Reinier Van Lanschot
Member of the European Parliament · ALE · NL
“Our principled global outlook must also be consistent where all conflict and war emerges. We will work hard with the Commission and with Parliament in particular, to advance the enhancement of capability and protection and greater resilience, particularly in terms of critical undersea infrastructure, in terms of cybersecurity and the newe…”
“Sometimes trying to navigate the budget negotiations is like trying to reconcile the irreconcilable in terms of different views and perspectives.”
“We understand the balance that has to be struck between facilitating enterprise and new ideas, but also protecting the rights of workers. But neither are mutually exclusive.”
“A Uachtaráin, a Thaoisigh, is maith an scáthán súil carad. 'A friend's eye is a good mirror'. My eyes see a country a little too fond of selling aluminium to Russia and tax benefits to American tech. But I also see a country committed to peace, the best live music in Europe and a beacon of democracy.”
“The savings and investments union is about underpinning that growth by providing the necessary capital to enable growth at scale, because the one weakness that researchers and people are saying to us in Europe is the absence of that capital markets union within Europe and the absence of scale.”
“In terms of a key theme that has emerged, protecting children is uppermost in the Irish Presidency, and I thank MEP Weber for your remarks in that respect and Valérie and others spoke about the importance of the regulation and the legislation. We are looking forward to the expert panel review from the Commission.”
The complete record
Every one of 105 lines we hold for Reinier Van Lanschot, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 3.
“Especially with Ukraine, people mistake a decision of geopolitical survival for charity work. So let's make it clear: both Ukraine and the EU are stronger together. 2-0459-0000”
“Madam President, colleagues, dear Commissioner, the EU is a unique geopolitical force: the only one that doesn't grow through conquest. We grow because countries freely decide to join. Ukraine chooses the EU for its promise of democracy, freedom and dignity. But sometimes this can create a wrong perception. Just because countries aspire to join our Union doesn't mean that we are the only side with something to offer. Ukraine does not come to the EU empty-handed. On the contrary, since the start of the war, the script has flipped. Ukraine has shown us extraordinary innovation, courage and above all, resilience. Right now, Ukraine has the strongest army in Europe and is the world leader on drone technology. Guess who we ask for help when drones are flying over Europe?”
“This action plan on AI and cybersecurity is a good first step, but I urge national leaders to put it higher on the agenda, organise a European Council summit dedicated to AI and unite around a plan to minimise risks and seize opportunities the European way. 2-0306-0000”
“Mr President, the industrial revolution was a miracle. We now live longer, work less and live better today than kings did 300 years ago. But before we got here, we had child labour, colonial exploitation and a climate catastrophe we are still living through. The next industrial revolution is already happening. AI could unlock energy efficiency gains, design new cures for diseases, help fight world hunger or accelerate scientific discoveries. But what will we have to go through this time? Overheat our burning planet with ever-bigger data centres? Destroy jobs faster than we can adapt, or unleash a new era of cybercrime? There are risks and opportunities.”
“We have to deal with this. There is no point in saying it's not happening. It is happening. You can have a different name for it, but Europe needs to respond in a resilient manner to these issues also. I thank you and I look forward to working with you on the wide variety of issues that you have raised this morning. We understand what has worked for Europe, but we also understand that Europe needs to look ahead and be visionary in making sure that the generations that follow us have a Europe that they can be proud of, that they can love to live in, to work in, and to rear a family in. 2-0142-0000”
“Our principled global outlook must also be consistent where all conflict and war emerges. We will work hard with the Commission and with Parliament in particular, to advance the enhancement of capability and protection and greater resilience, particularly in terms of critical undersea infrastructure, in terms of cybersecurity and the newer hybrid threats that we are all collectively facing. And finally, the climate issue. People have different perspectives on matters to do with climate and so on but without question, we are witnessing fairly significant events that we did not witness before. We are on the green island of Ireland and, by the way, our grass is as green as it has ever been but we have far more violent storms now, which are having greater impact. We see all the wildfires across Europe right now. Adaptation is important.”
“Sometimes trying to navigate the budget negotiations is like trying to reconcile the irreconcilable in terms of different views and perspectives. But we must do it because Europe needs a budget, and we want to work with Parliament in advance and to get work done on the files, to try and prepare as much as we possibly can so that Europe is well-prepared for the next seven years. It unquestionably needs that budget. On security, Ireland is a peacekeeping nation, always has been, militarily non-aligned, but we are not politically neutral and we understand when Russia invades Ukraine, that is a violation of the UN Charter. Europe has been consistent on that fundamental truth and we must remain so. But we must be consistent in the application of rule of law across the entirety of the Union and in all matters and in all respects.”
“We will support the Affordable Housing Act because it is something that's not just an Irish issue. As I have learned, it is across the entirety of Europe itself. In terms of the key strengths of the European Union historically, there is no doubt – and I have listened to many Members speak about it – of the centrality and importance of food security and our farmers in particular. Our farmers have progressed over the last number of years and continue to innovate. And we must continue to support food production. I understand people's concerns in respect of cohesion, but then we have to balance that also in terms of growth, and that speaks to the budget. That will be challenging. That is very clear from the contributions.”
“The savings and investments union is about underpinning that growth by providing the necessary capital to enable growth at scale, because the one weakness that researchers and people are saying to us in Europe is the absence of that capital markets union within Europe and the absence of scale. Many of our companies pivot to the US and elsewhere for that venture capital. Could I say also that in terms of the social issue – and many spoke about housing in Ireland – housing is the number one social issue. The bulk of spending comes from the national exchequer towards housing and we are making progress, but we have to make a lot more progress so we will work hard during our presidency. We are working with the Commission to convene a special conference on housing, a summit on housing to give it that priority.”
“We understand the balance that has to be struck between facilitating enterprise and new ideas, but also protecting the rights of workers. But neither are mutually exclusive. We were at the Tyndall National Institute in Cork last week with the President of the Commission and the other Commissioners, and we saw there how research and development and ideas around semiconductors and photonics lead to this formation of small companies, which provides jobs for workers, which expands and grows. The competitiveness agenda is about facilitating that dynamic and we must do it more. We have to do it faster. And it is about jobs and it is about workers. But those small companies need to be European from day one. We cannot have national barriers against those small companies that will expand and grow and create new jobs.”
“In terms of a key theme that has emerged, protecting children is uppermost in the Irish Presidency, and I thank MEP Weber for your remarks in that respect and Valérie and others spoke about the importance of the regulation and the legislation. We are looking forward to the expert panel review from the Commission. It is extremely important that we do everything we possibly can to protect our children from social media and online, and we must devise the best mechanisms to do that. In terms of competitiveness and enterprise, Commissioner McGrath is responsible for the EU Inc. programme and idea. He comes from a country which values social partnership. We've had strong relationships with our trade union movement for decades, and we will continue to work in partnership with them.”
“I want to thank Commissioner Šefčovič for his contribution and just to say, in the context of that contribution, that it is our belief that the Commission is taking the strategically correct decision to expand trade deals between the European Union and other countries. To counteract the increasing protectionism of others, it is important that strategically, we seek to conclude deals as effectively as we can, protecting workers' rights along that process and the essential values that underpin our economy. Our experience has been that free trade deals and trade deals benefit workers and create more jobs. That has been our experience. It can be Europe's experience into the future.”
“It would require true European team spirit, inter-institutional coordination and strong resolve, and I am convinced that we will all rise to the challenge as Europeans and make the European Union in the next six months under the Irish Presidency stronger and with unity. 2-0141-0000 Micheál Martin, President-in-Office of the Council. – Madam President and group leaders, I want to thank everybody who contributed to the debate. I think it illustrated the rich diversity of opinion and views within this Parliament. I have taken careful note of every individual contribution. So forgive me if I perhaps just respond thematically in relation to a number of issues that were raised.”
“Many Members of the European Parliament, Mr Mureşan, Ms Szydło, Ms Gál, Mr Flanagan, reflected in their statements the importance and complexity of the negotiations over the next multiannual financial framework. To get this done, it requires huge skills, focus and persistency, and the Irish Presidency demonstrated the ability to deliver many times in the past. I am sure, Taoiseach, that you will do it again. To conclude, I would like to highlight that the Commission remains fully committed to work hand in hand with the presidency, the European Parliament and the Member States to deliver tangible results, because we are entering indeed a decisive phase for Europe's future.”
“Let's get rid of the veto and bring this snail to Cork. 2-0139-0000 (End of catch-the-eye procedure) 2-0140-0000 Maroš Šefčovič, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, I would like to thank all of you for your interventions and indeed very rich debate. The Irish Presidency has set out a clear and timely agenda, and today's discussion confirms a broad alignment on the key priorities – be it on our values, cybercrime and housing, highlighted in the interventions by Ms García Pérez and Mr Weber, or the importance of competitiveness, simplification, boosting position of European Union on the global economic stage or tackling heatwaves and fires, advocated by Ms Hayer and Ms Reintke.”
“A Uachtaráin, a Thaoisigh, is maith an scáthán súil carad. 'A friend's eye is a good mirror'. My eyes see a country a little too fond of selling aluminium to Russia and tax benefits to American tech. But I also see a country committed to peace, the best live music in Europe and a beacon of democracy. Pioneering citizen assemblies and referendums that were thoughtful and representative, instead of blunt populist tools. As pioneers of democracy, we urge you to use your presidency to fight for democracy. That means getting rid of the veto. We can act decisively and democratically, or we can have the veto. We cannot have both. If you allow me to butcher Gaelic one more time: Am agus foighne a thógann seilide go Corcaigh. 'Time and grit and patience brings a snail to Cork'. Taoiseach, we've waited long enough.”
“Mr President, Rutte said it clearly: Russia is not afraid of commitments but of capabilities. But the conversation about Europe's safety is stranded at money, percentages. We never even touched on capabilities, even when the US withdraws bombers, withdraws tankers and withdraws troops. We need a European defence union, but our national leaders can't seem to see beyond their nationalistic noses. That is why 30 Members of the European Parliament – from The Left to the EPP, from Spain to Finland – call on them: at least do the most obvious thing first. Decide at the NATO summit to buy, maintain and operate the most critical capabilities together, as Europe. NATO will become stronger with two pillars – one American, one European; separable, but not separate. Let's not wait for war to unite us. Let's unite to prevent war. 1-0181-0000”
“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.”
“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. 2-0041-0000”
“– Senhor Presidente, Senhor Deputado Van Lanschot, a pergunta que quero fazer é se, substituindo as gigantes multinacionais tecnológicas americanas por outras, de origem europeia, resolvemos o problema do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico estar condicionado, aprisionado, limitado pelo objetivo do lucro em que essas empresas naturalmente operam no quadro de funcionamento do mercado, ou se, pelo contrário, precisamos de fazer um investimento nas estruturas públicas, nos centros de investigação e nas universidades, para garantir que a ciência e a tecnologia fiquem mesmo ao serviço da solução dos problemas das sociedades. 2-0040-0000 Reinier Van Lanschot (Verts/ALE), blue-card answer. – Thanks a lot for this question. I think it is possible for Europe to create our own European tech stack and become entirely sovereign.”
“Commissioner, how will you create the conditions that enable Europe to build? I believe we can do it. May the force be with you. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 2-0039-0000 João Oliveira (The Left), Pergunta segundo o procedimento «cartão azul».”
“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.”
“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. 4-0059-0000”
“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.”
“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. 2-0390-0000”
“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.”
“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. 2-0068-0000”
“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!”
“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. 3-0448-0000”
“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.”
“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. 3-0358-0000”
“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.”
“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.”
“Divided, we will always remain reactive bystanders, but acting as the united states of Europe can lead us through any global crisis. 3-0110-0000”
“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.”
“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. 2-0564-0000”
“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.”
“Europe has never hesitated when our security and our values are at stake, and we should not hesitate now. So let us stay united. Let us move quickly, and let us send a clear message to Ukraine and to Russia: Europe stands firm with Ukraine, and Europe delivers. 2-0269-0000 Predsedajúci. – Ďakujem veľmi pekne, pani komisárka. Je dôležité v týchto ťažkých momentoch stáť pri ľuďoch v Ukrajine, ktorí čelia naozaj hroznému hladomoru. Rozprava je ukončená. Písomné vyhlásenia (článok 178)”
“Russia is not merely attacking infrastructure, it is deliberately targeting civilians, trying to freeze families into submission to turn cold and darkness into weapons of war. This is brutality, plain and simple, and it demands a European response that is both firm and united. This is what we are delivering. To those asking for better protection of Ukrainian skies: yes, you are right. Defence matters. To those asking for speed: you are right. Time matters. To those asking for reforms and safeguards: you are right. Every euro must strengthen resilience and good governance. Our approach does both. So the choice before us is very straightforward: either we act decisively now, or we risk higher economic, humanitarian and strategic costs later.”
“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. 2-0267-0000 (Koniec vystúpení na základe prihlásenia sa o slovo zdvihnutím ruky) 2-0268-0000 Marta Kos, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, Honourable Members, I have listened carefully and one message is clear: Ukraine must not face this winter alone. Let us be honest about what we are dealing with.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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'. 1-0224-0000”
“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. 4-0029-0000”
“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.”
“So, High Representative Kallas and President Costa, don't only react to the events of this week: proactively shape the coming decades and build a Union on foundations that will last for another century – a United States of Europe now! 3-0093-0000”
“Madam President, 'the old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born; now is the time of monsters.' This quote from an Italian philosopher about changing times is very fitting. To navigate these times, Europe doesn't have to be a monster or a victim. All we have to do is unite – unite and take responsibility for bringing about a new and better world order, together with partners like Canada and Japan and partners in South America and Africa, with a more powerful United Nations with balanced representation. If we want to not only defeat Putin's and Trump's imperialism, but also create a better new world, we need to stop being afraid and start believing in our own strength – the strength of unity.”
“Let's create a United States of Europe with a European army to back each other up when we are under attack, just like the Three Musketeers: all for one, one for all. 2-0229-0000”
“Mr President, President Trump is not used to asking for consent, and the Government of the USA does not believe in international law: they only listen to force. And in a world of force, Europe can be a force of good. So, after a year of ass-kissing, it's time to change strategy because Europe also has power: we are their largest trading partner. Big tech relies on our massive markets. They need military bases in Europe and Europeans hold a lot of US sovereign debt. The costs that the US would pay if they take Greenland must be higher than the benefits. For that, we should activate the Anti-Coercion Instrument and, in the meantime, accelerate to independence and speak with one voice.”
“Madam President, colleagues, while Europe watches the frozen island of Greenland with fear, let's not forget the island of Cyprus – frozen in conflict. Dear President, the next six months are about making Europe independent. But this presidency is also a chance for more: to put Cyprus back on the map and support reconciliation between Turkish and Greek Cypriots; a chance to lead by example on governing with integrity. Cypriots and other Europeans have had enough of the corruption scandals recently. If you want an example of what your presidency could look like, look no further than Volt Cyprus – the political party in Cyprus that has members from both communities. And implement the public registry of political donations that Volt Cyprus recently proposed, so citizens – not money – run our democracy.”