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.
Together with six other colleagues from Greens/EFA I visited East Jerusalem and the West Bank - on a mission to see the situation on the ground, listen to people directly affected, and assess developments that are often discussed in Europe without enough attention to daily reality.
A DROI hearing in the European Parliament focused on how authoritarian regimes extend their repression into the EU – and why Europe must now respond more decisively.
The EU has adopted its first-ever defence industry programme. It strengthens Europe’s industrial backbone, boosts joint procurement, supports Ukraine — and takes an important step towards strategic autonomy.
Authoritarian regimes have long been pursuing their critics across borders. At the Berlin Freedom Conference, I explained why we must better protect those affected in Europe — and what that protection should look like.
Twenty-five years after Resolution 1325, one thing is clear: the Women, Peace and Security agenda is more important than ever. In several contributions, I explore why feminist foreign and security policy is under pressure today — and what we must do to advance it.
This week, the European Parliament debated the priorities for the European Council on 23 October in Brussels. At the center of this is the continued support for Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression – and the question of how we can make Europe more capable of defense and action by 2030.
On the same day the European Parliament and Council reached an agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), the Commission presented its new Roadmap for European Defence Readiness. Both are important steps toward a stronger and more coordinated European defence, but now member states must turn them into action.
By 2035, will Europe emerge as a strong security actor – or remain a patchwork of 27 fragmented parts? Two scenarios illustrate where the road ahead could lead.
China supports Russia’s war, violates human rights, and threatens our markets – yet the summit ended with polite appeals. In my opinion, now is the time for a firm stance instead of diplomatic restraint.
The Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) signals greater ambition in foreign policy and defence. But the devil lies in the details. While more funding sounds promising, simplified structures and streamlining around competitiveness risk parliamentary oversight and playing one priority for another.
The NATO summit agenda in The Hague seems tailored to please Trump. It risks becoming a live re-enactment of The Emperor’s New Clothes. What we need is security, not show.
The abuse of spyware is a threat to our democracy and security in Europe. Two years after the final report of the Pegasus Inquiry Committee (PEGA), this threat is still not being taken seriously.