Peace and security
As a peace and conflict researcher, I have experienced first-hand how quickly hatred and spiteful agitation can turn into violence and destruction. And how difficult it is for people and societies to return to a good coexistence afterwards.
Europe is proof that it is possible nevertheless – and is thus seen as a positive example, a reason for hope by many. As a Union, we therefore have a special responsibility: not to contribute with our policies to turning conflicts into wars elsewhere. We must put forward the strength of the law as an alternative to the law of the jungle. That is why I am fighting for strict arms export controls at EU level, so that lethal weapons do not end up in the hands of dictators and warmongers. I call for sanctions against those who flout international law. And I advocate that we strengthen civil crisis prevention, mediation and humanitarian aid.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine has demonstrated that – despite all our efforts for peace – we must also defend ourselves militarily. That is why we must work more closely together when it comes to defending the security of the people in Europe. We finally need to leave behind nationalistic narrow-mindedness in defence policy. Only together do we have a chance of measuring up to the great challenges we are facing. That is why I advocate a genuine European defence policy – from the supply of critical raw materials to joint procurement and coherent export decisions, always in connection with transparent structures and parliamentary control.
Until now, EU member states have been competing with each other on the defence market instead of procuring together. The European Commission has now presented a proposal to tackle the problem.
We urgently need a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza - and the EU must put pressure on all those who oppose this.
2024 is a year of many crises and conflicts around the world. And more than half of the world's population will be voting in 2024. It was against this backdrop that the MSC took place in February. I took part in two panels.
Israel hat das Recht auf Selbstverteidigung und die Befreiung der Geiseln – gleichzeitig haben die Zivilist*innen in Gaza das Recht auf Schutz und humanitäre Hilfe. Wie kann beides erreicht werden?
In December, together with the Delegation to the Arabian Peninsula, I travelled to Yemen - a country suffering from a terrible war that receives almost no international attention. This was the European Parliament's first official visit to Yemen since 2009.
EU Member States are simply not willing to move towards a European Defense Industry and market. A European Defense Industrial Strategy must change this:
We need a feminist foreign policy in Europe right now. But where do we stand and where are we heading? We discussed this at a conference I organised. The keynote speech was given by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
The Iraqi festival gathered traditional music groups from all over the region, as well as European musicians. A unique experience in the heart of Mosul, which is still being rebuilt after ISIS occupation
The new instrument aims to help member states meet their defence needs through joint procurement. But there will be no parliamentary oversight. And we need much more: a fundamental shift in defense procurement.
A year ago, the death of Jina Mahsa Amini triggered a new wave of protests in Iran, against which the regime is responding to with brutal violence. The EU's Iran policy needs a new approach.
The Iranian regime fears freedom: Tens of thousands of political prisoners are in jail because they dared to speak up. Everyone who still talks to the Iranian regime must demand their release! My plenary speech:
