja, Bereitschaft zum Dialog, aber Dialog funktioniert nur, wenn beide Seiten bereit sind, in ein ehrliches, offenes Gespräch einzutreten. Als größter Binnenmarkt auf diesem Planeten verfügen wir als Europäische Union über eine erhebliche wirtschaftliche und politische Kraft. Wir dürfen uns selbst nicht kleinreden. Wir müssen unsere Stärke jetzt voll zur Wirkung bringen. (Der Redner ist damit einverstanden, auf eine Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“ zu antworten.) 3-0046-0000 Alexander Sell (ESN), Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“. – Vielen Dank, Herr Lopatka, dass Sie die Frage zulassen.”
“Herr Präsident, meine sehr geehrten Damen und Herren! Zu Beginn möchte ich festhalten und ganz klar sagen: Unsere volle Solidarität gilt den Menschen, der Bevölkerung in Grönland. Souveränität und territoriale Integrität sind ausnahmslos von allen Staaten dieser Welt zu respektieren, und es darf niemals eine Entscheidung über die Köpfe der Menschen von Grönland und Dänemark hinweg geben. Was ich hier nicht verstehe, ist, dass die sogenannten Patrioten für Europa, wenn es um Patria, um die Heimat von Grönland geht, schweigen. Wenn es darum geht, dass die Abwärtsspirale von den USA nicht fortgesetzt wird durch zusätzliche Zölle, wenn es um den Wohlstand diesseits und jenseits des Atlantiks geht – da schweigen die Patrioten. Das ist der große Unterschied zwischen den Parteien der Mitte und populistischen Parteien.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, this report shows that human rights are increasingly under siege across the world and civic spaces are shrinking. The EU has long prided itself on being a global standard bearer for human dignity, freedom and the rule of law. Our actions, more than ever, must match our convictions. A deeply troubling trend is the resurgence of the death penalty across the globe. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has been raising awareness of an alarming increase in the use of capital punishment in 2025. China remains the world's leading executioner, followed by Iran, but the numbers have increased to more than 1000. And we must intensify all our efforts to push for global moratoriums to abolish the death penalty. We must strengthen the rule of law.”
“A peaceful and democratic transition to bring peace, justice and welfare to the people of Venezuela: that must be the aim. 2-0423-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, Nicolas Maduro – who systematically undermined democratic institutions and silenced opposition – is not any more in power. This is a positive step, but it cannot be seen as a solution for the future of the country. The transition to democracy can only be legitimate if it emerges from the Venezuelans themselves through free and fair elections – of course under international observation. Any solution imposed from the outside will lack the credibility and sustainability that true democracy requires. Around 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country, and over 80 % of those remaining in the country are living in poverty, 50 % of them in extreme poverty – and Venezuela was a rich country. It should become a rich country again.”
“All Western Balkan countries are a part of Europe and should be a part of the European Union, and it is our responsibility to contribute, to stabilise the political system in the region and to strengthen our cooperation. It is in our interest, but of course, also in the interests of the people of the region. So what should we do? We have to work hard so that all of these countries have a realistic perspective for membership of the European Union, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. 4-0021-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, 30 years ago, the Dayton Peace Agreement was an essential step to stabilise the situation in the Western Balkans region, but it also left Bosnia and Herzegovina with a difficult political situation. I had the chance to observe elections in the country several times and I witnessed these difficulties. Unfortunately, there have been rising tensions. At a time when the country needs stability, economic development and progress towards EU integration, it is being held back by dangerous separatist tensions, and we have to see these tendencies. Milorad Dodik is now banned from any political activities for six years by the state and constitutional courts of Bosnia-Herzegovina. I think this was necessary and it is positive, but nevertheless, we have to see Dodik still plays a very negative role.”