Debate contributions by Hilde VAUTMANS

Mr President, colleagues have already said it here: Europe needs to accelerate. Now. Drones are the soldiers of the future. I think that's very clear. Look at Ukraine, how they are deployed there. How these small machines can do enormous damage. Look closer to home, how they're shutting down our airports, shutting down Zaventem, spying on civilians. I think we really need to look at that. How these hybrid threats are getting closer and closer. And what's even more dangerous: we depend on the US and China for 60% of the components. Those who are so dependent are vulnerable. If Europe is to be ready for the future, it must be faster, more ambitious and more united. There are three important points in this report. First, Europe needs to build its own drone industry. We have the knowledge, we have the industry. 80% of our drone companies are SMEs, but they get caught up in too many rules. Accelerate those investments. Speed up those permits. Get rid of the paperwork. Secondly, we need to work with Ukraine. 5 million drones a year, they said here. They have the knowledge and know-how. And we have a connection with them. Do that. Thirdly, we must recognise the dual role of drones, because they are also crucial for civil applications. I invite you to visit Drone Port in my city, Sint-Truiden. There you can see how drones can be used for organ transport. That's really the future. Finally: We need a European drone shield very soon. Time is running out. Make this a priority work.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, good evening! This debate is one of the most important. It is a debate about the life or death of a man. Joseph Figueira Martin, Belgo-Portuguese, a respected humanitarian worker, has been detained for more than six hundred days in the Central African Republic. He was arbitrarily arrested, detained by the Wagner Group, tortured and sentenced on 4 November to 10 years of hard labour following a fundamentally unfair trial. Today, we strongly demand, and I hope unanimously, his immediate and unconditional release now! And we say it clearly: If he is not released, we will continue to mobilise, every day, every week, until Joseph is reunited with his family. I promise I'll do it! And we call for concrete actions, targeted sanctions against those responsible, the questioning of the authorities involved and the inclusion of the Wagner Group on the list of terrorist organisations. We also ask colleagues to send a parliamentary delegation to visit him and to exert direct political pressure. To remain silent today would be to accept the unacceptable. Colleagues, I would like to conclude with the words of Olivier Vandecasteele delivered here in Parliament last week: “History will not ask us what we knew, but what we did.” Today we know; Then let's act!

Mr President, High Representative, almost all afternoon was devoted to foreign policy. How did the year 2026 begin? My children ask me what kind of world we live in. Every day we see tweets from a world leader threatening us and trampling on the international world order. People wonder where Europe is and what it does. Today we are voting on two important reports on a common foreign policy. It is not your fault, Mrs. Kallas, but I must say: At the moment, not much common foreign policy is possible anymore, as Member States are constantly blocking everything. We do not have a united position on Israel and Palestine, the way we should respond to President Trump, Greenland or other matters. As long as we do not abolish unanimity, Europe cannot become a global player. The same applies to the report on the common defence policy. Steps have been taken in the right direction in the field of defence. Nevertheless, we still have 27 national armies investing in different ways, which in fact leads to duplication. We must create a European pillar within NATO and commit to a European army. Let us turn our High Representative into a true EU Foreign Minister. I have every confidence in Mrs Kallas. Now more than ever, we must work to strengthen the Union and its defence.

Mr President, High Representative, colleagues, let us stop pretending we do not see what is coming. The United States will bomb Iran; it's only a matter of time. So the real question is, why is there still no real united European strategy towards Iran? For three years, we have clung to an appeasement strategy that has achieved nothing. How many more Iranians must be beaten, tortured, executed before we stop acting like passive spectators? The actions we need to take are very clear. List the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation. No? Everybody asks for it. Expand sanctions massively against those who keep the regime alive. Close Iranian embassies across Europe. Recognise the democratic opposition as the only legitimate vote of the Iranian people. Ask for the release of all hostages, including our Professor Jalali. Colleagues, I don't want us to continue to count the dead. I want Europe to lead by example.

Mr President, thank you very much, colleagues, and especially thank you, Commissioner, for your very strong words and for your very strong actions. As a Belgian Member of this European Parliament, I am very proud that we have you as a Commissioner on this post, so thank you very much. Sudan is living through one of the darkest chapters of this century. Millions have been displaced, communities are starved and cities turned into killing fields. Colleagues – we cannot stay silent. Europe cannot stay silent, the world cannot stay silent. We have to call for an immediate cessation of all violence and the opening of humanitarian corridors. We have to call for a true fact-finding mission with this Parliament, maybe together with you, Commissioner. On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we must condemn with full force the use of rape and gender-based violence as a weapon of war. We must act – we must punish those criminals who do this because a survivor cannot survive if those who do it are not sanctioned. For me, justice needs to be done. The recent peace agreement is a small but important step forward. All parties inside and outside must work together, and in this regard we demand an expansion of the arms embargo. Colleagues – just beforehand, we ask also for a full investigation into foreign complicity, because, you will hear it here in the House; some will name countries or will not name countries. Some will name the United Arab Emirates or will have a veto on that. Honestly, let's do an investigation into this. Silence is not an option.

Madam President, Commissioner, for me, on defence it's really clear: come together, buy together or become irrelevant. And for the moment, we must admit that we are irrelevant. Look at what happened in the last days: Putin and Trump around the table, and Europe was nowhere. We had no common reaction ready. The new European Defence Industry Programme is that investment in European defence backbone, in close cooperation with Ukraine, that we need. So, Commissioner, let me be very clear: I think, for me, this is the first step. It is the first step of building a European defence, and you must go further: build that European army. How many wake-up calls do we need to get? Political citizens, colleagues, are more advanced than our political leaders – look at what the citizens ask us. So step up the vision, Commissioner. Step up our vision. We need a strategy. We need a strategy for a European pillar in NATO. We need a vision for that European army. We need to step up for the security of our citizens.

Madam President, dear colleagues, I would like to raise a point of order under Rule 150. This House adopted a very strong resolution on the arbitrary arrest and torture of the Belgian‑Portuguese researcher, Joseph Figueira Martin, in the Central African Republic. Last week, our colleague was sentenced to 10 years of forced labour. So, colleagues, I really would like to reiterate our demand for the immediate release of the Belgian‑Portuguese researcher. His health situation requires an immediate release. Please, President, ask for the release of this European citizen immediately.

Mr President, Africa is a crucial continent for Europe. If you look at Africa today, you will see a continent of growth, of youth, of innovation. This is the first pillar on which this cooperation must be based: enhanced cooperation on Erasmus+. The second pillar is that of peace and security, and we reiterate here our previous resolutions that Europe must play a role in ending that war between Rwanda and Congo. At the same time, Africa is also an important partner in the fight against irregular migration. Together, we can address these root causes beyond symptom control. And the third pillar, as the Commissioner has said, is that of prosperity: the Global Gateway, working together around energy, around our ports, around rare earths. We must realise that Africa is as important to Europe today as China or America. That we are going to need Africa very badly to get our energy prices down, to get rid of our dependence on Russian and Chinese earth metals. Europe has had several phases in its cooperation with Africa. The first was that colonial phase in which Europe enslaved and the second was the era of development cooperation in which we always waved that finger. Today we must move towards that third era in which Europe and Africa become partners with mutual respect, mutual interests and mutual strengths. Time for a renewed partnership.

Mr President, yes, we must do more to help Ukraine win, both militarily and financially. Ukraine needs an additional EUR 140 billion over the next two years to stand up to Russia’s beating. But let us do that without burdening Belgium with a financial risk of, you hold, one-third of its GDP. That's pure madness. So yes, let's mobilize Russian assets to support Ukraine, but do it wisely: not by storing the funds themselves, but by using them as collateral for a massive joint loan. And secondly, as Mr Van Overtveldt also said: Everyone needs to take a bath. This means that we are also looking at the funds on French, German and other European banks, and that there are firm guarantees from all Member States that, if it ever comes to a lawsuit, the costs will be shared and not only borne by Belgium. Mr Gahler, you nod. This is European solidarity. That is the European unity we had towards Ukraine. That is the European unity that we must have now.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, yes, we must welcome the peace agreement, the release of the hostages and the ceasefire. But be very careful, because let's be honest: It is only a very small step, very fragile and it has actually already been violated by both parties. People continue to die of violence, of famine. That is why I repeat our call loud and clear: open all border crossings, allow such aid and suspend the EU-Israel trade agreement. Sanction all those responsible: Hamas leaders, extremist settlers, Israeli ministers, anyone who incites or commits crimes. Stop arms exports that enable war crimes, acknowledge the Palestinian state with a concrete timeline and clear conditions, and invest in rebuilding Gaza. As we all look at Gaza, the West Bank is also on fire. Between 2008 and 2023, at least a thousand European-funded projects were destroyed, including Belgian schools and shelters. This was recently revealed in a very nice report by the Belgian VRT. All without sanctions. There is a Flemish saying: ‘break potty, pay potty’. Let's stop writing letters. The days of friendly diplomacy are over. Let's increase the pressure. I'm counting on Europe to finish Trump's work and ensure that two-state solution.

Madam President, colleagues, I want to thank all of you for the very hard work and the willingness to compromise on this important text, because it is an important, balanced text. Without a European position, Europe cannot act. Gaza is running out of time. Vote with your conscience, but above all, vote with your political weight and make sure we have a statement.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, today we have two very special guests here and I would very much like you to give them a big round of applause: Rémy and Raïssa, the children of Victoire Ingabire. There they are. They're fighting her battle. A fight for freedom, for justice, for a democratic Rwanda. And while Victoire is innocently imprisoned, they're standing here. Young people, but strong, marked by pain, but filled with courage. Their presence reminds us: behind every political prisoner there is a family, behind every political decision there are real lives. They are living proof that hope can never be locked up. Today, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Victoire Ingabire and all her colleagues, activists, journalists detained for peacefully pursuing that dream. Rémy, Raïssa, you can count on us, on this house. We will continue to fight for your mother's release.

Mr President, we have already heard a number of parties here. I hold my heart for the negotiations this afternoon when I hear my predecessor speak. If we only focus on October 7, if we only focus on what the terrorist organization Hamas has done, without looking at the actions of Israel, then we will not get there this afternoon. I'm really making a call: I will soon lead the negotiations between all parties. It is the first time that the United Nations has officially declared a famine on Gaza, and not just a famine, but a man-made famine. More than 132 000 children are at risk of death, while the food trucks, and we see the images, are being stopped by people. Citizens are shot because they sit down for a piece of bread. That's not a tragedy, but it's a crime. I want Europe to be no longer complicit in watching. Mrs Kallas has already done many things, has done more than all your predecessors. However, here is what I think needs to be done urgently: 1) Open all border crossings now and let the help in unhindered. Hamas must release all hostages. 3) Apply sanctions to the Israelis who violate the law and to the terrorist organization Hamas and to the Israeli ministers who violate the laws. 4) Stop all arms exports that fuel war crimes. 5) Recognize the Palestinian state. This is the only way to achieve a two-state solution. I'm counting on this goodwill...

Madam President, dear colleagues, it is very good that there is a coalition of the willing who want to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, but let us not get ahead of ourselves. Europe has increased its military help for Ukraine, but it is far from enough. Last week we all saw Russia launch one of its deadliest attacks on Ukraine. The Russian economy is not collapsing as predicted. Our sanctions, colleagues, don't bite hard enough. We are now on our 19th sanctions package. We are slow. The implementation remains weak and we lack a central authority for enforcement. We are also – and the Commissioner and Kaja know this – too soft on third countries and companies who still supply Russia with chips and other precision tools that allow them to build strategic weapons. So please, colleagues, let us strengthen Ukraine to the point where they can win the peace. Commissioner Kos, I really want to say I appreciate your efforts for enlargement, but I didn't hear anything on the reform of Europe, so please...

Madam President, dear colleagues, I raise on a point of order under Rule 150. In July, colleagues, you all remember we voted a strong resolution to free Mr Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese citizen who has now been unjustly imprisoned in the Central African Republic for over 470 days. The same is true for Ahmadreza Djalali, who remains imprisoned under dire conditions. And Jimmy Lai, the publisher and democracy advocate, continues to be in jail in Hong Kong, facing ongoing persecution and grave risks to his well-being. Madam President, colleagues, we vote here in this House, every session, urgency – urgencies on the lives of European citizens. And then we say and look to each other and nothing happens. So I really want to ask you, Madam President, what can we do to get those European citizens free as soon as possible?

Mr President, today I am addressing you with seriousness and determination. Joseph Figueira Martin, my compatriot, a Belgian-Portuguese aid worker, has been detained for more than a year in the Central African Republic, without a fair trial, without credible charges, and without adequate medical care. He was abducted by the Wagner Group, tortured and isolated. We can no longer remain silent in the face of this injustice. Europe must demand his immediate and unconditional release. We call for his emergency medical evacuation, full legal and consular assistance and enhanced diplomatic action by the European Union, Belgium and Portugal. If his rights continue to be violated, targeted sanctions must follow. Release Joseph Figueira Martin now, right now!

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we welcome the important step in the search for lasting peace in the Congo. But does this agreement improve the situation on the ground? Commissioner, where is Europe? Why is the Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda not yet suspended? This conflict has claimed more than 10 million lives. It is as if an entire country, such as Belgium, has been wiped off the map. As part of our mission in May, we found that the Congolese people, after more than 30 years of conflict orchestrated by Rwanda and others, aspired above all to justice, which is the essential pillar of lasting peace. Colleagues, the Council and the Commission must keep up the pressure with sanctions, because, despite the signing of the peace agreement, Rwanda continues to threaten and conquer other territories. Take the necessary sanctions and ensure that those responsible for these atrocities do not go unpunished, as demanded by the European Parliament in its two resolutions. Amani kwenu!

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, yes, I am one of those 200 000 people who attended the Pride in Budapest. The Pride that Orbán with all his might has tried to ban by instilling fear in us with fines, facial recognition and arrests. In fact, these are practices that we should not accept in a free Europe in 2025. Fortunately, Orbán got the opposite of what he wanted. He received the greatest pride of all time. I have seen grandmothers and grandfathers marching with the whole brave LGBTQI community from Hungary. Together – sorry, for the use of words – we said very clearly: “Fuck off, Orbán′′. That's what we said on the streets of Budapest. Together we wore the rainbow flags with pride. What I have not seen, however, Mr McGrath, is a courageous response from the Commission. Commissioner Lahbib was there. I missed you there. I had hoped to see you there, along with Ursula, along with many others. I really hoped you'd give a strong signal. We know what to do. We must deprive Orbán of his right to vote in the Council. We must stop funding him and we must do what Mr Wilmès said: Set up a Rule of Law Semester for all countries.

Madam President, Minister, Commissioner, colleagues, the European Union stands at a crossroads. The recent reports confirm what we can no longer ignore: grave violations of human rights by Israel, including attacks on hospitals, the blockade of humanitarian aid and forced displacement. Over 17 000 children have been killed in Gaza, according to Unicef today. There is no doubt, colleagues, these acts breach Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. And international courts have spoken. So, if we fail to act now, we not only undermine our own laws, we erode our global credibility. Therefore, I call for the immediate suspension of the association agreement. No trade, no cooperation, no impunity – this until international law is upheld. Let us prove that our values are not up for negotiation. And colleagues, if this is not happening, maybe we really should give a strong signal and not vote for the discharge of the Council in October.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we have heard it several times today: China's export restrictions on our raw materials are one of the biggest threats to our European industry. That is why we must now dare to set a border with China. China will not like it and will retaliate. However, it would be much worse to continue now as if nothing were going on, because that would cost us much more in the long run. Then the scenario of Russian gas really threatens. This resolution, thanks to the hard work of my colleague Bart Groothuis, is therefore a very clear signal to you from the European Commission. Go for strategic autonomy, create new supply lines with our allies, inside and outside Europe, and be creative. See what is possible in terms of mining at sea and in space. Colleagues, the world is bigger than China and the US. There are whole continents waiting for Europe. Not least Africa, which looks very much at Europe, but is treated stepmotherly by us. So, dear Commission, I sincerely hope that you will have a strong summit. Roll up your sleeves and go out into the world.

Mr President, nine years. For so long, the Iranian regime has held Dr. Djalali, our VUB professor, hostage. A European citizen, tortured, without medical care, sentenced to death after a mock trial. Now, with increasing tensions, his life is even more in danger. Iran uses it as a currency. What about us? We're watching. This is no longer an individual file. For me, this is the litmus test for Europe. Are we able to protect our European citizens? Are we able to free our European citizens – and Djalali is the longest-staying European citizen in Iran – now? For me, now is really the time. For me, Djalali must now be released immediately and unconditionally. When it comes to negotiation, this is a conditio sine qua non. Give Djalali back to his wife Vida and her children. Free Jalali, free Jalali, now.