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.
On Europe Day, we celebrate diversity, freedom, and unity. At the same time, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues. How we can strengthen Ukraine and pave the way for its EU membership.
Less national patchwork, more genuine European cooperation: With EDIP, the EU aims to better prepare its defense industry for shared challenges. On April 24, we adopted the Parliament's position on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) at committee level.
Everyone is talking about how Europe has to become more independent when it comes to security and defense. But how could that work – and what does it really mean?
Europe needs to learn to stand on its own feet. This requires not just defense spending but also the necessary expertise—such as stronger cybersecurity and resilience. A new Blue Card could be part of the solution.
At the summit, European leaders discussed Europe’s security and support for Ukraine.The key takeaway: Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security and continue to provide strong support to Ukraine.
The European Court of Justice confirmed last year that the systematic oppression of women by the Taliban constitutes persecution under asylum law. Why Member States fail to implement:
The geopolitical situation is more unstable than ever, and the new U.S. administration is not making things easier for Europe.
The European Commission has presented its work program for 2025 in Parliament. I explained in my plenary speech why that is not enough:
At the end of January, I had the opportunity to travel to Syria—a country at a crossroads. After more than a decade of war and repression, Syria is entering a new phase, one filled with both hope and uncertainty. The decisions made in the coming months will determine whether the country moves toward democratic governance and stability or falls into another cycle of conflict and economic collapse.
Last week, the European Parliament debated “Uniting Europe against actors hostile to the EU: Time to strengthen our security and defence.” In my speech, I highlighted a troubling reality: Europe’s fragmented approach to security is undermining its ability to protect its citizens and support allies like Ukraine.
Ships from Russia’s shadow fleet are repeatedly damaging undersea cables and pipelines. This is how Europe has to respond:
Assad is gone - a historic opportunity for Syria. How Germany and the EU can support Syrians in processing the oppression and violence of the Assad regime and in rebuilding of the country:
