Speeches

Dear Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Public procurement decides on schools, roads, hospitals, in short: about the daily lives of the local people. And it moves over €2 trillion a year, almost 14% of our GDP. Ten years after the last reform, it is clear: We need new rules that focus on speed, clarity and practicality. Our municipalities in particular are reaching their limits in public procurement law. Anyone who wants to renovate schools or build roads must not get stuck in bureaucracy. That is why we want to relieve small and medium-sized clients, so-called KMAs, just as we already protect small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, in the internal market. A second point: Construction is becoming more and more expensive, so the thresholds must finally be adjusted in line with inflation. An example: In 1996, when we joined the agreement in the World Trade Organization, the threshold for construction was 5 million euros. Now, 30 years later, it stands at 5.5 million. This means: If we were to use only EU inflation, it would have to be between 9.5 and 10 million. Thirdly: We need to strengthen our SMEs and our economy, i.e. reduce unnecessary complexity, use digitalisation and support those who create jobs and apprenticeships. For us in the EPP it is clear: Procurement must once again be what it is at its core – a tool to address current challenges. Environmental and social criteria can play a role, but mandatory requirements for all would be the wrong way to go because they weaken our single market. This compromise is balanced, puts the single market at the centre and strengthens it. At the same time, the proposal is not naive about the challenges around us; we need reliable European supply chains and we need to talk about a European preference. This is not protectionism, it is realism. I would like to thank you for your cooperation and for your support for this report.

Madam President, dear Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, In a few days, the European Commission will present its proposal for the new Multiannual Financial Framework. Now is the right time to send a clear signal to the Commission with our own-initiative report on strengthening rural areas in view of the next EU budget. Because one thing is clear: If we want to keep Europe together, cohesion policy must be at the top of the agenda – financially and politically. It is our strongest tool for equal living conditions across the Union. I am convinced that our policy must be designed to ensure that rural areas become future spaces in Europe in the future. I am grateful that we were able to include many of our priorities in the report. One point that was particularly important to me is that we want to support border regions within the European Union in a targeted manner. I am convinced that Europe is growing together at its internal borders; Not in the Brussels offices, but where daily life takes place. This is why we need more room for manoeuvre for cross-border cooperation, but still an important issue for foodies. I am grateful that we have positioned the European Groupings for Territorial Cooperation to take greater ownership in the future. Centralization? A clear no! It is important to us that we continue to give regions the right space in cohesion policy. More centralism usually means more bureaucracy, less speed and less effectiveness. I am grateful that we have succeeded in better anchoring water management in order to prevent natural disasters in the future. One point that I still find very important is that in this report we have also succeeded in promoting, for example, Europe's cultural heritage with European funds in the future. I am convinced that, for example, we must continue to support churches in the coming years. They are the cultural and Christian foundation of Europe.

Mr President, Mr Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen! The European single market is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of our Union and the foundation of our economic success. But we are not exploiting these potentials. On the contrary: Bureaucracy, outdated rules and national loneliness are slowing down the single market in many places. The Commission presented a new strategy today. This is to be welcomed and we are by their side when it comes to deepening the single market. What we need now is speed, concrete action and clear priorities. Especially for my home country Bavaria, the EU internal market is indispensable. More than half of our exports go to the European Union. Hundreds of thousands of jobs depend on it, not only for corporations such as Siemens or BMW, but above all for medium-sized companies. If we completely remove the barriers to trade in the single market, German industry alone can grow by 200 billion by 2035. This growth is right on our doorstep – we must finally expose it. But what are we experiencing today? Internal trade costs, some of which are higher than customs duties for third countries. That's why I say: We need a real cut in bureaucracy. One in, one out Not enough, we need One in, 27 out. As long as each member state implements European requirements differently, the internal market will remain a patchwork. The Single Market is not a detailed project for a panel of experts, it is our growth anchor, our economic life insurance in uncertain times.

Mr President, Mr Executive Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen! As a Bavarian MEP and regional policy spokesperson, I am committed to ensuring that cohesion policy, with its €392 billion, has a targeted impact where it is needed. I welcome the Commission's positioning presented today. There needs to be adjustments in the programmes, there needs to be a sustainable cohesion policy. However, I would like to return to three important points. Our SMEs are the backbone of our economy. Bavaria and Germany are strong because we rely on a decentralized economic structure. Funding must not only benefit large companies, but must also take into account small and medium-sized enterprises. City and country must go hand in hand. Article 174 of the EU Treaties provides for support to regions with different levels of development, in particular rural areas and areas undergoing industrial change. When we talk about urban development, we always look at rural areas. We need a policy that creates stability. The current challenges – from geopolitical tensions to economic upheavals – demonstrate the importance of a good and well-thought-out cohesion policy. I would like to thank you for the cooperation so far and hope for good further discussions.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! A T-shirt for three euros, a jacket for seven or a children's plush toy for a few cents: E-commerce retailers like Temu or Shein flood our markets with aggressive marketing strategies and dumping prices. In 2023 alone, Shein and Temu together exported 9,000 tonnes of freight to Europe every day. With their unfair practices, they put enormous pressure on our online retailers, but also on our shops in our beautiful inner cities. While they adhere to strict European regulations, Temu and Shein violate product safety, working conditions, sustainability, copyright and data protection requirements – with no noticeable consequences. However, there is actually no lack of rules, but rather of their consistent enforcement. E-commerce platforms such as Temu or Shein cleverly exploit gaps in market surveillance and the import of goods to their advantage. Lack of intra-European networking in data exchange, inadequate customs controls and the customs regulations currently still in force favour the often unaudited import of goods from abroad in bulk packages with a low value of goods. Yes, it is important to encourage the lifting of the duty-free regime for goods under EUR 150 as part of the EU customs reform, and I thank the Commission for that. We need to see these new rules come into force and enforced as soon as possible. It is not about promoting protectionism, it is about fair competition – when our inner cities are swept empty and our European online retailers are destroyed, it is too late.

Madam President, Commissioner, honourable Members! With today's report, we are setting a first important milestone for the future of cohesion policy, and we are making it clear: In the European Union, we leave no one behind, no village, no city, no region. Firstly, we stand for a cohesion policy that strengthens all regions, whether in Eastern or Western Europe, whether in the city or in the countryside. Our goal is to create equal living conditions; Rural areas in particular are facing demographic challenges. We as the EPP want to support and facilitate access to funding. The rural area is a future space for us as CSU. Secondly, we call for a cohesion policy based on partnership. An effective and targeted funding policy only works in cooperation with our national and local actors on the ground, with our mayors and district councillors who really make a difference. Therefore, the clear demand: More freedom for all levels! Let's trust in the local experience! Thirdly, we want a cohesion policy that has clear rules and procedures. Funds must be distributed fairly and efficiently, no question about it; But complicated and unnecessary bureaucratic rules must be avoided. Bureaucracy must no longer be the biggest brake on successful funding policies. I come from the beautiful Upper Palatinate in northern Bavaria, on the border with the Czech Republic. Many representatives also come from border regions all over Europe. They know the bureaucratic obstacles, but also the structural disadvantages of living on a border. Border regions face specific challenges – different administrative areas, different language areas – and therefore require specific support. I am pleased that the demand for a borderland billion from Manfred Weber and myself is included in this report. The border regions in eastern Bavaria and throughout Europe are to be particularly promoted in the future. I am convinced that Europe does not grow together in Brussels or in the capitals, but in the border regions.

Mr President, Commissioner, honourable Members! First of all, I would like to thank the rapporteur and the other shadow rapporteurs for their good cooperation. This report has a good structure, covers all the important points and addresses the problems of EU citizenship from different perspectives. In this report, we have remained close to the original spirit of the Treaties. What do I mean by that? It was necessary to raise awareness of European citizenship itself, taking into account the lives and everyday life of citizens. And it turned out once again: European policy needs to become more concrete. In addition to a more concrete policy, it is important for me to take everyone with me. In view of the European elections, the young generation is particularly important to me. In order to reach them better, I expect an investment in the new generation. In concrete terms, this means: Make more use of social media, talk more about Europe with new digital tools, address real political exchanges about our common values. The latest Eurobarometer survey shows that citizens are well aware of their European rights, such as free movement. At the same time, there is no awareness of common citizenship and affiliation when they come to the polls for the European elections. The upcoming European elections in June are an immediate and concrete challenge. How many people actually vote? How many express: Is Europe and its rights and obligations important to me? I hope a lot of them. The EPP Group is ready to continue the good cooperation and asks for the approval of this report.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. When we discuss the Markets in Financial Instruments dossier today, we cannot avoid the threat of a ban. This reimbursement was the foundation for the business models of numerous German and European start-ups. Only in this way has commission-free saving gained momentum on the capital market.  To ban it now, I think it is wrong and I reject it. It jeopardizes the promise of ascension of an entire generation. Let me briefly address three points: We live in a time when, thanks to innovative start-ups, it has never been easier to set up a free ETF savings plan for retirement in seconds. Payment for order flow They have contributed to a growing stock culture, and that's a good thing. This stock culture is a delicate plant. 8 out of 10 Europeans do not invest in the capital market and we are facing a large pension gap. If the German chancellor relies above all on the savings book in the event of high inflation, that is his business, but we must not contribute to making the capital market less attractive by banning it in Europe. For us, equity culture is part of wealth building, retirement provision and promotion promises. The prohibition of payment for order flow The aim is to prevent a conflict of interest in stock trading, it is said. But when the ban comes, I see the interests of customers, retail investors and young people in particular being affected. Anyone who uses 20, 30 or 40 euros per month cannot afford large levies. This is not about gambling, but about starting early and making your own ascent possible.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen! Yes, we need to fight climate change. That is why it is right that we no longer use fluorinated greenhouse gases by 2050. These so-called F-gases are damaging the climate, and that is exactly what we want to prevent. But switchgear, fire extinguishers, refrigeration systems and heat pumps require F-gases. Good alternatives are usually still in development. That's why we can only reduce the use of F-gases step by step. There was quite rightly an outcry from our butchers, bakers, brewers and farmers. They were all worried about a total ban. After all, you can't change everything from one day to the next. Had it been the Commission's proposal or that of our Green colleagues, the maintenance of existing equipment should have been banned. You have to imagine that if a butcher company had bought a new refrigeration system shortly before this ban and it had broken down, then it would not have been allowed to repair it. We as CDU/CSU want the circular economy. This means that defective existing systems need to be repaired and not replaced immediately. Good that we were able to prevail: A repair remains. This is good for our businesses and good for the circular economy. This is what reasonable compromises look like.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. When we talk about wastewater treatment in our cities and communities, it affects every single citizen of us. Good water status is crucial not only for environmental protection, but also for the health of our citizens. That is why it is right that, after 30 years, we update this directive again and adapt it to the current challenges. However, when revising the Municipal Waste Water Directive, one thing is particularly important to me: a balance between environmental objectives, affordability and practical feasibility at municipal level. What we do not need is a disproportionate obligation to provide information to the public without great added value or a reversal of the burden of proof that leads to a flood of collective actions by public authorities. Instead, we should focus on what the Municipal Waste Water Directive is primarily for: Purification of our waste water. Ladies and gentlemen, through stricter standards, we want to protect our water even more thoroughly from micropollutants; That's right. However, the associated upgrade also means greater energy requirements. I therefore consider a blanket commitment to energy neutrality to be wrong for all installations with a population of 10 000 or more. The need for the fourth cleaning stage alone increases the energy demand by 30%. That is why we want electricity from external renewable energy sources to be possible for plants with more than 10,000 inhabitants. I ask you to support this in my amendment today.

Dear colleagues, thank you very much. I will not do a long speech now. I will just ask, pursuant to Rule 59(4), for the immediate referral back to committee so that we can start interinstitutional negotiations.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, The European construction industry is currently under severe pressure: Rising interest rates, shortages of raw materials, supply bottlenecks, shortages of skilled workers all weigh on the European construction industry. In order to achieve our ambitious climate targets in the construction sector, we need to focus on the essentials. Now is not the time for additional bureaucracy, but the time for the many new innovations to make their way to the European Official Journal and, above all, the new climate-friendly products to make their way to the construction sites. Digitization also offers great opportunities, such as the Construction Products Passport, which provides clear guidelines on how construction products can make their contribution to sustainability. Dear colleagues! I ask for your support for this important regulation so that we can start negotiations with the Council and the Commission as soon as possible next week. At the same time, I would like to thank the shadow rapporteurs for their very pleasant and effective cooperation.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, How much can the state, how much can our local communities financially support? Das ist die Kernfrage dieser Debatte. The European Union has taken a lot of action in the areas of digitalisation, social affairs, the environment and climate change. We all know that our local communities in particular, with important investments on the ground, are indispensable if we are to achieve these ambitious goals. But it is also our municipalities that face a variety of challenges: Inflation, the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, rising construction and energy costs, shortages of skilled workers and the current refugee movements. The list is long, and our municipalities don't have it easy. So let me say this directly: We are on the side of our communities. The European Union aims to create equal living conditions. This means for us: No region should be left behind. And that means to me: Rural areas, even in stronger areas, must become a space for the future. Aid and de minimis rules play an important role here. How much can the state and how much can our local communities provide financial support – be it for a local outdoor pool or for the future viability of regional companies? It is therefore long overdue to adapt the state aid law and to introduce facilitations for our municipalities. Our commitment has an effect. De minimis aid is expected to increase from EUR 200 000 to EUR 275 000. An important first step when everything becomes more expensive and should be supported on site. But that's far from enough. Since 2005, the rates have not been adjusted, so we are calling for the rate to rise a little higher and perhaps to be compensated for by inflation. The feedback from the local authorities from the hearings shows: We need higher thresholds and, above all, less bureaucracy.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Cohesion and support are important for the cohesion and development of our regions. As regional policy spokesman for the CDU/CSU Group, I am committed to our regional policy on a daily basis in technical policy. On our joint work on the report entitled ‘Border Regions in the EU: European integration regulatory sandboxes’, I think we can be proud together. We want no region to be left behind, no region to be structurally disadvantaged. I myself grew up on the German-Czech border and know the bureaucratic hurdles and everyday worries very well. The coronavirus pandemic was like a beacon for this, and the temporary border closures have caused great damage – for the economy, but also for people’s trust in the neighbouring country, for people’s trust in the European Union. However, we also have very specific challenges at the border regions: Language barriers, different management systems, different structures, concrete differences. That is why I am particularly pleased that the report is now calling for the introduction of a border billion. It will be a special budgetary and also structural support at the beginning of the next financial framework, which we urgently need. Because I am convinced that Europe is growing together in the border regions.

Dear President, Vice-President of the European Commission, ladies and gentlemen, We have a unique opportunity: Europe can become the first continent to become climate neutral. As pioneers in green technologies, we can create jobs in Europe. We can preserve quality of life and the environment for future generations. But, and this is unfortunately too often not considered, all this cannot be done without a strong and competitive industry. Law of order cannot lead to the goal. We need an incentive system that we can use to make it happen. By trading emission allowances instead of bans, we set the right incentives and reward those who reduce CO2 emissions. No matter where I go in my home country with the entrepreneurs, I realize that everyone has set off. But we need a bit of time to prepare the new goals and to be able to change the manufacturing processes. Otherwise, the industry will migrate abroad and produce there under worse conditions. In this sense, I plead for an Green Deal The openness to technology, one Green DealIt sets standards all over the world.

Mr President, Madam Vice-President, Mr Logar, ladies and gentlemen! Today's discussion is just in time. Only two weeks ago we discussed rising energy prices in this House. It is true that the Commission is resisting the call from Member States for market intervention. The continuing rise in prices makes it clear: The long-term course must be right. It is incomprehensible to me that the Commission now intends to remove three quarters of the eligible sectors from the list of aid in its draft guidelines. What does this mean for practice? An example from my constituency: a medium-sized company specialising in the production of sustainable fuels such as wood pellets. Wood pellets will play an important role in the implementation of the Green Deal. However, the production process is very energy-intensive. Without the use of the compensation schemes currently in force, the production costs of wood pellets would be 75 percent higher. That is why we need the much-needed subsidies to make the green transformation a success.

Dear Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Today it's time: We are finally voting on the revision of the Aarhus Regulation. This is an important day for public participation in Europe, for transparency and also for the economic recovery in Europe. For with all the zeal to extend the challenge to legal acts based on apparent threats to the environment, we should not forget one thing: An increase in legal standing for the individual also always means an increase in bureaucracy. And that means long approval processes and delayed construction projects. That is why I am proud that we have chosen a solution that strikes a balance – a balance between citizen participation and economic viability. Our compromise is a clear rejection of contestability at all costs. Only EU citizens who can prove that they are directly affected by the environmental impact can bring an action. If we want the economy to recover, we must not put a stone in the way of state aid. State aid is a lifeline for vulnerable regions, especially in a pandemic. That is why we have excluded State aid from the Århus review. Our compromise has been so successful precisely because it does not blindly follow any ideology. Instead, it considers the practical impact of the legislative text on municipalities in need of state aid, on small businesses whose projects are at risk. In short, this compromise takes people's interests into account. With all the idealism, this is something that is unfortunately often forgotten in politics.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, 83.3% higher prices for solid wood, 44.3% higher prices for reinforcing steel and almost 40% more for lumber, to name just a few examples. The dynamic is rapid. If you build now, you have to expect high prices and a low supply of materials. Many craft businesses are unable to fulfil their orders despite a good order situation. Construction projects are delayed, companies have to register short-time work. We need to act now. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Commissioner Breton once again for his detailed reply to our letter a few weeks ago. Just a few days ago, I read that silicon is in short supply. Silicon is an important component for the production of solar cells and for the Green Deal In the end, we can achieve together. The scarcity of raw materials and high prices are not only a German problem, but also a European and even a global one. A number of raw materials are essential for us in Europe. Indispensable to lead the Green Deal and the digital transformation to meet the objectives of the EU Renovation Wave. Indispensable to remain the world's leading industrial continent. We cannot afford to be completely dependent on third countries or even one country for many raw materials. My question to the Commission is therefore: How will you address the risk of supply-demand imbalances, as we are currently seeing with many raw materials and building materials, in the upcoming own-initiative packages of the EU Industrial Strategy? How can we guarantee our craftsmen and builders planning security and price stability in the future?