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 2 of 3.
“Madam President, colleagues, when children are no longer safe in their schools, a nation's future is under siege. What happened in Papiri, Nigeria, is a tragedy that must shake us all. Children must be able to learn in safe schools, and schools cannot become a battlefield. Nigeria continues to face horrific violence, not only from Boko Haram, but also from bandits turning kidnapping into a business. And since President Tinubu took office, at least four mass school abductions have taken place. And yes, religion plays a role – Christian communities and schools are deliberately targeted. A classroom must never be a place of fear. It must be a place of opportunity. Nigeria has to act and we have to support Nigeria in its efforts. 3-0540-0000”
“Georgia's ratings in international democracy monitors have sharply declined. It is not too late, I would say, for Georgia to return to a strong European path, as was the case just a few years ago. The government must follow European values, especially the rule of law and media freedom, and we have to support human rights defenders and activists in Georgia who risk a lot to defend European values. 3-0415-0000”
“Mr President, colleagues, over the past year we have been witnessing a decline in the state of democracy in Georgia. While Georgia achieved candidate status for EU accession in 2023, the country is sadly currently experiencing backtracking on its path toward European integration. A key concern is the increasing repression of the free media. Yesterday, we were able to award the Sakharov Prize to Mzia Amaglobeli, a Georgian journalist who was imprisoned in January 2025, and is widely considered to be Georgia's first political prisoner since independence. This case, unfortunately, also fits into a pattern of worrying developments, such as undermining of the judiciary, the intimidation of the opposition and, as has been mentioned, a closer and closer relationship with Russia.”
“Und eine letzte Botschaft an all jene, auch hier im Haus, aber auch außerhalb des Hauses, die das Ende der Europäischen Union kommen sehen und Zweifel haben an der Zukunft der Europäischen Union: Nein, wir sind keine zerfallende Gruppe von Nationen, geführt von schwachen Menschen. Die Europäische Union ist das Gegenteil, und wir werden unter Beweis stellen, dass diese Europäische Union auch in Zukunft wachsen wird. Wir werden eine Erweiterung schaffen, und wir müssen auch alles tun, um eine Vertiefung der Europäischen Union voranzutreiben. Das dürfen wir bei all den großen Problemen nicht aus den Augen lassen. Die Zukunft von uns allen, die wir hier sitzen, ist die Zusammenarbeit innerhalb der Europäischen Union. Und da gibt es keine Alternative. 3-0044-0000”
“Frau Präsidentin! Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Diese Woche ist eine entscheidende, und der Europäische Rat wird zeigen müssen, dass die Europäische Union entschlossen und fest an der Seite der Ukraine steht. Das ist ganz entscheidend. Der Ratsgipfel muss sich auf zentrale Punkte einigen. Die Mitgliedstaaten müssen sich auf eine fortgesetzte und verlässliche finanzielle Unterstützung für die Ukraine einigen. Nur starke westliche Sicherheitsgarantien gewährleisten auch in Zukunft die Souveränität und Unabhängigkeit dieses großen europäischen Landes. Und solange sich Russland weigert, Reparationszahlungen zu leisten, haben wir alles dafür zu tun, dass eingefrorene russische Vermögenswerte dafür auch verwendet werden, dass die Ukraine wieder aufgebaut werden kann.”
“Israelis and Palestinians, like all the people throughout the Middle East, deserve a future defined by dialogue and a two-state solution. Only in this way, we can create a secure and sustainable future for all people in this region. 2-0593-0000”
“Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, over the past months, we have seen a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas take hold. In the Gaza Strip, a lasting peace is still a long way off. We must recognise that Israel has the right and the duty to protect its citizens from terrorism. This right remains non-negotiable. At the same time, we know that security for Israel can only be achieved in the long term if the people of Gaza also have prospects for peace and a life without fear. The situation is very complicated, and we have to see the difficult situation in Lebanon. Although a formal ceasefire exists between Israel and Hezbollah, tensions along the southern border remain high, also, because of the weakness of the government in Lebanon.”
“So, to conclude, if we want to build a strong relationship, which will have a lot of benefits for European and Saudi citizens, we have to act in mutual respect and we have also to see the problems. 1-0243-0000”
“Mr President, thank you, rapporteur, for your report. The report shows that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a key partner of the European Union in terms of economic relations, and a central actor in regional stability. The country, as you mentioned, is undergoing profound transformation. As Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Arab Peninsula, I have the opportunity to witness firsthand the evolving dynamics of cooperation between the European Union and the Gulf region. This report recognises that bilateral relations should evolve into a strategic partnership, including items like trade, sustainable energy, people-to-people exchange and so on. But we have also to see the concerns, and I have to mention 338 executions in 2024 and 340 already this year. This is a negative development.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, we must work towards the closest possible constructive, pragmatic and forward-looking relationship between the EU and the UK. EU Member States and the UK are bound by security, economic, trade, political and social ties. That is why the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement remains so important. The TCA offers preferential terms, like zero tariffs, for Austria and for the whole European Union. This agreement is not simply about commerce; it's about preserving prosperity and sustainable stability in times of global uncertainty. The UK remains a close neighbour, a valuable friend and a strong partner to protect our security and our shared values. Two weeks ago in London I met Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords and a long-serving former Minister of European Affairs.”
“Käisin selles põgenikelaagris tänavu ja ka seitse aastat tagasi ning võin kinnitada, et olukord seal muutub järjest halvemaks. On vaja kiiret sekkumist maailma riikide poolt, et suurendada humanitaarabi ja tõsist survet Myanmarile, et rohingjad saaksid kodumaale tagasi pöörduda. Sellest ei tohi kujuneda unustatud kriis.”
“– Zum Abschluss der Aussprache wurden sechs Entschließungsanträge eingereicht. Die Aussprache ist geschlossen. Die Abstimmung findet am Donnerstag, 27. November 2025, statt. Schriftliche Erklärungen (Artikel 178) 2-0582-5000 Urmas Paet (Renew), kirjalikult – Myanmaris 2021. aastal toimunud sõjaväeline riigipööre ning hunta vägivaldne ja ebaseaduslik valitsemine, sealhulgas Tatmadaw’ jätkuvad repressioonid ning tsiviilisikute, etniliste vähemuste ja poliitiliste oponentide vastu toime pandud rasked inimõiguste rikkumised peavad lõppema. Rohingjade saatus on kõige õnnetum. Paljud põgenesid Myanmari sõjaväe eest Bangladeshi ning nüüd elab üle 1,2 miljoni neist Cox's Bazari põgenikelaagris. Seal on neil väga nigelad tingimused ning neid ähvardab näljahäda.”
“Indeed, we are living in turbulent times and face many international emergencies, but let us ensure that Myanmar does not turn into a forgotten crisis, if it's not already the case, I'm afraid. In this context, the European Union reiterates its unwavering support for the people of Myanmar and their rights to live in dignity, peace and freedom. The EU remains committed to standing with the people of Myanmar as they pursue a future that is free from violence, fear and repression. A sustainable political solution for Myanmar can only be achieved through an inclusive dialogue that takes into account the voices of all parties and all segments of society. That means putting an immediate end to violence, ensuring access to humanitarian aid and fostering a political dialogue that can bring all stakeholders together. 2-0582-0000 Die Präsidentin.”
“So what do we have to do? First of all, the restoration of the rule of law – martial law is currently in force in at least 65 cities. Secondly, the immediate securing of the delivery of relief supplies to affected regions. And thirdly, clarification of the role of the third countries that are indirectly involved in the conflict. It is time to act. 2-0581-0000 Hadja Lahbib, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, this debate reflects the seriousness and complexity of the situation in Myanmar, which I witnessed myself, by the way. When I was in Cox's Bazar, I met a lot of Rohingya refugees waiting in this camp for peace to come back in their country.”
“Madam President, colleagues, the situation in Myanmar causes immeasurable suffering for civilians and especially for the Rohingya people. Since the beginning of the conflict, 3.2 million people have been displaced – 1.8 million of them since 2023. And the situation is getting worse. The junta is now deliberately terrorising civilians; hospitals, schools and churches have been bombed; and leaving the country is severely restricted and was made even more difficult by the introduction of biometric data surveillance in May 2025. The rule of law has collapsed in large parts of the country. And the situation is also affected badly by natural disasters such as the floods following the prolonged monsoon in September 2025. After the floods, the junta systematically blocked the delivery of aid supplies as a form of collective punishment.”
“Madam President, all colleagues mentioned that Sudan is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with over 25 million people suffering acute food insecurity. Millions are displaced and there is widespread violation of human rights. The conflict has devastated civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, and intensified violence. And we have to stop these atrocities and killings. Therefore, I think the European Union must back the ongoing peacemaking initiative led by the Quad – the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt – as these efforts offer the best pathway, how I see it, towards ending the devastating conflict in Sudan. The EU's support is essential, and all parties should respect the proposed ceasefire and engage sincerely in a political dialogue. It is necessary to start this dialogue. 2-0367-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, one year ago Mario Draghi delivered a strong message: securing critical raw materials will mean diversifying away from countries that were the cheapest suppliers in the world of yesterday. Today, this challenge is more urgent than ever. Over 80 % of the largest European companies depend directly on China's rare earth producers according to the European Central Bank. China is now turning this monopoly into economic leverage by introducing new export controls that require licenses and the disclosure of sensitive business data, measures that violate World Trade Organisation law and pose a direct threat to our supply chains. Not acting only gives China more leverage and deepens our vulnerability. We must therefore respond with urgency. It is necessary and I think it is an emergency and here we have to act.”
“The pact for the Mediterranean must reinvigorate our commitment to partnership, reform and stability. Yes, it is a long way for many countries, but we have to work closely also with our partners from the Gulf region. I think finding stable solutions – especially in Palestine and Lebanon – needs us also to have the Gulf countries as our partners. Let us seize this moment to strengthen cooperation and ensure that all Mediterranean countries have the chance to become an area of peace and stability. 1-0203-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the pact for the Mediterranean reminds us that the region strongly affects Europe's security and economy and our stability as a Union. But there are many challenges in the region. Libya still faces a fragmented political landscape, with competing authorities and a lack of progress on national reconciliation. In Syria, the overall humanitarian situation – and especially the situation of minorities – remains dire. The civil war may no longer dominate our headlines, but the future of the country is still troublingly unclear. Lebanon has been enduring an unprecedented economic collapse and the trust in governance has eroded. At the same time, Hezbollah remains active. In Palestine, after 7 October, it has become worse.”
“Bis Jahresende werden es keine 20 000 an Anträgen sein, was nicht einmal ein Drittel ist von 2023. Jetzt gilt es, den Migrationspakt rasch umzusetzen und auch die Rückführungsrichtlinie zu verabschieden. Da braucht der zuständige Kommissar Magnus Brunner die Unterstützung des Europaparlaments, denn eine gemeinsame Migrationspolitik, eine erfolgreiche gemeinsame Migrationspolitik, ist eine Kernaufgabe der Europäischen Union. 2-0040-0000”
“Frau Präsidentin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Gut, dass die Migrationspolitik in den Ratsschlussfolgerungen so klar angesprochen wird. Der Kurs ist jetzt klar festgelegt – externe Partnerschaften werden gestärkt, irreguläre Migration massiv bekämpft, Rückführungen intensiviert und die Schlepperkriminalität auch wirkungsvoll bekämpft. Noch sind wir nicht am Ziel, aber der Weg stimmt. Das zeigen schon die letzten Jahre. Nach Jahren, wo sicherlich einiges verabsäumt worden ist, sind die Zahlen jetzt deutlich zurückgehend: auf Europaebene von 2023 zum letzten Jahr hin um mehr als 140 000. Auch bei uns in Österreich – Österreich ist von der Migration und der illegalen Migration in den letzten Jahren massiv betroffen gewesen – ist die Zahl von 60 000 im Jahr 2023 bis Oktober auf 13 000 zurückgegangen.”
“Mr President, I take the floor because we have to give human rights defenders a voice here in our Parliament. Three years ago, I met a group of Iranian women protesting in Austria against the mullah regime. Following their activism, they faced intimidation tactics, including being filmed and threatened, in an attempt to silence their voices. This is one of many examples of how Iran has escalated its efforts to silence critics abroad, through a surge of assassination attempts and coordinated harassment campaigns – not only in Austria, but also in the UK, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands. And Russia targets exiled journalists and activists abroad through intimidation, digital surveillance and harassment. What I want to say is that it is our duty to stand up for those who risk everything to speak the truth. This is our duty. 1-0326-0000”
“No government within our Union can be permitted to turn European institutions into instruments of domestic or foreign agendas, which is obviously done by Hungary. We must, therefore, act firmly to safeguard our democracy, defending it not only from external threats but also from those that arise within the European Union. And this question is a question: what was the role of Commissioner Várhelyi when he served here as ambassador of Hungary? This is an open question. 3-0390-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, accounts of foreign espionage are unfortunately nothing new, but espionage contacted by a Member State of the European Union, targeting its own institutions to which it belongs – this is alarming. It strikes at the foundation of trust and cooperation that must underpin relations among Member States and within our institutions. These revelations come at a time when EU-Hungary relations are already fragile – we know it, strained by concerns about backlashes and backsliding of the rule of law and the Hungarian leadership proximity to Russia. If the allegations are verified, this would represent yet another significant breach of trust by a Member State towards the European Union, and the European project rests entirely on trust and shared democratic values.”
“Madam President, five years ago, the people of Belarus stood up with extraordinary courage against the stolen election. They demanded democracy and were met with brutality. Since then, Lukashenka and his regime have systematically destroyed the foundation of democracy, imprisoning more than 1 400 political activists, silencing independent media and turning repression into a tool of state control. Let us be clear: this regime is not only repressing its own citizens. It is an active accomplice of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. And the recent release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski, after five years of unjust imprisonment, of course, is a rare moment of hope. It is proof that international pressure and European solidarity work are necessary. We have to continue with these efforts. 3-0102-0000”
“Finally, migration: Austria supports a balanced implementation of the new pact on migration and asylum, with strong borders, effective returns and deepening partnerships with countries of origin and transit. So this European Council must send a clear message: Europe delivers with unity. 3-0039-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, the European Council this week must demonstrate unity. For me, this is the most important thing. Europe cannot afford indecision; we need determined action. First, Ukraine: our support must continue politically, financially and also through reconstruction. Europe must stay united here to help Ukraine, and we have to do everything to secure a just and lasting peace. And that can only be achieved, as I see it, on Ukraine's terms. Second, security and resilience: Europe must better protect its citizens by safeguarding critical infrastructure and countering hybrid threats. Third, the Middle East: The European Union must play a role here. We have to play a role in diplomatic, political and economics. We have to work here and to continue to work on a two-state solution.”
“In all areas, we must work with the Arab world. A long-lasting solution is only possible with their support. The Abraham Accords show the way. 2-0061-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, at this moment, there is a chance for peace in the Middle East, but not more. Thanks to President Trump, there is significant momentum, with a ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal, as well as commitments to humanitarian access and reconstruction in Gaza. At the same time, the situation remains extremely fragile. Violations of the truce have already occurred, and the core issues – the full disarmament of Hamas, the long-term governance of Gaza and a credible two-state solution – are still unresolved. The EU has to remain firm – most urgently, for the full disarmament of the terrorist organisation Hamas and the end of their rule over Gaza. We must also continue working towards a two-state solution, which is necessary for a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.”
“Madam President, Iran has crossed every red line by enriching uranium to 90 % weapons‑grade levels and advancing its ballistic missile programme in blatant defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Iran is not sending any signals that it is for de-escalation. It is doing the opposite. It is escalating a grave threat. Here it is absolutely the right way – the full reimposition of UN sanctions. And I think the European Union must go further. Now the EU must demonstrate unity, and I am absolutely sure it is not a matter of non‑proliferation. No, it is a test of Europe's strategic credibility and our commitment to the rules‑based international order. 3-0485-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, Latin America is a key partner in many areas like trade, natural resources, the fight against organised crime or tackling climate change. We also share a large common culture, history, religion, values and strong people-to-people ties, like in Spain or Portugal, and Mercosur countries are already our biggest export market – even bigger than the USA and China. Yet Europe's attention has been drifting elsewhere, leaving strategic space for China or Russia. We face an increasingly contested international environment, and if the European Union wants to continue shaping the rules-based global order, we must act proactively. So I hope the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit in November 2025 will be a key opportunity to launch a new roadmap. 2-0545-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, India is one of the world's fastest‑growing major economies, with GDP growth of more than 7 % in the first half of this year. Their demographic strength, rising technological capabilities and also their big economy show how important this country is. For the EU, a new strategic agenda with India can offer opportunities in trade and investment. As India's global influence rises, so do its responsibilities toward stability, peace and respect for a rules‑based world order. And here India must show that India is going the way we did already. They have to diversify their energy supplies away from Russia. Europe has undertaken this painful but necessary shift, and I think we have to discuss it with India, so that they also reduce their dependence on Russia. India and the EU are natural partners, as I see it.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, we must keep at the forefront of our minds the immense suffering of the people in Afghanistan. The devastating earthquake has compounded an already dire humanitarian situation and, of course, the Taliban's restrictions have severely hampered aid delivery, with bans on women working, internet blackouts, as was mentioned before, and obstructive administrative burdens. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the broader context. The regime that now controls Afghanistan continues to violate human rights and deny women their fundamental freedoms. In the face of this, our response must remain value based. In the dark hours, Europe can show, on the one hand, that it stands with the people of Afghanistan, but, on the other hand, in the same way, we have to criticise this horrific regime in Afghanistan.”
“Wir sollten hier im Westbalkan den nächsten Schritt setzen. Wir brauchen ein Europa, das wächst – nicht nur, was die Mitgliedstaaten betrifft, sondern auch in seiner Stärke und im Zusammenhalt. Und nicht ein Zurück zu den Nationalstaaten, wie es hier wieder fälschlicherweise von Patrioten und Nationalisten eingefordert worden ist. 2-0101-0000”
“Frau Präsidentin, Herr Premierminister, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Kleinere und mittlere Staaten in Europa können hier weit mehr leisten, als es ihrer Größe entspricht. Luxemburg ist dafür ein Musterbeispiel. Wirtschaftlich sehr stark, überdurchschnittlich europäisch engagiert – so agiert Luxemburg, und das schon seit Jahrzehnten. Inmitten der Zeitenwende müssen wir jetzt alles tun, um den Wirtschafts‑ und Industriestandort Europa, um unseren Binnenmarkt zu stärken. Nur so können wir die wachsenden Aufgaben auch finanziell bewältigen – ob es um Verteidigungsausgaben geht, ob es darum geht, unser Sozialmodell in Europa finanzieren zu können bei einer alternden Bevölkerung. Luxemburg ist ein Gründerstaat der Europäischen Union. Seither hat es mehrere Erweiterungsschritte gegeben. Der letzte allerdings liegt schon lange zurück: 2013.”
“Colombia is a strategic partner for development, prosperity and also in the fight against crime and organised terrorism. 2-0503-0000”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, the horrible terrorist attacks in Colombia must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. These acts of violence not only claim innocent lives, but also represent an attack on our shared values, and here we have to support the government of Colombia in its fight against terrorism. As Vice-Chair of the Eurolat Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights, I always stress in our exchanges with politicians from Latin America that, on the one hand, democratic principles and, on the other hand, our fight against extremism and against terrorism must be in the centre of our political dialogue and our work we are doing together. So, Colombia is a key partner for the European Union, and we have to do more than only to work on a trade agreement, which we renewed in 2024.”
“But the road to membership must be based on common democratic standards, and hopefully Serbia will come back to its path towards EU membership. Now it's not on this path. 2-0406-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, the recent events in Serbia remind us that European integration is much more than technical negotiations. Respect of our common values and fundamental human rights is crucial. The ongoing protests started peaceful, but the reaction at the same time was the wrong one. We have received many reports of disproportionate use of force by security services, and we must stress that Serbia's authorities have to ensure that fundamental rights are fully respected. A candidate country aspiring to join the European Union should show that it upholds our key principles. Yes, Serbia is an essential partner in the Western Balkans, and I still see the future of Serbia ultimately in the European Union.”
“Die Ermittlungen haben nur in Österreich ergeben: 599 650 Euro. 599 650 Euro flossen an das FPÖ-nahe Magazin Zur Zeit, herausgegeben von einem ehemaligen Abgeordneten der Freiheitlichen, hier im Europäischen Parlament. Und wer verteidigt dann das alles als super sauber? Harald Vilimsky, Delegationsleiter der FPÖ, gegen den selbst wiederum mehrere Strafverfahren anhängig sind. Was es jetzt braucht, das ist tatsächlich vollständige Aufklärung. Und wenn was widerrechtlich ist, dann zahlen Sie auch das so zurück, wie Sie seinerzeit schon einen sehr hohen Geldbetrag – 400 000 Euro für Champagnerfeiern – zurückbezahlen mussten. 3-0445-0000”
“Herr Präsident, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! So weit wie mein Vorredner Freund würde ich nicht gehen, die Patrioten pauschal als kriminelle Vereinigung zu bezeichnen. Aber es ist ein bekanntes Muster – das stimmt schon. Rechtspopulisten wettern gegen die Europäische Union und bedienen sich gleichzeitig widerrechtlich in einem Ausmaß, das unfassbar ist – das muss man sagen. Le Pen ist ja schon verurteilt worden mit einem Dutzend ihrer Abgeordnetenkollegen. Da ist es um Millionenbeträge gegangen – das sind keine Kleinigkeiten. Und heute gab es ja wieder eine Hausdurchsuchung in Paris. Die Europäische Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt nun auch wegen des weiteren Missbrauchs von 4,3 Millionen Euro. Beteiligt: rechtsextreme Parteien in Frankreich, Deutschland, Belgien, aber auch in Österreich, was uns sehr trifft.”
“We need concrete results after years of negotiations, especially with Western Balkan countries, and we have to do everything so that we are not losing credibility. Therefore, we have to say very clear that we are absolutely in favour of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and guaranteed unhindered humanitarian access. This is necessary for us to keep our credibility. 3-0030-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, the European Council conclusions send a clear and resolute message. The European Union remains steadfast in its commitment, firstly, to enlargement. We had the last one in 2013. The time has come for the next enlargement. Secondly, a clear message that we defend Ukraine's sovereignty, and it is a good signal. Also, the United States now said that they will continue in their support for the freedom of the people in Ukraine. And thirdly, the strengthening of our collective security. Austria was always in favour of enlargement, and we strongly support the credible merit-based enlargement process. This is essential for the future of the European Union. Enlargement was always a success story. We should continue with it.”
“So we should continue with our support for Bosnia and Herzegovina. But we should also have in mind how Milorad Dodik is acting – as he was acting yesterday, as he is doing it today. And I think he will not change in the future. 2-0457-0000”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, I want to mention at the beginning that I think we have to see the reality. Bosnia and Herzegovina has only made limited progress in the reform agenda. When we compare this report with other reports from the region, we see there big, big differences. Yes, on the one side, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to align with EU foreign and security policy – very important for us that new laws have been adopted on border control and data protection. But we have to see the role of Milorad Dodik. He has initiated unconstitutional actions undermining state laws, and he is always using secessionist rhetoric. Here we must condemn this in the strongest terms we can, and we have to support the unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. So here we stand at the crossroads.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, the situation in Belarus remains one of the most critical challenges facing Europe today. Nearly four years after these fraudulent presidential elections, as my colleague Ms Strack-Zimmermann mentioned, 1 160 Belarusians remain imprisoned not for crimes, but for bravely standing up for their fundamental rights of democracy, dignity and freedom. These political prisoners – journalists, students, trade unionists – are enduring unjust repression under this illegitimate Lukashenka regime. Their detention constitutes a grave violation of fundamental human rights, and we must demand their immediate and unconditional release. Until this happens, we cannot think about normalisation with such a regime. The release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski is a signal for hope, but it's not the end of our fight against this regime.”
“Madam President, dear colleagues, I want to reiterate when we talk about the Middle East, we have always have to remember the most significant threat in the region stems unmistakably from Iran and its network of proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. While Israel's pre-emptive strikes disrupted Tehran's operational capacity, the mullah regime, of course, will seek ways to continue destabilising the whole neighbourhood. And we saw it yesterday: the latest missiles were fired by the Houthis against Israel, and some weeks ago, Iran itself fired missiles on a major American base in Qatar. What we need is to push for diplomatic, political and economic initiatives to help to stabilise the region, like the European Commission is doing it, with the negotiations for a free trade agreement with the UAE.”
“Deshalb stellt sich auch die Frage: Ist die EU überhaupt befugt, über Mali zu richten, wenn auf unserem Kontinent demokratische Wahlen annulliert werden wie in Rumänien, politische Todesurteile gegen Oppositionelle gesprochen werden wie in Frankreich, und die größte Oppositionspartei mit nachrichtendienstlichen Mitteln ausspioniert wird wie in Deutschland? Bevor wir andere Länder belehren, sollten wir erstmal das eigene Zimmer aufräumen. Hinzu kommt, dass die Entwicklungshilfe, die wir nach Mali schicken, die Missstände vor Ort verschlimmert: Denn sie fördert die Korruption im Land. Es profitieren einige wenige Privilegierte vor Ort und der NGO-Komplex, während das malische Volk den Glauben an die Demokratie verliert: Räuberische Eliten, Korruption, Unruhen - das lehnen die Malier ab. Kann man es ihnen verübeln?”
“We will continue to stand for such vital values and principles. 3-0488-0000 Priekšsēdētājs. – Debates ir slēgtas. Balsošana notiks rītdien. Rakstiski paziņojumi (178. pants) 3-0488-5000 Tomasz Froelich (ESN), schriftlich. – Wir beklagen die Auflösung politischer Parteien und das harte Vorgehen gegen die Opposition in Mali. Moniert werden schlechte Regierungsführung, die schwache Stellung der Parlamente, die wachsende Kluft zwischen dem Volk und den politischen Eliten, Demokratiedefizite. Das erinnert unweigerlich an die Europäische Union.”
“As demonstrated by the last visit of the EU Special Representative for Sahel to Mali, promoting an open dialogue is crucial to advance these and other values, interest in principles we hold dear. That includes, of course, strong support to Malian civil society organisations. Honourable Members, we have heard your concerns on Mali and we share them. Like at the last sessions of the Human Rights Council, we will continue to raise concerns over systematic human rights violations in Mali, where the social and political context remains marked by serious human rights violations. Preserving the space for civil and democratic expression, in which all people can enjoy all their rights, is an essential condition for national reconciliation. To this end, it is crucial to engage in peaceful and truly inclusive dialogue with all actors.”