Debate contributions by Martin SCHIRDEWAN

Madam President, Finally! After four years of the Russian war in Ukraine, the time of diplomacy seems to have come. The decisions made these days will shape the future of our continent for many years to come. Ukraine needs our support in this, and Russia must and should make reparations payments. However, the path you propose for this, Mrs von der Leyen, is legally highly risky. I honestly do not understand why the risks are not discussed here, because unlike the interest rates on frozen Russian assets and the assets of warring oligarchs, many member states, the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund, warn against using Russian state assets. Instead, why not talk about civilian reconstruction bonds, which are given as loans to Ukraine and could then be repaid with Russian reparations? This would be legally clean and help the people of Ukraine. In addition, a debt cut, as the left has long demanded, would help them at this point. And security guarantees, which were not discussed today, must of course be integrated into a European security architecture. This logically requires the consent of both parties to the conflict and, to your surprise, if possible, a mandate from the United Nations. No one is talking about the need for a decision by the UN Security Council. But war and peace on European soil are not currently being negotiated in Brussels and Berlin, but decided in Washington and Moscow. And the embarrassing invocation of a transatlantic friendship, which has long since turned into a toxic relationship for the EU, only generates anger and foreign shame. Blackmail, humiliation, gaslighting – you say yes to everything the White House autocrat throws at you again. The EU needs politicians and progressive majorities who don't immediately kneel when Washington calls. The objective must be the strategic independence of the European Union. And this requires courageous investments in our jobs and industry, energy, the digital sector and, of course, in security. But Mrs von der Leyen, your proposal for the EU budget does not do justice to this. Again, you shy away from it, handing over and Big tech To tax honestly, while cutting generously in rehabilitating schools and kindergartens and in supporting social associations. Through its policies, the EU not only has no voice internationally, but inequality is also increasing. So neither state nor peace nor democracy can be made.

Mr President! This new digital package sacrifices existing high European data protection standards on the altar of corporate competitiveness. Access to public data for businesses, trade in sensitive personal data, more tracking, more profiling - all this should now be possible. One could say that the Commission sells our data protection. Even AI training with private data of workers now wants to allow you, Commissioner, to fuel the control of this workforce and the profit maximization of companies through a new form of exploitation. Competing with authoritarian regimes and AI and big tech giants, however, you are sacrificing not only our data, but also privacy in the social and workplace. This is simply undemocratic. Now would be the moment for the EU to take off and shape a better digital society through investment, innovation and data protection. Unfortunately, you fail in this task.

Madam President, Mrs. von der Leyen! The benevolent speeches and sparse applause cannot hide the fact that today your political future is on the agenda of this House. Because today will answer whether this permanently divided coalition of Conservatives, Social Democrats, Liberals and Greens still carries your policies at all or whether a majority in the centre-right is forming in this House. And that's because your core political task since that mandate has been to reverse, reverse your own policies of recent years. Today it is the due diligence of companies, tomorrow it is the digital European legislation and the day after tomorrow it is the Green Deal. Born from the fear of losing your own power, you bow to the pressure of the extreme right. This is pure opportunism. And Europeans expect the Commission to finally find solutions to the problems, the housing crisis, the expensive food, the expensive energy or to create job security in uncertain economic and trade times. Housing has become unaffordable for many Europeans. At last, it is thought, the Commission is no longer turning a blind eye to it. But then you want to answer the market failure in the housing market with even more market and thus pour oil into the fire of the housing crisis. In addition to social housing, we need a rent cap, the regulation of Airbnb and Booking.com Finally, stop speculative vacancy. And at the same time, more and more public money is being diverted into rearmament projects. This is your idea of economic development. And this policy means that less money goes to social compensation, to the regions, to agriculture and to the necessary restructuring of our industry. Their policy failure is a threat to the cohesion of our society.

Madam President, Wrong priorities, despondent, undemocratic - that is the Commission proposal in one sentence. This EU budget does not meet the growing social inequality, the worsening climate catastrophes or the changing world situation. And instead of involving large fortunes and companies in the social tasks, working families will have to pay the price for this despondency. Multis remain unscathed, no digital tax for big tech companies, no financial transaction tax. For this, Mrs von der Leyen, you are planning massive cuts in public spending in the regions, in schools, in kindergartens, in social infrastructure and among our farmers, because you are not putting the money into the competitiveness of our industry, but because the money is to be spent on rearmament. In addition, the European Parliament will then be curtailed in its democratic control function, its budgetary sovereignty. Unfortunately, this proposal, as it stands here, is simply unacceptable. And I hope you'll improve it, otherwise we'll do it.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Weber, Mrs Hayer, Mrs García Pérez! That a democratic vote of no confidence endangers democracy is really nonsense. In every sports club, the coach changes if the team constantly plays against the relegation. If the bankrupt vultures are circling over a public company or a private company, then the management must go. Only this Commission with its policy of continued failure do you want to give another chance and give another chance and give another chance. This promotes a loss of confidence in European politics, and this causes the real damage to democracy. Ms von der Leyen, you say you have to deliver for Europe, but you simply do not deliver – because your policy is characterised by fear, and fear generates mistakes. They submit themselves and the EU to a Donald Trump with a trade deal that will have fatal economic consequences and cost thousands of jobs in the EU. They conclude one free trade agreement after another, sacrificing our agriculture and the digital single market. The people of Ukraine and Gaza are also suffering because the EU has plunged under them into foreign policy insignificance. They fail in the defence of human rights and the rule of law, as well as in the fight against climate change. Among them, European politics has long since descended into the second league of world politics. Keeping you and your Commission in office for longer would be a political procrastination. Ladies and gentlemen, this Commission will not solve the social, economic or foreign policy challenges – and you know that, even if you have to express yourself differently today – it has already proved that. Therefore: If you want the much-needed policy change that you are talking about here all the time, then finally agree to our proposal!

Mr President! Commissioner, I think you really have a very specific positive reading of this trade deal. I think it would be good if you didn't lie to us here. Tariffs on European industrial goods of 15 percent, 50 percent on steel and aluminum, and in return American industrial products can be exported to the European Union at zero tariff or then imported from our perspective: This is, of course, an attack on our industrial base and will destroy many thousands of jobs. Colleagues have pointed this out, and you know that too. And this deal has not, as some have pointed out, been launched by the Europeans, this war, this trade war, has not been launched by the Europeans, but by the Trump administration. But they haven't fought back in this trade war, and that's why it's fair to say that this deal is a total defeat in this trade war. And an additional 750 billion euros will be invested in US fracking gas and oil; 600 billion euros will go to the U.S. military industry. While the EU is trying to strengthen its digital sovereignty with laws like DMA and DSA, and rightfully cracks down on companies like Google, the Trump administration is threatening massive tariff increases against countries that allegedly discriminate against US tech companies. This is the sell-off of the digital future, European energy sovereignty, security and climate protection. Commissioner, you are cementing permanent dependencies on the United States. Everything that is told by this Commission about a strategically independent European Union is obsolete with this deal. My group will not support this deal.

Madam President, If, like you, Mrs von der Leyen, you want to make politics with a coalition that ranges from conservatives, social democrats, greens to liberals, then you don't really need political opponents anymore. But my group will not do you any favours of political pity, because the trade deal you have concluded with the US is an attack on our industrial base and on many thousands of jobs – and to praise that here, too, actually requires a fair degree of cognitive dissonance. While Donald Trump is rapidly transforming the U.S. into an authoritarian state, you are subjecting European politics to U.S. economic and military interests. They sacrifice energy sovereignty, the digital single market, climate protection on the altar of the hollow phrase transatlantic partnership. This deal you've made is a total surrender! They conclude one free trade agreement after another – Mercosur, Mexico, now soon India – bypassing national parliaments and thus the basis of our democracy. But to fight overcapacity with more free trade is absolutely illogical; It's like throwing fire accelerators into the fire of the European economic crisis. Every month, 10,000 jobs are lost in steel in the EU. One in three Europeans lives in precarious conditions and has to turn every penny over because of the rip-off in rents, energy and food. Poverty in spite of work, old-age poverty and child poverty is not being combated with more free trade, Madam President of the Commission, but with courageous investments in industry, infrastructure and our services of general interest. But the only investments you seem to think of are 800 billion euros for rearmament and militarization. In return, your authority recommends brutal cuts in pensions, health and social benefits to the Member States. Their policies are dividing our society. We drew a red line here today, and we had to draw a red line, because you have been silent for far too long in the face of the humanitarian catastrophe and the war crimes committed by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip. Your words are not enough. The killing must end immediately; The association agreement with Israel must be suspended in its entirety, arms deliveries must be stopped and the far-right ministers of the Netanyahu government must be sanctioned. For three and a half years, the EU has played no diplomatic role on the road to peace in Europe. Even though you have talked a lot today about sanctions against Russia and security guarantees for Ukraine, you cannot hide the current irrelevance of European foreign and security policy. Their record is one of social and economic failure, foreign policy double standards, and submission to autocrats. 60% of Europeans want you to step down – do them a favour!

Mr President, Commissioner! Before our eyes, the United States under Donald Trump is turning into an authoritarian and corrupt oligarchy. Trump uses trade policy, and in particular punitive tariffs, to enforce U.S. dominance and the interests of his oligarch mates. This is pure trade imperialism. Unfortunately, the Commission has so far distinguished itself in the Trump trade war through passivity and lack of strategy. Fear is disguised here as strategic patience. Let go of the shock stubbornness, Commissioner, and finally start to act strategically. The means to do this are all in your hands. The introduction of a European digital tax, which would hit big tech companies in particular, is long overdue. They, on the other hand, repeat old mistakes and move into a new energy dependence. This time not from Russian, but from US fracking gas. That's not smart. Smart is European energy independence – diversified and sustainable. It is irresponsible to throw the money of European taxpayers into the throats of American arms companies. We need an international, rules-based trade order based on fair trade, not free trade agreements that only serve the big corporations. Naivety about the democratic rationale of the Trump administration threatens our jobs. Smart policy means making a European industrial policy from a single source – with massive investments in our future that secure our locations and jobs.

Madam President, I very much welcome the fact that, in the run-up to the summit, on the occasion of half a century of European-Chinese relations, there has been a relaxation in mutual relations. Because there is a great chance that we can put the necessary cooperation on a common foundation. The changing world is challenging China and the European Union, and those who want to tackle the great issues of humanity – the fight against poverty, hunger and inequality, climate change, war or peace – must work for a multilateral, rules-based world order. To achieve this, the European Union must also do its homework on the road to strategic independence: Massive investments in the future, in our industry, digital infrastructure, in an independent and sustainable energy supply and in public services are necessary in order to be able to act on an equal footing with China and the USA. China is the EU's second largest trading partner after the US. Another trade war like the one with the US will only be harmful and threaten millions of jobs. We need fair trade in the interests of the people and unfettered free trade in the interests of corporations. But it must also be clear that we cannot enter into a one-sided dependence on China for future technologies, critical raw materials or strategic sectors. Therefore, Mrs von der Leyen, you should not only travel to Beijing with an idea for economic cooperation, but also with a concrete diplomatic initiative: Russia's war in Ukraine has been raging for almost three and a half years. Donald Trump seems to have no influence on Putin despite his phone calls, Xi Jinping probably already. If you want to make history, then go to China with a concrete proposal for a joint Sino-European peace initiative for Ukraine. China is the only international power that can move Putin to reason, and the EU must finally assume a key role for peace in Europe. Now is the time for diplomacy!

Madam President, The right, once again conspicuous by a corruption scandal, points its finger at the Commission and shouts ‘Keep the corrupt thief!’. This is the state of European institutions in 2025, and you, Mrs von der Leyen, have made this unworthy spectacle possible with your maximum opacity. Europe needs the courage for a policy change that seeks to establish social justice, achieve peace and protect the climate and the environment. You do not have that courage, ladies and gentlemen of the Commission, and that is why Europe needs a new political idea and, yes, a new political leadership. In the Trump trade war, you remain passive at the expense of our industry and jobs. Just make an announcement, for example, for the introduction of a European digital tax. But no, you're afraid to mess with European and US and Chinese big tech companies. The Green Deal, from you as Europe Man-on-the-MoonMoment designated, is unwinded piece by piece by your own party family in cooperation with the extreme right. Instead of talking more about climate protection, you should call your environmental programmes "Welcome to the climate catastrophe" in the future. Their migration policy violates human rights. They are incapable of enforcing the rule of law and let people like Orbán and Meloni dance around on their noses. European foreign policy is silent on the breaches of international law and war crimes in the Middle East and Gaza and plays no role in the Ukraine war, because your only idea of diplomacy is to drive up the profits of arms companies with hundreds of billions of public funds and thus force the majority of society into a new austerity policy. This is your disastrous political record! Ms von der Leyen, your policy means that these corrupt rights are performing their monkey theatre here every day and making democracy ridiculous. That is why we will do everything we can to deprive these people of their political basis. That is why, Mrs von der Leyen, your commission will continue to find its toughest political opponents in us for your wrong policy.

Madam President, We have learned from the media in recent days that an internal audit report by the European Parliament makes it clear that the former right-wing radical ID group here in the European Parliament allegedly misappropriated 4.3 million euros, spending it on companies close to them, on overpriced advertising or on promoting questionable organisations close to them. This shows the true character of those who always act as clean men over there. Underneath this image is illegal party financing and corruption. I think that Parliament should seize this opportunity to take a critical look at this misappropriation of public funds.

Madam President, Does economic and competition policy benefit the general public or, in particular, the boards of directors of corporations and their shareholders? We have to answer this question together. In recent years, we have experienced an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis – rents, food and energy prices have risen rapidly. In Germany alone, food prices have risen by a third since 2020, while the richest man in the country, food company boss Dieter Schwarz, has tripled his wealth at the same time. The Commission has failed to protect people from abuses of power and price-driving. We finally need stronger interference with corporate power, fair price controls and an additional tax on the excessive profits of powerful large companies. Companies that already make billions in profits must not be massively subsidized with taxpayers' money, only to then distribute fat dividends to their shareholders and even make mass redundancies. Volkswagen alone has invested more than six billion euros in recent years and has nevertheless announced that it will cut 35,000 jobs. Government support for businesses must therefore be linked to clear social conditions: good jobs, no distributions to shareholders and, above all, no mass redundancies. We need an economic and competition policy that serves the many working people and those with little money and not just a few super-rich.

Mr President! Donald Trump has managed to completely chaotic international trade relations in the first hundred days of his presidency. The consequences for the economy and the population are already foreseeable. Economic output will decline and at the same time prices will become more expensive. The mine for this will first pay the working population again and those who have little money in their pockets anyway. This policy is no coincidence. Right-wing populist Donald Trump is deliberately trying to assert the interests of his economic buddies, namely the US defense industry, US energy giants and US big tech companies. But the European Commission does not seem to have really understood this. Commissioner, we are in a global trade war and trade policy is being used as a weapon to enforce economic interests and define spheres of influence internationally. This must be countered by European policies with a clear strategy that protects the economy and jobs here in the European Union, and this can only be achieved with massive investments in our industry. This can only be achieved with the strategic independence of the European Union. Today, Commissioner, you too know that the Commission's initial 'it won't be so bad' head-in-the-sand strategy was a political denial of reality. Now you want to negotiate, to conclude a deal in the spirit of Donald Trump, and if that doesn't work, then there are supposed to be tough countermeasures. I hear a lot of offers from you, they are plentiful. Now even more US fracking gas will be purchased – instead of driving European energy independence and creating so many jobs, a new dependency on fossil fuels will be created. This is economically, socially and ecologically fundamentally wrong. But the pressure on the U.S. government is yet to be seen. Where is the introduction of the instrument against coercive measures? Where is the tough regulation of big tech companies? Where is the introduction of a European digital tax? Close your eyes and put your hands behind your back. Do you want to throw even more money and especially our private data into the throats of the richest companies and people like Elon Musk in this way? It is now time to work with partners such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, but also with China on a trade order that is rules-based, based on fair trade rather than unleashed free trade. And all that seems to come to mind for the European Commission are commodity agreements such as those with Rwanda, which is a major contributor to aggravating the war in the Congo, or digital cooperation agreements such as those with Singapore, which undermines our data security, or classic free trade agreements such as Mercosur, which Europeans have shown the red card to since TTIP because they are bad for social standards, the environment and agriculture. Their response to Trump is solely for the benefit of the US oligarchs and European oligarchs. We need a response that serves the majority of the population and democracy.

Madam President, Christianity and socialism might not share the closest link at first glance, but Pope Francis used his mandate to advance the Christian social doctrine that is also deeply rooted in socialist politics. The fight for social justice and against poverty – one of the cornerstones of Francis's pontificate – remains a central responsibility for both the progressive Left and the progressive Church. Pope Francis has all my respect for always taking sides for the vulnerable and for defending humanity and human rights for all, regardless of origin, status, colour or belief. And, in an increasingly hostile world, Pope Francis's voice has constantly been one of peace. Relentlessly, he called for an end of the wars in Ukraine and in Gaza. Every single day, he cared for the Palestinian civilians whose unjust suffering he felt painfully. Let us make his prayers for justice and peace a reality. Let's the end politics of injustice and division. And I wish his successor all possible success in transforming the Catholic Church into a Church for the 21st century. I'd like to conclude, in a rather secular way – I'm sure he would have understood – farewell, Francis.

Madam President, High Representative Kallas, world politics is moving rapidly and hardly gives us a breather, and it would have been very welcome if you had made one or two statements here before the European Parliament in recent months. Russia's war of aggression in violation of international law continues unabated and affects the Ukrainian civilian population as well as the country's infrastructure. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks between the US and Russia, on the one hand, and the US and Ukraine, on the other, are taking place in Saudi Arabia. I always wonder: Where is the EU? Why don't we sit, why don't you sit at the table? These talks are about a ceasefire in the Black Sea and an end to the attacks on energy infrastructure. I want to be very clear: Every step towards a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine and a lasting and just peace must be supported and supported by the EU. I have unfortunately missed this clarity, Mrs High Representative, in your statement. Putin's army is still on the rise, and he seems to have found an ally in the US president who is bringing him back to the political stage of the major powers. The authoritarian redistribution of the world is progressing rapidly, and in this case especially at the expense of Ukraine and also at the expense of the European Union, which is not even allowed to sit at the cat table, while the conditions for ending a war on European soil are at stake. That's really unbelievable. That's why I ask myself: Where is the European initiative to end this war, so that the EU can at least negotiate the European peace order? Where is your strategy, Mrs Kallas, for a peace order that does not start and end with tanks and drones and jets, but that protects and strengthens international law and international institutions? For a Europe that builds its security on economic strength, international cooperation and the credibility of its values. This is the idea of a Europe in which diplomacy is the weapon of choice and which does not secure its future exclusively through a barrel of guns.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, You have all noticed that Donald Trump announced last week that from 2 April, that is, from this Wednesday, on European car exports to the United States 25% punitive tariffs will be due. These tariffs will come into effect on Wednesday. In my group's view, therefore, there is an urgent need for this House to address this situation – the trade war escalated by Trump – the situation of the European automotive industry and, above all, the situation of workers in the automotive industry. We therefore ask for an amendment to the agenda and propose to add a debate on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Colleague; It is called ‘Commission Statement on the EU’s response and preparedness for Trump’s tariffs on the European automotive industry“. In this way, the position of the Members of this House can also be taken into account by the Commission if it hopes to formulate its answer clearly and unequivocally. Thank you for your support!

Madam President, Donald Trump is ready to blame Ukraine on Russia. The destruction of international law and an international order in which the strength of the law is no longer valid, but the law of the stronger, are priced in. All the more revenge now, Mrs von der Leyen, that you have unfortunately so shamefully ignored diplomacy in recent years and have relied solely on a military solution to the war in Ukraine. Not a single diplomatic initiative was supported by the Commission, neither the efforts of Turkey, Brazil, China, Israel, the African states, not even the Pope. And yes, it is a massive political failure of European politics. And even now in your speech – but also in your speech, Mr Costa – not a single word about the fact that the Commission or the Council want to turn to diplomacy, which would serve Ukraine first and foremost. The transatlantic partnership no longer exists. Trump overwhelms the world with a massive trade war and makes peace with dictators à la Putin, while European politicians are dragged by the nose ring through the White House casket. But here with you, exclusively military thinking continues to dominate. Suddenly there are 800 billion more for rearmament, no more debt brake – money, I guarantee, that will flow mainly into American weapons. But strategic independence means finally putting an end to the debt brake for responsible policies and making massive investments in industry and digital infrastructure. It means energy security, social security and research and development. Now is the opportunity to attract the brightest minds to Europe. The European digital market must no longer be in the hands of Elon Musk and other tech fascists from the US. NATO is already history. The EU needs its own security architecture, where diplomacy must always take precedence over military solutions. This does not contradict the idea of necessary defense capability, but it fundamentally contradicts the profit interests of armaments corporations and their major shareholders: In order for no one to deserve war, the European arms industry must be nationalised. And you should stand up for the strengthening of international organizations such as the UN and defend international law right now. But neither in your speech, Mrs von der Leyen, nor in your speech, Mr Costa. Yes, self-determination and sovereignty belong to Ukraine. But not only with Russia, but also with Turkey and Israel, violations of international law must be clearly criticized. International law also applies to friends, not just declared opponents. If you want credibility, you have to overcome double standards. And strategic independence also means a better relationship with China. Mrs von der Leyen, the EU Commission must finally stop pursuing world politics with the strategic foresight of a child.

Mr President! After this strange denial of reality speech by Mr Caspary, I would like to help you get back to reality. Hundreds of thousands are currently taking to the streets in Germany to demonstrate against the fall of the German Conservatives, who for the first time since the end of the Second World War have made common cause with the fascists of the AfD. That's why people sing on the streets: Resist fascism here in the country. This is the reality that is taking place in German society. And here in the European Parliament, too, the Conservatives – and I hope you are aware of the reality – seem to have long since fallen into all inhibitions among the Conservatives, who are increasingly collaborating with the extreme right. But the new fascism is being stopped... (Interim calls) I have some good advice for you: Just listen. But one does not stop the new fascism by taking over one's position. You don't stop it by dragging human rights and inciting against minorities, by denying climate change, or by cuddling with crazy, far-right big tech capitalists like Elon Musk. Stop the new fascism by providing affordable rents, decent wages and pensions. It is stopped by defending the independence of the judiciary, the freedom of the press and the freedom of science. And yes, even by smashing fascist organizations with the means of the rule of law. There is no middle ground between fascism and anti-fascism. You should have learned this from the past of the last century. If you work with them, then you have chosen your side. But as long as we're here, and as long as hundreds of thousands take to the streets, you'll hear from us again and again. Defend yourselves! Resist fascism here in the country!

Madam President, Almost a year ago, Alexei Navalny died in a Russian prison camp – killed because, as the most prominent opposition and regime critic in Russia, he repeatedly criticised the corrupt dictatorship of Vladimir Putin in the strongest possible terms. I cannot understand every phase of the political development in Navalny's life, but regardless, I recognize his political courage, which has been and continues to be a model and inspiration for many in Russia. But for us today, this debate should also be an occasion to think of all those who are currently being held in Russian penal camps and who are threatened with a fate similar to Navalny's, because they courageously and sacrificially criticize Russia's war against Ukraine and the Putin regime. I therefore want European governments to work for the release of political prisoners, such as Boris Kagarlizki, or conscientious objectors, and to grant them political asylum in the European Union.

Madam President, Commissioner! I had actually expected that the work programme presented here would roll up the sleeves and finally get rid of what it takes. But there is nothing to see far and wide. EUR 800 billion would have to be invested annually in the European Union. You referred to the Draghi report yourself. This means that massive investments are needed in industry to secure the future of millions of good jobs, in infrastructure and mobility, so that the bridges do not collapse again, so that goods can be transported sustainably and trains can reliably reach European cities. We need investments in climate protection and sustainability. And instead of placebo investments in digital transformation, which we are technologically left behind even further or which drive us into the hands of some crazy fascho tech billionaires like Elon Musk, we now finally need a European digital revolution. But instead, the interests of lobbyists seem to have dictated the Commission's programme. What you call bureaucracy reduction and deregulation serves the sole purpose of enforcing precisely these interests. As honorable as it is, Commissioner, that today you are presenting the work programme instead of Commission President von der Leyen, it seems no wonder that the Commission President does not dare to present this document of announced political failure personally to the European Parliament. Because what you have said here today, what you have presented, Commissioner, is not enough at the back or at the front! European debt rules and state aid rules prevent public investment in social housing, in well-equipped healthcare and in buses and trains – the things people really need in their everyday lives. The investments in your logic must then be made out of private pocket or through foreign direct investments. In both cases, the Commission voluntarily gives up control and thus our future. Private interests then dominate our infrastructure, our public services or, quite simply, the number of fast charging stations. But for rearmament then suddenly public money should be there again. I'm translating this for everyone in the room: They prefer tanks and drones to buses and kindergartens. Your policy, Commissioner, and please direct that to the President of the Commission, will not solve a single problem. On the contrary: This work programme is designed to make the EU even more dependent on international competition and to exacerbate inequality in society and the livelihoods of working people. We now need social policy change and public investment. We need a Commission that has the courage to set the course for the future. This Commission and this work programme are not.

Madam President, The goal of any EU strategy for the Middle East must, of course, be lasting peace in the region. There are two prerequisites for this. First, it requires the recognition of Kurdish self-government in northern and eastern Syria and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Kurdistan. The change of power in Syria now also offers the opportunity to enforce the right of the Kurdish people to self-determination in a multi-ethnic state. Turkey must also accept this. Erdoğan's war of aggression against the Kurdish people, contrary to international law, must be stopped immediately! Secondly, the recognition of the State of Palestine by the European Council is needed. As part of a two-state solution, there must be a sovereign Palestine alongside a sovereign Israel. This reality must then also be recognized by the Netanyahu government and, above all, by Donald Trump. His statements on the future of Gaza are scandalous, dangerous and must be rejected in the strongest possible terms.

Madam President, When I hear all these empty and somewhat inconsequential confessions, I know why EU foreign policy has become so irrelevant. In Ukraine, Russia's war of aggression has made clear, unabated by initial reports of combat operations by North Korean soldiers, that this war is escalating, rather than finally reaching peace. The war in Gaza continues unabated, although Hamas and the other terrorist Islamist groups that attacked Israel on 7 October 2023 have long since been defeated – the Palestinian civilian population is suffering. And in Syria, the dictator Assad is overthrown – Islamists are reaching for power. Turkey is bombing the Kurds, and Israel is occupying parts of the country. Three crises in our neighbourhood. Three conflicts in which European foreign policy has nothing to say and thus contributes nothing to the solution. And just yesterday, Mrs. von der Leyen, you celebrated the supposedly good relations with the dictator Erdoğan. He now gets €1 billion for taking in the Syrian refugees while his army and allied Islamist militias wage war against the Kurds. And because of this double standard, European foreign policy no longer has credibility. And even worse: With the EU's migration policy, the EU is setting itself up to break existing international law. The further upgrading of Europe's external borders - as we have heard time and again today - is the only means that seems to come to the minds of the majority here in the House and in the Council. According to the motto: ‘If the refugees do not drown in the Mediterranean, we will lock them up in camps.’ We need a lasting, just peace in Ukraine based on international law. But if you want peace, you have to do something for peace. A debate about negotiations, security guarantees and the deployment of European peacekeepers after a ceasefire is much smarter than the debate about the deployment of soldiers in combat missions. People want to hear more from their heads of state and government than arms deliveries and victory on the battlefield. The EU should stand united for the recognition of a Palestinian state – this would be a signal that the Netanyahu government also understands. For a secure and sovereign Israel needs a secure and sovereign Palestine at its side – that is the key to pacifying the Middle East. And instead of reaching out to Erdoğan and legitimizing his great power policies, the EU must now recognize the democratic-autonomous administration in northern and eastern Syria. The Kurds defeated ISIS. I sincerely hope that the EU will not abandon them. Three crises, three solutions. They would be well advised to follow them in order to restore credibility to European foreign policy. And one final remark: On January 20, 2025, Trump will take office. Then it will no longer be enough to shake hands and conjure up good relationships. Massive investments are needed in industry, infrastructure and future technologies. We need to be sure that our energy supply, agriculture and health care systems can stand on their own feet. In short: We need strategic independence to ensure Europe's future viability in a multipolar world, to defend democracy and to restore social cohesion.

Madam President, The Romanian elections were manipulated by TikTok. But since Brexit and the first Trump election, we know that social media-platforms for targeted disinformation and election manipulation. Bot armies, hacker groups and AI are deliberately destabilizing the political order on X and TikTok. Hate speech, violence, anti-feminism, conspiracy theories – democracy is under attack, through the exploitation of our private data and the unbridled profiteering of people like Elon Musk and by far-right dictatorships, authoritarian regimes that seek to further divide democratic society with the help of useful idiots like Musk. This danger also exists in Germany. I don't want the next federal election to be decided in Russia in February 2025. All social media platforms must be subject to clear rules. In the US, the ban on TikTok is therefore pending; X should be socialised and transformed into a public European social media platform.