Debate contributions by Reinhold LOPATKA

Madam President, today we are confronted with a disgrace that shows the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party: the conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai is not justice, it is political revenge. His trial was a shame. Let us be clear: this isn't just about Jimmy Lai, it is about the Chinese Communist Party that suppresses dissent wherever it exists – targeting journalists, minorities and human rights defenders – and is responsible for more than 1 000 executions each year, more than any country on this planet. Jimmy Lai must be released now, and the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities must also be held accountable.

Madam President, let me start with the key point. The election was in line with modern international electoral standards. Voter turnout was high and there was no evidence of systematic irregularities on the election day. Nasry Asfura won the presidential elections. He is a successful former two-term mayor of Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. But what is deeply concerning, however, is the reaction of the current left-wing government. There is a visible reluctance to accept the outcome, combined with attempts to delay or politically reinterpret the result behind the scenes. This is particularly dangerous in a country where politics, state structures and organised crime remain closely intertwined. Honduras is a fragile state, and political uncertainty further increases the risk of instability. This case also underlines a broader strategic lesson for the European Union and the international community, as I see it. Sustained political engagement with smaller Latin American countries matters, and we have to invest in these countries. In the case of Honduras, based on what we have observed on the ground, there is no factual or procedural justification for a recount. The elections were fair and the democratic will of the Honduran people is very clear. It must be respected. Nasry Asfura is the new president of Honduras.

Madam President, dear colleagues, India, the world's most populated country, is already our partner. We are not at the beginning of a partnership. The EU-India trade exchange is substantial. We reached, in 2024, an exchange of goods around EUR 120 billion, and our trade has tripled in the past two decades. This is precisely why we must now conclude a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement. Significant progress has been made. Two thirds of the negotiating chapters are already finished, but we must be honest: the most difficult chapters remain unresolved and EU-India relations must go beyond a trading level. We need strong partners in a future-orientated security and defence partnership and we have to deepen our technology cooperation. I think such a strong partnership can be built on open and constructive dialogue, and also the European Parliament should play here a role. The European Union and India share an interest in stability, peace and the rules-based international order. I think this is an excellent foundation for a good agreement.

The concept of the European People's Party has been very clear since the founding fathers. Of course, we see the European Union as a structure that respects subsidiarity. But on the big issues, we need European decisions. And this Commission has now shown that we are doing everything we can to strengthen the business location again. Yes, there have been excessive regulations in the last period, but we did not have the majority that we now have in the European Parliament. We are making full use of them to strengthen ourselves economically. However, this does not include tariff increases, as Trump intends and for which you are concealing yourself.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, To begin with, let me be clear: Our full solidarity is with the people of Greenland. Sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected without exception by all the countries of the world, and there must never be a decision over the heads of the people of Greenland and Denmark. What I do not understand here is that the so-called patriots for Europe are silent when it comes to Patria, the homeland of Greenland. When it comes to not continuing the downward spiral from the US through additional tariffs when it comes to prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, the patriots remain silent. This is the big difference between the centre parties and populist parties. When it comes to the matter, they keep silent. This is about us acting strongly and collectively as Europe. We have to be self-confident and united here. Yes, willingness to dialogue, but dialogue only works if both sides are willing to enter into an honest, open conversation. As the largest single market on this planet, we as the European Union have considerable economic and political power. We can't talk ourselves down. We must now make full use of our strength.

Madam President, dear colleagues, this report shows that human rights are increasingly under siege across the world and civic spaces are shrinking. The EU has long prided itself on being a global standard bearer for human dignity, freedom and the rule of law. Our actions, more than ever, must match our convictions. A deeply troubling trend is the resurgence of the death penalty across the globe. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has been raising awareness of an alarming increase in the use of capital punishment in 2025. China remains the world's leading executioner, followed by Iran, but the numbers have increased to more than 1000. And we must intensify all our efforts to push for global moratoriums to abolish the death penalty. We must strengthen the rule of law. We must ensure the human rights clauses in our external policies are applied consistently and effectively.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Nicolas Maduro – who systematically undermined democratic institutions and silenced opposition – is not any more in power. This is a positive step, but it cannot be seen as a solution for the future of the country. The transition to democracy can only be legitimate if it emerges from the Venezuelans themselves through free and fair elections – of course under international observation. Any solution imposed from the outside will lack the credibility and sustainability that true democracy requires. Around 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country, and over 80 % of those remaining in the country are living in poverty, 50 % of them in extreme poverty – and Venezuela was a rich country. It should become a rich country again. A peaceful and democratic transition to bring peace, justice and welfare to the people of Venezuela: that must be the aim.

Mr President, dear colleagues, 30 years ago, the Dayton Peace Agreement was an essential step to stabilise the situation in the Western Balkans region, but it also left Bosnia and Herzegovina with a difficult political situation. I had the chance to observe elections in the country several times and I witnessed these difficulties. Unfortunately, there have been rising tensions. At a time when the country needs stability, economic development and progress towards EU integration, it is being held back by dangerous separatist tensions, and we have to see these tendencies. Milorad Dodik is now banned from any political activities for six years by the state and constitutional courts of Bosnia-Herzegovina. I think this was necessary and it is positive, but nevertheless, we have to see Dodik still plays a very negative role. All Western Balkan countries are a part of Europe and should be a part of the European Union, and it is our responsibility to contribute, to stabilise the political system in the region and to strengthen our cooperation. It is in our interest, but of course, also in the interests of the people of the region. So what should we do? We have to work hard so that all of these countries have a realistic perspective for membership of the European Union, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Madam President, colleagues, when children are no longer safe in their schools, a nation's future is under siege. What happened in Papiri, Nigeria, is a tragedy that must shake us all. Children must be able to learn in safe schools, and schools cannot become a battlefield. Nigeria continues to face horrific violence, not only from Boko Haram, but also from bandits turning kidnapping into a business. And since President Tinubu took office, at least four mass school abductions have taken place. And yes, religion plays a role – Christian communities and schools are deliberately targeted. A classroom must never be a place of fear. It must be a place of opportunity. Nigeria has to act and we have to support Nigeria in its efforts.

Mr President, colleagues, over the past year we have been witnessing a decline in the state of democracy in Georgia. While Georgia achieved candidate status for EU accession in 2023, the country is sadly currently experiencing backtracking on its path toward European integration. A key concern is the increasing repression of the free media. Yesterday, we were able to award the Sakharov Prize to Mzia Amaglobeli, a Georgian journalist who was imprisoned in January 2025, and is widely considered to be Georgia's first political prisoner since independence. This case, unfortunately, also fits into a pattern of worrying developments, such as undermining of the judiciary, the intimidation of the opposition and, as has been mentioned, a closer and closer relationship with Russia. Georgia's ratings in international democracy monitors have sharply declined. It is not too late, I would say, for Georgia to return to a strong European path, as was the case just a few years ago. The government must follow European values, especially the rule of law and media freedom, and we have to support human rights defenders and activists in Georgia who risk a lot to defend European values.

Madam President, Dear colleagues! This week is a crucial one and the European Council will have to show that the European Union stands firmly and decisively with Ukraine. That's crucial. The Council summit must agree on key points. Member States need to agree on continued and reliable financial support to Ukraine. Only strong Western security guarantees will ensure the sovereignty and independence of this great European country in the future. And as long as Russia refuses to pay reparations, we have everything to do to ensure that frozen Russian assets are used to rebuild Ukraine. And a final message to all those who see the end of the European Union coming and have doubts about the future of the European Union, including here in the House, but also outside the House: No, we are not a disintegrating group of nations led by weak people. The European Union is the opposite, and we will prove that this European Union will continue to grow in the future. We will create enlargement and we must do everything we can to deepen the European Union. We must not lose sight of this in all the major problems. The future of all of us sitting here is cooperation within the European Union. And there is no alternative.

Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, over the past months, we have seen a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas take hold. In the Gaza Strip, a lasting peace is still a long way off. We must recognise that Israel has the right and the duty to protect its citizens from terrorism. This right remains non-negotiable. At the same time, we know that security for Israel can only be achieved in the long term if the people of Gaza also have prospects for peace and a life without fear. The situation is very complicated, and we have to see the difficult situation in Lebanon. Although a formal ceasefire exists between Israel and Hezbollah, tensions along the southern border remain high, also, because of the weakness of the government in Lebanon. Israelis and Palestinians, like all the people throughout the Middle East, deserve a future defined by dialogue and a two-state solution. Only in this way, we can create a secure and sustainable future for all people in this region.

Mr President, thank you, rapporteur, for your report. The report shows that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a key partner of the European Union in terms of economic relations, and a central actor in regional stability. The country, as you mentioned, is undergoing profound transformation. As Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Arab Peninsula, I have the opportunity to witness firsthand the evolving dynamics of cooperation between the European Union and the Gulf region. This report recognises that bilateral relations should evolve into a strategic partnership, including items like trade, sustainable energy, people-to-people exchange and so on. But we have also to see the concerns, and I have to mention 338 executions in 2024 and 340 already this year. This is a negative development. So, to conclude, if we want to build a strong relationship, which will have a lot of benefits for European and Saudi citizens, we have to act in mutual respect and we have also to see the problems.

Mr President, dear colleagues, the absolutely rigged elections in Tanzania, the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation and the life‑threatening case of Tundu Lissu demand our united voice. After the 29 October elections, the country experienced widespread protests, and the state's response was extremely brutal. Amnesty International documented over 100 deaths during the security force crackdown. Hundreds were arrested and dozens now face treason charges: a clear sign of how far democratic space has narrowed. Tundu Lissu, a long‑time defender of democracy and chairman of the Chadema party, was arrested six months before the elections and charged with high treason, a crime that still carries the death penalty under Tanzanian law. His case is emblematic of a broader pattern: intimidation of the opposition, media restriction and enforced disappearances. The EU has to stop its substantial financial support to Tanzania. Such cooperation must be firmly tied to progress on the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and accountability. Europe must monitor the situation closely, speak with clarity and act with consistency.

Madam President, dear colleagues, we must work towards the closest possible constructive, pragmatic and forward-looking relationship between the EU and the UK. EU Member States and the UK are bound by security, economic, trade, political and social ties. That is why the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement remains so important. The TCA offers preferential terms, like zero tariffs, for Austria and for the whole European Union. This agreement is not simply about commerce; it's about preserving prosperity and sustainable stability in times of global uncertainty. The UK remains a close neighbour, a valuable friend and a strong partner to protect our security and our shared values. Two weeks ago in London I met Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords and a long-serving former Minister of European Affairs. All of them were strongly in favour of close cooperation with the EU.

Madam President, colleagues, the situation in Myanmar causes immeasurable suffering for civilians and especially for the Rohingya people. Since the beginning of the conflict, 3.2 million people have been displaced – 1.8 million of them since 2023. And the situation is getting worse. The junta is now deliberately terrorising civilians; hospitals, schools and churches have been bombed; and leaving the country is severely restricted and was made even more difficult by the introduction of biometric data surveillance in May 2025. The rule of law has collapsed in large parts of the country. And the situation is also affected badly by natural disasters such as the floods following the prolonged monsoon in September 2025. After the floods, the junta systematically blocked the delivery of aid supplies as a form of collective punishment. So what do we have to do? First of all, the restoration of the rule of law – martial law is currently in force in at least 65 cities. Secondly, the immediate securing of the delivery of relief supplies to affected regions. And thirdly, clarification of the role of the third countries that are indirectly involved in the conflict. It is time to act.

Madam President, all colleagues mentioned that Sudan is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with over 25 million people suffering acute food insecurity. Millions are displaced and there is widespread violation of human rights. The conflict has devastated civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, and intensified violence. And we have to stop these atrocities and killings. Therefore, I think the European Union must back the ongoing peacemaking initiative led by the Quad – the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt – as these efforts offer the best pathway, how I see it, towards ending the devastating conflict in Sudan. The EU's support is essential, and all parties should respect the proposed ceasefire and engage sincerely in a political dialogue. It is necessary to start this dialogue.

Madam President, dear colleagues, one year ago Mario Draghi delivered a strong message: securing critical raw materials will mean diversifying away from countries that were the cheapest suppliers in the world of yesterday. Today, this challenge is more urgent than ever. Over 80 % of the largest European companies depend directly on China's rare earth producers according to the European Central Bank. China is now turning this monopoly into economic leverage by introducing new export controls that require licenses and the disclosure of sensitive business data, measures that violate World Trade Organisation law and pose a direct threat to our supply chains. Not acting only gives China more leverage and deepens our vulnerability. We must therefore respond with urgency. It is necessary and I think it is an emergency and here we have to act.

Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the pact for the Mediterranean reminds us that the region strongly affects Europe's security and economy and our stability as a Union. But there are many challenges in the region. Libya still faces a fragmented political landscape, with competing authorities and a lack of progress on national reconciliation. In Syria, the overall humanitarian situation – and especially the situation of minorities – remains dire. The civil war may no longer dominate our headlines, but the future of the country is still troublingly unclear. Lebanon has been enduring an unprecedented economic collapse and the trust in governance has eroded. At the same time, Hezbollah remains active. In Palestine, after 7 October, it has become worse. The pact for the Mediterranean must reinvigorate our commitment to partnership, reform and stability. Yes, it is a long way for many countries, but we have to work closely also with our partners from the Gulf region. I think finding stable solutions – especially in Palestine and Lebanon – needs us also to have the Gulf countries as our partners. Let us seize this moment to strengthen cooperation and ensure that all Mediterranean countries have the chance to become an area of peace and stability.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, It is good that migration policy is so clearly addressed in the Council conclusions. The course is now clearly defined – external partnerships are strengthened, irregular migration is massively tackled, returns are intensified and smuggling crime is also effectively tackled. We are not yet at the destination, but the way is right. This has already been shown in recent years. After years where some things have certainly been missed, the figures are now clearly declining: at European level from 2023 to last year by more than 140 000. For us in Austria, too – Austria has been massively affected by migration and illegal migration in recent years – the number has fallen from 60,000 in 2023 to 13,000 in October. By the end of the year, there will be no 20 000 applications, which is not even a third of 2023. It is now necessary to implement the Migration Pact quickly and also to adopt the Return Directive. The responsible Commissioner Magnus Brunner needs the support of the European Parliament, because a common migration policy, a successful common migration policy, is a core task of the European Union.

Mr President, I take the floor because we have to give human rights defenders a voice here in our Parliament. Three years ago, I met a group of Iranian women protesting in Austria against the mullah regime. Following their activism, they faced intimidation tactics, including being filmed and threatened, in an attempt to silence their voices. This is one of many examples of how Iran has escalated its efforts to silence critics abroad, through a surge of assassination attempts and coordinated harassment campaigns – not only in Austria, but also in the UK, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands. And Russia targets exiled journalists and activists abroad through intimidation, digital surveillance and harassment. What I want to say is that it is our duty to stand up for those who risk everything to speak the truth. This is our duty.